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Inspiration Behind the Shey Bonnet
As a knitter, there’s nothing quite as satisfying as creating something special for those we cherish. One of my favorite projects, the Shey Bonnet, holds a particularly dear place in my heart. This delicate mohair lace bonnet is more than just a photo prop for newborns; it is a tribute to a dear friend and an incredibly talented professional photographer, Brittney of Brittney Shey Photography.
When I first conceived the idea for the Shey Bonnet, I wanted to design something that captured the elegance and ethereal quality of Brittney’s photography. Her ability to capture the pure, innocent beauty of newborns inspired me to create a piece that would enhance these moments with a touch of handcrafted love. The Shey Bonnet, with its delicate zig zag lace stitch pattern, became a perfect embodiment of this vision.
Choosing the Perfect Yarn
The choice of yarn was crucial to achieving the airy, light feel I wanted for this bonnet. Knitpicks Aloft, a blend of mohair and silk, was the ideal material. Its luxurious texture and slight halo effect give the bonnet a soft, almost dreamlike quality that is perfect for newborn photography. The yarn’s blend ensures that the bonnet is not only beautiful but also gentle against a baby’s sensitive skin. You can purchase the yarn for this project here.
The Design Process
Creating the Shey Bonnet was a labor of love. Each stitch, each row, was carefully considered to ensure that the final product would be both stunning and practical. The zig zag lace stitch pattern, which adorns the face of the bonnet, was chosen for its visual interest and the way it subtly frames a newborn’s face. This pattern is intricate enough to catch the eye, yet simple enough to not overpower the delicate features of a newborn.
Knitting the Shey Bonnet
As I knitted the first Shey Bonnet, I thought about the countless hours Brittney spends behind her camera, capturing fleeting moments that parents will treasure forever. I imagined the tiny babies she photographs, swaddled in soft blankets, their faces peeking out from under the bonnet. This image motivated me to ensure that the bonnet was not only aesthetically pleasing but also functional and comfortable.
The process of knitting the Shey Bonnet was meditative and fulfilling. Starting with the delicate mohair yarn and working through the lace pattern felt like a dance of the fingers, creating something beautiful from mere strands of fiber. The zig zag lace stitch, while requiring concentration, was incredibly rewarding as it began to take shape. Seeing the bonnet come to life, row by row, was a truly magical experience.
A Gift for a Friend
I remember the first time I handed the completed bonnet to Brittney. Her eyes lit up as she gently held it, marveling at the delicate lacework and the softness of the yarn. Seeing her reaction, I knew that the Shey Bonnet had achieved its purpose. It was more than just a knitting project; it was a heartfelt gift for a friend, a token of appreciation for her artistry, and a tool that would enhance her already stunning photography.
Feedback from Brittney
Brittney’s feedback was invaluable. She praised the bonnet’s fit and comfort, noting how it framed the babies’ faces perfectly in her photographs. Her professional insight assured me that the design was both practical and beautiful, fitting seamlessly into her photography sessions. The Shey Bonnet quickly became a favorite among parents, who loved the way it added a touch of handmade charm to their newborn’s photos.
The Journey of Connection and Creativity
The journey of creating the Shey Bonnet has been one of connection and creativity. It has strengthened my friendship with Brittney and allowed me to contribute to her work in a meaningful way. Each time I see one of her photographs featuring the Shey Bonnet, I feel a sense of pride and joy, knowing that my knitting has played a small part in preserving precious memories for families.
Encouragement for Fellow Knitters
If you’re a knitter looking for a rewarding project, I encourage you to try your hand at the Shey Bonnet. The combination of Knitpicks Aloft yarn and the zig zag lace stitch pattern creates a truly beautiful and functional piece. Not only will you enjoy the process of knitting this delicate bonnet, but you’ll also be creating something that can be cherished by new parents and admired in photographs for years to come.
The Power of Handmade Gifts
To all the knitters out there, remember that each project you undertake has the potential to touch lives and create lasting memories. The Shey Bonnet is a testament to the power of handmade gifts and the deep connections we can forge through our craft. Whether you knit it for a friend, a family member, or a professional photographer like Brittney, know that your work will be appreciated and treasured.
