Making Mittens

We have been enjoying some beautiful aspen color for the last couple of weeks, but the temperature is starting to drop along with the golden leaves - time to make a hat and maybe some mittens with the leftover yarn!

Materials:
I used Lonesome Stone Alpaca, but any 3-4 weight yarn will do.  Weight of yarn will naturally affect the gauge.
Size 4, 6, and 7 knitting needles (or again, needles that will get you the size you want).  I used circular for the hat, but you could make a seam if you want to use straight needles.

Hat

Cast on 56 stitches  size 6 needles.
K2, P2 ribbing for 7-8 rows.
Change to size 7 needles.
Stockinette stitch for the next 3-4 inches.
Crown:
Row 1   *K5, K2tog (rep from *)
Row 2 and all even numbered rows: K if using circular, P if using straight needles.
Row 3  *K4, K2tog (rep from *)
Row 5  *K3, K2 tog (rep from *)
Row 7  *K2, K2 tog (rep from *)
Row 9  *K1, K2 tog (rep from *)
Row 11* K2 tog (rep from *)
Run a yarn needle through remaining stitches, pull tight, seam if needed, weave in ends

Thumbless Mittens


Cast on 23 stitches on size 4 needles.
Row 1   P1, K1 across
Row 2   K1, P1 across
Repeat Rows 1 and 2 until you have 5 rows, ending after a Row1.
Change to size 6 needles and increase five stitches, evenly spaced (28 stitches).
Stockinette stitch for 6-7 rows.
On a purl row, purl 14, place a marker, purl to the end.
Shaping:
Row 1  K2, SL1, K1, PSSO, K to 3 before the marker, K2tog, K1, slip marker, K1, SL1, K1, PSSO, knit until four before end of row, K2tog, K2.
Row 2  Purl
Repeat these two rows until 16 stitches remain.
Last row - K2 tog across.
Draw yarn through remaining 8 stitches, pull tight, seam and weave ends.