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I recently had the pleasure of designing a special knitting pattern that holds a piece of my heart and a memory of a beautiful vacation. I call it the “Maine Bonnet,” a cozy and simple stockinette bonnet for newborns. This little project was born out of inspiration during a serene getaway to the picturesque state of Maine.
The Inspiration Behind the Maine Bonnet
My trip to Maine was everything I hoped it would be—tranquil, scenic, and incredibly inspiring. The rugged coastline, charming lighthouses, and lush forests provided a perfect backdrop for creativity. Each day was a blend of exploration and relaxation, and it was during one of these peaceful moments that the idea for the Maine Bonnet came to me.
While wandering through a quaint seaside village, I stumbled upon a local yarn shop. It was a treasure trove of colors and textures, a knitter’s paradise. I couldn’t resist picking up a few skeins of a beautiful yarn that caught my eye. Though I later discovered the yarn was discontinued, it served as the perfect muse for my bonnet design.
Crafting the Design
Back at our cozy vacation rental, I began sketching out my ideas. I wanted the bonnet to be simple yet elegant, something that would be both practical and pretty for newborn photos. The stockinette stitch seemed like the perfect choice—it’s classic, clean, and allows the beauty of the yarn to shine through.
Creating the pattern was a delightful process. I knitted by the fire, with the sounds of the ocean waves in the background. There’s something magical about knitting in such a serene environment; every stitch felt like a meditation, a connection to the tranquil surroundings of Maine.
A Perfect Yarn Substitute
As I mentioned, the yarn I initially used has been discontinued, which can be disappointing for those eager to replicate the exact look and feel of the Maine Bonnet. However, fear not! After experimenting with various alternatives, I found that Rowan Alpaca Classic is a fantastic substitute.
Rowan Alpaca Classic has the same soft, airy quality that made the original yarn so special. It’s a blend of alpaca and cotton, providing a lovely drape and warmth without being too heavy. The color palette is also delightful, offering a range of shades that can perfectly capture the essence of a cozy, seaside-inspired bonnet.
Knitting the Bonnet: A Personal Journey
Every knitting project is a journey, and the Maine Bonnet was no exception. It was a labor of love, one that allowed me to blend my passion for knitting with the joy of my vacation memories. As I worked on the bonnet, I was reminded of the stunning sunsets, the salty sea breeze, and the gentle sound of the waves crashing against the shore.
Knitting is more than just creating a finished product; it’s about the process, the experience, and the memories woven into each stitch. The Maine Bonnet encapsulates a piece of my Maine vacation, making it a project that’s incredibly close to my heart.
Bringing the Maine Bonnet to Life
Once I returned home, I couldn’t wait to see the bonnet in action. I envisioned it as a charming photo prop for newborns, something that would add a touch of warmth and whimsy to baby photos. I reached out to a local photographer who specializes in newborn photography, and we set up a photo session to showcase the Maine Bonnet.
Seeing the bonnet on a sweet newborn was a moment of pure joy. It fit perfectly, and the simplicity of the design highlighted the natural beauty of the baby. The Rowan Alpaca Classic yarn added a delicate softness that made the bonnet look and feel luxurious.
Sharing the Pattern with the World
With the pattern complete and the photoshoot a success, I knew I wanted to share the Maine Bonnet with the knitting community. There’s something incredibly rewarding about offering a pattern that others can enjoy and make their own. I love the idea of knitters around the world creating their own versions of the Maine Bonnet, each one infused with their unique touch and style.
While I’m not including the pattern in this blog post, you can find it on my website. I’ve made sure to include detailed instructions, along with tips for working with Rowan Alpaca Classic and other suitable yarn substitutes. Whether you’re an experienced knitter or a beginner, the Maine Bonnet is a project that’s both accessible and enjoyable.
Reflecting on the Experience
Designing the Maine Bonnet was more than just a creative endeavor; it was a way to capture the essence of a cherished vacation and translate it into something tangible. Every time I see the bonnet, I’m reminded of those peaceful days in Maine, the inspiration I found in the natural beauty of the surroundings, and the joy of bringing a new pattern to life.
I hope that as you knit the Maine Bonnet, you too can find a sense of peace and inspiration. Whether you’re knitting by the sea, in a cozy cabin, or in the comfort of your own home, I hope this bonnet brings you as much joy as it has brought me.
Thank you for joining me on this journey, and happy knitting!
Feel free to check out the Maine Bonnet pattern on my website and share your creations on social media. I’d love to see how you bring this pattern to life and make it your own!
Materials and Info
Materials: appx 60-120yds fingering weight brushed alpaca (I used Lamana Cuzi which is discontinued but Rowan Alpaca Classic is a great replacement), Size 6 (4mm) straight needles, yarn needle, stitch markers
Gauge: appx 5sts/in Gauge: ~GAUGE IS VERY IMPORTANT~
Abbreviation Key:
K – knit
P – purl
k2tog – knit 2 together
Sizes (Head circumference) [finished size laid flat]: nb (13ins)[5x5ins]. 0-3mths (14ins)[5.5×5.5ins], 3-6mth (15ins)[6x6ins], 6-12mths (16ins)[6.5×6.5ins], toddler (17ins)[7x7ins]
Maine Bonnet Pattern
NEWBORN
Cast on 51sts.
Work in stockinette st until your work measures 3.5ins from the cast on edge ending after completing a wrong side row. Place a stitch marker on either end of this last row to mark your back seam.
