Jane Irish Nelson

eBooks available as Ravelry Downloads

eBook : 3 patterns

Set Fantastic contains 3 patterns: Cap Fantastic, Cowl Fantastic, and Mitts Fantastic.

Patterns available as Ravelry Downloads

Knitting: Beanie, Toque, Balaclava
Your choice of three different hat styles, all worked in basketweave stitch: a Beanie, a Cuffed Cap, and a Balaclava. Although not identical on both sides, this stitch is reversible.
Knitting: Beanie, Toque
Cables open up into circles and alternating half-circles on this cap, finished off with either a whimsical braided I-cord tail, or an I-cord “button”.
Knitting: Cowl
This lightweight cowl is worked sideways in a stitch that looks much more complicated that it really is. Only one color is used at a time – the hexagon shapes are created with slipped stitches.
Knitting: Beanie, Toque
Begin with either ribbing or moss stitch, leading into a pattern of latticed or hour hourglass diamonds, and finish off with either a whimsical braided I-cord tail, or an I-cord “button”. A variety of hats can be created depending upon your choices. In addition, the pattern also includes a ribbed variation, alternating ribbed and moss stitch di...
Knitting: Beanie, Toque
This reversible stitch, slightly different on each side can be worked as a basic beanie or a cuffed cap – turn it inside out for a change of pace!
Knitting: Vest
A “twist” on the classic Aran Diamond alternates with a bell pattern on this vest that looks much more complex than it is.
Knitting: Fingerless Gloves
Fun and colorful mitts that can be quickly knit using up the odds and ends in your stash. Perfect for gifts! Ribbing at the cuffs and hands alternates with a moss stitch section, where the thumb shaping is worked, with each section separated by a reverse stockinette stitch welt.
Knitting: Beanie, Toque
This fun and colorful hat can be quickly knit using up the odds and ends in your stash. Perfect for gifts! Stripes in ribbing and moss stitch alternate between brief bands of reverse stockinette.
Knitting: Shawl / Wrap
This triangular shaped shawl starts at the top with just a few stitches, and is worked until it is the size wanted – or until you run out of yarn! It can be worked with any weight of yarn, from lace to Bulky. Or, for fun, try combining several strands of yarn to create your own unique version. It is completely reversible, with one section in st...
Knitting: Cowl
This lightweight cowl is worked sideways varying between short sections in garter stitch and wider sections on more stitches in stockinette stitch. It lies smoothly over the shoulders, providing just that needed touch of warmth.
Knitting: Beanie, Toque
A “twist” on the classic Aran Diamond alternates with a bell pattern to provide this cap with two different looks. Finish the top off with an I-cord “button”.
Knitting: Fingerless Gloves
A ruffle at the wrist leads into a series of “bells” on twist-stitch bellropes in an attractive arrangement on the back of the hand, while the rest of the mitt is worked in a Twisted Ribbing stitch.
Knitting: Beanie, Toque
This quick-knit bulky cap uses a clever trick to provide mostly mindless knitting, and a star pattern is created during the crown shaping, topped off with an I-cord “button”.
Knitting: Cowl
A ruffle that flares out over the shoulders leads into a series of “bells” on twist-stitch bellropes in an attractive arrangement somewhat reminiscent of Austrian ski sweaters. This cowl can be worn pulled up over the head for maximum warmth, or just around the neck.
Knitting: Fingerless Gloves
Knit these warm and cozy mitts quickly to keep hands toasty in any weather. Use your choice of four decorative rib stitches on the cuffs.
Knitting: Cowl, Poncho
This cowl can be worn pulled up over one’s ears or folded up around one’s neck, while the lower edge flares out over the shoulders.
Knitting: Beanie, Toque
Sinuous cables writhe back and forth on this ribbed cap. In addition to the basic cap, variations include a slouchy version, a knotted version, and an optional novelty yarn border. Finish the top off with an I-cord “button” or a braided tail.
Knitting: Fingerless Gloves
The cuffs on these warm mitts begin with purled welts that lead into a wide uneven ribbing. Another pair of welts hugs the wrist, the hand continues in ribbing, finally ending with a matching pair of purled welts.
Knitting: Cowl
This quick and lightweight cowl is decorated with a simple lace pattern, and can be enhanced with beads.
Knitting: Fingerless Gloves
The basketweave stitch on these fingerless mitts reminds me of an hourglass, as the ribs pull in and the welts push out.
