Ainur Berkimbayeva For Purl Soho: Carousel Collection
For the many knitters who adore Ainur Berkimbayeva’s amazing patterns, it’s not a surprise to hear about the joy she brings to her process. “I love experimenting. I love playing with shapes. I love the geometry in garment design… How lines move throughout the garment.” Her wonderful imagination shines through every choice she makes, resulting in designs that are clever and fun but never fussy… And always beautiful!
Embracing that love for experimentation, Ainur Berkimbayeva’s Carousel Collection is a spectacular set of accessories, all knit up in our Donegal tweed Hedgerow. We sat down with Ainur to learn about the collection’s origin, her design process, and so much more! Read on for insights into this very special designer and her Carousel Collection!
Ainur’s Carousel Collection was born out of a delightful twist on the idea of a capsule collection. Instead of classic, simple pieces that go with everything, Ainur had a mischievous desire to “turn it upside down” and design the kind of accessories you would wear with capsule items, the fun pieces that show off who you are. As Ainur envisions it, “Your everyday coat may be gray or black or what-have-you, and then you put on the fun accessories to make you smile!”
Ainur begins her designs with what she describes as a “main hero,” the technique or idea that is at the heart of the piece. In this case, she wanted to play with simple German short rows to shape her accessories. That first hero idea “just kept sort of birthing more ideas along the way, like the way I use the short rows for the hat and the scarf and shawl are similar, but a little different.”
“Supporting characters” bring more fun and “help the main idea.” In her Carousel Collection, Ainur’s use of stripes and color express and enhance the form, the pops of color highlighting the stripes and keeping things light and playful. Just look at how the short-row stripes point the way to the fun pom poms on the hat and scarf, and how short rows create the curve of the slippers’ toes and allow for a separate color for the sole (Ainur’s favorite part about the slippers)!
From her earliest days in Kazakhstan, Ainur was taught to think of the human body in three dimensions by her mother, a seamstress who instructed Ainur in rudimentary pattern making. With her ability to sew darts and add puffs to the sleeves, Ainur’s Barbies were the best-dressed on the block! Her mother also taught Ainur to knit and made sure she had fully mastered her cast on before she learned the knit stitch at seven or eight. Ainur’s first knitting project was a shirt she created for those same Barbies… A designer from her very first stitch!
To this day at her home in upstate New York, Ainur designs in paper first. She cuts and shapes, folds and tapes to create a paper version of her idea, all while her brain thinks about how to accomplish the same things in knitting, calculating increase rates as she goes, her love of geometry and math informing her knitwear design every step of the way.
When we asked Ainur about using Hedgerow for the Carousel Collection, she talked about how well its texture worked for her designs. Even though Hedgerow’s mix of 93% merino wool, 3.5% cashmere, and 3.5% mulberry silk gives it a soft feel, it still has the traditionally grippy texture of a Donegal tweed, giving it great shape-holding properties that complement Ainur’s structural and graphic designs. Ultimately, as Ainur puts it, “I love that it has the farm yarn feel to it.” Indeed!
Ainur also loves the beautiful colors and “tweediness” of Hedgerow, each one speckled with small bits (or “burrs”) of fiber… A lively and playful yarn that’s the perfect fit for the joy of her Carousel Collection.
In the end, Ainur’s greatest concern is the experience of the knitter: “I want them to have fun. I don’t want them to get overwhelmed. But I want them to also experience something a little different, something new… I want them to be engaged with their knitting, but also be able to breathe in between. Life is hard, and knitting shouldn’t be.” Isn’t that exactly what we all hope for in our knitting? Thank you, Ainur, for always finding that sweet spot!
Pick up your favorite colors of Hedgerow and Ainur’s five-accessory pattern and cast on for something simple and new, engaging and fun… The amazing Carousel Collection!
We had a wide-ranging conversation with Ainur, full of fascinating stories and glimpses into the life and mind of a truly gifted designer. Click below to enjoy the entire interview!
Please note: There are some typing sounds in the opening minutes of this interview, but hang in there, they don’t last long!
Yarn lovers, if you adore the yarn used in this project, you’ll love exploring all of our other yarn collections! Discover over 45 thoughtfully designed yarns in nearly every natural fiber and in every spectacular color you can imagine. Only available here at Purl Soho’s online yarn store, where every skein is created with care and your creativity in mind!
