Welcome to Kate's Blog! 
Check back frequently for the latest updates and designs.
You can view other older posts from Kate on the Tot Toppers Blog

reGramps Slouch

Last month I got to go to Rhinebeck, NY to the New York Sheep & Wool Festival for the first time ever.  I loved everything about it, the landscape, the foliage, the animals, the shopping but more than anything...the people. I got to stay in an incredible old mill house with some beautiful people, inside and out. One of them was willing to be my photographer and another agreed to model the updated version of Gramps Slouch.

This Gramps is modeled by Kate Burge which you will recognize from Spincycle Yarns. I knit the hat in YOTH Daughter and behind the camera was Veronika the multitalented. Daughter has frequented my needles a lot the past few months, I just can't help it. After finishing a new sweater design (forthcoming) with the Natural Oatmeal colorway, I had a skein left and it was too perfect not to use it for a hat makeover.

I changed just a few rounds of the crown shaping at the very top because I decided I wanted to retain the stockinette background instead of the original reverse stockinette. The gauge is tweaked to reflect the yarn change but other than that, the design is the same and now has been added to the KO pop-up shop.

We took these photos outside our house where I really hope I get to go again next year.  I treasure my time with these women so much. They are all so inspiring and I constantly wonder how I got lucky enough to be included amidst such a group.

If you purchased a previous version of Gramps Slouch you have access to this updated one too. If you're new to the design, you can find it in my online shop, or on Ravelry, or elsewhere my designs are sold.

And PS, I did finish my own Gramps for Rhinebeck.  And yes I wore it even though it was warm! #Rhinebecksweatersuccess

Read More
Brochan Slouch, DK, Hat Kate Oates Brochan Slouch, DK, Hat Kate Oates

Brochan

Pattern Update: Brochan Slouch
Photography by Erica B. Studio + Design
Yarn: Dragonfly Fibers Traveller & YOTH Big Sister
Styling by Poshture Boutique; click to shop the Vest & Necklace

Brochan Slouch

This bottom-up stranded hat can be worn slouchy (above) or more fitted beanie-style with the brim flipped (below). It is sized for all ages, men or women, boy or girl.

Brochan Slouch

This sassy new sample features a 2-color version (the original pattern features 3) which I utilized with the colors of my Alma Mater, Clemson University. I actually started knitting this one when my husband and I were road tripping to the NCAA College Football Championship game last January. Clemson won so basically this hat brings All the Good Things.

Brochan Slouch

I also used a faux fur pom pom for the first time and I LOVE how fun it is. Plus it is easy and comes out perfect every time, ha!

Brochan Slouch

Brochan is updated with my new format and the 2-color version option; it also includes metric conversions and I was able to make the chart much larger.

Brochan Slouch

The design still includes all the sizes from infant to adult and a couple of the original photos too.  Because there were no substantive changes, I decided to include both versions of the pattern in the download.  Photo cred below to Veronika Jobe & Kickstand Studio.

Brochan Slouch YOTH

The original version is only 2 pages (smaller chart!) and has more pictures of the Child size, so if that suits you better, I figured there was no harm in keeping it available.

Brochan Slouch

Next week I am super excited to be heading to Rhinebeck, NY for the New York Sheep & Wool Festival for the FIRST TIME EVER. I have now completed two Rhinebeck Sweaters...one that is brand stinking new and one of the most challenging patterns just in terms of the writing and grading; it knits really fast but goodness I had to really do a lot of thinking for all the sizes. And the other is a new Gramps Cardigan for ME in YOTH Daughter's new colorway, Natural Oatmeal. Leave me a comment if you have been to the show in the past, are going to the show this year, have any tips for me OR if going is on your bucket list! Come on...that covers most everyone right  ;P

Read More