A Tribute to Brittney Shey Photography
In closing, I want to extend my deepest gratitude to Brittney Shey Photography for inspiring this pattern and for capturing the beauty of newborns with such grace and skill. The Shey Bonnet is dedicated to her and to all the photographers who work tirelessly to preserve the fleeting moments of infancy. May your work continue to bring joy and cherished memories to families around the world.
Happy knitting!
Materials and Info
Materials: Knit Picks Aloft (lace weight – 0), size 7 (4.5mm) straight and dpn, yarn needle
Gauge: 4.5sts x 8r per in ~GAUGE IS VERY IMPORTANT~
Stitch Key:
K – knit
P – purl
yo – yarn over
k2tog – knit 2 together
ssk – slip slip knit (slip sts purlwise)
sl – slip st knitwise
psso – pass slipped stitch over
Head circumference: nb (13ins). 0-3mths (14ins), 3-6mth (15ins), 6-12mths (16ins)
Shey Bonnet Pattern
Newborn
Cast on 51 sts using the E- cast on or your favorite stretchy cast on.
Row 1 – knit
Row 2 – knit
Row 3 – purl
Row 4 – knit 2 (yo, ssk, k7, k2tog, yo, k1) repeat () across until the last st, k1
Row 5 (and every other odd row) – purl
Row 6 – k2 (k1, yo, ssk, k5, k2tog, yo, k2) repeat () across until the last st, k1
Row 8 – k2 (k2, yo, ssk, k3, k2tog, yo, k3) repeat () across until the last st, k1
Row 10 – k2 (yo, ssk, k1, yo, ssk, k1, k2tog, yo, k1, k2tog, yo, k1) repeat () across until the last st, k1
Row 12 – k2 (k1, yo, ssk, k1, yo, sl, k2tog, psso, yo, k1, k2tog, yo, k2) repeat () across until the last st, k1
Row 14 – k2 (k2, yo, ssk, k3, k2tog, yo, k3) repeat () across until the last st, k1
Row 16 – k2 (k3, yo, ssk, k1, k2tog, yo, k4) repeat () across until the last st, k1
Row 18 – k2 (k4, yo, sl, k2tog, psso, yo, k5)repeat () across until the last st, k1
Continue working in stockinette st until your work measures 4ins from the cast on edge ending after completing a right side row.
You will now start working in the round. Switch to dpn here.
Round 1 – (k2tog, k15) repeat around(48sts)
Round 2 – (k2tog, k4) repeat around (40sts)
Round 3 – knit
Round 4 – (k2tog, k3) repeat around (32sts)
Round 5 – knit
Round 6 – (k2tog, k2) repeat around (24sts)
Round 7 – knit
Round 8 – (k2tog, k1) repeat around (16sts)
Do not bind off. Cut yarn and pull through remaining stitches. 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.
0-3mths
Cast on 55 sts using the E- cast on or your favorite stretchy cast on.
Row 1 – knit
Row 2 – knit
Row 3 – purl
Row 4 – knit 4 (yo, ssk, k7, k2tog, yo, k1) repeat () across until the last 3 sts, k3
Row 5 (and every other odd row) – purl
Row 6 – k4 (k1, yo, ssk, k5, k2tog, yo, k2) repeat () across until the last 3 sts, k3
Row 8 – k4 (k2, yo, ssk, k3, k2tog, yo, k3) repeat () across until the last 3 sts, k3
Row 10 – k4 (yo, ssk, k1, yo, ssk, k1, k2tog, yo, k1, k2tog, yo, k1) repeat () across until the last 3 sts, k3
Row 12 – k4 (k1, yo, ssk, k1, yo, sl, k2tog, psso, yo, k1, k2tog, yo, k2) repeat () across until the 3 sts, k3
Row 14 – k4 (k2, yo, ssk, k3, k2tog, yo, k3) repeat () across until the last 3 sts, k3
Row 16 – k4 (k3, yo, ssk, k1, k2tog, yo, k4) repeat () across until the last 3 sts, k3
Row 18 – k4 (k4, yo, sl, k2tog, psso, yo, k5)repeat () across until the last 3 sts, k3
Continue working in stockinette st until your work measures 4.5ins from the cast on edge ending after completing a right side row.
