Fiber Fool

What can I say? I’m a hat girl :-) Good thing hats look good on me (at according Charla)! This week I kicked out another two hats in the evenings. Above is a no-swatch, any gauge, any size fair isle hat taking a bath in grapefruit scented Eucalan. That was the first hat I completed this week.

Pattern: My Own Fair Isle Workshop Pattern
Yarn: Crystal Palace Créme (60/40 wool/silk, 124 yds/50 gm), 2009 Royal Blue & 2015 Henna
Needles: US8 DPNs and 16″ Circular
Size: ~20.25 to fit my 22.5″ head
Notes: Next time I’d opt for just a tad less depth. Probably as little as 1/2 inch shorter. Since it was knit top down I could have done that, but my anal side wanted a certain about of blue on the bottom and so the edges didn’t curl there is a minimum of ribbing to put at the bottom as well.

The second hat I knit last is yet another Ganomy, but this time with several mods. I want to knit a few different gauges so I’m certain my formulas for knitting it at any size and any gauge hold. I also wanted some examples of modifications that the students can see in person and handle and even try on if desired.

Pattern: Ganomy Hat
Designer: Elizabeth Zimmermann
Source: Elizabeth Zimmermann’s Knitter’s Almanac
Yarn: Bulky Handspun - Frosted Pumpkin Patch (75 yds/3 oz of wool/alpaca blend)
Needles: US11 DPNs and 16″ Circ
Size: ~20″
Notes: I opted for a seed stitch edge rather than garter this time. I inverted the ssk and k2tog over the ears for a softer, less bulky line. I also increased the decrease rate on the top for a more snug fit and to use less yarn as I was nearing the end. But I really like the silhouette of the more form fitting top. I think I shall play around with that some more in the future.

I have to say I’m loving knitting hats and mittens right now! It makes me feel so productive :-) It has also been stimulating ideas and thoughts. Then there is the added bonus of it giving me something to blog about - twice in one week! Woot!