Outfit: Knits and Boots

There's only one time a year that it's acceptable for sixty percent of your clothes to have been yarn at one point, and that time is now. December is a time for hot chocolate, Christmas movies, and knits and boots. I'm pretty enamored with this entire look because it was so affordable, even for a poor college kid like me. The hat is made with half a skein of three dollar yarn and the boots are a beautiful college-budget friendly Timberland dupe. Here's where to get what I'm rockin':

• Hat: made from this pattern.
• Sweater: Ambiance, from TJ Maxx.
• Jeans: Pacsun. A nine long. I cannot explain why Pacsun jeans are the only pants in the world that fit me well, only that they were very affordable and that you can find them online and also at basically any mall across the country. 
• Boots: Union Bay. Macon, in wheat. Available here among other places.

I hope this inspires you as much as it did me! If nothing else, I hope you stay nice and cozy.
With Love,

Kate

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The Jordyn Beanie

The Jordyn Beanie 

By Katherine of bonny-kate.blogspot.com

 This Pattern Uses worsted weight yarn and a size five crochet hook. The stitches used are double crochet (dc), single crochet (sc), a variation of single crochet used to create the band, double crochet two together (dc2tog) and double crochet three together (dc3tog).

 Ribbed Band 

The band is inspired by this beanie: http://www.ravelry.com/patterns/library/urban-jungle-crocheted-slouchy-beanie

1.  Chain 14 Sc in second stitch from the hook. 
2. Sc in the whole row, 12 stitches 
3. Chain two and turn
4.  Single crochet into only the front loops of each stitch (only the front strand of yarn instead of two)
5.  Chain two, turn, and continue this way until the band is the desired size (measure around your head) 
6. Slip stitch together to close

 Body 

You’re essentially making a tube here, a shorter tube than you probably think you need, since the pattern has such a thick band. For me it was about nine rows of double crochet, but this will depend on your tastes and the amount of slouch you’re going for.

1.  Single crochet into the side of the band (This can be weird since it’s the sides of rows. I like to work with the seam of the band facing out so the hat is inside out, then work so all the irregularities of the band end up toward me, so they don’t show when the hat is worn).
2.  Slip stitch to close, chain two
3.  Double crochet in every stitch 
4. Slip stitch to close, chain two 
5. Repeat steps 3 & 4 until the desired length is reached

Closing

1.  Double crochet two together (dc2tog) into the every other stitch, alternating with regular double crochet. 
2. Slip stitch to close, chain two.
3.  Double crochet two together every stitch.
4.  Slip stitch to close, chain two.
5.  Double crochet three together every stitch 
6. Slip stitch to close, chain two. 
7. Repeat steps 5 & 6 until hat is closed.
8.  Slip stitch any remaining opening together.

 Pom-Pom 

The pom pom pictured was made by wrapping around a deck of cards. Anything of comparable size will do the trick.

1.  Wrap around several times. The yarn should be very thick to make a full pom-pom. 
2. Slip the yarn off of the object used to wrap 
3. Tie a knot around the middle of the bundle, very tightly and directly in the middle
4.  Cut through the loops on either side
5.  Fluff and attach to the hat with yarn needle, knots, whatever strikes your fancy.
6.  All done!

The pattern is available as a pdf to download here.  

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