UPDATE: NOW INTRODUCING THE PETUNIA PULLOVER
September 2024
Using similar German short-row shaping and stripes, Ainur Berkimbayeva’s Petunia Pullover in Linen Quill has the same joyful spirit of the Carousel Collection. You’ll knit this garter-stitch sweater sideways, stripe by stripe and all in one piece. With sizes for toddlers, kids, pre-teens, and adults, little ones can grow into new sizes and everyone can get in on the action!
See more of Ainur’s brilliant designs here at Toqu Tigu!
Share your progress and connect with the community by tagging your pics with #PurlSoho, #PurlSohoBusyHands, #PurlSohoCarouselCollection, and #PurlSohoHedgerow. We can’t wait to see what you make!
Materials
4 colors (or 5 for Mittens) of Purl Soho’s Hedgerow, 93% merino wool, 3.5% cashmere, and 3.5% mulberry silk. Each skein of this worsted/aran weight yarn is 243 yards/ 100 grams. If making more than one piece, determine how many skeins you’ll need by adding up the yardages required for each color, then dividing by 243.
We used the following palettes for our samples:
- Main Color 1 (MC1): Heirloom White
- Main Color 2 (MC2): Black Sand
- Contrast Color 1 (CC1): Forest Clover
- Contrast Color 2 (CC2): Persimmon Red
- Contrast Color 3 (CC3): Golden Meadow
and
- Main Color 1 (MC1): Heirloom White
- Main Color 2 (MC2): Gray Ember
- Contrast Color 1 (CC1): House Wren
- Contrast Color 2 (CC2): Cattail Brown
- Contrast Color 3 (CC3): Persimmon Red
HAT
- MC1: 1 skein; 40 (45, 60, 75, 90) yards required
- MC2: 1 skein; 40 (45, 60, 75, 90) yards required
- CC1: 1 skein; 15 (20, 25, 35, 45) yards required
- CC3: 1 skein; 50 yards required
SCARF
- MC1: 1 (1, 2) skein(s); 150 (225, 315) yards required
- MC2: 1 (1, 1) skein; 145 (215, 245) yards required
- CC1: 1 skein; 70 yards required
- CC2: 1 skein; 70 yards required
WRAP
- MC1: 2 (2, 3) skeins; 270 (370, 545) yards required
- MC2: 1 (2, 2) skein(s); 240 (335, 480) yards required
- CC2: 1 skein; 70 yards required
- CC3: 1 skein; 70 yards required
MITTENS
- MC1: 1 skein; 30 (45, 55, 70) yards required
- MC2: 1 skein; 30 (45, 55, 70) yards required
- CC1: 1 skein; 15 (20, 25, 35) yards required
- CC2: 1 skein; 10 (15, 20, 25) yards required
- CC3: 1 skein; 5 (10, 15, 15) yards required
SLIPPERS
- MC1: 1 skein; 25 (30, 45, 50) (50, 60, 70) yards required
- MC2: 1 skein; 15 (25, 30, 35) (40, 50, 60) yards required
- CC2: 1 skein; 15 (20, 25, 35) (35, 40, 45) yards required
- CC3: 1 skein; 10 (15, 15, 20) (25, 30, 35) yards required
You will also need…
- US 5 (3.75 mm), 40-inch or longer circular needles, for Scarf and Wrap
- US 5, 24-inch or longer circular needles, for Hat and Mittens
- US 5, 16-inch circular needles, for Hat (or spare needles for Baby size Hat) and larger size Slippers
- A set of US 5 double pointed needles, for Hat (Baby size only), Mittens, and smaller size Slippers
- A crochet hook and scrap yarn (for Provisional Cast On), for Hat and Mittens
- Stitch markers, including one unique, for Hat, Mittens, and Slippers
- Purl Soho’s Pom Pom Maker Set, Small + Large size, for Hat, Scarf, and Wrap
- A Carousel Collection Pattern
GAUGE
20 stitches and 40 rows = 4 inches in garter stitch
20 stitches and 32 rounds = 4 inches in stockinette stitch, for Slippers and Mittens
20 stitches and 36 rounds = 4 inches in 1×1 rib, for Hat, Slippers, and Mittens
SIZES
HAT
Baby (Toddler, Kid, Adult Small/Medium, Adult Large/Extra Large)
To fit actual head circumference of 14–16 (16–18, 18–20, 20–23, 22–24) inches with 0–2 inches of negative ease
- Finished Circumference: 14¾ (16 ,18¼, 20¾, 22) inches, unstretched
- Finished Height: 6 (7, 8¼, 8¾, 9¼) inches
Samples: Both Hats shown here are Adult Small/Medium.
