North Star {Knit Smock Stitch Kitty}

This is the seventeenth post in my North Star November series….a soul centered discussion about depression.  Each day this month, I’ll be sharing a piece of my soul’s journey, along with a free pattern to thank you for taking part in such an important conversation!  Catch up by reading Day 16.  Skip forward to Day 18.

Let’s get a bit scientific!

That last bit about diligence to self care helping to attract more care into your life, may have seemed a little woo-woo to you.

Well….prepare to get even more woo-woo now….and perhaps even a bit scientific!

Quantum mechanics has shown that electrons actually show up (seemingly out of nowhere!?) when given conscious observation.

What??

In other words, when we actively think about something (and in turn feel it in our bodies), we’re inviting it into our lives.

I invite you to read Breaking the Habit of Being Yourself or The Power of Now if you’d like to go deep into all the details.  They’re great, eye opening reads.

To put it all into super simple terms (because that’s all I’m capable of, haha!)…

The things we put our attention towards tend to show up in our lives.

So, for instance, if we’re spending lots of time worrying about our lack of money, things that tend to send us further into that state of lack will naturally show up.

Maybe you’ve seen it first hand…I know at our house, things like flat tires, burned out electronics, and expensive home repairs tend to happen when we have no money to fix them….and when we’ve been focused on that lack.

Conversely, when we’re feeling abundant and wealthy, things that support that feeling naturally start to occur.  For instance, shortly after Nick and I started to put more attention towards abundance rather than lack, his employers started talking about general pay raises for the department as they’re losing too many employees due to low pay.

Interesting, isn’t it?  This is a department that hasn’t talked pay raises in years.

Most people have heard of The Law of Attraction.  Well…it’s basically like that.

Higher energy output attracts higher energy input.

Higher energy output attracts higher energy input.

I’m telling you all of this because you have to believe self care is worth your time if you’re going to get diligent about it.

I’m here to tell you – the more you learn to care for YOU, the higher your energy (and the better your mood!) will be.  This higher energy that you put out into the world will naturally start to attract even more wonderful energy back to it.

So learning to think differently, be more aware, and identify and fill our own needs seems well worth our time.  In fact, what could possibly be more important??

The more soul centered work we do for/with ourselves, the more love, energy, connection, and beauty we can share with those most important in our lives.

Comment and tell me…

Have you ever experienced the law of attraction first hand?

{Though I do try to check all comments here on my blog regularly, it is not monitored 24/7.  If you’re struggling with suicidal thoughts, please reach out for help!  This suicide hotline is available 24 hours a day to support you: 1-800-273-8255}

Some more textured fun….

Smock Stitch Kitty Hat Knitting Pattern

I’m excited to be sharing my knit Smock Stitch Kitty Hat Pattern with you as today’s freebie for a couple of reasons.  First off, I love smock stitch – it’s fun to work up, and so so so pretty!  Secondly, the beautiful model is my gorgeous daughter and I love looking at her sweet little face!

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Smock Stitch Kitty Hat Knitting Pattern

Average Head Circumference Size Chart

Newborn:

13-14″ (33-35.5cm)

0-3 Months:

14-15″ (35.5-38cm)

3-6 Months:

14-17″ (35.5-43cm)

6-12 Months:

16-19″ (40.5-48cm)

Toddler 1-3 Years:

18-20″ (45.75-50.75cm)

Child 3-10 Years

19-20.5″ (48.25-52cm)

Teen

20.5-22″ (52-56cm)

Adult

21.5-22.5″ (54.5-57cm)

Materials

• Yarn: Approximately 80 yards of Fine Weight (2) yarn for smaller sizes, and approx. 150 yards for larger sizes.  (I used Yarn Bee Lace)
• Knitting Needles: Size 4.0mm (US 6) Double Pointed Needles (or use the Magic Loop Method)
• Yarn or Tapestry Needle

Gauge

12 sts and 17 rows = 2 inches (5 centimeters) in stockinette stitch

***It is important to check your gauge!***

Abbreviations

• K2tog: Knit two stitches together
• **: Repeat the section in between the two stars as specified
• {}: Designates Smock Stitch Section

Smock Stitch Photo Tutorial:

Newborn Pattern

CO 80 sts onto Double Pointed Needles (or use the Magic Loop Method) using Color 1 (Accent) Yarn

Join in the round and place stitch marker.

