Hourglass Eyelet Bookmark

The photo of this lovely bookmark really doesn't do it justice. This uses a traditional hourglass pattern that Barbara Walker sees baby elephants in (on the wrong side). I don't, but maybe I'm just that way. The pattern has gracefully undulating curves around eyelets. This is one of my favorite stitch patterns - I've used it for sweaters, baby blankets, washcloths, etc - and am always saddened by how poorly it photographs.

It's a bit thicker than normal for a bookmark - you might want to try this one in crochet cotton or other fine-gauge yarn rather than a sport or worsted weight.

Finished dimensions: Approx. 2in (5cm) by 7in (17cm)
Gauge: Not particularly important; you want it slightly firmer than normal.

Materials:
1 skein Patons Grace 100% mercerized cotton (1.75oz/50g to 136yd/125m)
US 3 (3.25mm) needles
Darning needle

Instructions:
Cast on 15 stitches.
Knit all stitches for two rows.

Pattern row 1: K7; P1; K7
Pattern row 2: K2; P5; K1; P5; K2
Pattern row 3: K2; YO; SSK; P1; K2tog; YO; K1; YO; SSK; P1; K2tog; YO; K2
Pattern row 4: K2; P2; K1; P5; K1; P2; K2
Pattern row 5: K4; P1; K5; P1; K4
Pattern row 6: K2; P2; K1; P5; K1; P2; K2
Pattern row 7: K2; K2tog; YO; K1; YO; SSK; P1; K2tog; YO; K1; YO; SSK; K2
Pattern row 8: K2; P5; K1; P5; K2

Repeat these pattern rows until bookmark reaches approximately 7in (17.5cm) or just shy of desired length, ending with an odd numbered row other than 3 or 7.

Knit all stitches for two rows.
Bind off in knit.
Weave in ends.
Block lightly.