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END ALS Beanie

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Free Pattern!

End ALS Beanie

I originally designed the End ALS Beanie for the ALS NC Autumn Auction to raise money for our Walk to Defeat ALS team. We walk every year and raise money in memory of my mother, Marilue. She is the inspiration behind my business. I have always felt that the knit/crochet world is saturated with so many amazing designers and patterns. I wanted my business to stand for inclusiveness and rethinking patterns for everyone. People living with ALS often have limited dexterity and mobility and I wanted my patterns to make people with chronic illness and disabilities to feel seen.

The End ALS beanie is a 100% not subtle conversation starter to bring awareness to this disease and the very real reality that we need more research for treatments and cures. There is also a big need for community and support for people living with ALS, their families, and caregivers.

So make your beanie, stand up and shout to anyone that will listen! Tell them about this disease and how they can help! These are perfect for teams participating in their Walk To Defeat ALS or other events that benefit or raise awareness for ALS!

Don’t knit but want to show your commitment to END ALS? Reach out to me at differentviewdesigns@gmail.com to discuss options for finished END ALS beanie orders!

A man with a short beard is shown in profile wearing a red hat with the white words that say “End ALS” on the side.

Share your End ALS Beanies!

Share your End ALS beanies online or on social media! I would love to see each and every ALS hat! Tag @differentviewdesigns and use #EndALSBeanie.

Terms of Use

This pattern can be used to create beanies for personal use or to give as gifts or promotional give-always supporting ALS. Any use of this pattern should give credit to Different View Designs as the pattern creator. Do not pass this pattern off as your own design, that’s just crappy behavior.

If you create these beanies to sell I strongly encourage you to donate a portion of the sales to an ALS organization.

All photos in this blog post, on differentviewdesigns.com, or shared on our social media page are property of Different View Designs and can not be used by another person or organization without consent.

#ALSInThisTogether

If you’ve been personally impacted by ALS, I encourage you to reach out to the community around you (physically or virtually!). Sharing our stories with a group of people that understand the devastating impact of this disease can be healing and restorative.

If you would like to connect with me, please reach out on social media or leave a comment on this post.

Find out more about me and what I do!

You can also reach out to one of the organization listed below. Some have support groups or community events.

A red hat with white letters that read “End ALS” on the side is lying on a white background with knitting needles and a small plant off to the side.

Please donate to help END ALS!

I am offering this pattern for free to anyone that wants to make it. I’m asking each person to please consider donating to an organization that supports ALS research. Every single dollar helps to fight this disease! I’m going to link to some of the organizations I support and follow to help you decide how you want to donate.

All of these organizations provide ways to donate to help End ALS.

If you don’t feel like you are financially able to help at this time, please consider sharing this blog post or info about these amazing organizations on social media.

**There are so many organizations that are doing great work for ALS. The ones listed here are ones I personally support and follow. Feel free to research different orgs, there are probably some local to you that help to support your community!

ALS Association

The ALS Association is a nation-wide non-profit with many chapters that support their local communities. They are a multifaceted support organization that focuses on research, patient support, education, and policy change.

My local ALS Association here in NC were so supportive when my mom was fighting ALS. They built a community that feels so caring. Even after my mom passed it feels so wonderful to have this organization helping to lead the way.

Donate to the ALS Association

ALS TDI

ALS Therapy Development Institute is leading the way in drug discovery and research that is all focused on ending ALS. I love their tagline: “ALS is not an incurable disease, it’s an underfunded one.” They are singularly focused on finding a cure.

Donate to ALS TDI

I AM ALS

I Am ALS is a patient led community that is leading some impactful change and advocacy in this community. They are driving policy change and educating communities through the power of the stories of families that have been impacted by ALS. They strive to provide hope.

Donate to I AM ALS

Target ALS

Target ALS is a medical research foundation that is doing amazing work to find a cure and viable treatments for ALS. They are opening up more opportunities by expanding funding and increase collaboration.

Donate to Target ALS

Team Drea Foundation

Team Drea Foundation is raising money to support ALS research. They have an amazing community supporting Andrea, who was diagnosed with ALS and is competing in marathons with a goal of one marathon in each state! I love their phrase “Go On, Be Brave”

Donate to Team Drea

Pattern Specs for the End ALS Beanie

Skills Needed:

Suitable for a beginner to intermediate knitter that is comfortable with knitting in the round and duplicate stitch.

