*
Little Brother's (replacement) St. Patrick's Day Birthday hat, completed:
Specs:
- Yarn: Malabrigo 100% worsted merino in "Vaa" (#51). This yarn is like butter to knit with -- a real joy, (especially in comparison to my last project which was knit with cotton-elastic).
- Gauge: 5 stitches per inch
- Needles: U.S. size 8 (5 mm) Denise Interchangeable circular & Clover Bamboo 7" DPNs
- Pattern: NiksKnits Irish Hiking Hat
- Size: ~22" circumference
- Modifications: none, at least not intentionally, although I'm not particularly crazy about how the crown shaping "in pattern" turned out -- I may very well have screwed that up, somehow. But seeing as I was still knitting this an hour before the party, I didn't have any time to fix whatever was broken.
- What I'd Do Differently:
- Knit the 4-inch, 2x2 ribbing a few inches longer -- possibly as long as 7-8", so that the folded cuff covered more of his ears;
- Seriously rethink the crown shaping in pattern, because I believe it could be improved upon;
- Possibly increase up to 117 stitches after the ribbing and have cables all around, instead of alternating a cable and a knit ridge.
In any case, I'm glad it's done -- I can now get back to more leisurely no-deadline knitting projects.
By the way, Little Brother turned 40 yesterday:
so, to celebrate, his wife held their annual St. Patrick's Day/Birthday bash. (Can you guess what his first name is?)
I love the napkins they used:
Sister-in-law Jenny prepared all the appropriate Irish favorites, including corned beef:
Irish Soda Bread:
Yum!*
There was also a green punch:
And the obligatory green beer:
Some delicious Cold Stone Creamery ice cream cakes:
And birthday presents. Here's the birthday boy, holding the Life is Good shamrock mug I gave as one of his gifts:
* 
And here he is wearing his St. Paddy's/Dr. Seuss hat I gave him a couple years ago:
Oh, and we watched VCU put up a valiant effort against Pittsburgh, before succumbing in double overtime:
Despite the hometown team's loss, all in all, it was a fun evening!
*
7 comments:
The hat came out GREAT, Mary! What a fun day you had! I'm Irish, too!! I used to make the traditional dinner until last year when my family told me how much they HATED it!!! It must be their Puerto Rican blood!! (apologies to my husband Juan)
When are you going to teach me how to do cables????? I need a lot of help!!
Have a great (and healthy) week!
The hat came out GREAT, Mary! What a fun day you had! I'm Irish, too!! I used to make the traditional dinner until last year when my family told me how much they HATED it!!! It must be their Puerto Rican blood!! (apologies to my husband Juan)
When are you going to teach me how to do cables????? I need a lot of help!!
Have a great (and healthy) week!
OK. That's it. Next year, I'm coming and partying with y'all for St Patrick's Day! :)
I did have an enjoyable day with my mom and sister (from NC) but it wasn't a greenfest party!
LOVE the hat BTW! I made the scarf as my first cable project and was pleased. I think I'm going to definately find some of that Malabrigo
Great hat!! I like those cables. Looks good on that Irish lad, also. Those napkins are a HOOT!
i love that hat!!! i have been coveting the malabrigo at the yarn lounge! it looks beautiful!
hey mary, me again :) have you been to all those knitting classes and excursions? i am thinking of going on one over the summer and fall. let me know what you've got planned if anything. maybe we can meet up! cheers, susan aka lemmie
I don't know how I missed this post. The hat looks great! And he can always fold the brim down to cover his ears. Personally, I like the alternating cable & rib. Looks like it was a fun party. Belated Happy Birthday to your Little Bro!
Post a Comment