That was way back on December 10th, when the knitting was done. I washed and blocked it, and then promptly shoved it in a drawer, finished except for hemming up the cotton band.

This weekend, it a fit of “finish it up” frenzy, I finally did sew the cotton hem. So now, I have a finished hat:

Pattern: Traditional Hat by Bea Ellis (Ravelry Link)

Yarn: Cascade Pima Tencel (for hemmed band) and Dale of Norway Heilo (for hat)

Needles: Size #3 and #5 circs/dpns

Knit: December 2009, Hemmed & Completed: January 2010

Mods: Absolutely none. I followed the pattern exactly. However, if I make this hat again, I will do the crown decreases a little differently, as the dome of the hat has more pucker than I would normally like.

Verdict: I wore this hat during some very cold weather this week, and it was very, very warm. The cotton blend felt soft on my forehead and ears, must softer than the wool would have.

The fair isle knitting was not difficult, as long as I could work on the circular needles. I think attempting colorwork on double pointed needles would still be difficult without more practice.

But all in all – a success! The best part – it fits my melon head, so I’m thrilled.

This is my “ooh la la, I’m wearing a beret!” face. It didn’t really work, but it’s the best picture of the hat.

Pattern: Le Slouch by Wendy Bernard (Ravelry link)

Yarn: Knitpicks City Tweed HW in Brocade (almost entire hank)

Needles: Size #7 and #9 circs/dpns

Completed: November 26-27, 2009

Mods: Since I have a melon head, I did modify the pattern slightly. I dropped a needle size for the brim (down to a #7), and added 12 stitches (80 total). Then, I increased up to 120 stitches for the hat portion, knitting for about 6 inches before starting decreases.

The problem I’ve had with slouchy hats in the past is that because my head is so big (I like to think of myself as “big brained”) most of the slouchy patterns fit me more like beanies. So I worked out some measurements to make this beret particularly slouchy. I love that it actually worked!

There’s just one problem:

I think that between adding the extra stitches for the brim, plus the weight of the extra yarn to make it slouchy has made the brim a bit too large and stretched out. I have to really work to keep the hat from falling over my eyes.

Oh well. You can’t win them all. I’m thinking that a little wash and maybe a very (very) quick trip through the dryer might tighten it up a bit. Or completely ruin it. We’ll have to wait and see. Because right now, “seeing” is one thing I can’t do in this hat.

Pattern: Amanda Hat by Gina House (Ravelry link)

Yarn: Malabrigo Merino Worsted in Pagoda (about 1/2 a hank)

Needles: Size #9 circs/dpns

Completed: November 21-22, 2009

Wow! This one flew off of the needles. I absolutely love this pattern, and have this same hat in a differnent color. But that orange is a color that I’m finding hard to wear, as it doesn’t quite go with my jackets. Enter this gorgeous red Malabrigo yarn, in a color I love that will look great with my new black winter coat!

I didn’t modify this pattern at all, and it fits my melon head perfectly. Those of you with a more normal-sized noggin, you may want to do less repeats of the second lace portion. But with my large head and habit of pulling my hat over my ears, this fits me just perfectly.

Now to make a matching cowl with the leftover yarn. Or some mitts! I do have a second hank just begging to be knit up.

I can’t believe I didn’t post about this hat sooner! I finished it months ago (July!) in Chicago, but just never got around to writing up a finished objects post. Weird! You’d think I had other things on my mind, like moving out of state or something.

Pattern: Amanda Hat by Gina House (Ravelry link)

Yarn: Malabrigo Merino Worsted in Golden Ochre (about 1/2 a hank)

Needles: Size #9 bamboo circs/dpns

Completed: July 5th – 6th, 2008

This is definitely, without a doubt, the best-fitting hat I have ever knit for myself. I’m usually off on some crucial measurement – it’s either too big around, or too long, or just too small, but this hat fits perfectly. It’s long enough to cover my ears, but not so long that it folds back up at the back of my neck. It’s perfect in every way. Except for the color – it just doesn’t match my coat. I guess I’ll just have to knit another one!

A note about the yarn – this was the first time I had knit with Malabrigo, and now I understand the nickname this yarn has on the net: Mmmmmmalabrigo. This yarn is definitely yummy – it’s a singly ply of super soft merino wool that is a dream to work with. It’s one of the most popular yarns on Ravelry, and it’s easy to see why. Plus, it felts fabulously from what I hear. And there’s plenty of yardage, so I could have knit another hat or even a matching cowl with what I had leftover from just 1 hank.

Hey! What do you know! I’m offering some Malabrigo in my Bowl for Kids Sake raffle – 2 hanks of a lovely green color. That’s enough for about 4 hats, or maybe 2 hat/cowl sets, or a even couple of felted bags, maybe. Don’t forget to donate and follow the instructions on the raffle post for your chance to win some lovely yarn!