Tag: ski mask

Free Pattern: Pussy Riot Ski Mask

Katie FustichLeave a comment

pussy_riot_1_medium2

INTRO:

For those of you unfamiliar, Pussy Riot is a Russian feminist performance artist collective/punk rock band. They’re known for performing when and wherever they want and railing against the Russian government. Two members of the group recently served 21 months in a gulag after being arrested during a performance. For lack of a better term, Pussy Riot goes hard as hell.

I created this ski mask as a tribute to these awesome women. I hope you knit one and feel powerful and badass!

MATERIALS:

·      Approx. 300 yards of any worsted weight yarn

·      Size #8 (5.0mm) circular needles

·      Size #8 (5.0mm) double-pointed needles

·      Stitch marker, measuring tape, scissors, needle

ABBREVIATIONS USED:

·      k: knit

·      p: purl

·      k2tog: knit two stitches together

THE PATTERN:

Casting On:

Cast 72 stitches onto size #8 circular needles. I used the long-tail cast on method for a nice even edge.

Join your stitches to work in the round. Make sure your stitches aren’t twisted! Place a marker to indicate the start of the round.

Neck:

K1, P1 for 18 rounds.

The piece should measure approx. 3.5” at this point.

Head:

Following the 18 rows of ribbing, knit 1 row of purl.

Then, continue knitting in stockinette stitch for 4”. The entire piece should measure approx. 7.5” at this point.

Eye Hole:

To create the eye hole, you will briefly work back and forth before re-joining in the round to finish the crown of the head.

Row 1: First, cast off 24 stitches at the beginning of the round. Then knit to the end of the row. Now, turn the work so the wrong side is facing you.

Row 2: Purl

Row 3: Knit

Row 4: Purl

Row 5: Knit

Row 6: Purl

Row 7: Begin the row by casting on 24 stitches. Then finish the row knitting as normal. When you reach the end of the row, join the work and resume working in the round.

Crown:

Stockinette stitch for 12 rounds. It’s a good idea to try on the ski mask at this point and assess the fit. Depending on how the eye hole sits, you may want to add or subtract a few rounds at this point.

Begin decreases.

Row 1: {k2tog, k4} Repeat to end of round

Row 2: k

Row 3: {k2tog, k3} Repeat to end of round

Row 4: k

Row 5: {k2tog, k2} Repeat to end of round

Row 6: k

Row 7: {k2tog, k} Repeat to end of round

Row 8: k

Row 9: {k2tog} Repeat to end of round

Row 10: k

Cut yarn and weave through remaining stitches. Pull to close.

Eye Hole Band:

Pick up and knit 60 stitches around the circumference of the eye hole. Knit in stockinette stitch for three rounds. Bind off in purl.

Finishing:

Weave in all ends and wear!

pussy_riot2_medium2

currently reading + knitting + doing

Katie FustichLeave a comment

Reading:

  • All the Light We Cannot See by Anthony Doerr: I received this book as a birthday gift months ago and had avoided starting it. After all, the concept of reading yet another WWII story can be a bit daunting after experiencing the American public school English curriculum. Nevertheless, something compelled me to open this book about a month ago and I have never torn through something so quickly. Every page was beautiful, romantic, mysterious, and elegantly written. It’s a completely unique story set against a familiar backdrop. I’ll stop all of this embarrassing gushing now–just go read it!
  • Yes Please by Amy Poehler: A cute, quick, and not-too-involved memoir(ish). Perfect for the train.
  • Nothing to Envy: Ordinary Lives in North Korea by Barbara Demick: Void of sensationalism and opinion, this book is the most honest take I’ve ever come across regarding the history of modern North Korea. It follows students, doctors, relationships, mothers, teachers–each of their experiences unique.

Knitting:

  • Ski Mask: After the (possible spoiler?) Pussy Riot cameo in the new season of House of Cards, I had to. The yarn looks like vanilla ice cream with rainbow sprinkles and is squishy beyond compare. I have to finish up the eye hole area and of course add a redonkulous pom-pom, but after that–who’s down for a free pattern?
  • Baby Blue Pullover: Basically a conglomeration of various goofy 90’s Drops patterns–I was trying to formulate the perfect cropped, loose fitting jumper. I still have to sew it up and add the collar, so who knows what kind of results we’re talking.

Doing:

  • Glossier: The other Friday night, I was blessed enough for my bestie to come over with a brand new box of Glossier beauty products. We did the full facial routine and I think it’s safe to say we both felt like goddesses.
  • Bob Dylan Live 1966: My dad has a habit of mailing me CD’s of music he’s currently listening to. Earlier this week, I got this set in the mail without explanation. I’ve seen Bob Dylan in concert once, about five years ago, and I honestly couldn’t figure out a single song he was playing (except for at one point when someone threw a leopard skin pillbox hat onto the stage. Nice.). His early performances though? A++.

What are you into?

xxoo