North Star {Nicholas Slouch Knit}
This is the eleventh 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 10. Skip forward to Day 12.
Knitting as Meditation
Now here’s where we knitters and crocheters have a leg up on depression!
Even if you’re not familiar with the term “Mindfulness,” I’d take a chance in saying that you’ve probably still experienced it first hand.
Every time you’re entirely absorbed in a knit or crochet project, you’re being really mindful. When you can feel the yarn running through your hands, when you’re counting stitches and analyzing to make sure you did that last bit correctly…that’s a form of mindfulness.
Shutting your repetitive thought trains off and paying careful attention to what you’re doing in the moment (in this case knit or crochet) is mindfulness.
Thoughts will continue to pop into mind, but when working on a project, it’s quite simple to observe them and let them go.
So you probably already have practice at this…
Yarn
Cool, right!?
Theoretically (something I’ve been playing with), you could even make a 30-45 min. crafting session a practice in active mindfulness. Simply keep non-judgmentally pulling yourself away from your thoughts, and back to the present moment.
That’s all it takes!
Comment and tell me…
Have you ever experienced this type of crafty mindfulness? On purpose or by chance?
{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}
Another awesome pattern….
I’m looking forward to the conversation on today’s post. Again, thank you for joining in this discussion! Enjoy this free knit slouchy hat pattern. It’s a fun and easy knit, and works up beautifully for both men and women! Love that men can wear it right over the top of their baseball caps too.
Knit Slouchy Hat Pattern
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Nicholas Slouch Hat Knitting Pattern
Average Head Circumference Size Chart
19-20.5″ (48.25-52cm)
20.5-22.5″ (52-57cm)
21″-22″ (50.75-53.25cm)
22-24″ (53.25-61cm)
Materials
- Yarn: Approximately 135 yards of Super Fine (1) yarn for smallest size and approx. 180 yards for largest size (I used Loops and Threads – Woolike)
- Knitting Needles: Size 4.0 mm (US6) Double Pointed Needles (or use the Magic Loop Method) OR whatever size is needed to obtain gauge
- Yarn or Tapestry Needle
Gauge
14 sts and 18 rows = 2 inches (5 centimeters) in Stockinette Stitch
***It is important to check your gauge!***
Abbreviations
- K: Knit
- P: Purl
- M1 (Make 1): On a knit row: Insert left needle, front to back, under the strand between st on left needle and st on right needle making a new loop on left needle. Knit this loop through the back.
- K2tog: Knit the next two stitches together
- **: Repeat the section in between the two stars as specified
Child 3-10 Year Pattern
Cast on 140 sts
Join in the round and place stitch marker
Round 1: *K1, P1* Repeat around
Repeat Round 1 until the ribbed section that you just created measures approx. 1.5 inches (3.75cm) from the cast on edge.
Round 2: Knit
Round 3: *K1, M1, K22* Repeat 5 more times, K2 (146 total sts)
Round 4: *K12, M1, K12* Repeat 5 more times, K2 (152 total sts)
Rounds 5-11: Knit
Round 12: *K12, K2tog, K11* Repeat 5 more times, K2 (146 total sts)
Round 13: *K2tog, K22* Repeat 5 more times, K2 (140 total sts)
Round 14: Knit
Round 15: *K1, P1* Repeat around
Repeat Round 15 until your project measures approx. 4 inches (10.25cm) from the cast on edge.
Rounds 16-28: Repeat Rounds 2-14
Round 29: *K1, P1* Repeat around
Repeat Round 29 until your project measures approx. 7 inches (17.75cm) from the cast on edge.