Round 1: *K2, P2* Repeat around

Repeat Round 1 until your project measures approx. 1.25 inches (3.25cm) in length from the cast on edge.

Drop Color 1 Yarn and Pick Up Color 2 (Main Color) Yarn

Round 2: Knit

Rounds 3-5: K25, {*K2, P2* Repeat 6 more times, K2}, K25

Round 6:  K25, {K2, P2, *With yarn in back, Insert your right hand needle, from the front, between stitches number 6&7 on your left hand needle.  Draw a loop of working yarn between these stitches and place the loop onto left hand needle in front of first stitch.  K2tog (loop and first stitch), K1, P2, K2, P2* Repeat 2 more times, K2}, K25

Rounds 7-9: K25, {*K2, P2* Repeat 6 more times, K2}, K25

Round 10: K25, {*With yarn in back, Insert your right hand needle, from the front, between stitches number 6&7 on your left hand needle.  Loosely draw a loop of working yarn between these stitches and place the loop onto left hand needle in front of first stitch.  K2tog (loop and first stitch), K1, P2, K2, P2* Repeat 2 more times, Insert your right hand needle, from the front, between stitches number 6&7 on your left hand needle.  Loosely draw a loop of working yarn between these stitches and place the loop onto left hand needle in front of first stitch.  K2tog (loop and first stitch), K1, P2, K2}, K25

Repeat rounds 3-10 until your piece measures approx. 5 inches (12.75cm) from the cast on edge.  End after repeat of either Round 5 or Round 9.

Knit 20 stitches. Turn your project inside out (purled side should be facing out) and move to straight needles (40 sts on each needle). Bind off using the Three Needle Bind Off method. Cut yarn, and secure and weave in all ends. Cut two small pieces of color 1 yarn and use them to tie the corners of the top of the hat as pictured.

Baby 0-3 Months Pattern

CO 88 sts onto Double Pointed Needles (or use the Magic Loop Method) using Color 1 (Accent) Yarn

Join in the round and place stitch marker.

Round 1: *K2, P2* Repeat around

Repeat Round 1 until your project measures approx. 1.25 inches (3.25cm) in length from the cast on edge.

Drop Color 1 Yarn and Pick Up Color 2 (Main Color) Yarn

Round 2: Knit

Rounds 3-5: K29, {*K2, P2* Repeat 6 more times, K2}, K29

Round 6:  K29, {K2, P2, *With yarn in back, Insert your right hand needle, from the front, between stitches number 6&7 on your left hand needle.  Draw a loop of working yarn between these stitches and place the loop onto left hand needle in front of first stitch.  K2tog (loop and first stitch), K1, P2, K2, P2* Repeat 2 more times, K2}, K29

Rounds 7-9: K29, {*K2, P2* Repeat 6 more times, K2}, K29

Round 10: K29, {*With yarn in back, Insert your right hand needle, from the front, between stitches number 6&7 on your left hand needle.  Loosely draw a loop of working yarn between these stitches and place the loop onto left hand needle in front of first stitch.  K2tog (loop and first stitch), K1, P2, K2, P2* Repeat 2 more times, Insert your right hand needle, from the front, between stitches number 6&7 on your left hand needle.  Loosely draw a loop of working yarn between these stitches and place the loop onto left hand needle in front of first stitch.  K2tog (loop and first stitch), K1, P2, K2}, K29

Repeat rounds 3-10 until your piece measures approx. 5.5 inches (14cm) from the cast on edge.  End after repeat of either Round 5 or Round 9.

Knit 22 stitches. Turn your project inside out (purled side should be facing out) and move to straight needles (44 sts on each needle). Bind off using the Three Needle Bind Off method. Cut yarn, and secure and weave in all ends. Cut two small pieces of color 1 yarn and use them to tie the corners of the top of the hat as pictured.

