Back in the 60s there was a knit shop here in the 'Boro. Ms Black taught many Murfreesboro knitters how to knit. As of 2012 she is still alive and knitting! I won’t tell her age though, but just say wow! I am honored that she gave these patterns to me to share with all of you. I still occasionally get folks in the shop who she taught to knit and I bet there are lots of folks in town who got these booties when they were just a baby. I have made a note or two in parentheses and italics to modernize the language a bit. but otherwise here is the original.
Ms. Wordna Black’s Baby Bootie and Hat pattern.
Pattern:
Row 1: Knit
Row 2: Purl
Row 3: Knit (1 ridge)
Row 4: Purl
Row 5: Purl
Row 6: Knit
Row 7: Purl (1 ridge)
Row 8: Knit
Cast on 30 stitches on #2 or #3 needles. (I would guess this is sport/fingering weight yarn) Start with row 2 of pattern and work in pattern for 5 ridges. Purl back.
Now knit *2stitches, yarn over, knit 2 stitches together*. Repeat between * across row. Purl back.
Next row, K 9 stitches and leave on the needle. Now knit the next 12 stitches, turn and start row 1 of the pattern and work 3 ridges of these 12 stitches, leaving 9 stitches on each side of the needle. When 3 ridges have been finished on the center 12 stitches, purl back and break yarn.
Tie on yarn at the end of the first 9 stitches which you left on the needle. Now knit up 7 stitches along the other side and knit the remaining 14 stitches that were on the needle. Knit across the 12 st. on the needle and knit up 7 stitches down the 3 ridges. Knit the remaining 9 stitches. (44 st).
Starting with row 1 of the pattern, work 3 ridges. On the next row, work 22 stitches, slip a ring or marker on the needle (pm) and work remaining 22 stitches. Now work 2 ridges more, at the same time decreasing 1 stitch at each end of the needle, and on each side of the ring every other row. When you have completed the 2 ridges, purl 1 row, slip stitches off the needle and weave together. (or slip half off onto another needle and kitchener them together).
Ridged Baby Cap
Pattern is the same as above. Uses #2 or #3 needles
Cast on 84 st and K2, P2, for ¾ inches. Work in pattern for 15 ridges. Bind off 27 stitches on each side and work on the middle 30 stitches for 14 ridges. Break yarn and tie in yarn at front of cap and work 26 stitches along the side, work across the 30 stitches on the back and knit up 26 stitches along the side (82 st). Do next row as follows: *Purl 2, yo, p2tog,* Repeat between * across row. This row forms the holes to run a ribbon through. Start ribbing on next row of K2, p2 and repeat ribbing for ½ inch. Bind off as you knit and as you purl (Bind off in pattern) To finish cap, sew up sides.
She also gave me her raglan cardigan pattern and I will put that up when I get a chance.
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