Decreases:
Round 1: *K2tog, K13* Repeat 8 more times, K5 (131 total sts)
Round 2: *K2tog, K12* Repeat 8 more times, K5 (122 total sts)
Round 3: *K2tog, K11* Repeat 8 more times, K5 (113 total sts)
Round 4: *K2tog, K10* Repeat 8 more times, K5 (104 total sts)
Round 5: *K2tog, K9* Repeat 8 more times, K5 (95 total sts)
Round 6: *K2tog, K8* Repeat 8 more times, K5 (86 total sts)
Round 7: *K2tog, K7* Repeat 8 more times, K5 (77 total sts)
Round 8: *K2tog, K6* Repeat 8 more times, K5 (69 total sts)
Round 9: *K2tog, K5* Repeat 8 more times, K5 (60 total sts)
Round 10: *K2tog, K4* Repeat 8 more times, K5 (51 total sts)
Round 11: *K2tog, K3* Repeat 8 more times, K5 (42 total sts)
Round 12: *K2tog, K2* Repeat 8 more times, K5 (33 total sts)
Round 13: *K2tog, K1* Repeat 8 more times, K5 (24 total sts)
Round 14: *K2tog* Repeat 8 more times, K5 (12 total sts)
Round 15: *K2tog* Repeat around (6 total sts)
Do not bind off. Cut approx. 7 inch tail. Using yarn needle, remove all sts from DPNs or magic loop, as if to purl. Pull tail through sts to cinch the top of hat. Using yarn needle, pull tail through to the inside of the hat. Tie a knot and weave in ends.
Teen Pattern
Cast on 146 sts
Join in the round and place stitch marker
Round 1: *K1, P1* Repeat around
Repeat Round 1 until the ribbed section that you just created measures approx. 1.5 inches (3.75cm) from the cast on edge.
Round 2: Knit
Round 3: *K1, M1, K23* Repeat 5 more times, K2 (152 total sts)
Round 4: *K12, M1, K12* Repeat 5 more times, K8 (158 total sts)
Rounds 5-11: Knit
Round 12: *K12, K2tog, K12* Repeat 5 more times, K2 (152 total sts)
Round 13: *K2tog, K23* Repeat 5 more times, K2 (146 total sts)
Round 14: Knit
Round 15: *K1, P1* Repeat around
Repeat Round 15 until your project measures approx. 4 inches (10.25cm) from the cast on edge.
Rounds 16-28: Repeat Rounds 2-14
Round 29: *K1, P1* Repeat around
Repeat Round 29 until your project measures approx. 7 inches (17.75cm) from the cast on edge.
Rounds 30-42: Repeat Rounds 2-14
Decreases:
Round 1: *K2tog, K14* Repeat 8 more times, K2 (135 total sts)
Round 2: *K2tog, K13* Repeat 8 more times, K2 (126 total sts)
Round 3: *K2tog, K12* Repeat 8 more times, K2 (117 total sts)
Round 4: *K2tog, K11* Repeat 8 more times, K2 (108 total sts)
Round 5: *K2tog, K10* Repeat 8 more times, K2 (99 total sts)
Round 6: *K2tog, K9* Repeat 8 more times, K2 (90 total sts)
Round 7: *K2tog, K8* Repeat 8 more times, K2 (81 total sts)
Round 8: *K2tog, K7* Repeat 8 more times, K2 (72 total sts)
Round 9: *K2tog, K6* Repeat 8 more times, K2 (63 total sts)
Round 10: *K2tog, K5* Repeat 8 more times, K2 (54 total sts)
Round 11: *K2tog, K4* Repeat 8 more times, K2 (45 total sts)
Round 12: *K2tog, K3* Repeat 8 more times, K2 (36 total sts)
Round 13: *K2tog, K2* Repeat 8 more times, K2 (27 total sts)
Round 14: *K2tog, K1* Repeat 8 more times, K2 (18 total sts)
Round 15: *K2tog* Repeat around (9 total sts)
Do not bind off. Cut approx. 7 inch tail. Using yarn needle, remove all sts from DPNs or magic loop, as if to purl. Pull tail through sts to cinch the top of hat. Using yarn needle, pull tail through to the inside of the hat. Tie a knot and weave in ends.
Adult Female Pattern
Cast on 154 sts
Join in the round and place stitch marker
Round 1: *K1, P1* Repeat around
Repeat Round 1 until the ribbed section that you just created measures approx. 1.5 inches (3.75cm) from the cast on edge.
