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As a knitting enthusiast, there is nothing quite as satisfying as creating a delicate, beautiful piece that serves both as a practical item and a work of art. One such project that has captured the hearts of many is the Priscilla Bonnet, a mohair lace newborn photo prop that brings together simplicity, elegance, and the undeniable charm of a handmade creation. Using KnitPicks Aloft, a luxurious blend of mohair and silk, this bonnet is perfect for capturing those precious first moments of a newborn’s life.
A Touch of Elegance: The Priscilla Bonnet
The Priscilla Bonnet is a timeless accessory, blending the ethereal quality of mohair with the intricate beauty of lace knitting. Its delicate stitches and soft texture make it an ideal photo prop, adding a touch of whimsy and elegance to newborn photography. The bonnet features wide knit ties, which not only serve a practical purpose but also enhance the overall aesthetic, creating a picture-perfect frame for a baby’s face.
The Magic of Mohair: KnitPicks Aloft
To achieve the dreamy, airy quality of the Priscilla Bonnet, the choice of yarn is crucial. KnitPicks Aloft is a luxurious mohair and silk blend that elevates this project to a new level. The yarn’s composition—72% Super Kid Mohair and 28% Silk—ensures that the finished piece is incredibly soft, lightweight, and has a beautiful halo effect. This makes the bonnet not only visually appealing but also gentle against a newborn’s sensitive skin.
KnitPicks Aloft comes in a variety of colors, from soft pastels to rich, vibrant hues, allowing you to customize the bonnet to suit any theme or personal preference. The yarn’s slight sheen adds an extra touch of sophistication, making it a standout piece in any newborn photo session. You can purchase the yarn for this project here.
The Joy of Lace Knitting
Lace knitting can be a rewarding endeavor for knitters of all skill levels. The Priscilla Bonnet pattern is designed to be approachable, with clear instructions and a repetitive lace motif that is easy to memorize. For those new to lace knitting, this project serves as a perfect introduction, providing an opportunity to practice techniques such as yarn overs, decreases, and reading lace charts.
Experienced knitters will also find joy in the rhythmic nature of the lace pattern, creating a sense of flow and relaxation as the stitches come together. The end result is a piece that showcases the beauty of lacework, with delicate holes and intricate patterns that allow light to pass through, enhancing the ethereal quality of the bonnet.
Knitting Techniques and Tips
To ensure the success of your Priscilla Bonnet, here are some tips and techniques to keep in mind:
- Gauge Swatch: Before starting your project, knit a gauge swatch to ensure that your tension matches the pattern’s specifications. This will help achieve the correct size and fit for the bonnet.
- Lifeline: When working with lace patterns, using a lifeline can be incredibly helpful. A lifeline is a strand of contrasting yarn threaded through a row of stitches, providing a safe point to rip back to if a mistake is made.
- Blocking: Blocking is essential for lace projects, as it helps open up the lace pattern and set the stitches. After finishing the bonnet, gently wash it in lukewarm water with a mild detergent, then lay it flat to dry, pinning it to the desired dimensions.
- Wide Knit Ties: The wide knit ties add both functionality and style to the bonnet. When knitting the ties, ensure that your stitches are even and consistent to create a polished look.
Styling and Photography
The Priscilla Bonnet is a versatile accessory that can be styled in various ways to create stunning newborn photographs. Here are some ideas to inspire your photo sessions:
- Nature-Inspired: Use natural elements such as flowers, leaves, and branches to create a serene, woodland-themed backdrop. The bonnet’s delicate lace and soft texture will complement the natural setting, adding a touch of whimsy.
- Vintage Charm: Pair the bonnet with vintage-inspired props such as antique baskets, wooden crates, and lace blankets. The bonnet’s classic design will enhance the nostalgic feel of the photographs.
- Minimalist: For a clean and modern look, use a simple, neutral backdrop and minimal props. The focus will remain on the baby and the beautiful bonnet, highlighting the intricate lacework.
