Knit Picks Kelbourne Germantown Yarn Review & Free Hat Pattern
Hi Guys! Welcome to my blog! Incase you have been following me for awhile, don’t worry. I have updated my website, but it is taking me a little while to go through and republish my old blog posts and interviews… however, they will be available soon! I am so excited for this weeks post. I got to play around with designing and some new yarn & needles from Knit Picks.
If you keep up to date with my Instagram (if you don’t make sure to click the link in the header to follow!), I relieved an amazing package from Knit Picks that I did an unboxing of on my IGTV. There were many different yarns that I showed, but the one that I was most curious about was the Kelbourne Germantown Yarns that they have recently launched. On their site, you will see that they describe Kelbourne Woolens Germantown yarn has been around since the 1800’s and has become known for their “good quality worsted yarn”. They were not kidding! I was slightly skeptical when I read that it’s makeup is 100% US Grown Wool, because I have to come to find out in the past with US Grown Wools (especially if they are blends and not one specific breed) can be very rustic and scratchy. I expected this Germantown yarn to be as well, however I was completely wrong!
This yarn is obviously wool, so it has some of the classic characteristics however it is soft and squishy at the same time. Just the right amount of “rustic” where the yarn is somewhat grippy but yet it is soft enough to be flush with skin. Not only does the yarn feel amazing, this yarn is WARM. I know I should not be surprised because it is wool, but sometimes I have found yarns that are 100% wools but yet still somehow do not insulate warmth very well. Not the case with the Germantown wool. I was wearing it this morning just admiring my stitching and I couldn’t wear it that long because of how warm my head was getting. Then, when I had my mom and friends model the hat pattern that you will see below, they said the exact same thing! I am honestly blown away with this yarn and I cannot wait to make all the things with it! Make sure to check out all the colors they have to offer! I highly encourage you to try out this yarn!
As well as trying out new yarns, I also have been testing out a new needle set that I received from Knit Picks! In that same package that the yarn came in, I also got the Knit Picks Four Square Needles. This year I have been very curious about square knitting needles, and now I got to try them out. Just like the Germantown yarn, these needles did not disappoint! These Four Square Needles are some of the best needles I have every worked with and they have become my go to needles when working on any new project! I absolutely love them. Now, you might be asking what is so special about them. Well, let me tell ya! As most of you know, I am a die hard nickel plated needle dude. Wooden needles used to frustrate me so much! They do not allow me to knit as fast, but sometimes they can be very grippy which makes working intricate stitches very difficult. Well, I think I am converting… sort of. These Four Square needles literally slide the same, if not better than, my nickle plated needle set. If I were knitting with my eyes shut, I probably could not tell the difference, except for the fact that they are square. That leads me to my next point. I have always had some slight case of tendonitis in my arms. This might be due to the fact that I have played Viola and tennis for many years, but now when I knit for a long period of time, it can be very painful. I heard a while ago that square needles are supposed to help with that, which is my main reason for wanting to try out these needles. Whelp, all my sources were correct! Ever since knitting with these needles, my pain has been gone. It is amazing. I also got the short needle set so that might play a factor in the ergonomics of the needles, but anyways they are great and they come in handy when I am knitting hats or complex stitches! Every part of these needles are amazing and I would highly recommend them! I also wanted to note (because I get asked this alot), the cable join and the join between the wood and the metal is seamless and does not catch at all.
Recently, I have become an affiliate for Knit Picks and I would love if you help me out and shop through my link (SHOPPING LINK) if you are interested in trying out the Germantown yarn or the needles! I would greatly appreciate it and it will allow to continue to provide free patterns like the one in this post! Now onto the pattern… which is what you have all been waiting for!
I have been posting about this on Instagram, but I have started a “Recreating Movie Knits” Series, where I test my knowledge and skill and attempt to recreate my favorite movie knits to the best of my ability. Well, here is my first installment! This is the hat worn by Anna Kendrick who plays Noelle Kringle in the movie, Noelle. I think the final result is very similar and I am very happy with it! Of course, it is using the Kelbourne Germantown Yarn that I just reviewed and I if you are interested in trying out that yarn, this is the perfect pattern for it! It only takes one skein and is the coziest accessory to add to your wardrobe this winter! Also, I do offer this as a free pattern and if you would like to support me so I can continue to share free patterns like these consider “buying me a coffee” throught the link below! It will help pay for the yarn and the costs to make the pattern. Thanks!
Noelle Kringle Hat Pattern
Featured Yarn: Knit Picks Kelbourne Germantown Wool, 100% US Grown Wool; 220 yd / 100 grams.
Yardage: 1 skein in the colorway, Persian Red.
Needles:
Note: Adjust needle size as necessary in order to meet gauge.
US 8 (5 mm), 16” (40 cm) recommended cable length.
US 9 (5.5 mm), 16” (40 cm) recommended cable length.
Gauge:
2x2 Ribbing in the Round, smaller needles:
16 sts x 32 rnds = 4” (10 cm).
Notions:
Tapestry Needle
Stitch Marker (for BOR)
Fur Pom Pom. I got mine from Joanns, here is the link: Pom Poms
Directions
Using the 2x2 Tubular cast on in the round technique, cast on 84 sts. If you have not worked this technique before here is an amazing blog post that can walk you through it! 2x2 Tubular Cast On Tutorial
Ribbing
Round 1: *K2, p2; repeat from * around.
Repeat Round 1 until piece measures 5.5” (14 cm).
Body of the Hat
Round 1: [K2, p2, (k1, p1) x 3, p2] x7.
Round 2: [K2, p2 (p1, k1) x 3, p2] x 7.
Repeat Rounds 1 - 2 until piece measures 11.5” (30 cm) from cast on, ending on a Round 1.
Decreases
Round 1: [K2, p2tog, (p1, k1) x 3, p2tog] x 7. (70 sts)
Round 2: [K2, p2, (p1, k1) x 2, p2] x 7.
Round 3: [K2, p2, (k1, p1) x 2, p2] x 7.
Round 4: Same as Round 2.
Round 5: [K2, p2tog, (k1, p1) x 2, p2tog] x 7. (56 sts)
Round 6: [K2, p2, k1, p1, p2] x 7.
Round 7: [K2, p2tog, k2tog, p2tog] x 7. (35 sts)
Round 8: [K2, k1, p1, k1] x 7.
Round 8: [K2, CDD] x7. (21 sts)
Round 9: [K1, k2tog] (14 sts)
Break yarn leaving around a 6” (15.2 cm) tail. Using the tapestry needle thread the tail through the remaining stitches and pull tight to close the top of the crown.
Block accordingly and sew on your pom pom! Enjoy your “Noelle” Hat! I would love to see what you make so make sure to tag me @woolenthusiast on Instagram and use the #ReplicatedNoelleKnit!
I really hope you enjoyed this blog post and freebie pattern! Remember to tag me on Instagram and if you planning to use Knit Picks yarns when knitting this pattern, shop using the links above! I would greatly appreciate it!
Happy Making!