Round 2: Knit
Round 3: *K1, M1, K27* Repeat 4 more times, K1, M1, K13 (160 total sts)
Round 4: *K15, M1, K15* Repeat 4 more times, K10 (165 total sts)
Rounds 5-11: Knit
Round 12: *K14, K2tog, K15* Repeat 4 more times, K10 (160 total sts)
Round 13: *K2tog, K27* Repeat 4 more times, K2tog, K13 (154 total sts)
Round 14: Knit
Round 15: *K1, P1* Repeat around
Repeat Round 15 until your project measures approx. 4 inches (10.25cm) from the cast on edge.
Rounds 16-28: Repeat Rounds 2-14
Round 29: *K1, P1* Repeat around
Repeat Round 29 until your project measures approx. 7 inches (17.75cm) from the cast on edge.
Rounds 30-42: Repeat Rounds 2-14
Round 43: *K1, P1* Repeat around
Repeat Round 43 until your project measures approx. 10 inches (25.5cm) from the cast on edge.
Decreases:
Round 1: *K2tog, K15* Repeat 8 more times, K1 (145 total sts)
Round 2: *K2tog, K14* Repeat 8 more times, K1 (135 total sts)
Round 3: *K2tog, K13* Repeat 8 more times, K1 (126 total sts)
Round 4: *K2tog, K12* Repeat 8 more times, K1 (117 total sts)
Round 5: *K2tog, K11* Repeat 8 more times, K1 (108 total sts)
Round 6: *K2tog, K10* Repeat 8 more times, K1 (99 total sts)
Round 7: *K2tog, K9* Repeat 8 more times, K1 (90 total sts)
Round 8: *K2tog, K8* Repeat 8 more times, K1 (81 total sts)
Round 9: *K2tog, K7* Repeat 8 more times, K1 (72 total sts)
Round 10: *K2tog, K6* Repeat 8 more times, K1 (63 total sts)
Round 11: *K2tog, K5* Repeat 8 more times, K1 (54 total sts)
Round 12: *K2tog, K4* Repeat 8 more times, K1 (45 total sts)
Round 13: *K2tog, K3* Repeat 8 more times, K1 (36 total sts)
Round 14: *K2tog, K2* Repeat 8 more times, K1 (27 total sts)
Round 15: *K2tog, K1* Repeat 8 more times, K1 (18 total sts)
Round 16: *K2tog* Repeat around (9 total sts)
Do not bind off. Cut approx. 7 inch tail. Using yarn needle, remove all sts from DPNs or magic loop, as if to purl. Pull tail through sts to cinch the top of hat. Using yarn needle, pull tail through to the inside of the hat. Tie a knot and weave in ends.
Adult Male Pattern
Cast on 162 sts
Join in the round and place stitch marker
Round 1: *K1, P1* Repeat around
Repeat Round 1 until the ribbed section that you just created measures approx. 1.5 inches (3.75cm) from the cast on edge.
Round 2: Knit
Round 3: *K1, M1, K26* Repeat around (168 total sts)
Round 4: *K14, M1, K14* Repeat around (174 total sts)
Rounds 5-11: Knit
Round 12: *K13, K2tog, K14* Repeat around (168 total sts)
Round 13: *K2tog, K26* Repeat around (162 total sts)
Round 14: Knit
Round 15: *K1, P1* Repeat around
Repeat Round 15 until your project measures approx. 4.5 inches (11.5cm) from the cast on edge.
Rounds 16-28: Repeat Rounds 2-14
Round 29: *K1, P1* Repeat around
Repeat Round 29 until your project measures approx. 7.5 inches (19cm) from the cast on edge.
Rounds 30-42: Repeat Rounds 2-14
Round 43: *K1, P1* Repeat around
Repeat Round 43 until your project measures approx. 10.5 inches (26.5cm) from the cast on edge.