- Seasonal Themes: Incorporate seasonal elements such as spring blossoms, summer greenery, autumn leaves, or winter snowflakes. The versatile nature of the Priscilla Bonnet makes it suitable for any time of year.
Personal Touches
One of the joys of knitting is the ability to infuse your creations with personal touches. Consider adding subtle embellishments to your Priscilla Bonnet, such as:
- Embroidered Details: Use embroidery thread to add delicate floral or vine motifs along the edges of the bonnet. This can enhance the lace pattern and add a unique touch.
- Beaded Accents: Incorporate small beads into the lace pattern for a hint of sparkle. This is especially lovely for holiday-themed photo sessions.
- Color Variations: Experiment with different color combinations by using multiple shades of KnitPicks Aloft. A gradient effect or subtle color shifts can add depth and interest to the bonnet.
Conclusion
The Priscilla Bonnet, crafted with KnitPicks Aloft, is more than just a knitting project—it’s a labor of love that results in a cherished keepsake. The combination of mohair’s ethereal quality, the beauty of lace knitting, and the practicality of a newborn photo prop makes this bonnet a must-knit for any avid crafter.
Whether you’re knitting the Priscilla Bonnet for your own photography sessions, as a gift for a new parent, or simply to enjoy the meditative process of lace knitting, you’ll find immense satisfaction in creating this beautiful piece. The Priscilla Bonnet is a testament to the artistry of knitting, capturing the delicate balance between functionality and aesthetics, and celebrating the joy of handmade creations.
Materials and Info
Materials: 80-200 yds of lace weight (size 0) mohair yarn (I used knitpicks aloft), size 7 (4.5mm) straight needles, yarn needle, 2 stitch markers
Gauge: 5sts/in ~GAUGE IS VERY IMPORTANT~
Abbreviation Key:
K – knit
P – purl
k2tog – knit 2 together
ssk – slip slip knit
yo – yarn over
sm – slip marker
Head circumference: nb (13ins). 3mths (15ins), 6mth (16ins), 12mths (17ins)
Priscilla Bonnet Pattern
NEWBORN
Cast on 171
YOUR TIES ARE IN THIS CAST ON. YOU WILL BIND OFF ON ROW 8 TO FINISH THE TIES.
Row 1 (wrong side) – P60, place marker, p51, place marker, p60
Row 2 – K60, sm, k2, yo, ssk [k1, k2tog, yo, k1, yo, ssk], repeat [to] to last 5 sts before next marker, k1, k2tog, yo, k2, sm, k60
Row 3 – Purl across
Row 4 – repeat row 2
Row 5 – purl across
Row 6 – k60, sm, k2, k2tog, yo, [k1, yo, ssk, k1, k2tog, yo], repeat [to] to last 5 sts before next marker, k1, yo, ssk, k2, sm. K60
Row 7 – purl across
Row 8 – bind off LOOSELY 60, remove marker, k2, k2tog, yo, [k1, yo, ssk, k1, k2tog, yo], repeat [to] to last 5 sts before next marker, k1, yo, ssk, k2, remove marker, bind off LOOSELY (51sts)
Cut Yarn. Rejoin at remaining sts.
Row 9 – purl across
Row 10 – k2, yo, ssk [k1, k2tog, yo, k1, yo, ssk], repeat [to] to last 5 sts, k1, k2tog, yo, k2
Row 11 – purl across
Row 12 – repeat row 10
Row 13 – purl across
Row 14 – k2, k2tog, yo, [k1, yo, ssk, k1, k2tog, yo], repeat [to] to last 5 sts, k1, yo, ssk, k2,
Row 15 – purl across
Row 16 – repeat row 14
Repeat rows 9-16 until your work measures 3.75ins from cast on edge. Finish after completing a wrong side (purl) row. Place a marker on either end of your last row to mark where to sew the crown when completed.