SCARF + WRAP
Small (Medium, Large)
- Finished Length: 50 (60, 70) inches
- Finished Width (Scarf): 5½ (6¾, 8) inches
- Finished Width (Wrap): 10¼ (12¾, 15) inches
Samples: The Heirloom White + Black Sand Scarf is the Small size and the Wrap is the Medium size; and the Heirloom White + Gray Ember Scarf and Wrap are both the Large size.
MITTENS
Baby/Toddler (Kid, Adult Small/Medium, Adult Large/Extra Large)
- Finished Circumference: 4¾ (6, 7¼, 8½) inches
- Finished Length: 7½ (8¾, 10, 11½) inches
Samples: Both Mittens shown here are Adult Small/Medium.
SLIPPERS
Baby (Toddler, Kid Small, Kid Medium, Adult Small, Adult Medium, Adult Large)
To fit actual foot length of 4½ (6, 7, 8) (8¾, 10, 11¼) inches with 0 inches of ease
Finished Foot Length: 4½ (6, 7, 8) (8¾, 10, 11¼) inches
Samples: Both Slippers shown here are Adult Small.
PATTERN
The Carousel Collection Pattern is available for purchase as a PDF download only.
Learn About Hedgerow + All Our Beautiful Yarns
Our Hedgerow yarn makes this project extra special! Created in County Donegal with 93% merino wool, 3.5% cashmere, and 3.5% mulberry silk, Hedgerow has a softer hand feel than strictly traditional Irish wool, while still celebrating the aesthetic and integrity of Donegal tweeds. A classic worsted/aran-weight yarn, Hedgerow brings joy to every stitch!
More Free Knitting Patterns
- Be sure to explore our collection of (mostly free!) Hedgerow knitting patterns and cast on!
More Worsted/ Aran-Weight Yarns
- Shop our entire collection of worsted/aran-weight yarn
- If you want to use a different yarn, be sure to take the time to get the correct gauge. Need help? Check our All About Gauge Tutorial!
More Yarns With Similar Fiber
- Shop merino wool yarn
- Shop cashmere yarn
- Shop silk yarn
Looking for more inspiration? Explore all of our free knitting patterns and knitting tutorials, buy one of our many knitting kits and yarn bundles, and shop for beautiful yarn. We have over 35 gorgeous natural fiber yarns in 100’s of magnificent colors, designed to bring integrity, beauty, and joy to your next knitting project and only available at Purl Soho!
Oh my…I love the look of this series of patterns…but, I have no idea of how to anticipate the yarn needed. …so complicated. I would like to make the medium scarf, the adult small/medium mittens and hat. Please help.
Hi Barbara,
Thanks for writing in! We understand that yardage can be a bit tricky when you have so many options. I have listed the yardages below for each size requested along with yardage if you were planning to make a full matching set!
For the mitts, you will need the following,
MC1: 55 yds
MC2: 55 yds
CC1: 25 yds
CC2: 20 yds
CC3: 15 yds
For the hat you will need:
MC1: 75 yds
MC2: 75 yds
CC1: 35 yds
CC2: 50 yds
Lastly, for the scarf, you will need:
MC1: 225 yds
MC2: 215 yds
CC1: 70 yds
CC2: 70 yds
In total you will need:
MC1: 355 yds/ 2 skeins
MC2: 345 yds/ 2 skeins
CC1: 130 yds/ 1 skein
CC2: 140 yds/ 1 skein
CC: 15 yds/ 1 skein.
Let me know if there is anything else I can help with and I would be happy to take a look!
Happy knitting,
Gavriella
I love this pattern. So fun!!! I am trying to make it a bit more budget friendly. I would like to do the M scarf. And I’m thinking I could use one contrast color, the same on both pompoms. Is there another yarn that could work like Good Wool which is on sale?
Hi Emily,
Thanks for your question! Good Wool would make a wonderful option for this pattern! We always recommend knitting a gauge swatch just to make sure you are able to get the same gauge as the pattern. Other than that you should be on your way!
Happy knitting,
Gavriella
Sorry to bother you again. I just saw your message now! I thought it would go to my email. I will check back sooner this time! Good wool does not have black and white at this time. Would any worsted wool work?
Hi Emily,
No worries at all! Yes, any worsted-weight yarn will work just fine!
Hi there … love the look of the scarf, mittens, etc. I am a novice knitter and don’t know if I have the skills to do the mittens. Don’t want to pay $15 for a pattern only to find out that the level of skill required is beyond mine. Suggestions?
