Wednesday, February 24, 2016

yarn along: hat trouble





I did it, friends!  My Hitofude is done and blocking as I write.  I wasn't thrilled with the length on me although it fit great everywhere else so I'm really hoping that blocking will allow me to add some length.  The length in the back is fine but the way the two front sections ended up was shorter than I'd hoped.  I would still wear it and love it but I'm hoping blocking adds even nicer drape to the garment.  I loved working with CoBaSi for this project; it was really easy to work with and I like how defined the lace pattern has been even before blocking. 

Next up:  when we were in Portland last month, we stopped into a yarn shop, Knit Purl, and Jesse really liked a hat they had on display.  It is a pattern belonging to the store, the Lintel Hat, and it really is beautiful and does like "Jesse" to me.  I haven't adapted hat patterns for men versus women but the model for the original pattern is a woman and the hat doesn't look huge on her so I'm trying to figure out if and how to modify the pattern to fit my dear husband. There are only TWO projects for this pattern on Ravelry (both for girls) and although I put feelers out to him about looking for a more tested pattern, Jesse really liked this one and I rarely knit for him and he rarely requests anything and as all knitters know, when someone requests something, it feels so gratifying to make it if possible.  And so.  This feels like a very basic question, but I'd love for you to weigh in:  when a hat pattern specifies a finished circumference, does that describe the hat "at rest" or does it describe the optimal head size once stretched out?  This pattern says, "Finished circumference: 18 inches," but does that mean if I measure Jesse's head and it is, say, 19" do I want to add at least an inch to the circumference of the brim?  The colorwork pattern contains 16 stitches so I am considering just adding an extra repeat of the chart and seeing how that goes; it seems like my simplest option if I end up needing to make it bigger. I get to pull out my ball winder which is always exciting.  New project here I come!

Reading this week:
I am coming nearer to the end of The Poisonwood Bible by Barbara Kingsolver.  Relief.  I'm glad I have read it in part because I'd eventually like to have read everything by Kingsolver, but this one has been tough.  So thankful for the other ladies doing the read-along together or I may never have continued.  

Outlander by Diana Gabaldon is a re-read for me and a really enjoyable romp.  Nothing complicated, just adventure, romance, history and some laughter.  It's a good companion to the other book I'm reading!

I'm also reading up on the basics of teaching Suzuki piano, because I think my oldest would really benefit from it rather than slogging through the method books I have always liked using.  It's been a bit of a battle with her and she assumes she can't do some of the things I know she can do, so I want to switch tracks.  I think the focus on artistry and ear training in Suzuki lessons will be invaluable to her. I know that a formal Suzuki music education has very specific components which I will not be able to entirely provide, but I am up for the challenge of learning something new together as well as we can. Suzuki does seem to fit well with the Charlotte Mason philosophy of education I currently fully embrace. 

I'm joining up with Ginny's Yarn Along and looking forward to seeing what others are reading and creating!  I feel so excited to have finished such a long term project that I'm itching to load up my Ravelry queue with new fun!

14 comments:

  1. To help answer your hat question. Add one repeat for extra width. The pattern photo shows it on the ladies crown down to her nape. I am sure, Jesse is going to wear it moreonhis forhead to his nape and that is the measurement you want to take. The circumference mentioned is unstretched. You kight be able to get away with it as written. Swatchi g will give you more of an answer.

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  2. My mom is knitting a hat, and the pattern says the 20" hat is to fit a 22" head. Maybe that helps a little? I would definitely take the time to do a good sized swatch in the the color work. But the hat should be a little smaller than the circumference of his head or it won't stay up.

    I think my husband and I are going to Portland in April. I am putting that yarn store on my list of things to do!

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  3. I bet blocking helps it a lot. Especially with lace. I'm looking forward to seeing pictures of you wearing it with a big smile :-)

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  4. I've been to Knit Purlwith my daughter when she lived in Portland. I always enjoyed going there. I'm not sure about your hat question because it seems every pattern writer is different. But I think if it's written as normal, you would want one repeat for the difference and hat size between a man and a woman. Your Hitofude is beautiful! I'm sure it will be just lovely on you.
    Blessings, Betsy

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  5. Hitoftude is on my list - I want to spin the yarn for it. You inspire me to get going on that!

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  6. I love it!! Well done you! I hope to make myself one of those sweaters some day--you can be my mentor. I love the hat pattern and if I was you, I would call the shop and ask them for advice, but Marsha (comment above) seems to have given helpful advice too. As always, my girlies are beautiful and I miss them ever so much. March's visit can't come soon enough and I already have a bag out, collecting goodies to bring my little loves.
    xoxoox

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  7. Your Hitoftude is amazing!! Makes me want to add it to my (already way too long) list of must makes...... :-) Don't worry - PW is alllllmost done - nearing the finish line, we can do it!

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  8. your hitofude is beautiful!!! lovely lovely lovely. the measurements are usually for the knitting object so 18 inches would be the hat, depending on how big or small his head is will be the determining factor.

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  9. All hats need negative ease to stay on, so measure his head, 18' is unstretched, and decide from there. 1-1/2" to 2" negative ease is the most you want to go. So if the difference is more, add a repeat. If you add a repeat and it's too big it won't stay positioned on his head.

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  10. Thank you everyone for the awesome advice!! I totally have a game plan now... And now to wind balls if yarn!!

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  11. the hitofude came out beautifully!!!! Love it....I haven't worm mine much, but I think of it as more a spring knit, so, I'm getting ready!!!! The hat.....could you possibly just use a heavier wt yarn and larger needles to accommodate that yarn to get the larger hat size?

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  12. Your cardigan is just stunning! What a beautiful work!

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  13. I knew your cardigan would be beautiful. I am really looking forward to seeing it all blocked. Such a lovely pattern and your yarn choice was gorgeous. Re the hat. To be honest, every hat I have knit has ended up a bit big after a few goes of wearing. If it was me I'd maybe go a slightly larger weight yarn but if the measurement of his head versus the pattern circumference wasn't that much different I'd just knit to size and accept a bit more negative ease, I'd assume it would likely stretch. Your probably have far better advice from seasoned knitters though!

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  14. I LOVE the Hitofude. I wonder how many more years mine has to sit in the queue before I finally break down and knit the thing. Seven maybe?

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