DECREASES
Row 1 – k1 [k2tog, k5] repeat [to] across to last st, k1 (44sts)
Row 2 – purl across
Row 3 – k1 [k2tog, k4] repeat [to] across to last st, k1 (37sts)
Row 4 – purl across
Row 5 – k1 [k2tog, k3] repeat [to] across to last st, k1 (30sts)
Row 6 – purl across
Row 7 – k1 [k2tog, k2] repeat [to] across to last st, k1 (23sts)
Row 8 – purl across
Row 9 – k1 [k2tog, k1] repeat [to] across to last st, k1 (16sts)
Row 10 – purl across
Row 11 – k1 [k2tog] repeat [to] across to last st, k1 (9sts)
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 all ends.
0-3 MONTHS
Cast on 177
YOUR TIES ARE IN THIS CAST ON. YOU WILL BIND OFF ON ROW 8 TO FINISH THE TIES.
Row 1 (wrong side) – P60, place marker, p57, place marker, p60
Row 2 – K60, sm, k2, yo, ssk [k1, k2tog, yo, k1, yo, ssk], repeat [to] to last 5 sts before next marker, k1, k2tog, yo, k2, sm, k60
Row 3 – Purl across
Row 4 – repeat row 2
Row 5 – purl across
Row 6 – k60, sm, k2, k2tog, yo, [k1, yo, ssk, k1, k2tog, yo], repeat [to] to last 5 sts before next marker, k1, yo, ssk, k2, sm. K60
Row 7 – purl across
Row 8 – bind off LOOSELY 60, remove marker, k2, k2tog, yo, [k1, yo, ssk, k1, k2tog, yo], repeat [to] to last 5 sts before next marker, k1, yo, ssk, k2, remove marker, bind off LOOSELY (57sts)
Cut Yarn. Rejoin at remaining sts.
Row 9 – purl across
Row 10 – k2, yo, ssk [k1, k2tog, yo, k1, yo, ssk], repeat [to] to last 5 sts, k1, k2tog, yo, k2
Row 11 – purl across
Row 12 – repeat row 10
Row 13 – purl across
Row 14 – k2, k2tog, yo, [k1, yo, ssk, k1, k2tog, yo], repeat [to] to last 5 sts, k1, yo, ssk, k2,
Row 15 – purl across
Row 16 – repeat row 14
Repeat rows 9-16 until your work measures 4.25ins from cast on edge. Finish after completing a wrong side (purl) row. Place a marker on either end of your last row to mark where to sew the crown when completed.
DECREASES
Row 1 – k1 [k2tog, k5] repeat [to] across (49sts)
Row 2 – purl across
Row 3 – k1 [k2tog, k4] repeat [to] across (43sts)
Row 4 – purl across
Row 5 – k1 [k2tog, k3] repeat [to] across (31sts)
Row 6 – purl across
Row 7 – k1 [k2tog, k2] repeat [to] across (25sts)
Row 9 – purl across
Row 10 – k1 [k2tog, k1] repeat [to] across (17sts)
Row 11 – purl across
Row 12 – k1 [k2tog] repeat [to] across (9sts)
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 all ends.
3-6 MONTHS
Cast on 183
YOUR TIES ARE IN THIS CAST ON. YOU WILL BIND OFF ON ROW 8 TO FINISH THE TIES.
Row 1 (wrong side) – P60, place marker, p63, place marker, p60
Row 2 – K60, sm, k2, yo, ssk [k1, k2tog, yo, k1, yo, ssk], repeat [to] to last 5 sts before next marker, k1, k2tog, yo, k2, sm, k60
Row 3 – Purl across
Row 4 – repeat row 2
Row 5 – purl across
Row 6 – k60, sm, k2, k2tog, yo, [k1, yo, ssk, k1, k2tog, yo], repeat [to] to last 5 sts before next marker, k1, yo, ssk, k2, sm. K60
Row 7 – purl across
Row 8 – bind off LOOSELY 60, remove marker, k2, k2tog, yo, [k1, yo, ssk, k1, k2tog, yo], repeat [to] to last 5 sts before next marker, k1, yo, ssk, k2, remove marker, bind off LOOSELY (63sts)
Cut Yarn. Rejoin at remaining sts.