Sizing:

Sizing provided for child (adult) that stretches to fit up to a 21 (25)” or 53.5 (63.5) cm head.

Finished circumference: 16.5 (20)” or 40.5 (50.75) cm.

Finished height: 7.5 (8.5)” or 19 (21.5) cm.

Materials:

  • US size 9 / 5.5 mm circular knitting needles with 16” cable
  • US size 9 / 5.5 mm DPN
  • 85 (100) yds or 77 (92) m of worsted weight, cat 4 yarn in MC red
  • Scrap yarn for duplicate stitch letters, worsted weight, cat 4 in CC white
  • Stitch markers
  • Scissors
  • Tapestry needle

Gauge:

17 stitches and 22 rows in stockinette stitch with size US 9 (5.5 mm) needles (or size needed to match gauge).

Abbreviations:

  • CO – Cast On
  • K – Knit
  • K2tog – Knit 2 together
  • Rep – repeat

Pattern:

Brim

Using circular needles, CO 70 (84) stitches. Join for working in the round and add a stitch marker to indicate the beginning of the round.

Round 1 – 35: K all stitches

We will now work the END ALS duplicate stitch. I suggest using needle stoppers or transferring all stitches to scrap yarn during this section so you don’t accidentally drop stitches off your needle. #beentheredonethat

As the name would imply, we’re essentially duplicating stitches. We’ll be taking the white yarn and stitching on top of the red stitches to create the letters. If you are new to duplicate stitch, there are a ton of great YouTube video tutorials. I’m a fan of this Two Of Wands tutorial.

To start duplicate stitch, mark 4 rows from the BOR, and 5 rows down from the live stitches. Using the tapestry needle and scrap CC yarn in white, begin duplicate stitch, following the chart below. Don’t worry about the yarn ends, tie them off and leave the ends free. We will conceal them later.

The letters are sized to be readable on one side of your head (without wrapping around and obscuring some of the letters). You have the option to add the letters to one side of your hat or to both sides of your hat. A single set of the letters looks great if you want to wear your hat with the “END ALS” on the front. If you want to wear the hat with “END ALS” on the side (as shown in photos) you can add the duplicate stitch on both sides. Based on the size of the hat brim, the child size hat will most likely look better with only a single set of letters, but this my personal preference!

If you would like the letters on both sides, skip 5 (12) stitches and repeat the duplicate stitch chart.

Create double brim

Now that you have your duplicate stitch complete will will create a double brim for your hat. This creates a warm and comfy hat and also conceals the yarn ends from the duplicate stitch (yay!).

We will be picking up stitches from the CO edge and working them together with the live stitches on the needle. Make sure you are picking up stitches from the CO edge in the same row as the live stitch. Otherwise your brim will look a little twisted.

Fold the brim in half with wrong sides together. Find the 1st CO st and pick it up with your left needle. K the stitch just picked up together with the 1st live stitch. Continue to pick up the next CO stitch and k it together with the next live stitch until you have worked all the way around.

You should have a created a double brim with the stockinette stitch facing out. The duplicate stitch letters should be visible and all yarn ends are tucked inside the double brim.

Work Hat Body

Round 36 – 58: K all stitches

**This creates the height of the hat. The design if for a slightly slouchy beanie shape. You can knit fewer rows here for a tighter fit or additional rows for even more slouch.

Decrease to close the top of the hat

Switch to the DPN as needed.

Round 59: *k 5, k2tog; rep from * to end. 60 (72) stitches

Round 60: K all stitches

Round 61: *k 4, k2tog; rep from * to end. 50 (60) stitches

Round 62: K all stitches

Round 63: *k 3, k2tog; rep from * to end. 40 (48) stitches

Round 64: K all stitches

Round 65: *k 2, k2tog; rep from * to end: 30 (36) stitches

Round 66: K all stitches

Round 67: *k 1, k2tog; rep from * to end. 20 (24) stitches

Round 68: K all stitches

Round 69: K2tog to end. 10 (12) stitches

Round 70: K2tog to end. 5 (6) stitches

Break yarn and use tapestry needle to pull yarn end through all the live stitches to secure. Weave in ends.

And you’re done! Enjoy your new hat and wear it with purpose!