Knitting: Poncho
This sideways-knit serape is so simple you hardly need a pattern. Use the suggested stripe sequence … or come up with your own.
Knitting: Fingerless Gloves
Mitts in my favorite Pinnacle Chevron stitch, this time with fun faux fur cuffs, that can be worn folded up or down. Also includes a variation with only a short fur border.
Knitting: Beanie, Toque
This hat can be worked top-down or bottom up, whichever you prefer. Make a beanie or choose the cuffed version. Or, for ultimate warmth, there is the two-ended variation, with or without a cuff.
Knitting: Beanie, Toque
Slouch hats are all the rage, so when my friend Coco challenged me to create one, even though it is not my favorite style, I immediately complied. The basketweave stitch provides texture, but also stretches to accommodate a large range of sizes.
Knitting: Fingerless Gloves
These warm and cozy mitts knit up quickly to keep hands toasty in any weather. Cuff variations include the addition of a “fur” edging or a slightly flared, uneven ribbing.
Knitting: Fingerless Gloves
These mitts a “twist” on the classic ribbed mitts, featuring a ribbed stitch that divides, crosses, and returns to its original position. Both elegant and functional, they are sure to keep the wearer warm.
Knitting: Beanie, Toque
Three variations – a basic beanie, a cuffed cap, and a “fur” cuff – provide a version for everyone!
Knitting: Fingerless Gloves
A simple textured pattern with alternating narrow and wide ribs will keep hands warm in these fingerless mitts.
Knitting: Beanie, Toque
A simple textured pattern with alternating narrow and wide ribs makes this a warm winter cap.
Knitting: Beanie, Toque
This cap begins with a cabled ribbing, then every other cable opens up to show a little lace window. It is finished off with a whimsical braided “tail” or an I-cord “button”.
Knitting: Fingerless Gloves
Ribbing alternates with a braided X pattern on these mitts – on the sides of the cuffs, and the backs of the hands. Make them to match or deliberately mismatch, just for fun!
Knitting: Cowl
Light as air, this lace cowl is worked in an unusual, but surprising simple berry stitch, and also features a ruffle at the neck edge.
Knitting: Beanie, Toque
Ribbing alternates with a braided X pattern on this classic cap. The ribbing continues into the crown shaping which can be finished off with an I-cord button, and I-cord braided tail, or I-cord dreadlocks.
Knitting: Beanie, Toque
Hexagon shapes reminiscent of Spanish tile patterns cover this two-color hat, finished off with an I-cord “button”.
Knitting: Beanie, Toque
Bolts of Lightning zigzag up the sides of this hat, merging on the crown to form decorative diamonds, topped off with an I-cord “button”.
Knitting: Beanie, Toque
A parade of cats encircle this hat – perfect for any cat lover!
Knitting: Beanie, Toque
A tesselated tile pattern reminiscent of the Moorish architecture in southern Spain with crown decreases that create a feathered cross.
Knitting: Beanie, Toque
Zigzags in two – or many – colors encircle this hat. The crown decreases create a cross shape, topped off with an I-cord “button”. Or work the Trifecta Variation in three colors, and end it with a whimsical I-cord braided tail!
Knitting: Beanie, Toque
Alternating diamonds in two – or a multitude – of colors adorn this hat. The crown decreases create a design reminiscent of cathedral windows, especially when worked in multiple colors. The Diamond Dot variation adds a speck of contrast color to the center of each diamond. Pattern includes all four variations.
Knitting: Beanie, Toque
This cap in a stretchy ribbed chevron stitch sports a “fur” border reminiscent of traditional Russian hats. Cuff is worked in stockinette stitch from the wrong side, then folded up. Cuff uses approximately 100 yards, while the rest of the hat uses about 120 yards. The Pinnacle Chevron stitch used on the body of the hat is extremely stretchy.
Knitting: Cowl
An entire parliament of cute cabled owls decorates this cowl that will not only warm the wearer’s neck, but will also bring smiles to the faces of those who see it. Perfect for wearing in cool birdwatching weather! A slight flare at the lower edge hugs the wearer’s shoulders.
Knitting: Beanie, Toque
A cabled rib leads into the main pattern, where paired leaves alternate with cables. Finish it off with a whimsical braided “tail” or an I-cord “button”.
