Knitting

Free Patterns, Tutorials and Project Ideas

Giveaway: First Frost

by

first frost giveawayThis book has a strange title for one being given away in the middle of winter, but Lucinda Guy’s First Frost is full of fun projects to get you and yours through the frosty months.

It’s full of patterns inspired by the folk traditions of Scandinavia and the Nordic and Baltic countries and includes socks, gloves and mitts, tops, cushions, scarves, hats, a toy squirrel and a lovely project bag (which is actually one of my favorite projects in the book).

If you’d like a chance to win my copy, leave a comment on this post before the end of the day Sunday, February 8. For a change why don’t you tell me your favorite thing about winter, since so many of us are complaining about it by now.

Thanks for visiting, commenting and sharing, and good luck!

Comments

  2. Living in NC, I love seeing my daffodils poke their heads up through the fall leaves. Sorry, but it’s 60 degrees here today… And I don’t miss shoveling snow!

  3. My favorite thing about winter is when snow falls. It looks so peaceful and pretty. As long as I don’t have to drive in it, that is!

  5. My favorite thing about winter is how the freshly fallen snow will glisten like diamonds. Looks so pretty that I won’t even walk in certain places so the view isn’t destroyed by bootprints. I like sled riding too!!

  6. Favorite thing about winter…the combination of the steam from hot cocoa, the smell & warmth from a fire, combined with the crisp cool air drawn in with the cocooning texture of blanketing and a project splayed across my lap!

  7. Ground Hogs Day is come and gone, six more weeks of snow to come. New inspiration would be wonderful!

  8. I love sitting in my recliner by the picture window watching the snow fall or the birds in the trees. I sit all warm as I knit or cross stitch.

  9. My favorite thing about winter is the snow. I am still hoping to get some snow; we haven’t had any yet this season. So disappointing! 🙁

  10. My favorite thing about winter is curling up with a good book in front of an electric fire during a blizzard, knowing I won’t have to leave home for a few days!

  11. My favorite thing about winter is that it KILLS the bugs. I enjoy the pretty sparkle of new snow, the cozy feeling you get when you snuggle under an afghan with hot chocolate and watch the weather outside your warm room and the chance to concentrate on inward things, but the real joy in winter is the lack of the bugs.

  12. My favorite thing about with is sitting by a roaring fire with yarn and needles and not having to go outside. As I look at the blizzard happening outside my window… 🙂

  13. My favorite thing about winter is that the days kind of blur together and my nesting instinct goes into overdrive. That’s when I tend to redecorate, knit things for the home, and buy my wool for spring things.

  16. My favorite thing about winter is how quiet it is early in the morning after a snowfall.

  17. My favorite thing about winter is boots & lots of knitwear. I’m in northern California so, for the most part, our winters are not extreme. Not much snow so far this year.

  18. My favorite thing about winter is that I get to wear the beautiful cowls, scarves and mitts I’ve made! Now I’m working on some sweaters. Since I moved from Georgia to northern Minnesota – I’m going to need them. It was VERY cold last year here, not so much this year though.

  19. One of the things I love about winter is Snow days off from work. I always cook something special that I usually don’t have time to make and sit and knit every time I take a little brea. Actually doing that today as we woke up to 14″ of snow this morning.

  20. I live in New England, and even though I am not eager to shovel any more snow, I do love winter, especially the sunny, cold days. And I love a winter walk at dusk.

  22. Oh, goodness, there’s not much I like about winter now that I’m living in the frigid North! The best I can say is that the beginning of winter has some awesome holidays… 🙂

  23. I love snuggling up in my chair with a book, a blanket, and a cup of hot tea when it’s really cold and windy out.

  26. I love the cooler temperatures, not necessarily the snow and ice, but just having it cool enough to wear sweaters and socks without getting all sweaty! 🙂

  30. I live in Southern California so my favorite thing about winter is the rain. Just wish we got more of it. It would be nice to have a real thunder storm again too!

  31. Hi Sarah! I actually love winter as long as it’s not too cold 🙂 I like a little brisk cold that allows you to snuggle up under warm (knitted) layers.

    This books looks amazing. Thanks for another wonderful giveaway!!

  32. I don’t get snow where I live, but I love the crisp, clean, cold air. It feels good in my lungs!

  34. Ilike when you wake up to a fresh fallen snow without any tracks in it. It looks so soft and fluffy.

  36. I LOVE winter. 1st, it isn’t hot & humid summer. Then, sweaters!!! hot beverages, snuggling on the couch… Winter!!!!!!! Yessssssssssss!!

  37. I love being warm and cozy inside, knitting with a cat on my lap and a cup of tea while the snow falls. And best ever is a snow day from work, which we got yesterday. Nice.
    wahoomerryf on Ravelry

  38. Unfortunately we have not had enough winter here in California. But I am a sweatshirt/sweater girl, so I love being able to wear my favorites. And someday soon I will make a sweater 🙂

  39. I love how much fun my boys have in winter. The are definitely true swiss Canadian boys, loving anything to do with snow.

  41. I love snow and was sad that in my area we did not get our usual snow fall. Snow, winter, I want to knit, crochet, cook

  43. My favorite thing about winter is staying in the house in front of the fire! I am NOT fond of the cold 🙂

  45. who doesn’t love that diamond glitter that crisp snow gets under a full moon? Love winter and Ontario.

  46. My favorite thing about winter is… that it’s COLD!! It doesn’t bother me, if I’m wrapped up (and knitting indoors:). Thanks for the giveaway!

  47. I never get tired of watching the snow fall… from the comfort of my sofa under my favorite knitted afghan, of course!

