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Knitting has always been a beloved pastime for me, a way to express my creativity and craft beautiful, tangible items. Among the many knitting projects I’ve undertaken, creating newborn photo props holds a special place in my heart. There’s something incredibly rewarding about knitting delicate, sweet items for the tiniest of humans. Recently, I had the pleasure of knitting the Eden Bonnet, a free pattern that’s as charming as it sounds. Using KnitPicks Luminance yarn, I crafted a bonnet that’s not only lacy and delicate but also adorned with a beautiful flowery vine motif. Let me take you through my delightful journey of knitting the Eden Bonnet.
Falling in Love with the Eden Bonnet Pattern
When I first came across the Eden Bonnet pattern, I was immediately drawn to its elegance and charm. The lacy, delicate design combined with the intricate flowery vine motif seemed perfect for a newborn photo prop. The bonnet is knit flat, which is a technique I find incredibly satisfying. It allows for precise, even stitches and makes it easier to incorporate detailed patterns.
The bonnet’s design is sweet and girly, perfect for capturing those precious early moments of a baby’s life. I could already picture it adorning a newborn’s head, adding a touch of handmade love to a beautiful photograph.
Choosing the Perfect Yarn: KnitPicks Luminance
Selecting the right yarn for a project is crucial, especially when knitting for newborns. The yarn needs to be soft, gentle on the skin, and of high quality to ensure the finished product is both comfortable and durable. For the Eden Bonnet, I chose KnitPicks Luminance. This yarn is a luxurious blend of 100% silk, which adds a touch of elegance and softness to the bonnet.
Luminance is known for its beautiful sheen and incredible drape, making it ideal for a project that’s meant to look delicate and refined. The yarn’s subtle sheen highlights the intricate lacy pattern, giving the bonnet a radiant, almost ethereal quality. Plus, working with such high-quality yarn made the knitting process even more enjoyable.
Starting the Knitting Process
With my pattern and yarn ready, I eagerly began the knitting process. The Eden Bonnet pattern is well-written and easy to follow, which made it a pleasure to work on. As I cast on the first stitches, I was excited to see how the flowery vine motif would take shape.
Knitting the bonnet flat was a relaxing experience. I enjoyed watching the delicate lacy stitches form and the flowery vines come to life. The pattern’s repetition allowed me to get into a soothing rhythm, making each knitting session a peaceful and meditative experience.
Embracing the Flowery Vine Motif
One of the highlights of the Eden Bonnet pattern is the flowery vine motif. This intricate design adds a touch of whimsy and femininity to the bonnet, making it perfect for a newborn girl. As I knit each row, I marveled at how the motif gradually revealed itself. The delicate flowers and twisting vines added a lovely texture and visual interest to the bonnet.
Incorporating such a detailed motif required careful attention and precision, but it was well worth the effort. The end result was a beautifully intricate design that looked even more stunning in the soft, shimmering Luminance yarn.
The Satisfaction of a Completed Project
After several enjoyable knitting sessions, I finally completed the Eden Bonnet. Holding the finished piece in my hands, I couldn’t help but feel a sense of pride and accomplishment. The bonnet turned out exactly as I had envisioned—sweet, girly, and incredibly delicate. The lacy design and flowery vine motif looked exquisite, and the Luminance yarn added a luxurious touch.
I could already imagine the bonnet being used as a photo prop, adorning a precious newborn and adding a handmade touch of beauty to those cherished early photos. The thought of my creation being part of such special moments filled me with joy.
Sharing the Joy of Knitting
Knitting the Eden Bonnet was a truly rewarding experience, and I’m excited to share this pattern with fellow knitters. Whether you’re an experienced knitter or just starting out, the Eden Bonnet pattern offers a delightful challenge and the opportunity to create something truly beautiful.
Using high-quality yarn like KnitPicks Luminance enhances the knitting experience and results in a finished product that’s both luxurious and gentle. The bonnet’s lacy, delicate design and flowery vine motif make it a perfect photo prop for newborn girls, adding a touch of handmade charm to those precious early moments.
Tips for Knitting the Eden Bonnet
For those interested in knitting the Eden Bonnet, here are a few tips to help you along the way:
- Choose the Right Yarn: Opt for a high-quality yarn like KnitPicks Luminance. The softness and sheen of this yarn will enhance the delicate lacy design and make the finished bonnet look even more beautiful.
- Take Your Time: The intricate flowery vine motif requires attention to detail. Take your time with each stitch to ensure the pattern comes out perfectly.
