Hats are easy and a great way to use up yarn in my stash. Because I can usually finish one up in a day or two, I feel extremely satisfied after another one has been completed.
I had some leftover Lion Brand Heartland yarn from the beret I made earlier. I crossed my fingers and prayed I’d have enough for the Braided Homegirl hat by Roxanne Villemaire. Turns out I did! I don’t think the yarn was right for the pattern; it seemed too thin. The pattern itself is great, even though I messed up the first row of cables – oops.
I really love the Woodsmoke Hat by Dami Hunter that I made with Loops & Thread Charisma’s Forest colorway. It was so squishy and thick. Unfortunately, I didn’t check gauge, and it was a smidge too small on me. My sister-in-law happily snatched it up when I met up with her to teach her some knitting basics. I am so jealous; I think I’ll make up another for myself!
After my first seed stitch hat, I wanted to practice the stitch some more. I came across Beloved / aran/ by Solenn Couix-Loarer and used up the rest of the Bernat Berella ‘4’ Solids & Ragg yarn for it. I love the decrease for the crown; so pretty! Yarn’s still not quite right for the job, and not sure about the gray pom-pom, but maybe it’ll get softer if I throw it in the wash.
My mother-in-law loved the first set of hats and hinted that one of her favorite colors is pink so I made up a hat for her. I actually can’t recall her wearing hats so I don’t know if it’ll be her style. It’s pink so at least I know she’ll like that. I used Big Twist Yarns Natural Solids in Peony Pink colorway and added some remaining Lion Brand Wool-Ease Thick & Quick Wheat for the pom-pom. I was cruising along, making the hat using The Big Hat pattern, and was about to make the decreases for the crown when I realized it was too small. Had to frog it and start over using larger needles. Ha…it’s never a Joy project unless I’ve frogged at least once.
And lastly, my co-worker asked for a red beret for his girlfriend so I used the Star-Crossed Slouchy Beret pattern again, this time with Loops & Threads Impeccable Solids in Claret colorway. I love this worsted weight much more for the beret; feels more substantial, and I think the cables stand out better in the solid. I also switched to smaller needles for the last two rounds so the hole at the top is tighter. I haven’t actually woven the ends in yet so according to my husband, I can’t declare it completed.
Here is Yui posing with the hats as they’re being blocked – she’s such a model:
