Happy November! Not only is it prime knitting season (although I guess that depends on where you live, though, right?) but it is also prime gift knitting season, if that’s something that you are inclined towards doing, and today’s Quickie’s project could be a quick gift knit (or you can absolutely make one for yourself, I won’t tell!)

Dancing Diamonds Beanie is a pattern from Jessica Harnwell of Jessica Kate Handmade Knitwear. It is worked up in Dos Tierras and fits anyone from a newborn to an adult. Jessica fell in love with knitting 11 years ago, while pregnant with her first child (I can relate to that scenario!). She used the time during the Covid lockdowns to start writing and knitting for others on consignment. Jessica’s patterns are designed for simple elegance and feature simple repetitive techniques, featuring colors and textures destined to make any outfit pop!

I asked Jessica a little bit about the Dancing Diamonds Beanie and here is what I have to share with you all today!

1: What is your favorite part of your Quickies design and why?

Sometimes when a wet and windy weekend is coming up you just want to snuggle inside in front of the fire and knit. This is a great beanie design that can be knit with leftover wool from other projects and quick to knit.

2: What should knitters pay attention to when working this pattern? Do you have any tips?

Because of the colorwork down on the brim of the beanie it’s important to use a wool with some stretch. Malabrigo Dos Tierras was a perfect fit, giving enough stretch for a very comfortable beanie.

3: What do you think knitters will enjoy the most about this project?

It’s fast, but a fun design and there is some repetition of pattern. But still enough variety to enjoy the whole pattern

4: What does your design process look like?

Most of the time I see a yarn I just love, and the design comes from there. I always try and let the yarn shine through and then the stitches write themselves.

5: What is your favorite color in Malabrigo’s catalog?

This is a really hard choice, I love all of your colours. especially your purples. But I can’t go past Teal Feather. That is just perfect in every way.

6: What is the one thing you wish people knew about you as a designer?

I’m just a one band show. I’m a stay-at-home mum who loves knitting and wanted to see more simple yet elegant patterns being produced.

Dancing Diamonds Beanie can be found on Ravelry here:

And to check out more of Jessica’s work, you can follow on Instagram