Inspiration

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Inspired by a recent book purchase:


I interrupted my other hat-in-progress to knit this one:

Specs:

• Yarn:
• *A: Brown Sheep Burley Spun in Pinetree (#BS68) - 100% wool
  *B: Rowan Big Wool in "Flirty" (#38) - 100% wool
  
• Gauge: 2.5 stitches per inch
• Needles: U.S. size 13 (9 mm) Denise circular & Brittany Birch 7½" DPNs
• Inspiration: Valery**, from Hip Knit Hats***
  
• Size: ~20" circumference
• Recipient: Niece with upcoming birthday, whose favorite color is green
  
• Modifications: **significant, in that I used the book's pattern mainly as inspiration. The original pattern instructs to knit it from the top (crown) down. I prefer to knit hats from the bottom up, which is how I knit this one. And so, my pattern is as follows:
  

1. Cast-on 50 stitches of yarn B and join in the round.
   
2. Purl 6 rounds, then K 1 round.
   
3. Switch to A and K 5 rounds.
   
4. Switch to B, K 1 round and P 6 rounds.
5. Repeat steps 3 & 4 once more.
6. Switch to A, knit 4 rounds.
7. Decrease & finish according to Super Simple Hat Calculator

***Note: This book has lots of errata. If you own it, make sure you print the corrections pdf before you start a pattern from it. Also, there's a freebie extra pattern on the errata website, as a consolation for putting up with all the mistakes.

I still love this book, for all the fun and inspiring patterns within it. I may not follow each pattern to the letter, but will no doubt get some great ideas from it.

I think I'm going to wet-block this hat, because the crown seems a little wonky to me. My first attempt at the crown was even worse, so I had to rip and re-knit. I'm happier with the second attempt, but not completely. Here's hoping a good soak will resolve the wonkiness.

Speaking of inspiring knitting books, another great one I recently acquired for a (relative) song, (compared to the triple-digit going rate this book gets on ebay), is this classic:


When I grow up, I want to knit one of her patterns. For now, I'll just flip through the book, try and learn something, and remain inspired.

For more Alice Starmore inspiration, check out Laurie's Oregon Vest. She even played an evil April Fool's joke on her readers, yesterday. But all is well.

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