Knitting: Shawl / Wrap
This triangular shaped shawl starts at the top with just a few stitches, and is worked until it is the size wanted – or until you run out of yarn!
Knitting: Beanie, Toque
A quick project to knit on a rainy day – or wear it to keep warm whatever the weather. Purl stitches create a petal shape on the crown.
Knitting: Beanie, Toque
Alternating braids unravel to form diamonds, intersected by central ribs, cross, and rejoin on this cabled cap, finished off with either a whimsical braided I-cord tail, or an I-cord “button”.
Knitting: Beanie, Toque
Alternating braids unravel to form diamonds on this cabled cap, finished off with either a whimsical braided I-cord tail, or an I-cord “button”.
Knitting: Beanie, Toque
Simple cables untwist against a ribbed background, then join to twist again in the opposite direction. A clever “twist” on the classic ribbed cap. As the crown decreases are worked in pattern, an intriguing pattern emerges, which is topped off with an I-cord “button”.
Knitting: Beanie, Toque
A simple variation on the classic ribbed cap, using a somewhat unusual cable. The crown decreases form a surprising pattern on top.
Knitting: Beanie, Toque
Perfect for Valentine’s Day, this cap is worked in a two-color heart pattern. Make it for yourself or for that special Valentine. Surprising quick to knit!
Knitting: Fingerless Gloves
A simple ribbed mitt, in a slightly unusual uneven ribbing will keep your hands warm, while allowing your fingers to work. Knit them in a solid color for utilitarian use, or use a variegated yarn to create more of a splash!
Knitting: Fingerless Gloves
With four different cuff variations, you are bound to find at least one combination that you like! The various slipped stitch patterns on the cuffs look much more complex than they really are as only one yarn is used at a time.
Knitting: Beanie, Toque
Latticed Diamonds alternate with Trees of Life on this worsted weight cabled cap. While it is probably not the type of hat Queen Elizabeth will choose to celebrate her Diamond Jubilee, you can still make it to mark the occasion.
Knitting: Beanie, Toque
A classic Aran motif is repeated around this cap, available in both child and adult sizes. The Adult uses size US 8 - 5.0 mm needles and a gauge of 17 sts x 21 rnds = 3.50” while the Child uses US 7 - 4.5 mm and a gauge of 17 sts x 23 rnds = 3.25”.
Knitting: Cowl
A quick project to knit on a rainy day – or wear it to keep warm whatever the weather. Reverse stockinette stitch welts frame garter stitch ribbing. Gauge is not critical - mine ranged between 6 to 7 sts x 12 to 14 rnds = 1” on US 3 – 3.25 mm needles in Garter Rib.
Knitting: Beanie, Toque
Cables twist and untwist forming Counter-Twisted Ovals on this cute cap. The decreases cause the pattern to create a surprising star shape on the top, finished off with an I-cord “button”.
Knitting: Beanie, Toque
A large flattened bobble is the “honeydrop” inside a cabled diamond on this cap finished off with an I-cord braid. Cap begins with a cabled rib which develops into the diamond pattern.
Knitting: Beanie, Toque
The basketweave pattern on the cuff of this cap helps trap the heat and keep the wearer warm throughout the wildest winter weather. Cap is worked top down, beginning with an I-cord “button”. Cuff is worked from the wrongside, then turned up after completion.
Knitting: Beanie, Toque
The slipped stitch pattern on the cuff of this cap looks much more complex than it really is as only one yarn is worked at a time. And it will keep you warm in the deepest freeze!
Knitting: Fingerless Gloves
These zigzag patterned mitts will keep your hands warm while still allowing your fingers to work. Knit them in a color-changing yarn for maximum impact, or choose the two-tone or multi-color version for a more subtle – or surprising – look.
Knitting: Pullover
This very easy baby sweater is worked in stockinette and garter stitch. Since the garter stitch sections are worked back-and-forth and the stockinette sections in the round, no purling is required. In addition, the shoulders are fastened with buttons to make it easy to put on a wiggly baby.
Knitting: Beanie, Toque
Moss stitch diamonds alternate with diamonds containing “bells” – essentially large, flattened bobbles, on the cuff of this warm winter hat. The body of the hat is also worked in moss stitch, beginning from the top.
Knitting: Fingerless Gloves
Brioche Stitch looks a lot like a simple ribbing, but is much more lofty as well as extremely stretchy. These qualities caused Elizabeth Zimmermann to refer to this stitch as “Prime Rib”.
