McKinley's Closet

School is Cool

2011-07-17T09:03:00.001-07:00

I was looking at my blog this morning and thought, "How in the world could my last post be in January?!" Time sure has flown by this year. I began nursing school in January, and it has been a whirlwind of a time. I have had to let many things take to the back burner, like cleaning my house, grocery shopping, oh-and designing patterns. In order to be a better mom and wife, I have just had to let some things go. I appreciate all the support I have from my friends and fans on Ravelry and Etsy, and here. When I am done with school in December, I hope to pick up my needles and hooks again. The daydreams of pretty things I can make do not stop (especially when I am in dire need of a study break), and I have a few designs running around in my head. Don't give up on me, I will be back in the normal world again soon.

~Kirsten

Elaina's Slouchy Hat Pattern

2011-01-26T08:32:00.001-08:00

Elaina's Slouchy Hat Pattern is now available to purhcase. I am really excited about this pattern. It is very girly and super fun to make! The pattern is written for sizes 6 months- adult. This hat is a quick one to make as ituses a size J hook for the bulk of the pattern. The pattern also includes a picture tutorial with instructions to do the X in the edging. You can purchase the direct download for $3.75 by clicking on the buy now button.

New Years Sale!

2010-12-30T08:10:00.001-08:00

I am having a New Years Sale in my etsy shop. You can visit by clicking on the following link: McKinley's Closet

Enter code "NEWYEARS" at checkout to receive 15% your entire purchase! Sale lasts until MONDAY January 3, 2011.

Happy New Year-may this year bring you all success and happiness.

Stripy Knit Hoodie Dress

2010-11-09T15:21:00.000-08:00

Last December, I had surgery and since I was "laid up" for a couple of weeks, I took on a huge project of writing and creating my first dress pattern. Several months later, I had the pattern tested and was able to work out a few of the kinks. However, I was unable to fully edit and make the pattern as perfect as I would like since my schooling sort of took off like a wildfire. Rather than wonder about the perfection of this pattern in the back of my mind, I want to share it with everyone so you can have as much fun creating it as I did. It is a pretty detailed pattern, however I would like to stress that it is merely a "guide" for how to make the dress. I hope you all enjoy it! You can download a pdf version of it here: download now

Kinley's Chunky Owl Slouch Pattern

2010-10-24T17:01:00.000-07:00

What do you do when your daughter is NOT in the mood to take pictures? Embrace it-of course! I love this new pattern! I can make an adult size slouchy hat in just a couple of hours. I am also currently obsessed with owls, so of course, I had to add an owl perching atop the brim of this hat. It is available in my shops, or you can purchase it now for $2.50 by clicking this link.

Free Pattern for Fall

2010-09-07T08:02:00.000-07:00

Whew-life has been extremely hectic for me!! My daughter just started kindergarten-all day, everyday! It is fabulous, and sad at the same time. I am extremely busy, as well, as I just applied for nursing school and am anxiously trying to get all the requirements finished so I can start in January. I haven't been able to do much designing, or many projects at all for that matter, but I will hopefully have a few things added every now and again.

I created this braided cable beanie a couple of years ago. It was actually the first pattern I ever wrote. I love how people have been using my free patterns for chemo caps, or for other uses, so I wanted to make another one available. This time, it is a free knitting pattern. Enjoy!

You may also download the pattern for free here:download now

Kinley’s Braided Cable Hat

Size Chart:
Size 1: newborn
Size 2: 6-12 months
Size 3: 1-2 years
Size 4: 3 years-small adult
Size 5: large adult
The sizes will be written in the pattern as follows: 1 (2, 3, 4, 5)

Supplies:
Size 6 US (4 mm), 16 inch circular knitting needles
5, Size 6 US (4mm), Double Sided Needles
Cable Needle
Worsted weight yarn (I like to use a soft wool yarn).

Gauge:
20 stitches and 28 rows in 4 inches of stockinet stitch.

Abbreviations:
K-Knit, P-Purl, K2 tog-Knit 2 stitches together, Sts-stitches
RSC-Right side cable (Slip 3 sts onto cable needle, pull to the front, K next 3 sts, K3 on cable needle, K3)
LSC-Left side cable (K3, slip 3 stitches onto cable needle, pull to the back, K next 3 sts, K3 on cable needle)
　
Pattern:
Cast on 65 (78, 91, 104, 117) sts. Place a marker, then join, being careful not to twist.
First Round: *K1, P1, repeat from * around. Repeat until Hat measures 1 inch (3cm).