I’d love to see what you make with my design! Tag @differentviewdesigns on social media and use #EndALSBeanie

Too Hot To Handle Bag

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Pattern On Ravelry
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Pattern on Lovecrafts
A blond woman in a white sweater is holding p a blue crochet purse and is looking through the hole made by the handle

Too Hot To Handle Bag Crochet Pattern

Meet my newest crochet pattern, the Too Hot To Handle Bag! I went full out, no holds barred with a lacy, shell pattern to make it All. About. That. Handle.

The body of the purse is just straight single crochet until you turn and work the shell pattern to create the handles. It’s an intermediate crochet pattern, but if if you’re a adventurous beginner, I say go for it! You’ll need to know how to single crochet, double crochet, and slip stitch.

Materials

  • Size 3.75 mm / Size F crochet hook (or size to meet gauge)
  • 450 yds MC / 60 yds CC (or 510 yds of a single color for a monochromatic look) DK or light Worsted weight yarn
  • Two 12” x 1/4” dowel rods
  • 1/2” D-rings
  • Purse strap

Yarn

I used Hobbii Amigo XL in Dark Blue Melange for the body of my bag. The CC is Hobbii Starlight Soft in Seafoam. The Starlight yarn is an acrylic yarn with reflective thread worked in. I thought having a reflective element made for a fun detail for a purse!

Accessibility

You know it wouldn’t be a Different View Design pattern if it didn’t have a little some special and fun to make it usable and accessible for many different people!

This purse has 5 different, interchangeable strap options!

  • Clutch (no strap)
  • Crossbody
  • Shoulder Bag
  • Backpack
  • Wheelchair bag

Instructions for making your purse in all 5 configurations are included in the pattern!

  • A manual wheelchair is shown from the back. A blue crocheted purse is hanging from the back by an olive bag strap
  • A blonde woman stands looking out at a nature walk. She holds a blue crocheted purse with the handle in the crook of her elbow.
  • A blonde woman stands with her back to the camera, leaning on a concrete step. She is wearing a white sweater, jeans, and has a blue crocheted backpack with olive green straps
  • A blonde woman walks through a nature trail. She is wearing a white sweater and jeans and has a dark blue crocheted crossbody purse.

I love to see what you make! Tag @differentviewdesigns and use #TooHotToHandleBag on social.

Too Hot To Handle Pattern Videos

Invisible Join

Abstractions Shawl

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Purchase the PDF Patern
Pattern On Ravelry
Pattern On Lovecrafts…coming soon!
Pin for Later
A blue and green shawl is draped over a wooden fence. Some evergreen branches are in front of the shawl on the right side.

Abstractions Shawl Inspiration

It’s confession time for me friends! ….I have yet to fall in love with the traditional shawl.

Let’s break it down, shall we…shawl we? #knittingpun

I love scarves! I continue to make and buy more of them. I have waaaaaayyyyyy too many. Can’t stop, won’t stop. Even with the plethora of scarves, I’ve been looking for a piece I could easily throw over my shoulders. Not draped as a triangle scarf in front, but something that sits well across my shoulders with minimal adjustment. Triangle shawls have a long, straight top edge that tapers to a point. That straight edge just doesn’t lie nicely when draped over a 3D body.

So I started researching other shawl types. I was drawn to Faroese shawls, with their center panel and shoulder shaping. That got me thinking, why not just shape a shawl like you would shape a sweater? Raglan shaping is one way to take a 2D fabric and make it 3D. So why not use this technique to make a shawl?

Note: I am not the first person to use raglan shaping for a shawl. Far from it! I wanted to lay out my design thoughts so you could see if this shawl would be something you would want to make and wear.

Abstractions Shawl – What’s in a Name?

The name for this shawl was drawn from the yarn I selected. The MC is a yarn dyed up by the talented Odd Knots and Threads inspired by the Van Gogh painting Starry Night. Starry Night was painted from Van Gogh’s memory or imagination. This is contrasted against how he typically painted, by painting what he saw. Abstractions vs Realism. I paired this yarn with a CC from Montana Crochet (and OOAK yarn) that I thought mimicked the colors in the tree in the painting almost perfectly!

Wear it multiple ways!

This shawl pattern also includes an option to turn your shawl into a shrug! I realized since I loved the drape of this piece so much it would look super cute as a shrug. I love for all my pieces to wearable and customizable!

