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There’s something timeless about a newborn in a hand-knitted bonnet. The delicate stitches, the soft yarn, and the love woven into each row make these bonnets treasured keepsakes. One of my latest creations, the Cailloux Bonnet, is no exception. Its name, derived from the French word for pebbles, perfectly captures the simple, textured pattern that adorns this sweet and traditional bonnet. Let me share with you my journey in creating this delightful piece and why it’s become a cherished addition to my collection of newborn photo props.
The Inspiration Behind the Cailloux Bonnet
The inspiration for the Cailloux Bonnet came to me during a walk along a pebbled path in a quaint French village. As I strolled, I couldn’t help but notice the charming, irregular pattern of the stones beneath my feet. Each pebble, unique in its shape and size, contributed to a beautiful, cohesive texture. It reminded me of the innocence and individuality of each newborn baby. I wanted to capture that essence in a bonnet—a piece that would be as unique and special as the little ones who would wear it.
Choosing the Perfect Yarn
For the Cailloux Bonnet, I chose KnitPicks Comfy Worsted yarn. This yarn is a delightful blend of cotton and acrylic, making it incredibly soft and gentle against a baby’s delicate skin. The durability of the yarn also ensures that the bonnet can withstand the test of time, becoming a cherished heirloom piece. The worsted weight of the yarn provides the perfect balance of warmth and breathability, making it suitable for year-round use.
The Simple, Textured Pattern
The defining feature of the Cailloux Bonnet is its simple, textured pattern. The texture mimics the irregular, yet harmonious, arrangement of pebbles, creating a visually appealing and tactilely engaging fabric. This pattern not only adds an element of charm but also enhances the bonnet’s structure, ensuring a snug and comfortable fit for the baby.
I found immense joy in knitting this bonnet. The repetitive nature of the pattern was meditative, allowing me to focus on each stitch and infuse it with love and care. As I worked on the bonnet, I could imagine the soft, pudgy cheeks of a newborn peeking out from beneath its brim, and the thought filled me with warmth and happiness.
The Perfect Photo Prop
Newborn photography is all about capturing the fleeting moments of a baby’s early days—their tiny fingers and toes, their peaceful expressions, and the pure, unadulterated love they inspire. The Cailloux Bonnet is the perfect photo prop for these precious sessions. Its timeless design and delicate texture add an element of vintage charm to any photo, making each image even more special.
I’ve had the pleasure of seeing the Cailloux Bonnet used in various newborn photo shoots, and each time, it never fails to steal the show. The bonnet frames the baby’s face beautifully, drawing attention to their delicate features. Whether paired with a simple swaddle or a more elaborate outfit, the bonnet adds a touch of elegance and nostalgia to the photographs.
A Labor of Love
Creating the Cailloux Bonnet was truly a labor of love. From selecting the yarn to perfecting the pattern, every step of the process was infused with care and intention. Knitting, for me, is more than just a craft; it’s a way to connect with others and create something meaningful. With each stitch, I thought about the babies who would wear the bonnet, the families who would cherish it, and the memories it would become a part of.
One of the most rewarding aspects of sharing my knitting patterns is hearing from fellow knitters who have created their own versions of the bonnet. Each knitter brings their unique touch to the pattern, whether it’s through their choice of yarn color, the addition of a small embellishment, or a slight modification to the design. Seeing the creativity and love that others pour into their projects is truly heartwarming.
Tips for Knitting the Cailloux Bonnet
If you’re inspired to knit your own Cailloux Bonnet, here are a few tips to help you along the way:
- Choose the Right Yarn: KnitPicks Comfy Worsted is my yarn of choice for this project due to its softness and durability. However, feel free to experiment with other worsted weight yarns that are gentle on a baby’s skin.
- Gauge Matters: Pay close attention to your gauge to ensure the bonnet fits properly. Knitting a swatch before starting the project can save you a lot of time and frustration later on.
- Take Your Time: The beauty of the Cailloux Bonnet lies in its simplicity. Enjoy the process of knitting each stitch and watching the textured pattern emerge.
- Finishing Touches: Don’t rush through the finishing touches. Carefully weave in your ends and block the bonnet to ensure it holds its shape and looks its best.