Braided Cable Pattern:
Round 1: *K9, P4, repeat from * around.
Round 2: *K9, P4, repeat from * around.
Round 3: *K9, P4, repeat from * around.
Round 4: *RSC, P4, repeat from * around.
Round 5: *K9, P4, repeat from * around.
Round 6: *K9, P4, repeat from * around.
Round 7: *K9, P4, repeat from * around.
Round 8: *LSC, P4, repeat from * around.
Repeat rounds 1-8 until the hat measures 3 ½ in, (4 in, 5 ¼ in, 6 in, 6 ½ in). Metric Conversion: 9 cm, (10 cm, 13.5 cm, 15 cm, 16.5 cm). Then, begin the decreasing rounds. (Please note that when the hat will no longer fit on the circular needles, you will need to evenly divide the remaining stitches onto 4 double sided needles.)

Decreasing Rounds:
Round 1: *K9, P2, K2 tog., repeat from * around.
Round 2: *K9, P3, repeat from * around.
Round 3: *K9, P1, K2 tog., repeat from * around.
Round 4: *K9, P2, repeat from * around.
Round 5: *K9, K2 tog., repeat from * around.
Round 6: *K10, repeat from * around.
Round 7: *K8, K2 tog., repeat from * around.
Round 8: *K9, repeat from * around.
Round 9: *K7, K2 tog., repeat from * around.
Round 10: *K6, K2 tog., repeat from * around.
Round 11: *K5, K2 tog., repeat from * around.
Round 12: *K4, K2 tog., repeat from * around.
Round 13: *K3, K2 tog., repeat from * around.
Round 14: *K2, K2 tog., repeat from * around.
Round 15: *K1, K2 tog., repeat from * around.
Round 16: *K2 tog., repeat from * around.

To finish: Cut yarn and pull through the remaining stitches, gather together and bring the tail into the inside of the hat and fasten off. Weave in the ends.

**If the hat ends up being too long, especially for the Size 3 and 4, as they encompass such a broad age range, you can fold up the brim of the hat and your child can grow with it. 　

Summer Visors

2010-06-09T10:45:00.000-07:00

I am excited about this new summer pattern series!! These little crochet summer visor headbands are so quick to make, you won't be able to resist them!! Each one has it's own unique extra feature-ruffles, X's or a ribbon band to make them have just a little extra cuteness.

In this pattern, you will receive instructions for all three visor headbands. The pattern is written for sizes 6 months-adult and is available right now in my etsy shop for $5.95. Enjoy!!

Baby Cocoon/Pea Pod Set

2010-05-26T12:21:00.001-07:00

I am really excited about this pattern series. Baby photo props are all the rage these days. I have a fantastic photography friend who takes stunning pictures. I made up these patterns for her to use, and decided to write up the pattern to sell. Check out her website here to see some of her beautiful photos.

This pattern has three different options: a cocoon, a pea pod and a matching hat. This is perfect for photographers or those who have newborns and want to take professional looking pictures of them.

You may purchase a direct download of the pattern for $5.75 here. I am happy to say this pattern has been tested and approved on Ravelry.

Pea Pod

Here is a little free sample of the hat pattern it uses a size K crochet hook and bulky weight yarn:

Foundation: ch4, join with sl st in first st to make a ring.
Round 1: ch2, 7 dc in ring, join to ch2 space at beginning of round with a sl st. (7 sts)
Round 2: ch2, *2 dc in next st, ch2. Repeat from * around, join to ch2 space at beginning of round with a sl st. (14 sts)
Round 3: ch2, *dc in next st, ch2, dc in ch2 space, ch2. Repeat from * around, join to ch2 space at beginning of round with a sl st. (14 sts)
Round 4: ch2, *dc in ch2 space, ch2. Repeat from * around, join to ch2 space at beginning of round with a sl st. (14 sts)
Repeat Round 4 until hat measures 5 inches from edge to center of hat.
To finish: Cut yarn and fasten off. Weave in the ends with a tapestry needle.

And the winners are...

2010-05-24T09:17:00.000-07:00

Thanks to all of you who participated in the free givaway.

The first winner of the givaway is...L

And the second winner is....prettyteeth26

Congratulations to the winners. Please, leave a comment with your email so I can get in touch with you and get the patterns sent off asap so you can begin creating!

In order to pick the winners, I used randomizer.org

Who wants a free giveaway?!?!!!

2010-05-11T12:49:00.001-07:00

I am anxiously awaiting for the testing stages to be complete on a couple of new patterns to showcase. In the meantime, I thought I would do a free giveaway!! All you have to do is become a follower of my blog and leave a comment on this post by May 23rd. I will announce the winners on May 24th. What do you win? Well, you will win any 2 of my patterns of your choosing, emailed in PDF format. To see a description of all my patterns available, click on my etsy shop link to the right. Below is a little sample of my patterns:

Baby Booties and Slippers

2010-05-03T12:04:00.000-07:00

I have been super busy making gifts for friends and family as of late. It has been nice to take a break from designing and following a pattern for a while. Both of the patterns I followed are from Hook Cany Designs. I just love all of the designs. The shoes I made for my mom for Mother's Day were made with a jute sole, so can be worn around the house or outside as well. They are so comfy. I love the little baby bootie pattern. I made a little matching newsboy hat that is all knitted-no crochet brim. Now, I just need to write up the pattern when I get a spare moment.