DECREASES
Row 1 – k1 [k2tog, k5] repeat [to] across to last sts, k1(44sts)
Row 2 – purl across
Row 3 – k1 [k2tog, k4] repeat [to] across to last sts, k1 (37sts)
Row 4 – purl across
Row 5 – k1 [k2tog, k3] repeat [to] across to last sts, k1 (30sts)
Row 6 – purl across
Row 7 – k1 [k2tog, k2] repeat [to] across to last sts, k1 (23sts)
Row 8 – purl across
Row 9 – k1 [k2tog, k1] repeat [to] across to last sts, k1 (16sts)
Row 10 – purl across
Row 11 – k1 [k2tog] repeat [to] across to last st, k1 (9sts)
Do not bind off.
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). Weave in ends and block.
Cut 2 pieces of yarn approximately 30ins long. Fold 1 in half and pull a loop through the front corner of the bonnet. Pull the ends through this loop. Repeat on the other front corner.
0-3 MONTHS
Cast on 57sts.
Work in stockinette st until your work measures 4ins from the cast on edge ending after completing a right side row. Place a stitch marker on either end of this last row to mark your back seam.
DECREASES
Set up row – p2 [p9,p2tog] repeat [to] across to last sts, k1 p1 (51sts)
Row 1 – k1 [k2tog, k5] repeat [to] across to last sts, k1(44sts)
Row 2 – purl across
Row 3 – k1 [k2tog, k4] repeat [to] across to last sts, k1 (37sts)
Row 4 – purl across
Row 5 – k1 [k2tog, k3] repeat [to] across to last sts, k1 (30sts)
Row 6 – purl across
Row 7 – k1 [k2tog, k2] repeat [to] across to last sts, k1 (23sts)
Row 8 – purl across
Row 9 – k1 [k2tog, k1] repeat [to] across to last sts, k1 (16sts)
Row 10 – purl across
Row 11 – k1 [k2tog] repeat [to] across to last st, k1 (9sts)
Do not bind off.
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). Weave in ends and block.
Cut 2 pieces of yarn approximately 30ins long. Fold 1 in half and pull a loop through the front corner of the bonnet. Pull the ends through this loop. Repeat on the other front corner.
3-6 MONTHS
Cast on 63sts.
Work in stockinette st until your work measures 4.5ins from the cast on edge ending after completing a right side row. Place a stitch marker on either end of this last row to mark your back seam.
DECREASES
Set up row – p2, [p10, p2tog] repeat [to] across to last st, p1 (58sts)
Row 1 – k1 [k2tog, k5] repeat [to] across to last sts, k1(50sts)
Row 2 – purl across
Row 3 – k1 [k2tog, k4] repeat [to] across to last sts, k1 (42sts)
Row 4 – purl across
Row 5 – k1 [k2tog, k3] repeat [to] across to last sts, k1 (34sts)
Row 6 – purl across
Row 7 – k1 [k2tog, k2] repeat [to] across to last sts, k1 (26sts)
Row 8 – purl across
Row 9 – k1 [k2tog, k1] repeat [to] across to last sts, k1 (18sts)
Row 10 – purl across
Row 11 – k1 [k2tog] repeat [to] across to last st, k1 (10sts)
Do not bind off.
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). Weave in ends and block.
Cut 2 pieces of yarn approximately 30ins long. Fold 1 in half and pull a loop through the front corner of the bonnet. Pull the ends through this loop. Repeat on the other front corner.
6-12 MONTHS
Cast on 67sts.
Work in stockinette st until your work measures 5ins from the cast on edge ending after completing a right side row. Place a stitch marker on either end of
this last row to mark your back seam.
DECREASES
Set up row – p1, p2tog, p61, p2tog, p1 (65sts)
Row 1 – k1 [k2tog, k5] repeat [to] across to last sts, k1(56sts)
Row 2 – purl across
Row 3 – k1 [k2tog, k4] repeat [to] across to last sts, k1 (47sts)
Row 4 – purl across
Row 5 – k1 [k2tog, k3] repeat [to] across to last sts, k1 (38sts)
Row 6 – purl across
Row 7 – k1 [k2tog, k2] repeat [to] across to last sts, k1 (29sts)
Row 8 – purl across
Row 9 – k1 [k2tog, k1] repeat [to] across to last sts, k1 (20sts)
Row 10 – purl across
Row 11 – k1 [k2tog] repeat [to] across to last st, k1 (11sts)
Do not bind off.
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). Weave in ends and block.
Cut 2 pieces of yarn approximately 30ins long. Fold 1 in half and pull a loop through the front corner of the bonnet. Pull the ends through this loop. Repeat on the other front corner.
TODDLER
Cast on 72sts.
Work in stockinette st until your work measures 5.5ins from the cast on edge ending after completing a wrong side row. Place a stitch marker on either end of this last row to mark your back seam.
DECREASES
Row 1 – k1 [k2tog, k5] repeat [to] across to last sts, k1(62sts)
Row 2 – purl across
Row 3 – k1 [k2tog, k4] repeat [to] across to last sts, k1 (52sts)
Row 4 – purl across
Row 5 – k1 [k2tog, k3] repeat [to] across to last sts, k1 (42sts)
Row 6 – purl across
Row 7 – k1 [k2tog, k2] repeat [to] across to last sts, k1 (32sts)
Row 8 – purl across
Row 9 – k1 [k2tog, k1] repeat [to] across to last sts, k1 (22sts)
Row 10 – purl across
Row 11 – k1 [k2tog] repeat [to] across to last st, k1 (12sts)
Do not bind off.
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). Weave in ends and block.
Cut 2 pieces of yarn approximately 30ins long. Fold 1 in half and pull a loop through the front corner of the bonnet. Pull the ends through this loop. Repeat on the other front corner.
Maine Bonnet PDF