Baby 3-6 Months Pattern

CO 96 sts onto Double Pointed Needles (or use the Magic Loop Method) using Color 1 (Accent) Yarn

Join in the round and place stitch marker.

Round 1: *K2, P2* Repeat around

Repeat Round 1 until your project measures approx. 1.25 inches (3.25cm) in length from the cast on edge.

Drop Color 1 Yarn and Pick Up Color 2 (Main Color) Yarn

Round 2: Knit

Rounds 3-5: K33, {*K2, P2* Repeat 6 more times, K2}, K33

Round 6:  K33, {K2, P2, *With yarn in back, Insert your right hand needle, from the front, between stitches number 6&7 on your left hand needle.  Draw a loop of working yarn between these stitches and place the loop onto left hand needle in front of first stitch.  K2tog (loop and first stitch), K1, P2, K2, P2* Repeat 2 more times, K2}, K33

Rounds 7-9: K33, {*K2, P2* Repeat 6 more times, K2}, K33

Round 10: K33, {*With yarn in back, Insert your right hand needle, from the front, between stitches number 6&7 on your left hand needle.  Loosely draw a loop of working yarn between these stitches and place the loop onto left hand needle in front of first stitch.  K2tog (loop and first stitch), K1, P2, K2, P2* Repeat 2 more times, Insert your right hand needle, from the front, between stitches number 6&7 on your left hand needle.  Loosely draw a loop of working yarn between these stitches and place the loop onto left hand needle in front of first stitch.  K2tog (loop and first stitch), K1, P2, K2}, K33

Repeat rounds 3-10 until your piece measures approx. 6 inches (15.25cm) from the cast on edge.  End after repeat of either Round 5 or Round 9.

Knit 24 stitches. Turn your project inside out (purled side should be facing out) and move to straight needles (48 sts on each needle). Bind off using the Three Needle Bind Off method. Cut yarn, and secure and weave in all ends. Cut two small pieces of color 1 yarn and use them to tie the corners of the top of the hat as pictured.

Baby 6-12 Months Pattern

CO 104 sts onto Double Pointed Needles (or use the Magic Loop Method) using Color 1 (Accent) Yarn

Join in the round and place stitch marker.

Round 1: *K2, P2* Repeat around

Repeat Round 1 until your project measures approx. 1.25 inches (3.25cm) in length from the cast on edge.

Drop Color 1 Yarn and Pick Up Color 2 (Main Color) Yarn

Round 2: Knit

Rounds 3-5: K37, {*K2, P2* Repeat 6 more times, K2}, K37

Round 6:  K37, {K2, P2, *With yarn in back, Insert your right hand needle, from the front, between stitches number 6&7 on your left hand needle.  Draw a loop of working yarn between these stitches and place the loop onto left hand needle in front of first stitch.  K2tog (loop and first stitch), K1, P2, K2, P2* Repeat 2 more times, K2}, K37

Rounds 7-9: K37, {*K2, P2* Repeat 6 more times, K2}, K37

Round 10: K37, {*With yarn in back, Insert your right hand needle, from the front, between stitches number 6&7 on your left hand needle.  Loosely draw a loop of working yarn between these stitches and place the loop onto left hand needle in front of first stitch.  K2tog (loop and first stitch), K1, P2, K2, P2* Repeat 2 more times, Insert your right hand needle, from the front, between stitches number 6&7 on your left hand needle.  Loosely draw a loop of working yarn between these stitches and place the loop onto left hand needle in front of first stitch.  K2tog (loop and first stitch), K1, P2, K2}, K37

Repeat rounds 3-10 until your piece measures approx. 6.5 inches (16.5cm) from the cast on edge.  End after repeat of either Round 5 or Round 9.

Knit 26 stitches. Turn your project inside out (purled side should be facing out) and move to straight needles (52 sts on each needle). Bind off using the Three Needle Bind Off method. Cut yarn, and secure and weave in all ends. Cut two small pieces of color 1 yarn and use them to tie the corners of the top of the hat as pictured.

Toddler 1-3 Year Pattern

CO 112 sts onto Double Pointed Needles (or use the Magic Loop Method) using Color 1 (Accent) Yarn

Join in the round and place stitch marker.