Decreases:
Round 1: *K2tog, K16* Repeat around (153 total sts)
Round 2: *K2tog, K15* Repeat around (144 total sts)
Round 3: *K2tog, K14* Repeat around (135 total sts)
Round 4: *K2tog, K13* Repeat around (126 total sts)
Round 5: *K2tog, K12* Repeat around (117 total sts)
Round 6: *K2tog, K11* Repeat around (108 total sts)
Round 7: *K2tog, K10* Repeat around (99 total sts)
Round 8: *K2tog, K9* Repeat around (90 total sts)
Round 9: *K2tog, K8* Repeat around (81 total sts)
Round 10: *K2tog, K7* Repeat around (72 total sts)
Round 11: *K2tog, K6* Repeat around (63 total sts)
Round 12: *K2tog, K5* Repeat around (54 total sts)
Round 13: *K2tog, K4* Repeat around (45 total sts)
Round 14: *K2tog, K3* Repeat around (36 total sts)
Round 15: *K2tog, K2* Repeat around (27 total sts)
Round 16: *K2tog, K1* Repeat around (18 total sts)
Round 17: *K2tog* Repeat around (9 total sts)
Do not bind off. Cut approx. 7 inch tail. Using yarn needle, remove all sts from DPNs or magic loop, as if to purl. Pull tail through sts to cinch the top of hat. Using yarn needle, pull tail through to the inside of the hat. Tie a knot and weave in ends.
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!
30 Comments On “North Star {Nicholas Slouch Knit}”
Comments are closed.
When my grandson died at 5 months old, I knit as a way of working through my grief. I knit something for each member of my daughter’s family. It truely helped me cope.
Sounds like a beautiful, healing project. Sending love <3
Thank you for this post. I’ve been trying to incorporate meditation practice into my life for the last few years, but always feel guilty for “sitting and doing nothing”.
Tomorrow, I’m going to try sitting and knitting quietly for 1/2 hour (no tv, no radio, no reading).
Wish me luck!
Sending lots of luck! I know that feeling…but leisure time and meditation are about personal growth and happiness…so it’s not doing nothing – it’s important!
At times in life I’m mindful when concentrating with what I’m doing, like crocheting, cleaning, computer and at rare times a person may be in the same room and I don’t notice till later!
my mom passed away suddenly 1 year 9 months ago and I still find it hard
some days to mindful in my crafts so I have to lay it aside and not.
I believe I have dealt with depression most of my life although those
around me would dispute that statement. Just goes to show they do not know me like they think. I do not show myself to everyone because they
just don’t want to know because they do not know what to say or do.
I pray, I read uplifting passages, I try to be around positive people,
I share only with those that I know truly want to know. It is a process.
Thank you for your candid thoughts and I truly wish you success every minute of every day. Because sometimes it is a minute by minute deal.
Enjoy your Sunday.
Minute by minute truly is the truth! I’ll take more good than bad though….that’s enough 🙂
I am having problems downloading the slouch hat pattern from my ravelry account so I can print it. It just keeps taking back to the severity pattern order page. Any help?
It is a wonderful hat
S
Are you on the Serenity Slouch or the Nicholas Slouch? Once you’ve put your info. into the form on this page, I’ll send you a coupon code for Ravelry.
Mindfulness is the only way I have maintained my sanity over the years.
I kniyt, racketeering cards for shutins, do bible art, etc. If I need to get away from all the unsolicited input and the replays of my mind I turn to knitting, a good boo or some other creative venture. I didn’t know it had a bad like mindfullness.
“Have you ever experienced this type of crafty mindfulness? On purpose or by chance? ”
As someone who deals with attention deficit – I have developed techniques that I use to bring me back to “the here and now” and I wonder if this is the same thing you are talking about. A “refocusing”.
Hope you have a blessed day!
I want to hear about your refocusing techniques!
Thank you for starting this much needed open discussion on mental health. My daughter in law just told me both my son and daughter comment that I stay too calm and relaxed (is there such a thing?) and would like me to react to situations more. By nature I am a calm person, by life lessons I’ve become peaceful. Yes knitting and crocheting help tremendously but I’ve had bouts with depression and anxiety, I lost my mom and 2 of her siblings to suicide and my oldest son to schizophrenia. Daily I make a conscious decision to live in a state of peace that surpasses all human understanding.
