Thursday, April 24, 2008

The Hair Flower Pattern

If you know me, then you know that I am half insane usually wear knit flowers in my coiffure. Nothing compared to the girlz of the B-52's, though. But still, it's a welcome addition of 3 inches to my height. I have been repeatedly asked for a copy of my pattern. Can I find a photo of said flower right now? Hell Yes! Be adventurous and try it. C'mon.

You will need: an ounce or less of yarn (maybe start with worsted weight,) a dab of yellow or orange yarn, a set of five double point knitting needles appropriate to yarn (or maybe just a tad smaller,) and a large-eye blunt needle. Plus, a crochet hook in a size to suit the yarn. In a general way.

Cast 3 stitches onto one needle.

Row 1: slide stitches to right end of needle, as in I-cord. Knit 3.

Row 2: (Continue in I-cord through Row 4) K 1, YO, K 1, YO, K 1. (5 stitches)

Row 3: Knit.

Row 4: K 1, YO, K 1, YO, K 1, YO, K1, YO, K1. (9 stitches)

Begin working in the round.

Row 5: K 3, on new needle K 3, on new needle K 3. (9 stitches on 3 needles)

Row 6: [K 1, YO, K 1, YO, K 1, YO] three times. (18 stitches)

Rows 7, 8 and 9: Knit.

Begin first of six petals.

Row 1: K 1, P1, K 1 and turn. (each petal will begin with 3 stitches.)

Row 2: P 1, K 1, P 1.

Row 3: K 1, YO, P 1, YO, K 1. (5 stitches) (Other increase option is to knit into front and back of first and last stitch.)

Row 4: P2, K 1, P 2.

Row 5: K 1, YO, K 1, YO, K 1, YO, K 1. (7 stitches)

Row 6: P 3, K 1, P 3.

Row 7: K 3, P1, K 3.

Row 8: P 3, K 1, P 3.

Row 9: K 1, SSK, P1, K 2 tog, K 1. (5 stitches)

Row 10: P 2, K 1, P2.

Row 11: SSK, P 1, K 2 tog. (3 stitches)

Row 12: P 1, K 1, P 1.

Row 13: Slip 1, K 2 tog, PSSO. (1 stitch)

Transfer this stitch to a crochet hook. Chain 1. Turn, so that back of petal is facing you. Slip stitch 6 or 7 stitches down right side of petal. Crochet together with the first stitch on next needle and transfer that stitch back to double point needle. Three stitches on needle. Ooh Hoo! Time to start another petal!



Ready to begin the second petal.



Repeat Rows 2 through 13 five more times to make six petals total.






At this point, you may decide to single crochet around all six petals, or you can stop now and cut yarn. I suggest you do the single crochet thing. If the center of the flower seems too big, you can gather it with the tail end of your working yarn. Using the yellow or orange yarn, make pistols and stamens with french knots or a loop stitch. Weave yarn ends in with blunt needle.

Notes:You can slip the first stitch of every row for a tidier look. The number of stitches per petal and the number of petals can be easily changed. Make one or two flowers with this pattern and then let your imagination take over!

Do Not Freeze

Spring in Northern Indiana