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As a passionate knitter and photographer, there’s nothing more fulfilling than creating something that combines both of my loves into one beautiful project. When I first stumbled upon the Abigail Bonnet pattern, I knew I had to knit it. Not only was it a free pattern, but it also featured the perfect blend of cables and lace, making it an ideal photo prop for newborns. Knit in the luxurious Madelinetosh Pashmina, the bonnet promised to be as soft as it was stunning.
Choosing the Yarn
Madelinetosh Pashmina was my yarn of choice for this project, and it did not disappoint. This yarn is a beautiful blend of merino wool, silk, and cashmere, which makes it incredibly soft and perfect for a newborn’s delicate skin. The colorway I chose was a soft, pastel pink, which I knew would look amazing in photos. The subtle variations in the hand-dyed yarn added depth and interest to the finished piece, making it a true heirloom item.
Starting the Journey
I began my project with excitement, eager to see how the cables and lace would come together. The pattern was well-written and easy to follow, with clear instructions and helpful charts. I appreciated the way the designer explained each step, making it accessible even for those who might be new to knitting cables or lace.
The bonnet starts with a provisional cast-on, which was a new technique for me. After a bit of practice, I got the hang of it and was able to start knitting the brim. The alternating cables and lace created a beautiful texture that was both challenging and rewarding. Each row brought new excitement as the pattern began to take shape.
Embracing the Challenges
Knitting the Abigail Bonnet wasn’t without its challenges. The lace pattern required careful attention, especially on the rows where the cables were introduced. There were a few times when I had to frog (rip out) a few rows and start over, but each mistake was a learning opportunity. I found that using lifelines—a piece of contrasting yarn threaded through a row of stitches—helped me to easily fix mistakes without losing too much progress.
One of the most rewarding aspects of knitting this bonnet was watching the design come to life. The alternating cables and lace created a delicate yet intricate texture that was simply stunning. As the bonnet grew, I could see how the pattern’s complexity was balanced by the simplicity of the yarn’s natural beauty. The soft sheen of the silk and cashmere blend highlighted the stitches, making each cable and lace section stand out.
Finishing Touches
As I approached the end of the bonnet, I felt a mixture of excitement and sadness. This project had been such a joy to knit, and I wasn’t quite ready for it to end. The final steps involved grafting the live stitches from the provisional cast-on to the live stitches at the end of the bonnet. This created a seamless join that was both functional and beautiful.
The last step was to block the bonnet. Blocking is an essential step in any knitting project, but it’s especially important for lace. It helps to open up the stitches and reveal the full beauty of the pattern. I carefully soaked the bonnet in lukewarm water, then laid it out flat to dry, gently shaping it to the desired size. The cables and lace opened up beautifully, and I was thrilled with the final result.
Capturing the Moment
With the bonnet complete, it was time for the fun part—photographing it! I set up a cozy little nook with soft blankets and pillows, creating the perfect backdrop for my newborn photo prop. The pastel pink of the bonnet looked stunning against the neutral tones, and the delicate cables and lace added a touch of elegance.
As a photographer, capturing the perfect shot is always a priority. I experimented with different angles and lighting, eventually finding the perfect setup that highlighted the bonnet’s intricate details. The soft texture of the Madelinetosh Pashmina yarn was evident in every photo, and I couldn’t help but feel a sense of pride in my work.
Sharing the Love
Creating the Abigail Bonnet was a labor of love, and I was excited to share my journey with fellow knitters and photographers. I posted the photos on my blog and social media, detailing the process and offering tips for those who might want to try the pattern themselves. The response was overwhelmingly positive, with many people expressing interest in knitting their own bonnets.
In addition to sharing my experience, I also took the opportunity to discuss the importance of using high-quality materials for newborn photo props. Madelinetosh Pashmina, with its blend of merino wool, silk, and cashmere, was the perfect choice for this project. Its softness and durability make it ideal for delicate baby items, and the wide range of colorways ensures that there’s something for everyone.
Looking Ahead
The Abigail Bonnet was just one of many projects on my knitting journey, but it holds a special place in my heart. It reminded me of the joy of creating something beautiful from a simple skein of yarn, and the satisfaction of overcoming challenges along the way. Each stitch was a labor of love, and the finished product was a testament to the time and effort invested.
As I look ahead to future projects, I can’t help but feel excited about the possibilities. There are so many beautiful patterns and yarns to explore, and I can’t wait to see what new challenges and joys they bring. Whether I’m knitting for my own newborn photo props or creating gifts for loved ones, I know that each project will be a journey of love and craft.
If you’re considering knitting the Abigail Bonnet, I encourage you to give it a try. The pattern is free, and the finished product is a beautiful and functional piece that will be cherished for years to come. Happy knitting!
Knitting the Abigail Bonnet was a rewarding experience, and I hope my journey inspires others to pick up their needles and create something beautiful.
Materials and Info
MATERIALS: appx 80-160yds of sport (3) yarn (I used madelinetosh pashmina), Size 4 (3.5mm) needles, stitch markers, yarn needle, 3.5mm crochet hook, a few yds of mohair yarn, cable needle
Gauge: appx 6sts/in in stockinette st Gauge is very important! 1 15sts pattern repeat measures 2.75ins
Sizes (appx finished head circumference) : newborn (13ins),sitter(16ins)
Stitch Key
K – knit
p – purl
K2tog – knit 2 stitches together
ssk – slip, slip, knit
Yo – yarn over
sl – slip
Sm – slip marker
cb3 – sl next 2sts unto cable needle, hold in back, knit the next st, knit the 2sts on the cable needle
cf3 – sl next st unto cable needle, hold in front, knit the next 2sts, knit the st on the cable needle
Abigail Bonnet Pattern
Newborn
Cast on 190sts.
