Hot Ear Balloons: a free pattern

It's FREEBIE time! Whoop Whoop!

Between the gym, outdoor running, and listening to audiobooks, I use my earbuds a LOT.  For years, I would throw my earbuds into the kitchen junk drawer later just to take them out tangled or not be able to find them mixed in with all of the other charger cords in there.  It was a disaster.  At the end of June, we took a trip to Sequoia and Yosemite National Parks.  My earbuds were in my purse getting tangled up with all the other crap, per usual.  I finally decided to finally put an end to this nonsense.

Cue Hot Ear Balloons! 

They have reduced much of my daily irritation.  When I am done with my earbuds, I simply tie them up (no affiliation with this video, just a great tutorial) and put them into the ear balloon.  It's easy to find the balloon and the earbuds are never tangled.  It's a ray of sunshine on a dreary day.

Pattern Deets:

Yarn: approx. 6g (24 yards) of fingering weight.  I used Hypnotic Yarn Wish Upon a Star and Hatchling

Needles: Size US 2 (2.75mm) AND US 3 (3.25mm) DPNs or long circulars for magic loop

Notions: 1 stitch marker and a tapestry needle

Finished flat measurements are approximately 4" tall, 1.5" at ribbing, and 2.75" at widest part of balloon.

The 1x1 ribbing is snug enough so your earbuds won't fall out, but stretchy enough to be able to easily insert and remove the earbuds.

The free pattern provides two design options: stockinette balloon and the "Lianna stitch", as I like to call it.  Hypnotic Yarn has the Lianna Hat pattern and a free shortie sock with the same yarn over design.  (PLUS the Lianna fingerless mitts will release soon!)

Hot Ear Balloons is definitely a beginner pattern and will only take as much time as an evening movie.  They make great gifts and an ideal scrap buster. It's an all around winner.

 Download the FREE Hot Ear Balloon pattern.  Please post pics on IG and #hypnoticyarn or post to the Facebook page.  I love to see what you make!  Of course, I love comments too!