Hi Sydney,
Thanks for writing in! I think that the Carousel Collection would be an exciting challenge for a novice knitter, but we’re here to help! We know that learning new techniques enriches the process of making, so we’re happy to describe the skills involved with a pattern to help new knitters learn more about what’s ahead! Below, I’ve included a list of skills that this pattern requires, as well as links to any tutorials we have on them:
Long Tail Cast-On
Provisional Cast-On: One Step Method
Knit Front And Back (kfb)
Stripes In The Round
German Short Rows
Picking Up Stitches
Kitchener Stitch
Ultimately, we hope that you will take little leaps into the unknown and find that the satisfaction was worth the challenge. If these techniques are daunting, I would recommend trying them out with some scrap yarn before beginning the patterns. And as always, we are happy to help answer any questions you may have along the way!
All the best,
Lili
Is the two color knitting a challenge for an intermediate knitter that has only done two color work holding the second color up the sides and using slip stitches?
Hi Mindy,
I think this pattern would be great for an intermediate knitter. And if you have any questions, feel free to ask away!
All the best,
Gavriella
Hello,
I’ve started the set with the mittens, and am at the point of “Graft Edges”. Do I follow your Kitchener Stitch tutorial exactly as shown, or do I need to make some adjustment since this is garter stitch (rather than stockinette stitch as shown in the tutorial)? Thanks for your help.
Hi Lynn,
With wrong sides facing, you will be able to follow the tutorial as is. I hope this helps!
Happy making,
Gavriella
Greetings,
I’ve made two hats using this pattern and am currently working on my first mitten. I’m struggling with the thumb hole. I’m not sure what “With MC2 ( MC1, MC1, MC1, MC1)….” means. I tried what made sense to me and had to rip it out twice! Any help will be appreciated,
Hi Julie,
Thanks for writing in! That instruction indicates which color yarn you should be using. If you’re making the smallest size, then you need to use MC2, and if you’re making any of the larger sizes, then you need to use MC1. Hope this helps clarify things!
All the best,
Lili
I have an enormous stash, but love Donegal yarn. I would like to try Hedgerow for the Carousel Collection. I saw on FaceBook that you were offering 10 free kits for this collection, and I would love to receive it if there’s still a chance. If not, I will go back to my stash and try knitting it with something I already have, LOL.
Hi Willa,
We’re so glad to hear that this yarn has caught your eye! The giveaway ends on October 27th, so there’s still plenty of time to enter. Good luck!
All the best,
Lili
Hi there, I am attempting the wrap, because it is so cute! I am getting tripped up by the double stitch. For example, in Row 1 when it indicates a double stitch at the stitch that is 20th from the end, is that just for that stitch, or for the remainder of the row? If it is only for one stitch, after the stitch is complete, does it go back to the right side? I watched the tutorial for the German short rows and still find it confusing. Any guidance is appreciated!
Hi Lindsay,
Thanks for writing in! After you create the double stitch, you will be on the other side of the work, ready to knit back in the opposite direction. You will not work the remaining stitches on the row (it’s a “short” row)! At this point, you’re ready to begin the following short row in the pattern!
All the best,
Lili
Thanks for your response! Do I understand correctly that following the double stitch that the remaining stitches aren’t knit or purled? Are they just slipped to the other needle?
You’re very welcome! You’re correct that the remaining stitches are not worked at all. But you don’t have to slip them either–you just leave them exactly where they are!
All the best,
Lili
I think I’ve got it! I have another question. I have completed the first 6 rows, but it seems as if only one side is tapered? Is that how it should look at this point, or did I go astray somewhere? Thanks again for your help!
Hi Lindsay,
Great! Hmmmmm, are you creating double stitches on both ends, or just one? To get the tapered shape on both sides, you’ll need to work the short rows in both directions. In the pattern, Short Rows 1 – 4 do this for you! Since you’re creating a double stitch on each one of these rows, you’ll end up with double stitches at both ends of the wrap.
All the best,
Lili
Hi Lili, that is not how mine has turned out, it seems like the taper solely ends up falling on one side. This is the case in both a smaller test version I did and also my actual project. I’m thinking maybe I’m doing the short rows wrong then. I have been knitting back after the short rows after the double stitch, and then beginning the next marked row, but I think it sounds like I should just start onto the next row in the pattern after the double stitch? Thanks again!
Hi Lindsay,
Yes, you should be just starting the next row after each double stitch! That’s actually what makes these rows “short” in the first place–since you’re not then knitting to the end of the row!
All the best,
Lili