- Enjoy the Process: Knitting is a relaxing and meditative activity. Enjoy the process of creating something beautiful and take pride in your work.
- Block the Finished Bonnet: Blocking is essential to open up the lacy pattern and give the bonnet its final shape. Use a gentle blocking method to avoid damaging the delicate stitches.
Conclusion
Knitting the Eden Bonnet was a delightful journey filled with creativity, relaxation, and a sense of accomplishment. The combination of a beautifully written pattern, luxurious yarn, and the opportunity to create a delicate, sweet photo prop for a newborn made this project truly special.
As I continue to explore the world of knitting, I’m grateful for patterns like the Eden Bonnet that allow me to create beautiful, meaningful items. I hope this blog post inspires you to pick up your needles, choose a lovely yarn, and embark on your own knitting adventure with the Eden Bonnet. Happy knitting!
Materials and Info
MATERIALS: 60-100yds of lace weight (size 0) yarn (I used Knitpicks Luminance), size 3 (3.25mm) straight needles, yarn needle
Gauge: 7sts/in after blocking ~GAUGE IS VERY IMPORTANT~
Stitch Key:
st – stitch
p2tog – purl 2 together
k – knit
p – purl
k2tog – knit 2 together
yo – yarn over
psso – pass slipped stitch over
sl – slip
ssk – slip, slip, knit slipped sts tog
ssp – slip, slip, purl slipped sts tog
Head circumference: newborn (13ins), Sitter (16ins)
Eden Bonnet Pattern
NEWBORN
Cast on 72sts
Row 1 (right side) – k2 [k1, yo, k2tog, yo, k2tog, k2tog, k2tog, k2, yo, k3, yo, ssk, yo, k1] repeat from [to] across to last 2 sts, k2
Row 2 – k2, purl to last 2 sts, k2
Row 3 – k2 [k1, yo, k2tog, k3tog, k3tog, yo, k1, yo, k2, ssk, yo, ssk, yo, k1] repeat from [to] across to last 2 sts, k2 (64sts)
Row 4 – k2 [p10, p2tog, p3] repeat from [to] across to last 2 sts, k2 (60sts)
Row 5 –k2 [k1, yo, k3tog, yo, k3, yo, k2, ssk, yo, ssk, yo, k1] repeat from [to] across to last 2 sts, k2 (64sts)
Row 6 – k2, purl to last 2 sts, k2
Row 7 – k2 [k1, yo, k2tog, yo, k1, yo, k2, ssk, yo, k2, ssk, yo, ssk, yo, k1] repeat from [to] across to last 2 sts, k2 (72sts)
Row 8 – k2, purl to last 2 sts, k2
Row 9 – k2 [k1, yo, k2tog, yo, k3, yo, k2, ssk, ssk, ssk, yo, ssk, yo, k1] repeat from [to] across to last 2 sts, k2
Row 10 – k2, purl to last 2 sts, k2
Row 11 – k2 [k1, yo, k2tog, yo, k2tog, k2, yo, k1, yo, sl1, k2tog, psso, sl1, k2tog, psso, ssk, yo, k1] repeat from [to] across to last 2 sts, k2 (64sts)
Row 12 – k2 [p3, ssp, p10] repeat from [to] across to last 2 sts, k2 (60sts)
Row 13 – k2 [k1, yo, k2tog, yo, k2tog, k2, yo, k3, yo, sl1, k2tog, psso, yo, k1] repeat from [to] across to last 2 sts, k2 (64sts)
Row 14 – k2, purl to last 2 sts, k2
Row 15 – k2 [k1, yo, k2tog, yo, k2tog, k2, yo, k2tog, k2, yo, k1, yo, ssk, yo, k1] repeat from [to] across to last 2 sts, k2 (72sts)
Row 16 – k2, purl to last 2 sts, k2
Repeat rows 1-16 one more time.