Note: your ties are in this cast on. You will bind off the ties on row 8.
Row 1 (wrong side) – purl 60, pm, k2 p6, [k2, p5, k2, p6] repeat [to] 3 more times, k2, pm, purl 60
Row 2 – k60, sm, k2, [k6, p2, k2, yo, ssk, k1, p2] repeat [to] 3 more times, k8, sm, k60
Row 3 – p60, sm, k2, p6, [k2, p5, k2, p6] repeat [to] 3 more times, k2, sm, p60
Row 4 – k60, sm, k2, [k6, p2, k2tog, yo, k1, yo, ssk, p2] repeat [to] 3 more times k8, sm, k60
Row 5 – repeat row 3
Row 6 – k60, sm, k2, [cb3, cf3, p2, k5, p2] repeat [to] 3 times more, cb3, cf3, k2, sm, k60
Row 7 – repeat row 3,
Row 8 – bind off LOOSELY 60sts, remove marker, k2, [k6, p2, k2, yo, ssk, k1, p2] repeat [to] 3 more times, k8, remover marker, bind off LOOSELY 60sts. (70sts)
Cut yarn. Rejoin yarn at remaining sts.
Row 9 – k2, p6, [k2, p5, k2, p6] repeat [to] 3 more times, k2
Row 10 – k2, [k6, p2, k2tog, yo, k1, yo, ssk, p2] repeat [to] 3 more times k8
Row 11 – Repeat row 9
Row 12 – k2, [cb3, cf3, p2, k5, p2] repeat [to] 3 times more, cb3, cf3, k2
Row 13 – repeat row 9
Row 14 – k2, [k6, p2, k2, yo, ssk, k1, p2] repeat [to] 3 more times, k8,
Repeat rows 9-14 until your work measures 3.5ins ending after completing a wrong side row.
Place stitch markers on either end of the last row.
Decrease
Row 1 – k1, k2tog, knit to last 3 sts, k2tog, k1 (68sts)
Row 2 – purl across
Row 3 – k1, [k2tog, k4] repeat [to] to last st, k1 (57sts)
Row 4 – purl across
Row 5 – k1, [k2tog, k3] repeat [to] to last st, k1 (46sts)
Row 6 – purl across
Row 7 – k1, [k2tog, k2] repeat [to] to last st, k1 (35sts)
Row 8 – purl across
Row 9 – k1, [k2tog, k1] repeat [to] to last st, k1 (24sts)
Row 10 – purl across
Row 11 – k1, [k2tog] repeat [to] to last st, k1 (13sts)
Cut yarn leaving appx 12ins and pull through remaining stitches. Using this end sew the crown together to your stitch markers. (I like to use the mattress stitch since it is nearly invisible).
Using your crochet hook and your mohair – 2sc in the first edge st after your ties, [skip 1, 2sc in next st] repeat [to] across to the opposite tie.
Sitter
Cast on 205sts.
Note: your ties are in this cast on. You will bind off the ties on row 8.
Row 1 (wrong side) – purl 60, pm, k2 p6, [k2, p5, k2, p6] repeat [to] 4 more times, k2, pm, purl 60
Row 2 – k60, sm, k2, [k6, p2, k2, yo, ssk, k1, p2] repeat [to] 4 more times, k8, sm, k60
Row 3 – p60, sm, k2, p6, [k2, p5, k2, p6] repeat [to] 4 more times, k2, sm, p60
Row 4 – k60, sm, k2, [k6, p2, k2tog, yo, k1, yo, ssk, p2] repeat [to] 4 more times k8, sm, k60
Row 5 – repeat row 3
Row 6 – k60, sm, k2, [cb3, cf3, p2, k5, p2] repeat [to] 4 times more, cb3, cf3, k2, sm, k60
Row 7 – repeat row 3,
Row 8 – bind off LOOSELY 60sts, remove marker, k2, [k6, p2, k2, yo, ssk, k1, p2] repeat [to] 4 more times, k8, remover marker, bind off LOOSELY 60sts. (85sts)
Cut yarn. Rejoin yarn at remaining sts.
Row 9 – k2, p6, [k2, p5, k2, p6] repeat [to] 4 more times, k2
Row 10 – k2, [k6, p2, k2tog, yo, k1, yo, ssk, p2] repeat [to] 4 more times k8
Row 11 – Repeat row 9
Row 12 – k2, [cb3, cf3, p2, k5, p2] repeat [to] 4 times more, cb3, cf3, k2
Row 13 – repeat row 9
Row 14 – k2, [k6, p2, k2, yo, ssk, k1, p2] repeat [to] 4 more times, k8,
Repeat rows 9-14 until your work measures 4.5ins ending after completing a wrong side row.
Place stitch markers on either end of the last row.
Decrease
Row 1- k1, [k2tog, k5] repeat [to] across (73sts)
Row 2 – purl across
Row 3 – k1, [k2tog, k4] repeat [to] across (61sts)
Row 4 – purl across
Row 5 – k1, [k2tog, k3] repeat [to] across (49sts)
Row 6 – purl across
Row 7 – k1 [k2tog, k2] repeat [to] across (37sts)
Row 8 – purl across
Row 9 – k1, [k2tog, k1] repeat [to] across (25sts)
Row 10 – purl across
Row 11 – k1 [k2tog] repeat [to] across (13sts)
Cut yarn leaving appx 12ins and pull through remaining stitches. Using this end sew the crown together to your stitch markers. (I like to use the mattress stitch since it is nearly invisible).
Using your crochet hook and your mohair – 2sc in the first edge st after your ties, [skip 1, 2sc in next st] repeat [to] across to the opposite tie.
Abigail Bonnet PDF
