Naturally, I love this just-exactly-what-it-needs-to-be hat pattern (the Regular Guy Beanie). But I particularly love how it turned out in this yarn, which is Malabrigo Worsted in Lettuce. The Afghans for Afghans site stressed using bright colors, and like I said to Sarah in an earlier comment, this was the only real color in my stash! (I’m not even sure how it got in there, among all the greys and murky blues and ivories and greys again.) Knitting this hat with this yarn made me understand why Jo loves making hats as much as she does.
I didn’t do any sewing this weekend, but I did order a couple of patterns — which makes a total of four patterns I’ve bought in the past six months, after not having bought one for at least a decade. I’ve sewn since I was a kid, and made or altered all kinds of stuff as a teenager. (Including pegging every new pair of jeans I brought home.) But lately the machine only comes out for the random hem or temporary burlap curtain. So I’m really excited to sew some clothes for myself again.
And then: more sweaters! The other thing I ordered this weekend is a pile of Brooklyn Tweed for a cardigan. Can’t wait.
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I have made that hat a few times, and it always comes out so small! What cardigan are you making?
Last night, I was looking back at my notes from the previous times I’ve made this, and that was true for me the first time, too. I did it with Cascade 220 on US7s, and it was a little small. Then I adapted the pattern a bit for a bulky yarn and did a couple with Magnum. But with the Malabrigo Worsted (which of course is thicker than worsted), sticking to the pattern and knitting on US8s, the size is great.
For the cardigan, I’m doing something along these lines: http://yarnover.me/2012/03/29/new-favorites-open-elbow-sleeved-cardigans/
Love everything about your hat! And know whomever receives it will love it also.
Funny you mention I love knitting hats. Have a bag full of yarn to knit charity hats for our upcoming car trip to NC.
Malabrigo Worsted is such a great yarn and lettuce is an awesome color. Gorgeous hat for a great cause!
Thanks, I’m glad Cephalopod called my attention to this particular effort. It’s nice to know this will be warming someone’s head halfway around the world …
Jo, I’d love to know some of your favorite charities to knit for, if you’re willing to tell.
I like to knit for local children. This past fall I took all my hats (40 something) to the Women’s Center. Felt good about it knowing that so many families are becoming homeless. Plus they care for and house abused women and children. I’ll probably do the same this year.
Also, knit preemie blankets and hats for Alive Hospice in Middle Tennessee.
That’s awesome, Jo.