Knitting: Beanie, Toque
Banjo Cables alternate with Celtic Braids on this hat, which is finished off with an I-cord braid. I got the idea for this hat while listening to a Celtic music session at a local cafe.
Knitting: Fingerless Gloves
Lace Honeybees adorn the back of the hand with little Honeycomb cables on either side. The cuff begins with Honeycomb ribbing, which changes to a simple ribbing on the palm. Because these mitts are ribbed, they will stretch to fit a variety of sizes.
Knitting: Beanie, Toque
Lace Honeybees alternate with Honeycomb panels on this cute cap. The top shaping creates a trefoil, adorned with an I-cord “button”.
Knitting: Brimmed Hat
A plain stockinette stitch cap that begins at the top with a whimsical “button” made of I-cord is perfect for that special yarn you only have one skein of! And once the increases are finished, the rest of this cap is mindless knitting.
Knitting: Shawl / Wrap
Named for my great-grandmother, this top down, double triangle shawl is worked in a fairly easy-to-remember berry stitch. Choose your favorite berry color to complete the illusion.
Knitting: Beanie, Toque
This hat was inspired by a breezy day, and images of leaves, blowing in the wind. By a bit of clever increasing and decreasing, the leaves on the cuff lean slightly. As an added bit of whimsy, and additional leaf dangles from an I-cord tail.
Knitting: Beanie, Toque
A series of “bells” on twist-stitch bellropes run up and down the sides of this cap in an attractive arrangement somewhat reminiscent of Austrian ski sweaters. An additional set of bells adorns the top of the cap.
Knitting: Beanie, Toque
This stitch looks much more difficult that it really is as a cable divides into individual strands and then is reassembled back into a cable again. It is a surprising stretchy stitch, so will fit most head sizes, and would be suitable for both men and women. Pattern includes both written and charted instructions.
Knitting: Beanie, Toque
This hat is a “twist” on the classic ribbed hat, featuring a ribbed stitch that divides, crosses, and returns to its original position. Both elegant and functional, it is sure to keep the wearer warm.
Knitting: Beanie, Toque
A combination of elements from two previous patterns resulted in this Hybrid Hat. The body is worked sideways in short rows in a ridged pattern, while the cuff is picked up and knit in the round in a zigzag pattern. The entire hat can be worked in one yarn, or a contrast color can be used for the cuff.
Knitting: Beanie, Toque
A hat to match the Cowl Fantastic! Keep your head warm with this zigzag patterned cap. Work it in a color-changing yarn for maximum impact, or choose the two-tone or multi-color version for a more subtle – or surprising – look.
Knitting: Cowl
A variation of the Welting Fantastic stitch is used to create this undulating neckwarmer. Work it in a color-changing yarn for maximum impact, or choose the two-tone version for a more subtle look.
Knitting: Beanie, Toque
This is a variation of my 92 Degrees -- instead of the cuff, it is finished with a simple rolled edge.
Knitting: Beanie, Toque
The body of this hat is knit sideways, in alternated ridges of stockinette and reverse stockinette stitch, with the crown shaped by short rows. The cuff is picked up and knit with borders in the ridge pattern framing garter stitch rib.
Knitting: Beanie, Toque
Depending on the yarn used, this can be a lightweight cap for changeable springtime wear or a warm hat for cold winter days. The lavender version used Crystal Palace Taos for the body of the hat and Crystal Palace Merino Frappe for the lace cuff and only weighs 55 grams. The green version used one strand each Brown Sheep Lamb’s Pride Superwash ...
Knitting: Mid-calf Socks
This is not a traditional sock pattern, but merely a “recipe” for applying this stitch to your favorite sock pattern to use up the leftovers that pile up in nearly every sock knitter’s stash.
Knitting: Beanie, Toque
After creating several variations based on this pattern, I returned to the original. The slipped stitch pattern on the cuff looks much more complex than it really is as only one yarn is used at a time. Very little yarn is needed in the two contrast colors.
Knitting: Beanie, Toque
Just a few changes created this third variation of the original Navajo Basket pattern from one of Barbara Walker’s Treasuries. The slipped stitch pattern on the cuff looks much more complex than it really is as only one yarn is used at a time. Very small amounts of the contrast color yarns are needed -- less than 25 yards each, making this a gr...
