Irocknits!
Fancy Felted Muff and Headband By Cori Eichelberger Yarn: 300 yards of a wool yarn that felts easily and 125 yards of a novelty yarn. NOTE: Every bit of novelty yarn is used in making the muff AND the headband. You may want to buy an extra skein for added insurance. The pink sample was knit with 2 skeins Cascade $220\#8505$ white and 2 skeins Lion Brand Fun Fur #195 hot pink and the green sample was knit with 2 skeins Cascade 220 #7814 and 2 skeins Lion Brand Fun Fur #895 lime. Wool is used double throughout and novelty yarn is used single throughout.
Needle:
Size13 ( $9\;\mathrm{mm})$ 16 inch circular needle Size 13 $(9\,\mathrm{mm})$ double pointed needles (for I-cord strap) Notions: 1 marker 1 piece one inch wide elastic approx. 6 inches long to size headband Gauge: Loose! The gauge doesn't have to be exact since you are felting. 12 sts and $18\;\mathrm{rows}=4^{\circ}\left(10\;\mathrm{cm}\right)$ in St st. Finished Measurements: After felting: $8^{\circ}\mathrm{~X~}8^{\circ}$ (strap is 24 inches long) Headband: 20 inches without elastic attached
Terms/Abbreviations used:
${\bf K}={\bf\delta}$ knit Stockinette stitch $=$ knit one row, purl one row For Muff: On size 13 (16-in circular needle) cast on 44 stitches, holding two strands of wool together. Join being careful not to twist, mark beginning of round and K one round. Add one strand of novelty yarn. Knit 50 rounds or until piece measures approx. 14 inches. Drop novelty yarn and K one round using two strands of wool held together. Cast off and weave in ends. For strap: Using two strands of wool (and 1 optional strand of novelty yarn) cast on 3 stitches and work 105 rounds of I-cord\* or 40 inches. I-cord: With dpn's, cast on 3 sts. Don't turn work. Slide these 3 stitches to the other end of the needle so the first stitch on the right is the stitch to be knit. Pull yarn end across back of work and knit across the 3 stitches. Slide stitches again and continue knitting 3 stitches until the I-cord measures correct length. Bind off. Attach the two ends to the (inside) top of the muff (before felting) with an overhand whip stitch straight across from each other on top side of muff. Headband: Using two strands of wool and 1 strand of novelty yarn cast on 8 stitches and work 100 rows in stockinette stitch or 28 inches in length. Bind off. Weave in ends. The sides of the headband will roll in after felting but using a steam iron to steam, NOT IRON (MELT), the headband or blocking pins will make it lie flat. \*see finishing directions below Felting Instructions: Optional: Place the knitted item in a mesh style lingerie bag or a zippered pillow protector to help protect your washer from excess lint. Set your washing machine on medium load, hot water and cold rinse. Add laundry soap, the item and an old sheet or pair of jeans to balance the load and help with agitation. Run one complete cycle. The first cycle won't always do much as felting usually takes more than one cycle. However, you may check your shrinkage during the cycle if you are concerned about size. After each cycle, shape the item with your hands. Even though it will unshape in the next cycle. After the last cycle, shape carefully with your hands and allow to dry completely. After the item is completely dry, use a disposable razor or shave off excess lint and fuzz. Finishing: Take one 6 inch piece of one inch wide elastic band and attach with needle and thread (or use machine) to each end of headband to exact fit Of head. $\mathcal{Q}2004$ All rights reserved. This pattern was written for personal use, please honor the copyright Irocknits! Designed by Cori Eichelberger 8595 Kelzer Pond Drive Victoria, MN 55386