Round 1: *K2, P2* Repeat around

Repeat Round 1 until your project measures approx. 1.25 inches (3.25cm) in length from the cast on edge.

Drop Color 1 Yarn and Pick Up Color 2 (Main Color) Yarn

Round 2: Knit

Rounds 3-5: K41, {*K2, P2* Repeat 6 more times, K2}, K41

Round 6:  K41, {K2, P2, *With yarn in back, Insert your right hand needle, from the front, between stitches number 6&7 on your left hand needle.  Draw a loop of working yarn between these stitches and place the loop onto left hand needle in front of first stitch.  K2tog (loop and first stitch), K1, P2, K2, P2* Repeat 2 more times, K2}, K41

Rounds 7-9: K41, {*K2, P2* Repeat 6 more times, K2}, K41

Round 10: K41, {*With yarn in back, Insert your right hand needle, from the front, between stitches number 6&7 on your left hand needle.  Loosely draw a loop of working yarn between these stitches and place the loop onto left hand needle in front of first stitch.  K2tog (loop and first stitch), K1, P2, K2, P2* Repeat 2 more times, Insert your right hand needle, from the front, between stitches number 6&7 on your left hand needle.  Loosely draw a loop of working yarn between these stitches and place the loop onto left hand needle in front of first stitch.  K2tog (loop and first stitch), K1, P2, K2}, K41

Repeat rounds 3-10 until your piece measures approx. 6.75 inches (17cm) from the cast on edge.  End after repeat of either Round 5 or Round 9.

Knit 28 stitches. Turn your project inside out (purled side should be facing out) and move to straight needles (56 sts on each needle). Bind off using the Three Needle Bind Off method. Cut yarn, and secure and weave in all ends. Cut two small pieces of color 1 yarn and use them to tie the corners of the top of the hat as pictured.

Child 3-10 Year Pattern

CO 116 sts onto Double Pointed Needles (or use the Magic Loop Method) using Color 1 (Accent) Yarn

Join in the round and place stitch marker.

Round 1: *K2, P2* Repeat around

Repeat Round 1 until your project measures approx. 1.25 inches (3.25cm) in length from the cast on edge.

Drop Color 1 Yarn and Pick Up Color 2 (Main Color) Yarn

Round 2: Knit

Rounds 3-5: K43, {*K2, P2* Repeat 6 more times, K2}, K43

Round 6:  K43, {K2, P2, *With yarn in back, Insert your right hand needle, from the front, between stitches number 6&7 on your left hand needle.  Draw a loop of working yarn between these stitches and place the loop onto left hand needle in front of first stitch.  K2tog (loop and first stitch), K1, P2, K2, P2* Repeat 2 more times, K2}, K43

Rounds 7-9: K43, {*K2, P2* Repeat 6 more times, K2}, K43

Round 10: K43, {*With yarn in back, Insert your right hand needle, from the front, between stitches number 6&7 on your left hand needle.  Loosely draw a loop of working yarn between these stitches and place the loop onto left hand needle in front of first stitch.  K2tog (loop and first stitch), K1, P2, K2, P2* Repeat 2 more times, Insert your right hand needle, from the front, between stitches number 6&7 on your left hand needle.  Loosely draw a loop of working yarn between these stitches and place the loop onto left hand needle in front of first stitch.  K2tog (loop and first stitch), K1, P2, K2}, K43

Repeat rounds 3-10 until your piece measures approx. 7 inches (17.75cm) from the cast on edge.  End after repeat of either Round 5 or Round 9.

Knit 29 stitches. Turn your project inside out (purled side should be facing out) and move to straight needles (58 sts on each needle). Bind off using the Three Needle Bind Off method. Cut yarn, and secure and weave in all ends. Cut two small pieces of color 1 yarn and use them to tie the corners of the top of the hat as pictured.

Pre-teen/Teen Pattern

CO 120 sts onto Double Pointed Needles (or use the Magic Loop Method) using Color 1 (Accent) Yarn

Join in the round and place stitch marker.

