Memoirs

Memoirs Knitting Pattern by Melissa Schaschwary

Project Overview

Memoirs is an intermediate-level knitting pattern set that includes instructions for creating a coordinated hat and mittens ensemble. This downloadable PDF pattern is designed by independent designer Melissa Schaschwary and offers detailed guidance for knitters looking to craft two complementary accessories in one project.

What is Being Made

The Memoirs pattern provides instructions for two distinct garments:

• Hat: A fitted circular knit hat featuring decorative lace ribbon and button embellishments
• Mittens: A pair of mittens with thumb gusset construction, also adorned with lace ribbon and button details

Yarn and Materials

This pattern calls for DK weight yarn (8 ply), specifically Shalimar Yarns Breathless DK, which offers 270 yards (247 meters) per skein. One skein is recommended for the hat and one skein for the mittens, making this an efficient project for yarn yardage. The yarn is measured at 11 wraps per inch (wpi), providing a standard gauge reference for yarn weight consistency.

Needles and Tools

For the Mittens:

• Size 5/3.75mm circular knitting needles, 36 inches or longer, or double-pointed needles (set of 4)
• Size 7/4.5mm circular knitting needles, 36 inches or longer, or double-pointed needles (set of 4)

For the Hat:

• Size 5/3.75mm circular knitting needles, 16 inches
• Size 7/4.5mm circular knitting needles, 16 inches
• Size 7/4.5mm double-pointed needles (set of 4)

Additional notions include a tapestry needle for weaving in ends, a large sewing needle with sharp tip for attaching lace, stitch markers for tracking the beginning of rounds and thumb gusset placement, and five straight pins for securing elements during construction.

Decorative Embellishments

The Memoirs pattern incorporates lace ribbon and buttons as key design elements. The pattern requires 1 yard of 1.5-inch-wide lace ribbon, divided as follows: two 8-inch pieces for the mittens and one 4-inch piece for the hat. Buttons measuring 12mm (or alternative sizes of the knitter's choice) are used for decoration, with 3 buttons for the hat and 10 buttons for the mittens.

Knitting Techniques and Stitches

This intermediate-level pattern employs circular knitting as the primary construction method, allowing for seamless garments worked in the round. The pattern utilizes stockinette stitch as the foundation fabric, which creates a smooth, classic knit surface.

Thumb gusset construction is featured in the mittens, a technique that increases stitches strategically to create shaping for the thumb opening. Stitch markers are used to track the gusset increases throughout the mitten body.

Cast-on techniques referenced in the pattern include the Alternate Cable Cast On and Long Tail Cast On, both fundamental methods for creating a secure, elastic foundation edge suitable for fitted accessories like hats and mittens.

Gauge

The pattern specifies a gauge of 20 stitches and 28 rows over 4 inches (10 centimeters) of stockinette stitch worked on size 7/4.5mm needles. Knitters are advised to adjust needle size as needed to achieve this gauge, ensuring the finished garments fit as intended.

Skill Level

Designed for intermediate knitters, the Memoirs pattern assumes familiarity with circular knitting, basic increases and decreases, and working with stitch markers. The combination of fitted shaping, thumb gusset construction, and decorative finishing techniques makes this an engaging project for knitters ready to advance beyond beginner patterns.