Design Notebook: Little Bear's Porridge

*Since taking a pattern writing class in April I've been planning to do more designing, but it took a nudge from a fellow-blogger (you know who you are, thank you!) to finally get me into action. I had so much fun coming up with this over the last few weeks and wanted to share a little about the process and background by way of introduction to the pattern, which is called Little Bear's Porridge. (*Affiliate links are included in this post.)

The Design Process:
Loving the oversized scarves and cowls I've been seeing everywhere, and inspired by the wonderful textures and rustic materials in the Katniss-Inspired knitwear post, I wanted to make something that would follow these trends, but which would be easy to knit and easier to wear - I prefer multi-purpose garments, so it had to be something neutral, which could be worn as an oversized scarf, as a shawl, or secured with a pin / button to be worn as a structured cowl.


I wanted something supersized and with a textured pattern, but didn't fancy long complicated rows which may not be as accessible to new knitters, and so the idea of using joined motifs came about. Squares, which wouldn't take too long to knit, would certainly make it more interesting and more 'do-able'. Once squares were in my mind, I couldn't get them out and the design was quickly decided on. It was originally called "squares within squares" - you can see why from the initial diagram (although I think the second 'square' may technically be a rhombus).

While swatching, it quickly became obvious that the 'wrong' side looked just as nice as the 'right side' and so the final design is made up of alternating knit and purl sections and is reversible, meaning you can throw it on and snuggle up any-which-way!

When the yarn arrived (see note below) and knitting began in earnest, I couldn't stop thinking of porridge - not only the colour but also the lovely texture, the warmth and how perfect it would be for a cold winter morning. In fact it was "just right", like Little Bear's Porridge in the classic fairy tale.

Little Bear's Porridge - join and crochet details
The Pattern:
I am really pleased with how this design has turned out and know it will get lots of wear - I hope you will like it too. If you would like to make your own (or perhaps you are still looking for a suitable Christmas gift for someone, it doesn't take too long!) the pattern is available to download from Ravelry and Love Knitting.

The folks at loveknitting.com are offering an exclusive 15% discount when you buy yarn for this project before the end of January 2014. Simply enter the code PORRIDGE at checkout. After swatching and many deliberations, I think Rowan Drift is the perfect match for this pattern, but the exclusive loveknitting.com discount will also apply to alternative yarns, so there is something to suit all budgets - these yarns all knit to the same gauge: Stylecraft Life Super Chunky, Hayfield Super Chunky with wool, Stylecraft Swift Knit Super Chunky, Sirdar Indie and Sirdar Kiko.

NOTES: The yarn used has since been discontinued - consider substituting with Rowan Big WoolMany thanks to loveknitting.com for providing yarn support and a list of alternative yarn suggestions, in addition to the generous discount code for readers. Thanks also to my friend Charlotte who stood outside on a cold, wet and windy day with a big smile on her face! 

19 comments

  1. I really like it! I love the design, and construction, a great idea as scarf knitting can be monotonous can't it....really like the yarn too....I will quite likely make it....but I think I should not abandon all my by Christmas projects...maybe a good idea for the boxing day on! Thank you, Im looking forward to giving it a whirl!

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    1. Oh please wait, I don't want to be responsible for unfinished gifts! So glad you like it though, and can't wait to see yours :D

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  2. Hi! Is such a lovely pattern! It looks so soft too! Thank you! I'd love to get some chunky wool for it, but could you tell me how much do I need to buy of it? I'm a beginner and I just wouldn't know :s Thanks x

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    1. Hi, I'm so glad you like it. You should allow 400g of yarn which is 4 balls of the yarn I've used. All the details are on the pattern, which is suitable for a beginner. Happy knitting! :D

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    2. Ahh, thank you xxxx I couldn't see the details :s
      Thanks again :) xxx

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  3. Replies
    1. Over 40 people have so far downloaded with the code, but I had a couple of messages to say it's not woeking - I'm not sure why. Just looking into it!

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    2. If it helps, I couldn't make it work directly into the paypal link, but I could when I added to cart in here :)

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  4. Thank you so much, the pattern looks great and the scarve luscious and soft!

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  5. Thank you. Learning crochet and knitting and this will be first knitting project for me :)

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  6. Big congratulations on a gorgeous design! I downloaded it and look forward to knitting this up soon!

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  7. It's fab, what a snuggly looking pattern

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  8. Nice! Thanks! I downloaded it....can't wait to try it..probably over Christmas break...

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  9. The download worked perfectly for me -- thank you and congratulations on such a great pattern!

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  10. This is so lovely ! Thank you for the pattern, I look forward to knitting it and wearing it.

    Happy Holidays

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  11. I LOVE this! So gorgeous! Thank you very much!

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  12. Wow Sarah! I've been so busy this week and I'm only just catching up - there it was up on the hot right now list on Ravelry! so cool! I just love it too, it looks so squishy and delicious - you clever thing :)

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  13. Wow Sarah! I've been so busy this week and I'm only just catching up - there it was up on the hot right now list on Ravelry! so cool! I just love it too, it looks so squishy and delicious - you clever thing :)

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  14. So beautiful! I can't wait to knit this, so thanks for the Christmas Gift! ;-)

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