Round 1: *K2, P2* Repeat around

Repeat Round 1 until your project measures approx. 1.25 inches (3.25cm) in length from the cast on edge.

Drop Color 1 Yarn and Pick Up Color 2 (Main Color) Yarn

Round 2: Knit

Rounds 3-5: K45, {*K2, P2* Repeat 6 more times, K2}, K45

Round 6:  K45, {K2, P2, *With yarn in back, Insert your right hand needle, from the front, between stitches number 6&7 on your left hand needle.  Draw a loop of working yarn between these stitches and place the loop onto left hand needle in front of first stitch.  K2tog (loop and first stitch), K1, P2, K2, P2* Repeat 2 more times, K2}, K45

Rounds 7-9: K45, {*K2, P2* Repeat 6 more times, K2}, K45

Round 10: K45, {*With yarn in back, Insert your right hand needle, from the front, between stitches number 6&7 on your left hand needle.  Loosely draw a loop of working yarn between these stitches and place the loop onto left hand needle in front of first stitch.  K2tog (loop and first stitch), K1, P2, K2, P2* Repeat 2 more times, Insert your right hand needle, from the front, between stitches number 6&7 on your left hand needle.  Loosely draw a loop of working yarn between these stitches and place the loop onto left hand needle in front of first stitch.  K2tog (loop and first stitch), K1, P2, K2}, K45

Repeat rounds 3-10 until your piece measures approx. 7.5 inches (19cm) from the cast on edge.  End after repeat of either Round 5 or Round 9.

Knit 30 stitches. Turn your project inside out (purled side should be facing out) and move to straight needles (60 sts on each needle). Bind off using the Three Needle Bind Off method. Cut yarn, and secure and weave in all ends. Cut two small pieces of color 1 yarn and use them to tie the corners of the top of the hat as pictured.

Adult Pattern

CO 124 sts onto Double Pointed Needles (or use the Magic Loop Method) using Color 1 (Accent) Yarn

Join in the round and place stitch marker.

Round 1: *K2, P2* Repeat around

Repeat Round 1 until your project measures approx. 1.25 inches (3.25cm) in length from the cast on edge.

Drop Color 1 Yarn and Pick Up Color 2 (Main Color) Yarn

Round 2: Knit

Rounds 3-5: K47, {*K2, P2* Repeat 6 more times, K2}, K47

Round 6:  K47, {K2, P2, *With yarn in back, Insert your right hand needle, from the front, between stitches number 6&7 on your left hand needle.  Draw a loop of working yarn between these stitches and place the loop onto left hand needle in front of first stitch.  K2tog (loop and first stitch), K1, P2, K2, P2* Repeat 2 more times, K2}, K47

Rounds 7-9: K47, {*K2, P2* Repeat 6 more times, K2}, K47

Round 10: K47, {*With yarn in back, Insert your right hand needle, from the front, between stitches number 6&7 on your left hand needle.  Loosely draw a loop of working yarn between these stitches and place the loop onto left hand needle in front of first stitch.  K2tog (loop and first stitch), K1, P2, K2, P2* Repeat 2 more times, Insert your right hand needle, from the front, between stitches number 6&7 on your left hand needle.  Loosely draw a loop of working yarn between these stitches and place the loop onto left hand needle in front of first stitch.  K2tog (loop and first stitch), K1, P2, K2}, K47

Repeat rounds 3-10 until your piece measures approx. 8 inches (20.25cm) from the cast on edge.  End after repeat of either Round 5 or Round 9.

Knit 31 stitches. Turn your project inside out (purled side should be facing out) and move to straight needles (62 sts on each needle). Bind off using the Three Needle Bind Off method. Cut yarn, and secure and weave in all ends. Cut two small pieces of color 1 yarn and use them to tie the corners of the top of the hat as pictured.

This design, a written work and images are a copyright of
©MelodysMakings and may not be copied or reproduced in any way.

You have permission to sell finished products made from this pattern, but please leave a link to my website, www.melodys-makings.com, in your product listing specifying that I am the designer of this pattern.  Thank you for supporting me as a work at home mother!