Another thing (and I’d love for this to go viral) I sing out loud on days I’m feeling down. My favorite song is “What a Wonderful World”. Studies have shown singing either alone or in a group can lift feelings of depression. I would like to start a challenge of sorts and have people video themselves singing a song that helps them, somehow have others donate and have that money go to a group that benefits mental health awareness.
I don’t have a great singing voice and I’m extremely camera phobic but here is my video, anyone else willing to join in?
https://share.icloud.com/photos/0TLImYMcpELcRmiI_2SfHNFsA
Love it! What a cool competition that might be 🙂
Whether I am knitting or sewing it helps me cope. I find it relaxing and stress relieving, now if I could find a position so that I don’t hunch =)
I just went through some empty nest depression. My husband is a pilot so I’ve been home alone a lot lately. Besides my knitting,the two things I do to keep myself healthy is start every morning talking to the Lord and I’ve signed up to get a text called “The daily dose” from Northcoast church. The second is to play tennis with a group of women 1-4 times a week depending on the weather. We play at the park so it’s free. Exercise and fresh air is important.
Great things to add to your daily routine!
i can relate to this. sometimes crochet is the only thing that can calm me down or make me feel better. if i feel bad or crappy my best friend texts me: pick up some yarn. you were making this or that, it´s in a box for a while, go on finish it. you will feel better. or he drops by with yarn insisting he needs a new hat hahaha.
What a great friend <3
I’ve tried mindfulness but sometimes I find it hard to keep all my intrusive thoughts out of my head. I’ve always loved knitting and find it theraputic but I never connected mindfulness to knitting. Thank you for sharing
Wonderful post. I had given up crafting for many years due to outside criticism. Stupid, stupid, stupid. Back at it and loving it and finding my happy place when I do it. I can sit and think about nothing but my needles and the feel of the wool in my hands. Creation and mindfulness go hand in hand I think, I will never ever put it aside for someone else again.
Love this!! Glad you’re back at it now 🙂
I went through a horrible months-long bout of PTSD a few years ago, during a time when I hadn’t been able to knit or crochet for close to 2 years due to an arm and shoulder injury. I was talking (and crying) to my acupuncturist about how much harder everything felt when knitting was how I normally coped when the depression and PTSD were bad… and he told me “then go back to using it as your mindfulness practice, and we’ll deal with the pain as necessary here”. I won’t say I was immediately “all better” but I did finally come out the other side of that episode, and later ones have been easier – because I’ve got the needles or hook and yarn in my hands when I need them.
Such an eye opener I bet! That mindfulness practice is HUGE. And most of us don’t even realize that’s what we’re doing during crafting. I’m glad you’re back at it now!
Thank you so much for sharing and caring. We lost our first grand baby last month. Really hard as the baby was a girl and I have all boys. God is still Good every day. Love this pattern for the boys.
Sending tons of love and hugs to you Linda. I can only imagine how that loss must feel. I’m inspired that you’re still able to see the beauty in each day. Thank you for posting and reminding me what strength looks like <3
I don’t understand the M1 stitch. I read the directions but I’m still confused. Help please.
This lady usually has wonderful videos. Here’s her video on the M1 stitch: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IlPQBhZ31B4
TODAY is our 52nd WEDDING ANNIVERSARY — Some times we went through were extremely difficult. When my mind drifts to those times, and regret and shame weigh me down, I cry out to heaven! Remind me, Lord, of your forgiveness. Thank you for bringing us through it all and for the blessings along the way. (There were MANY.) Then I have to deliberately turn my mind back to the present.
You are so right about needle arts, crafts, and charity work helping with this!
YES! Nick and I are working through some big issues right now. Most of them are past issues not currently affecting our present moment though. When I remind myself of that, it’s so much easier not to give them the power to take me to bad places….but it’s also so very easy to get caught up in the past (our brains are made for it after all!). Thanks for this reminder – life and love are filled with challenges and growth. I don’t think he and I would be growing together in the way we are now without these few obstacles. It’s really neat when you think about it.