Knitting: Beanie, Toque
This ribbed cap with a fold up cuff in bright spring colors makes a perfect Easter Bonnet. Use autumn colors for fall, or a more muted palette for the man in your life. The slip stitch cuff pattern only uses one color at a time, so looks more complex than it really is. Each contrast color requires less than 25 yards, making this a perfect proje...
Knitting: Beanie, Toque
This ribbed cap with a fold up cuff in a slipped stitch pattern looks much more complex than it really is. It gets it name from the two yarns used in the prototype!
Knitting: Fingerless Gloves
Fun mitts to match the Berry Christmas Cap! Features lacy holly leaves adorned with bright red berries. Perfect for the holiday season!
Knitting: Beanie, Toque
This adorable cap features lacy holly leaves adorned with bright red berries. Perfect for the holiday season!
Knitting: Beanie, Toque
This ribbed hat in bulky yarn with a folded up cuff in boucle reminds me of something Lara might have worn in Dr. Zhivago. The boucle cuff is worked in stockinette stitch from the wrong side, then folded up when worn. The body of the hat is worked in either bulky weight yarn or worsted weight used doubled. Because of the bulk of the yarn, the h...
Knitting: Beanie, Toque
This ribbed watch cap with a fold up cuff in Trinity Stitch is sure to keep the wearer warm and cozy! The Body of this cap is worked on the smaller needles with 1 strand of Worsted Weight yarn. The Cuff is worked on the larger needles with 1 strand of Worsted Weight yarn and 2 strands of Fingering Weight yarn – a heavy Worsted or light Bulky We...
Knitting: Scarf
I absolutely fell in love with this stitch after using it to make a pair of fingerless mitts. I quickly realized it would be a perfect scarf stitch, since it is reversible.
Knitting: Beanie, Toque
In tribute to Elizabeth Zimmermann, this is a top-down, circular knit version of her Prime Rib Cap. This stitch is very lofty, and hence extremely warm.
Knitting: Fingerless Gloves
Brioche Stitch looks a lot like a simple ribbing, but is much more lofty as well as extremely stretchy. These qualities caused Elizabeth Zimmermann to refer to this stitch as “Prime Rib”.
Knitting: Beanie, Toque
While working on a pair of Lizzy Socks by Stephanie van der Linden, I thought the pattern stitch would also make an attractive hat.
Knitting: Mittens
Keep your hands warm this winter in these ribbed mittens with basketweave cuffs! In two versions, either one-color or two-tone. Make a matching set with the Synchronicity Hat.1
Knitting: Beanie, Toque
A combination of two favorite stitches resulted in this warm winter cuffed hat. The original, knit in cream colored yarn, made me think of Snow White. The hat can also be knit in two colors, one for the cuff, and the other for the body and crown.
Knitting: Ankle Sock, Mid-calf Socks
Choose between toe-up or top-down, using your favorite method of sock knitting. A simple ribbing covers the foot and leg, with a garter stitch basketweave band for a cuff. Instructions are also included for an anklet version.
Knitting: Beanie, Toque
Prepare for winter weather with this cap featuring an intertwined pattern stitch that appears much more complicated that it really is!
Knitting: Beanie, Toque
In 2008 I was making fingerless mitts as gifts for the men in my family. This was one of the stitch patterns I used, and I absolutely fell in love with it! I have since gone on and used it in a variety of other projects, including this hat, which is sure to keep the wearer warm!
Knitting: Beanie, Toque
Keep yourself or your loved ones warm with this quick and easy cuffed hat!
Knitting: Beanie, Toque
This quick and easy ribbed hat featured a fold-over cuff which reveals the reverse side of the ribbed pattern. Makes a great gift.
Knitting: Fingerless Gloves
The size depends on the needles and gauge -- to make the larger size, go up a needle size.
Knitting: Scarf
Based on a scarf a neighbor made for my grandmother years ago, this has long been a favorite of mine.
Knitting: Hanging Ornament
This little stocking makes an excellent Christmas tree decoration, or can be worn pinned onto a coat or sweater.
Knitting: Mid-calf Socks
I absolutely fell in love with this stitch after using it to make a pair of fingerless mitts. I thought it would be perfect for a pair of socks. I chose to work the entire sock, including the heel and both the top and sole of the foot in pattern, but if you would rather, you may just take your favorite sock “recipe” and use this stitch on the l...