Author: Dan

One of the many perks of being married to a designer is having my collection of accessories expand with unique, handmade items. Since I keep my hair short (as in, pretty much no hair), I do find myself wearing hats quite a lot. And, once the cold weather sets in, I find it essential to have something covering my head.

But, I’m a bit particular with the kind of hat I like to wear, and I bet you or someone you know is also particular with what they put on their head. Virginia has published several hat designs for men that are not only easy knits, but also look great. Here are a few of my favorites—my go-to’s when I’m about to head out the door.

Stormcrow

Knit using three colors of Blue Sky Fibers Woolstok, this beanie has a simple, but cool colorwork section. Pattern can be found here.

Bombadillo

Another simple colorwork hat, this one uses four colors of the hardy and readily available Cascade 220 yarn (a good way to use up some of the bits and bobs in your stash). Pattern can be found here.

Hatshine

I’m definitely a beanie person, but this hat has instructions for either a beanie or a slouch, as well as charts for a simpler two-color version or a great seven-color version. Pattern can be found here.

Girder

Sometimes I need a little more texture in my life, and this hat fits the bill. Again, this has two size options: a watch cap (my favorite) and a slouch. Cascade 220 is used on these, as well, and the watch cap is a nice dense fabric that really holds in the heat. Pattern can be found here.

Happy New Years, my friends and readers! These last few months have been a bit on the busy side, and the hustle and bustle of the holidays is settling down a bit. I wanted to use this post to catch you up on some great sock patterns that Virginia published that didn’t make it to the blog… not for lack of wanting to try.

Shortbread Socks

These cozy, sport weight socks are a quick knit, and a classic addition to any wardrobe. Pattern is available here.

Devi Socks

If you’re a fan of SweetGeorgia Yarns, this sock pattern uses their Tough Love sock yarn. Pattern available here.

Essential Socks

The Essential Sock is a basic, go-to pattern for top-down, heel flap socks. Pattern is written for fingering weight yarn. Socks are shown in a variety of Cascade Heritage colors. Color names and numbers are provided in the pattern. This is a great way to use up leftovers, or if you’d like an excuse to buy an armful of your favorite Cascade Heritage colors, this is it! Of course this pattern can also be made with your favorite self patterning yarn, or just a solid color, if that’s your jam. Pattern available here.

Looking to make a pair of mittens? Or two, or three? Right now through October 10, 2017, all of Virginia’s self-published mitten patterns are 30% off. Check out the selection here! Be sure to use the coupon code: Mittens.