Decreases
Row 1 – k1 [k2tog, k5] repeat from [to] across to last 1 sts, k1 (62sts)
Row 2 – purl across
Row 3 – k1 [k2tog, k4] repeat from [to] across to last 1 sts, k1 (52sts)
Row 4 – purl across
Row 5 – k1 [k2tog, k3] repeat from [to] across to last 1 sts, k1 (42sts)
Row 6 – purl across
Row 7 – k1 [k2tog, k2] repeat from [to] across to last 1 sts, k1 (32sts)
Row 8 – purl across
Row 9 – k1 [k2tog, k1] repeat from [to] across to last 1 sts, k1 (22sts)
Row 10 – k1 [k2tog] repeat from [to] across to last 1 sts, k1 (12sts)
Do not bind off. Cut yarn leaving appx 8-10ins. Pull tail through remaining 12sts. Sew back seam. Your bonnet will be very small. It will NEED to be blocked. Pictures of pre-blocking and how to block can be found at the end of the pattern. Cut 6 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. OR use 1 piece loop the same way and chain with a size d crochet hook for appx 10ins
SITTER
Cast on 89sts
Row 1 (right side) – k2 [k1, yo, k2tog, yo, k2tog, k2tog, k2tog, k2, yo, k3, yo, ssk, yo, k1] repeat from [to] across to last 2 sts, k2
Row 2 – k2, purl to last 2 sts, k2
Row 3 – k2 [k1, yo, k2tog, k3tog, k3tog, yo, k1, yo, k2, ssk, yo, ssk, yo, k1] repeat from [to] across to last 2 sts, k2 (79sts)
Row 4 – k2 [p10, p2tog, p3] repeat from [to] across to last 2 sts, k2 (74sts)
Row 5 –k2 [k1, yo, k3tog, yo, k3, yo, k2, ssk, yo, ssk, yo, k1] repeat from [to] across to last 2 sts, k2 (79sts)
Row 6 – k2, purl to last 2 sts, k2
Row 7 – k2 [k1, yo,k2tog, yo, k1, yo, k2, ssk, yo, k2, ssk, yo, ssk, yo, k1] repeat from [to] across to last 2 sts, k2 (89sts)
Row 8 – k2, purl to last 2 sts, k2
Row 9 – k2 [k1, yo, k2tog, yo, k3, yo, k2, ssk, ssk, ssk, yo, ssk, yo, k1] repeat from [to] across to last 2 sts, k2
Row 10 – k2, purl to last 2 sts, k2
Row 11 – k2 [k1, yo, k2tog, yo, k2tog, k2, yo, k1, yo, sl1, k2tog, psso, sl1, k2tog, psso, ssk, yo, k1] repeat from [to] across to last 2 sts, k2 (79sts)
Row 12 – k2 [p3, ssp, p10] repeat from [to] across to last 2 sts, k2 (74sts)
Row 13 – k2 [k1, yo, k2tog, yo, k2tog, k2, yo, k3, yo, sl1, k2tog, psso, yo, k1] repeat from [to] across to last 2 sts, k2 (79sts)
Row 14 – k2, purl to last 2 sts, k2
Row 15 – k2 [k1, yo, k2tog, yo, k2tog, k2, yo, k2tog, k2, yo, k1, yo, ssk, yo, k1] repeat from [to] across to last 2 sts, k2 (89sts)
Row 16 – k2, purl to last 2 sts, k2
Repeat rows 1-16 2 more times.
Decreases
Row 1 – k1 k2tog, k6
Row 2 – purl across
Row 3 – k1 k2tog, k5
Row 4 – purl across
Row 5 – k1 k2tog, k4
Row 6 – purl across
Row 7 – k1 k2tog, k3
Row 8 – purl across
Row 9 – k1 k2tog, k2
Row 10 – purl across
Row 11 – k1 k2tog, k1
Row 12 – p1 p2tog
Do not bind off. Cut yarn leaving appx 8-10ins. Pull tail through remaining 11sts. Sew back seam. Your bonnet will be very small. It will NEED to be blocked. Pictures of pre-blocking and how to block can be found at the end of the pattern. Cut 6 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. OR use 1 piece loop the same way and chain with a size d crochet hook for appx 10ins
BLOCKING
Before blocking your bonnet will look very tiny and kind of sloppy.
There are 2 ways to block your work. My favorite way is to pin the work using rust free pins with a gentle amount of tension. I use a 12-13in circumference Styrofoam ball for newborn and a 16in circumference for sitter. I like to get the smooth ones version. I get them from local craft shops (ie, Michaels, Joanns). I will then use my clothing steamer. The beauty of using a steamer is it dries instantly and you also can watch the fibers relax so you know it’s working. Once dry unpin and enjoy your beautiful work. The other way to block is to fill your sink with room temperature water. Without rubbing or wringing GENTLY soak your finished piece in the water. Adding a touch of wool wash (I love kookaburra) will help clean and relax the fiber. Once the finished piece is completely wet through, lay it flat on a dry towel. Gently roll up the towel and GENTLY press out excess water. Now you will pin it and allow it to dry.