Malabrigo quickies: Jacinda Hat and Cowl
Today’s Quickies project is truly a treat because it is a perfect pairing set and it is knit in one of my favorite Malabrigo yarns, Noventa. You are missing out if you haven’t knit with Noventa yet. This yarn is so soft, and it feels like you are knitting up a cloud. This set features a simple lace motif that is blown up to showcase the bulky nature of this base. Both pieces will work up quickly, and you’ll have a new wardrobe staple in a variety of colors in no time at all.
These pieces were designed by Katy Carrol, who identifies as a product knitter. She confesses that she knits almost everything for herself. Katy says that her pattern-writing goal is to make “stand-by” pieces - those knits you reach for again and again because they are fun to make, lovely to look at, and easy to wear. Her favorite knitting technique is cables, which she thinks makes everything better. :)
1: What is your favorite part of your Quickies design and why?
I always enjoy the challenge of designing things that show off Malabrigo’s distinctive variegated colorways! Also, I find that a bulky-weight piece makes the perfect “palate cleanser” in the middle of more lengthy projects.
2: What should knitters pay attention to when working this pattern? Do you have any tips or tricks that will make knitting this pattern easier?
Be mindful of your gauge - even a few stitches makes a difference in a yarn as thick as Noventa (I personally tend to knit somewhat tightly). It’s very easy to begin the crown decreases early, if you find the hat is coming out too high for your head.
Also, some testers easily modified the patterns to use Malabrigo Mecha, with beautiful results.
3: What do you think knitters will enjoy the most about this project?
The pieces work up so quickly and make an excellent showcase for the yarn!
4: What does your design process look like?
I have a collection of stitch dictionaries and I love to look through them for motifs that catch my eye. (One time a few years back, my youngest son thought he’d “help” me by removing all the Post-It notes. He informed me - “Your books were a mess. I cleaned them up for you.”)
I really love finding the sweet spot of a design that is both engaging to make and also has a smooth, intuitive flow. To paraphrase Tim Gunn of Project Runway, I want my patterns to feel “resolved”, that all the elements come together in a way that makes sense.
5: Was there any particular inspiration you had when creating this piece?
Because of the thickness of Noventa, I knew I’d have to be restrained in my choice of design elements. The lace column is only three stitches wide, but it still has a lot of visual impact!
6: What impact does the color of this project have on you? Did you make design choices based on the colorway name?
My original prototypes were in a semi-solid colorway (Sedimentario), but I adore the wildly exuberant speckles in Sea Slug and Sea Horse. You can’t help but smile when looking at them.
7: What is your favorite color in Malabrigo’s catalog?
Lettuce - one of the OGs!
8: What is the one thing you wish people knew about you as a designer?
That I truly care about creating an enjoyable, stress-free knitting experience for them. (I have an excellent tech editor - Lisa Beth of Meanest Mommy Knits.)
9. What beverage are you most likely to have by your side while designing?
A crisp Diet Coke. :)
Social Media Profiles
IG: @katinkadesigns
Ravelry ID: Katy H Carrol
Ravelry Group: https://www.ravelry.com/groups/katinka-designs
You can find the pattern:
Ravelry: https://www.ravelry.com/patterns/library/jacinda-hat--cowl