  48. I actually like (I won’t go so far as to say love…) when the temperature dips. That’s when I can wear my hand knits without fear of overheating. So in the winter, I don’t feel guilty about having so many scarves, and hats, and mittens…

  49. One of my favorite things about winter is how it makes my normally stand-offish cat very cuddly!

    thanks for the giveaway!

Have you read?

8 Knitted Crown Patterns for Children and Adults

There is something rather wonderful about a knitted crown. It takes a little yarn, a few pointed peaks and suddenly someone is in charge of the birthday cake. Whether they should be trusted with that responsibility is another matter entirely.

I love small knitting projects that invite a bit of fun, and these knitted crown patterns have plenty of possibilities. Make one for a grandchild’s dress-up basket, start a handmade birthday tradition, or knit matching crowns for a family celebration. And yes, there are adult sizes too, because being the person who organised the food should surely come with some royal privileges.

A soft knitted crown also makes a lovely alternative to a cardboard party crown. You can choose a favourite colour, coordinate it with a costume, or make something special enough to bring out year after year. Mustard yellow has that classic storybook look, but dusty pink, forest green and jewel-toned purple would be beautiful too.

These crown knitting patterns include children’s and adult options, along with designs that can be adjusted to fit. Some are worked flat and seamed, while others use circular knitting techniques, so there is a nice mix depending on what you enjoy making.

Our Free Knitted Crown Pattern for Kids and Adults

Start with our own free knitted crown pattern for kids and adults on CraftBits. It’s a lovely starting point for a handmade birthday crown or an addition to the family dress-up collection, with children and grownups both invited to join the royal household. I would choose a colour the wearer already loves—there is no rule saying every crown has to be gold.

Sheep & Stitch Crown: An Adjustable Design with a Video Tutorial

The knit crown pattern from Sheep & Stitch uses worsted-weight yarn and straight needles, with a video tutorial to help you follow along. You repeat the pointed sections until the crown fits, then join the ends, making this a useful option for children or adults without relying entirely on an age label. I especially like the video support for knitters who prefer seeing the shaping happen before trying it themselves.

Jubilee Crown Headband: Baby Through Adult Sizes

Marianna’s Jubilee Crown Headband is a free DK-weight design with baby, child, teen and adult size options. It’s described as quick and easy, making it an appealing choice when someone announces they need a costume rather closer to the event than you would have preferred. I would keep the smallest versions simple and let the yarn colour provide the decoration.

Hobbii Knitted Crown: A Cosy Ribbed Headband

The free Knitted Crown Headband from Hobbii, designed by Katharina Müller of My Favourite Stitches, combines a ribbed band with crown points. It includes baby, child and adult sizes and is knitted in the round with two yarns held together. This is the one I would look at for a crown that doubles as a playful ear warmer—very useful when your little royal insists on wearing their costume outside.

Elegant Knit Crown: Two Stretchy Size Options

Kathryn Andrews’ Elegant Knit Crown is a free Ravelry download with a small toddler/child size and a large teen/adult size. Worked from the top down in worsted-weight yarn, it uses a small amount of yarn and relies on stretchy edges to accommodate a range of heads. It’s a handy option for using a treasured leftover colour that isn’t quite enough for a hat.

Simple Knitted Crown: A Grownup Birthday Crown

Nicky Barfoot’s Simple Knitted Crown is a free DK-weight pattern with seven points and an adult-sized fit. The listed finished circumference is 50 cm, designed to stretch to a 55 cm head, so check that measurement before choosing it as a gift. I like this option for a grownup birthday celebration, especially in a beautiful cotton yarn that lets the shape take centre stage.

Crowning Glory: A Flat-Knitted Crown for the Family

The free Crowning Glory pattern by MrsMeeseMakes is knitted flat and seamed, with the circumference adjusted through the number of points you make. The designer gives guidance for baby, toddler, child, teenager and adult versions, making it a flexible choice for a family set. This would be my pick if you enjoy straight-needle projects and want to check the length as you go.

Paintbox Yarns Party Crown: Child and Adult Versions

The free Paintbox Yarns Party Crown uses aran-weight yarn and includes separate child and adult instructions. The listed finished circumferences are 44 cm and 50 cm, and the pattern is rated intermediate. I would make a coordinated pair in different colours for a birthday child and their favourite grownup—matching enough for photographs, but easy to tell apart when the party gets busy.

Choosing the Right Size for a Knitted Crown

Measure around the wearer’s head where the crown will sit, then compare that measurement with the pattern’s sizing notes. A finished knitted circumference may be smaller than the intended head measurement because the fabric stretches; that is different from choosing a size that is simply too small.

For an adjustable design, check the fit before sewing the ends together. You want the crown to stay put comfortably, especially if its owner plans to spend the afternoon dancing, running or issuing important instructions to the dog.

Yarn choice matters too. A springy wool blend and a smooth cotton can behave quite differently, even when both carry the same yarn-weight label. Follow the pattern’s tension guidance and think about how the finished crown will be washed.

Make It a Birthday Tradition

My favourite idea is to knit a crown that comes out every birthday. Choose a colour that will grow with its wearer, tuck it away with the birthday candles, and let it become one of those small family things everyone remembers.

For children’s crowns, stitched details are a lovely way to personalise the design without adding loose decorations. A little embroidered initial or a few contrasting stitches can make a simple crown feel very much their own.

And if you happen to knit yourself one while making the children’s versions, I think that is entirely reasonable. Someone has to supervise the kingdom—and keep an eye on the cake.