Row 9 – purl across
Row 10 – k2, yo, ssk [k1, k2tog, yo, k1, yo, ssk], repeat [to] to last 5 sts, k1, k2tog, yo, k2
Row 11 – purl across
Row 12 – repeat row 10
Row 13 – purl across
Row 14 – k2, k2tog, yo, [k1, yo, ssk, k1, k2tog, yo], repeat [to] to last 5 sts, k1, yo, ssk, k2,
Row 15 – purl across
Row 16 – repeat row 14
Repeat rows 9-16 until your work measures 4.75ins from cast on edge. Finish after completing a wrong side (purl) row. Place a marker on either end of your last row to mark where to sew the crown when completed.
DECREASES
Row 1 – [k2tog, k5] repeat [to] across (54sts)
Row 2 – purl across
Row 3 – [k2tog, k4] repeat [to] across (45sts)
Row 4 – purl across
Row 5 – [k2tog, k3] repeat [to] across (36sts)
Row 6 – purl across
Row 7 – [k2tog, k2] repeat [to] across (27sts)
Row 8 – purl across
Row 9 – [k2tog, k1] repeat [to] across (18sts)
Row 10 – purl across
Row 11 – [k2tog] repeat [to] across (9sts)
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 all ends.
6-12 MONTHS
Cast on 189
YOUR TIES ARE IN THIS CAST ON. YOU WILL BIND OFF ON ROW 8 TO FINISH THE TIES.
Row 1 (wrong side) – P60, place marker, p69, place marker, p60
Row 2 – K60, sm, k2, yo, ssk [k1, k2tog, yo, k1, yo, ssk], repeat [to] to last 5 sts before next marker, k1, k2tog, yo, k2, sm, k60
Row 3 – Purl across
Row 4 – repeat row 2
Row 5 – purl across
Row 6 – k60, sm, k2, k2tog, yo, [k1, yo, ssk, k1, k2tog, yo], repeat [to] to last 5 sts before next marker, k1, yo, ssk, k2, sm. K60
Row 7 – purl across
Row 8 – bind off LOOSELY 60, remove marker, k2, k2tog, yo, [k1, yo, ssk, k1, k2tog, yo], repeat [to] to last 5 sts before next marker, k1, yo, ssk, k2, remove marker, bind off LOOSELY (69sts)
Cut Yarn. Rejoin at remaining sts.
Row 9 – purl across
Row 10 – k2, yo, ssk [k1, k2tog, yo, k1, yo, ssk], repeat [to] to last 5 sts, k1, k2tog, yo, k2
Row 11 – purl across
Row 12 – repeat row 10
Row 13 – purl across
Row 14 – k2, k2tog, yo, [k1, yo, ssk, k1, k2tog, yo], repeat [to] to last 5 sts, k1, yo, ssk, k2,
Row 15 – purl across
Row 16 – repeat row 14
Repeat rows 9-16 until your work measures 5.25in from cast on edge. Finish after completing a wrong side (purl) row. Place a marker on either end of your last row to mark where to sew the crown when completed.
DECREASES
Row 1 – k1 [k2tog, k15] repeat across (65sts)
Row 2 – purl across
Row 3 – k1 [k2tog, k5] repeat [to] across (56sts)
Row 4 – purl across
Row 5 – k1 [k2tog, k4] repeat [to] across (47sts)
Row 6 – purl across
Row 7 – k1 [k2tog, k3] repeat [to] across (38sts)
Row 8 – purl across
Row 9 – k1 [k2tog, k2] repeat [to] across (29sts)
Row 10 – purl across
Row 11 – k1 [k2tog, k1] repeat [to] across (20sts)
Row 12 – purl across
Row 13 – k1 [k2tog] repeat [to] across (11sts)
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 all ends.