Mom's Day Mary Janes

Baby Booties and Hat

Kinley's Crochet Cable Newsboy Hat

2010-04-13T08:40:00.000-07:00

Here's the most recent of my hat designs. I am really excited about this one. I love the rustic look and texture of the crochet cables. If you can do a front post or back post crochet, you can do this hat. The pattern is available for purchase here.

Brooke's Slouchy Hat

2010-04-08T12:20:00.000-07:00

My sister, Brooke, came out to visit during Spring Break a couple of weeks ago. She learned how to crochet years ago, but has since forgot, so I retaught her while she was here. I created this easy pattern for her to make a slouchy hat and thought I would pass it along for free. It fits an average female adult head. You may download the pdf for free here:download now.

Notes:

Hook size: G (4.5 mm) To make the hat bigger or smaller, use a different size crochet hook

My sister used: worsted weight Paton's Classic Wool, 100 grams, 223 yard

The ch2 space at the beginning of the round does not count as a stitch.

DC is done under both top threads.

Foundation: ch4, join with sl st in first st to make a ring.
Round 1: ch2, 9 dc in ring, join to 1st stitch with a sl st. (9 sts)
Round 2: ch2, 2dc in each stitch around, join with sl st. (18 sts)
Round 3: ch2, 2dc in first stitch, 1dc in next stitch, repeat around, join with sl st. (27 sts)
Round 4: ch2, 2dc in first st, 1dc in next 2 stitches, repeat around, join with sl st. (36 sts)
Round 5: ch2, 2dc in first st, 1dc in next 3 sts, repeat around, join with sl st. (45 sts)
Round 6: ch2, 2dc in first st, 1 dc in next 4 sts, repeat around, join with sl st. (54 sts)
Round 7: ch2, 2dc in first st, 1dc in next 5 sts, repeat around, join with sl st. (63 sts)
Round 8: ch2, 2dc in first st, 1 dc in next 6 sts, repeat around, join with sl st. (72 sts)
Round 9: ch2, 2dc in first st, 1 dc in next 7 sts, repeat around, join with sl st. (81 sts)
Round 10: ch2, 2dc in first st, 1 dc in next 8 sts, repeat around, join with sl st. (90 sts)
Round 11-17: ch2, 1dc in each stitch around. (90 sts)
Round 18: ch2, dc2tog. 1dc in next 7 sts, repeat around, join with sl st. (81 sts)
Round 19-20: ch2, 1dc in each stitch around. (81 sts)
Round 21:ch 2, dc2tog 1dc in next 6sts, repeat around, join with sl st. (72 sts)
Round 22-23: ch2, 1dc in each stitch around. (72 sts.)
Round 24-27: ch1, sc in next 72 sts, join with sl st. (72 sts)
***Do not crochet the last 4 rows too tightly, or it will not fit.***

Love you Brookie-miss you already!!

City Girl Newsboy Hat

2010-03-22T16:17:00.000-07:00

This new crochet hat pattern is now listed in my etsy shop. The inspiration for this hat came from a dear friend of mine who is from New York City. She is such a city girl, and when I saw a picture of her wearing the cutest hat in Paris, I had my inspiration!

New Hat Pattern

2010-03-15T16:42:00.000-07:00

I just finished creating another newsboy hat that uses both knit and crochet techniques. Hopefully, the pattern will be available in my shops in the next week or so. I wanted to first feature it here. My sister is in town for my spring break-(yay to both sister being here and spring break!!)-so she willingly and happily modeled the hat for me. I don't know what I will be calling this hat yet. I made it for my sister-in-law, Jenn, so that may play into the title.

Spring Fever!!

2010-03-08T13:54:00.000-08:00

I have been loving the warmer weather and beautiful sunshine the past few weeks. The trees are all in bloom, and I have serious spring fever! I wanted to make McKinley a hat that would be nice for spring, and I have seen this hat featured several different places. I created this pattern from about four different patterns, so I cannot claim it as my own. I would love to share this creation with you.

