Oh yes! My dad finally asked me to knit something! (The conversation actually went more like — Dad: “Sooo… there are these things that cover your ears…” Me [jumping out of my chair]: “Yes, I’ll make one for you!!!”)
So I made an ear warmer — a quick knit. I didn’t realize it when I started, but the pattern turned out not so bad-looking on the inside too, so at least my dad doesn’t need to worry about whether he’s wearing it inside out. I didn’t block it since it is to be worn stretched out anyway, and it looks fine then.
It turns out Dad doesn’t want the ear warmer for everyday use, it’s more for when he travels, but it’s still something! This is a great end to my knitting year. 😉 (I have a feeling it’s gonna be a long time before he needs anything knit again…)
Hope the new year brings more wonderful knitting / crocheting to you folks. Happy New Year!
And since writing down a pattern for an ear warmer is far less work than one for a sweater 😉 here’s a summary:
The main pattern is a multiple of 12 stitches and 8 rows. My stitch gauge was 21.25 st per 4″/10cm, so I used 108 stitches for a width of around 20″/51cm.
Cast-on 96 stitches using cable cast-on with larger needles. Join in the round. Switch to smaller needles.
Preparatory rows:
Row 1: *k*
Row 2: *p*
Row 3: *k*
Row 4: *p*, while increasing 12 stitches uniformly. Total stitches: 108
Rows 5, 6, 7, 8: *k3, p3, k1, p1, k1, p3*
Main pattern:
Row 9: Same as preparatory row 5
All even rows: Knit the knits, purl the purls
Row 11: *k3, p2, m1r p-wise, p1, cdd, p1, m1l p-wise, p2*
Row 13: *k3, p2, p2tog, m1r, sl1p, m1l, ssp, p2*
(In row 14, treat the sl1p in previous row as a purl stitch.)
Row 15: Same as preparatory row 5
Repeat rows 9-16 until the ear warmer is almost wide enough. (I made only one more repeat.)
Finishing rows:
Rows 1, 2, 3, 4: Same as preparatory row 5
Row 5: *p*
Row 6: *k*, while decreasing 12 stitches uniformly. Total stitches: 96
Row 7: *p*
Row 8: *k*
Bind off using purl stitches with larger needles.
My (mis?)adventures with yarn 
Yay, happy days! Congrats on the beautiful earwarmers, the written pattern (wow!) and most of all, knitting for Dad! And all the best and many great projects in the coming new year!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thank you, Kat 😄 (yay, indeed) and I wish wonderful projects upon you too!
Let’s just say the pattern is a last minute partial fulfillment of a goal. 😅😉 I hope to write a ‘proper’ pattern if I come up with something nice next year; fingers crossed.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Lol lucky you, my dad has never requested a knit.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Yup, this day will be remembered! 😜
LikeLiked by 1 person
This is so awesome. It’s heart warming for you to make and share your creations with your Dad. He’s fortunate to have such a talented daughter as you.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thank you, E.C.! This time, however, it’s me that’s fortunate, considering my dad’s reluctance to using knitwear even when it’s cold. 😆
LikeLiked by 1 person
That is wonderful you were able to add one more project to 2017 and that is was for your Dad. It looks wonderful and I do hope he wears it often. It’s been a cold year so far this year. Thank you for sharing the pattern. I may have to knit a few this year for gifts for next year 😉 Happy New Year!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Yup it feels great to finish a quick knit after all the sweaters I’ve been making. 😉 Stay warm, and have a wonderful new year! Looking forward to seeing all the gifts you make. 🙂
LikeLike