A Timeless Treasure
In a world where everything seems to move at a breakneck pace, there’s something incredibly special about taking the time to create something by hand. The Cailloux Bonnet is more than just a knitted hat; it’s a symbol of love, care, and the timeless beauty of handmade craftsmanship. Whether you’re knitting it for your own little one, as a gift for a friend, or as a prop for a newborn photo shoot, this bonnet is sure to be treasured for years to come.
As I look at the finished bonnet, I’m filled with a sense of accomplishment and joy. It’s a small, yet significant, reminder of the simple pleasures in life and the beauty that can be found in everyday moments. I hope that you find as much joy in knitting and sharing the Cailloux Bonnet as I have.
Thank you for joining me on this knitting journey. Happy knitting!
Materials and Info
Materials: appx 40-80yd worsted weight yarn, size 8 (5mm) straight
needles or (size needed to obtain gauge), yarn needle
Gauge: appx 4sts/inch Gauge is very important!
Sizes (appx finished head circumference) : newborn (13ins), sitter (16ins)
Stitch Key
K – knit
p – purl
K2tog – knit 2 stitches together
Cailloux Bonnet Pattern
NEWBORN
Cast on 45sts.
Row 1 – knit across
Row 2 – k1 [k4, p1, k1, p1, k1, p1, k1] repeat [to] to last 4 sts, k4
Row 3 – k1 [k3, p1, k1, p1, k1, p1, k1, p1,] repeat [to] to last 4 sts, k4
Row 4 – k1 [k5, p1, k1, p1, k2] repeat [to] to last 4 sts, k4
Row 5 – k1 [k3, p2, k1, p1, k1, p2] repeat [to] to last 4sts, k4
Repeat rows 2-5 unitl your work measures appx 3.5ins from cast on edge ending after completing a wrong side (odd) row. Place stitch markers at either end of your last row.
DECREASES
Row 1 – k1, k2tog, k42 (44sts)
Row 2 – purl across
Row 3 – k1 (k2tog, k4) repeat (to) to last st, k1 (37sts)
Row 4 – purl across
Row 5 – k1 (k2tog, k3) repeat (to) to last st, k1 (30sts)
Row 6 – purl across
Row 7 – k1 (k2tog, k2) repeat (to) to last st, k1 (23sts)
Row 8 – purl across
Row 9 – k1 (k2tog, k1) repeat (to) to last st, k1 (16sts)
Row 10 – purl across
Row 11 – k1 (k2tog) repeat (to) to last st, k1 (9sts)
Do not bind off. Cut yarn leaving appx -10ins. Pull yarn through remaining stitches and cinch the back tight. Using this end sew the crown together to your stitch markers. (I like to use the mattress stitch since it is nearly invisible). Cut 3 pieces of yarn approximately 30ins long. Fold them in half and pull a loop through the front corner of the hood. Pull the ends through this loop and braid. Repeat on the other side. These are your ties.
SITTER
Cast on 55sts.
Row 1 – knit across
Row 2 – k1 [k4, p1, k1, p1, k1, p1, k1] repeat [to] to last 4 sts, k4
Row 3 – k1 [k3, p1, k1, p1, k1, p1, k1, p1,] repeat [to] to last 4 sts, k4
Row 4 – k1 [k5, p1, k1, p1, k2] repeat [to] to last 4 sts, k4
Row 5 – k1 [k3, p2, k1, p1, k1, p2] repeat [to] to last 4sts, k4
Repeat rows 2-5 until your work measures appx 5ins from cast on edge ending after completing a wrong side (odd) row. Place stitch markers at either end of your last row.
DECREASES
Row 1 – k1 (k2tog, k4) repeat (to) across(46sts)
Row 2 – purl across
Row 3 – knit across
Row 4 – purl across
Row 5 – k1 (k2tog, k3) repeat (to) across (37sts)
Row 6 – purl across
Row 7 – k1 (k2tog, k2) repeat (to) across (28sts)
Row 8 – purl across
Row 9 – k1 (k2tog, k1) repeat (to) across (19sts)
Row 10 – purl across
Row 11 – k1 (k2tog) repeat (to) across (10sts)
Do not bind off. Cut yarn leaving appx -10ins. Pull yarn through remaining stitches and cinch the back tight. Using this end sew the crown together to your stitch markers. (I like to use the mattress stitch since it is nearly invisible). Cut 3 pieces of yarn approximately 30ins long. Fold them in half and pull a loop through the front corner of the hood. Pull the ends through this loop and braid. Repeat on the other side. These are your ties.