Today it is my great pleasure to introduce to you not one, but two new patterns: the
Fantastical Fox hat and
mitts.* Foxes have been one of my favourite animals ever since reading Fantastic Mr Fox as a child. My Fantastical Fox set is a homage to the humble fox.
The mitts are fingerless with a flip top to keep your fingers warm whilst keeping them accessible for when you need them. The pattern includes instructions for both short and full thumbs. The mitts are knitted in the round starting with the top flap, which is then joined in as the main mitt is knitted. A waste yarn thumb gusset is used, and the mitts themselves are completely seam free as they start with Judy’s magic cast on, which means you don’t have to go back at the end to join the top of the flap. The flap can be buttoned down using either a short crocheted chain or i-cord loop buttonhole; instructions are provided for both options. The eyes and noses are added at the end using buttons.
The hat is knitted in the round from the bottom up, with the fox’s face
knitted using intarsia in the round, then the nose is added by picking
up stitches and knitting a shaped piece that is stitched down. The ears
are knitted separately, then stitched in place, and the eyes and nose
tip are added using black buttons.
From now until 11.59pm GMT Sunday 24th December 2017 you can get either of the patterns in the set (or the ebook, which includes both patterns, and is cheaper than buying the two patterns separately) with an introductory discount of 15%. No code is needed and the discount will be appiled automatically when the patterns are added to the basket.
Both items are knitted in a DK-weight yarn at slightly tighter tension than usual to make the items hard wearing. The samples are knitted using
Debbie Bliss Rialto DK** (DK weight, 105 m \[114 yds] per 50 g ball, 100% merino wool) in Burnt Orange (043, MC) and Ecru (002, CC), in size M.
The mitts are available in four sizes: S (M, L, XL) to fit palm width 8.5 cm [3.25 in], 9 cm [3.5 in], 9.5 cm [3.75 in], 10 cm [4 in], while the hat is available in three sizes: S (M, L): 45 (50, 55) cm [18 (20, 22) in], which should give you plenty of sizing options!
I'd rate both these patterns as intermediate knits. Intarsia in the round isn't tricky, but can be a little be fiddly. Take it slowly and you'll be fine!
As ever, I would love to see your finished knits, so why not add a project on Ravelry (
hat;
mitts)***, tag me on Instagram (
@vikkibirddesigns), or send me a message (use
the contact me link)?
And remember, as this is a paid-for pattern, if you knit either pattern before the end of the year you can join in with the
Indie Design Gift-A-Long and be in with a chance of winning a prize.***
*The eagle-eyed amoung you may notice that these patterns were originaly published in Knit Now magazine issue 39, but
they are now available as pdf downlaods from my Ravelry store.
**Affiliate link.
***You'll need to be a member of Ravelry to do this. Membership is free.