Abstractions Shawl Tutorials

I wanted to add in a section for tutorials. This is an intermediate knitting pattern but I think it’s totally doable for beginners that like a challenge and want to learn new techniques!

Note that I am a “left handed knitter” (I hold the yarn in my right hand and knit continental style) so my videos may look backward to you! But the technique is the same, just flipped if you are a “right handed knitter”

Crochet Cast-On

M1L, M1R

Right Leaning Double Decrease

Specifically Version 2 in this tutorial, starting at 1:33.

Pick up and knit stitches

Make sure for this pattern that you are picking up stitches under both bars of the stitch. This will ensure that you get a nice edging before you add the I-cord bind off.

I-cord bind off

Open Knotwork Pattern

**NOTE! This stitch in the Abstractions Shawl pattern is a bit different to take into account the increases and decreases!! To note here is how the knots line up diagonally. This is the effect we want for our shawl. If you are working the pattern and are ever confused about how your knots are lining up, here’s a good way to check. The YO of the knots should fall in between the 2 stitches from the knot below.

Conference Call Cardi

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A blond woman wearing a black dress and green knit cardigan is walking toward the camera.

ALS Auction Participants:

Read through this blog post to learn about the Conference Call Cardi! The listing on the auction site is for a finished cardigan, not just the pattern. Together we will select the perfect yarn color and fiber for you and I will hand-knit the piece to fit you (or your recipient)! This Cardi is available to fit bust sizes 30 – 62 inches! Lead time for me to produce the finished piece is 3-4 weeks.

The Conference Call Cardi is designed to be comfortable for individuals in a wheelchair (read more below) and could be an amazing gift for someone battling ALS!

Questions about the Conference Call Cardi? Drop me an email!

Interested in purchasing a finished Conference Call Cardi, knit specifically to fit you? Head over to the ALS Auction to bid!

Buy the Intermediate Knitting Pattern

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Buy the pattern on Lovecrafts

Buy the pattern on Ravelry

Hi Friends! I’m excited to introduce the Conference Call Cardi. This piece has been in the works for a while. It took multiple frogged attempts but it turned out so super cute…in my humble opinion, haha!

Conference Call Cardi

The Conference Call Cardi is a piece I designed after almost of year of working from home due to Covid.  I was privileged enough to have the ability to WFH, and I’m not gonna lie, it been amazing!  (Introverts Unite…Separately! In your own homes!). Throw on comfy jeans or leggings with a t-shirt and I’m ready to work!  Of course every now and then I need to turn on my camera for a video conference call.  On each video call I caught myself wishing I had a quick top to throw on that would look professional but still be comfy!  Enter the Conference Call Cardi!  She’s cropped, so it doesn’t pool at your hip when seated.  She’s got little shorty sleeves, cause let’s face it, we don’t need more heat during stressful meetings!!   I didn’t put any closures on this piece. I always think that cardigans, jackets, and blazers look nicer unbuttoned when seated anyway. That’s why men always unbutton their jackets when they sit down, right? It’s more comfortable and look better. If you prefer a closure, try a cute shawl pin or even a magnetic closure for a clean look!

Accessibility

Each of my designs is designed to honor my mom and her battle with ALS.  She loved looking put together but always comfortable. I remember her rocking beautiful scarves as a way of self expression. I want each piece i make to be something she would wear and love!

This piece is particularly cute for anyone in a seated posture.  A few years after my mom’s ALS diagnosis she was mostly seated in a wheelchair or in a recliner when at home.

Regular cardigans could be a bit too long for people who spend most, or all, of their time in a seated posture. I designed this piece to be just cropped enough to hit right at the hip crease when seated. No pooling fabric as the hips ensures the stop lies flat and looks amazing!

The short sleeves also mean no sleeve cuffs to get in the way of manual wheelchair operation. This piece is easily layerable for more warmth, but no worries messing up beautiful hand-knit cuffs on wheelchair wheels. It also can provide a bit more mobility than longer, bulkier sleeves.

No closures. For anyone that experiences limited hand mobility or dexterity, buttons and other traditional fasteners can be hard to manipulate. So the Conference Call Cardi has a simple, open front design.

Pattern Specs:

Fit:  Designed to fit with 3-5 in of positive ease.