If you want to download this as a PDF file for free, just click here: download now

McKinley's Springtime Hat

Sizes:
Newborn Size(measures 16 inches around)
Toddler Size (measures 19 inches around)

Supplies:
Size G (4.25MM) crochet hook
100 grams worsted weight yarn (I use 100% cotton yarn)
Tapestry needle

Notes:
1. In this pattern, unless noted otherwise, the ch2 at the beginning of the round DOES NOT count as the first stitch.
2. This pattern is made using 100% cotton yarn, cotton yarn may stretch over time, so it is made a bit tighter to compensate for that.
3. The crochet stitches are worked under both top threads.
4. To make the flower, I got the free flower pattern here http://littlebirdiesecrets.blogspot.com/2009/03/how-to-crochet-flower-video-tutorial.html:

Gauge: 4 stitches and 5 rows= 1 inch in single crochet

Abbreviations:
Chain (ch), Slip Stitch (sl st), Single Crochet (sc), Half Double Crochet (hdc), Double Crochet (dc), stitch (st), stitches (sts).
　
　
Newborn Size:
Foundation: ch4, join with sl st in first st to make a ring.
Round 1: ch2, 9 hdc in ring, join to ch2 space with a sl st. (9 sts)
Round 2: ch2, 2 hdc in each stitch around, join to ch2 space with a sl st. (18 sts)
Round 3: ch2, *2 hdc in first st, 1hdc in next st* repeat from * around, join to ch2 space with a sl st. (27 sts)
Round 4: ch2, *2 hdc in first st, 1 hdc in next 2 sts* repeat from * around, join to ch2 space with a sl st. (36 sts)
Round 5: ch2, *2 hdc in first st, 1 hdc in next 3 sts* repeat from * around, join to ch2 space with a sl st. (45 sts)
(for the remaining rounds, ch2 DOES count as a stitch)
Round 6: ch2, 2 dc in next st, *skip 2 sts, 3 dc in next st* repeat from * around, join to ch2 space with a sl st.
Round 7: ch2, skip next 2sts, *3 dc in space between the shell, skip 2 sts* repeat from * around, when you get to the end, do 2 dc in space and then connect it to the ch2 at the beginning of the round with a sl st. (by doing this, the ch 2 and the 2 dc become a shell with 3 stitches.)
Rounds 8 and 10: repeat round 6
Rounds 9 and 11: repeat round 7
Round 12-14: ch1, sc around, join to first st with a sl st.
Try not to crochet the sc rounds too tightly as it will not have enough give around the head.
To finish: Cut yarn and fasten off. Weave in the ends with a tapestry needle.
Edging instructions are at the end.　
　
Toddler Size:
Foundation: ch4, join with sl st in first st to make a ring.
Round 1: ch2, 9 hdc in ring, join to ch2 space with a sl st. (9 sts)
Round 2: ch2, 2 hdc in each stitch around, join to ch2 space with a sl st. (18 sts)
Round 3: ch2, *2 hdc in first st, 1hdc in next st* repeat from * around, join to ch2 space with a sl st. (27 sts)
Round 4: ch2, *2 hdc in first st, 1 hdc in next 2 sts* repeat from * around, join to ch2 space with a sl st. (36 sts)
Round 5: ch2, *2 hdc in first st, 1 hdc in next 3 sts* repeat from * around, join to ch2 space with a sl st. (45 sts)
Round 6: ch 2, *2 hdc in first st, 1 hdc in next 4 sts* repeat from * around, join to ch2 space with a sl st. (54 sts)
Round 7: ch 2, *2 hdc in first st, 1 hdc in next 5 sts* repeat from * around, join to ch2 space with a sl st. (63 sts)
(for the remaining rounds, ch2 DOES count as a stitch)
Round 8: ch2, 2 dc in next st, *skip 2 sts, 3 dc in next st* repeat from * around, join to ch2 space with a sl st.
Round 9: ch2, skip next 2sts, *3 dc in space between the shell, skip 2 sts* repeat from * around, when you get to the end, do 2 dc in space and then connect it to the ch2 at the beginning of the round with a sl st. (by doing this, the ch 2 and the 2 dc become a shell with 3 stitches.)
Rounds 10 and 12: repeat round 8
Rounds 11 and 13: repeat round 9
Round 14-20: ch1, sc around, join to first st with a sl st.
Try not to crochet the sc rounds too tightly as it will not have enough give around the head.
To finish: Cut yarn and fasten off. Weave in the ends with a tapestry needle.
Edging instructions at the end of pattern

To make Edge: cut a length of a contrasting color yarn 3 times the size of the hat. Thread the yarn into a tapestry needle, start by going through a stitch leaving about a 4 inch tail. Weave through each stitch until you reach the end of the round.

Fasten off the ends using a square knot and then weave in the ends. I hope you enjoy making this hat as much as I did!

Welcome!!

2010-03-04T14:20:00.001-08:00

Welcome to my new blog! I have just started to sell my knit and crochet patterns online and I am excited to use this blog as a way to show off my work and any new creations I may be working on. Hopefully, I will also be able to offer some free patterns when I find the time to add them. I am selling my patterns in 2 different places, I have an etsy shop, and a new shop at ravelry. Please, feel free to check them out if you get a chance! All of my patterns should be offered at one or both of the sites listed.

Here is a preview of some of the patterns I offer, I will be featuring each pattern separately at a later time:

SKIRTS

HATS

LEGWARMERS