You will now start working in the round. Switch to dpn here.
Round 1 – k2tog, knit around (54sts)
Round 2 – (k2tog, k4) repeat around (45sts)
Round 3 – knit
Round 4 – (k2tog, k3) repeat around (36sts)
Round 5 – knit
Round 6 – (k2tog, k2) repeat around (27sts)
Round 7 – knit
Round 8 – (k2tog, k1) repeat around (18sts)
Do not bind off. Cut yarn and pull through remaining stitches. 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.
3-6mths
Cast on 61 sts using the E- cast on or your favorite stretchy cast on.
Row 1 – knit
Row 2 – knit
Row 3 – purl
Row 4 – knit 1 (yo, ssk, k7, k2tog, yo, k1) repeat () across
Row 5 (and every other odd row) – purl
Row 6 – k1 (k1, yo, ssk, k5, k2tog, yo, k2) repeat () across
Row 8 – k1 (k2, yo, ssk, k3, k2tog, yo, k3) repeat () across
Row 10 – k1 (yo, ssk, k1, yo, ssk, k1, k2tog, yo, k1, k2tog, yo, k1) repeat () across
Row 12 – k1 (k1, yo, ssk, k1, yo, sl, k2tog, psso, yo, k1, k2tog, yo, k2) repeat () across
Row 14 – k1 (k2, yo, ssk, k3, k2tog, yo, k3) repeat () across
Row 16 – k1 (k3, yo, ssk, k1, k2tog, yo, k4) repeat () across
Row 18 – k1 (k4, yo, sl, k2tog, psso, yo, k5)repeat () across
Continue working in stockinette st until your work measures 5ins from the cast on edge ending after completing a right side row.
You will now start working in the round. Switch to dpn here.
Round 1 – k2tog,knit around (60sts)
Round 2 – (k2tog, k4) repeat around (50sts)
Round 3 – knit
Round 4 – (k2tog, k3) repeat around (40sts)
Round 5 – knit
Round 6 – (k2tog, k2) repeat around (30sts)
Round 7 – knit
Round 8 – (k2tog, k1) repeat around (20sts)
Do not bind off. Cut yarn and pull through remaining stitches. 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.
6-12mths
Cast on 65 sts using the E- cast on or your favorite stretchy cast on.
Row 1 – knit
Row 2 – knit
Row 3 – purl
Row 4 – knit 3 (yo, ssk, k7, k2tog, yo, k1) repeat () across until you reach the last 2sts, k2
Row 5 (and every other odd row) – purl
Row 6 – k3 (k1, yo, ssk, k5, k2tog, yo, k2) repeat () across until you reach the last 2sts, k2
Row 8 – k3 (k2, yo, ssk, k3, k2tog, yo, k3) repeat () across until you reach the last 2sts, k2
Row 10 – k3 (yo, ssk, k1, yo, ssk, k1, k2tog, yo, k1, k2tog, yo, k1) repeat () across until you reach the last 2sts, k2
Row 12 – k3 (k1, yo, ssk, k1, yo, sl, k2tog, psso, yo, k1, k2tog, yo, k2) repeat () across until you reach the last 2sts, k2
Row 14 – k3 (k2, yo, ssk, k3, k2tog, yo, k3) repeat () across until you reach the last 2sts, k2
Row 16 – k3 (k3, yo, ssk, k1, k2tog, yo, k4) repeat () across until you reach the last 2sts, k2
Row 18 – k3 (k4, yo, sl, k2tog, psso, yo, k5)repeat () across until you reach the last 2sts, k2
Continue working in stockinette st until your work measures 5.5ins from the cast on edge ending after completing a right side row.
You will now start working in the round. Switch to dpn here.
Round 1 – (k2tog, k9) repeat around (60sts)
Round 2 – (k2tog, k4) repeat around (50sts)
Round 3 – knit
Round 4 – (k2tog, k3) repeat around (40sts)
Round 5 – knit
Round 6 – (k2tog, k2) repeat around (30sts)
Round 7 – knit
Round 8 – (k2tog, k1) repeat around (20sts)
Do not bind off. Cut yarn and pull through remaining stitches. 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.