Sizing:  XS (S, M, L,XL) (2XL, 3XL, 4XL, 5XL) to fit a bust size of  30 (34, 38, 42, 46) (50, 54, 58, 62) in or 76 (86.5, 96.5, 106.5, 117) (127, 137, 147.5, 157.5) cm.

Materials:

  • Approximately 595 (705, 785, 860, 920) (1050, 1085, 1230, 1300) of worsted weight, category 4 yarn.
  • Size US 10 / 6mm knitting needles
  • Tapestry needle and scissors

Styling

Keep it Casual

Wear it with PJ bottoms…cause let’s face it, we all know that’s what’s going on when we’re working from home!

Pair it with Jeans

Jeans are a staple in my closet. And you know what, I’m rocking my skinnies no matter what someone says on TikTok. Since the Conference Call Cardi is cropped and short sleeve it pairs well with any style of jeans. Wear a simple tank or a long sleeve shirt if you want to layer.

Liz, a blond woman is standing in her backyard wearing jeans, a green knit short sleeve cardigan, and black flats.

Or Shorts

The Conference Call Cardi is short sleeved so wear it with ease even when the weather is warmer. Paired with shorts and sandals, its an adorable spring, fall, or even summer look!

Liz, a blond woman is looking into the camera after flipping her hair. She’s wearing a green short sleeve knit cardigan, white tank, and white shorts with pink flowers.

Wear over a dress or maxi skirt

A piece like this is the perfect topper for a dress or maxi skirt. It can break up a monochromatic outfit with a perfect pop of color. Works with a belt too! Since it’s cropped, wear a stand out belt or other statement piece!

A blond woman wearing a black dress and green knit cardigan is walking toward the camera.

Grab your pattern today!

And don’t forget to Pin this for later!

CI Hat FAQ

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A woman looks off into the woods. She is wearing glasses and a navy blue cochlear implant hat. She has a CI with an earpiece shown in a pocket on the hat and the transmitter is on her scalp under an opening in the hat.
What are the size options for CI Hats?

I can make hats sized for Children, and Adults.
Child size: Unstretched 16.5 in/41.5 cm, Stretched 21 in/52.5 cm
Adult size: Unstretched 19.75 in/49cm, Stretched 24 in/60cm

What CI options are available?

Single ear CI (left or right), bilateral CI

Can get a “Mommy and Me” set with one CI Hat and a matching hat with no CI adaptations?

Yes!! I got you! Reach out to differentviewdesigns@gmail.com for a custom order!

What kind of CIs do these hats work with?

I designed this hat to work with the CIs with a separate sound processor earpiece and transmitter. I have gotten feedback that the opening also works for the single sound processor types as well!A woman looks off into the woods. She is wearing glasses and a navy blue cochlear implant hat. She has a CI with an earpiece shown in a pocket on the hat and the transmitter is on her scalp under an opening in the hat. A toddler looks away from the camera. She is wearing a pink hat with an opening for her cochlear implant sound processor.

Will the CI be secure in this hat?

CI types with an earpiece sit inside a pocket. There is a removable loop that can fit over the front of the earpiece. There is also an option for a small safety pin or lobster clasp that can attach to the cord to add extra security.

So these are hand made. How long do they take to make?

I can make a hat in a few hours. If I could do nothing but knit all the time I could crank out lots of hats. I’m juggling my full time job on top of this amazing gig!

Can I wash the hats?

Oh yes! I believe anything that can be worn by a child should be washable!! Pop them in a lingerie bag and wash in the washing machine on Gentle. Or wash by hand in the sink. Always lay flat to dry!

What kind of yarn do you use? Any allergy concerns?

I use acrylic yarn. Acrylic yarn eliminates any issues with wool allergies. Often acrylic is more washable and forgiving than wool yarn. But don’t worry about quality! I only use the softest yarn for my hats. My rule is that if I can rub the yarn against my cheek and I like how it feels, it makes the cut. If it’s scratchy, it’s rejected.

How can I keep up with pre-orders and new info:

Get on that newsletter, friends!!

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This cochlear implant hat design is in patent pending status. Any copying or reproduction of the design in part or in whole is illegal. Redistribution (not including purchase for the purpose of gifting) and reselling are also illegal. Any breach could result in legal action.

Off The Hook Headband

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It’s easy! Let’s make this together!

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