Autumnal Study {knitting}

Friday 2 November 2012

This Autumn beanie hat was finished just in time for the wind and the rain, and the wind and rain to come. Actually this was the incentive to finish it so quickly. I waited outside the train station last Friday night and got so cold that I thought that was it, I needed the beanie hat ready right NOW!


An interesting pose
I have changed nothing in the pattern - even when I thought I would (at the end) I did not. The 'yarn' (two strands of lace yarn) is probably as close as it could be to the recommended sport yarn, and I had checked the gauge was OK. I wanted a slouchy hat that would not be too slouchy (like this cashmere beanie hat from COS).  



I love the texture of the hat, there is the brim in garter stitch which is actually beautiful, the cable work (at the front in my pictures, but should probably be on the side) and the overall pattern stitch. It looks difficult, to knit but honestly it is not that hard (was watching TV whilst knitting it). The only thing you have to remember is that two different charts are being worked at the same time (the cable and pattern stitch) - ok that might sound difficult but it is not. 




Pattern: Contemporary Beanie Hat by Veera Valimaki (there is a cowl pattern included as well) - available to purchase on Ravelry
Yarn: Variegated Merino Tweed Sock Yarn 100g from Whaferdale Woolworks) and 
Laceweight yarn in black from The Gossamer Web
Needle sizes: 3mm circular (brim) 3.5mm circular body of the hat
Size: fits my head


Had to crop the picture or you would have thought I wanted to show my cleavage


Difficulty: intermediate with not too many cups of tea and biscuits involved - to knit in front of the TV - just beware of the two charts (especially the cable one) 
Blocking: no blocking for this one, you finish, weave the ends, wear it
Result: Looks as if it had been bought and was expensive (thanks to the final decrease chart) - a construction to keep for other beanie projects (can be easily adapted)




The part when I nearly gave up. 

So decreasing to 27 stitches (the pattern says 26, but I think it is 27, because mathematically it would not make sense otherwise) was a bit of a chore on circular needles. I thought I would stop before the end, and then you see it, what Veera is trying to achieve and you carry on - because that makes the final beanie hat look so NOT handknitted. 

You could make it less slouchy (other Ravelers have done it). I may just do that for another one, but that was not the look I was going for this time. 

As this is my last day before maternity leave (I did mention that, didn't I?), I thought I would leave you with a picture that does not show at all how big I am right now - rubbish picture, but the only one I have so here we are.. 



So I shall enjoy my last day of work or not. You guys should get ready for the GIVEAWAY tomorrow by staying tune and following me so you don't miss out!

26 comments:

  1. gorgeous hat! And you are ridiculously cute :-)

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  2. Cuddly hat! Will you have a little send-off?

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  3. Love the hat...I'm halfway through a sock!

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  4. Your hat is so lovely! Enjoy the peaceful time before the baby comes.

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  5. That's a pretty beanie - love the mixed colours!

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  6. ooh i love your hat, must queue it soon. thank you for the notes. you look adorable!

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  7. Your beanie is really pretty! I wish I knew how to knit. Maybe one day (like I need a new hobby). Looking at your past projects, love your aesthetic. Enjoy maternity leave, sleep a lot and do as little as possible. Do you know what you're having? Are you on instagram?

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  8. I adore that hat, beautiful work. Have a good maternity leave.
    x

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  9. Ohh...cute pictures! Wish I could knit, too but like Melissa I probably don´t need another hobby ;)

    Now I´m looking foreward to see your interiour design (or shed design?). I also enjoyed your Totally Groovy Quilt!

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  10. Love this hat! The colors in the yarn are perfect too.

    I'm a big fan of cables right now. I think these ones look great in the front (that may just be because my brain loves symmetry :) ).

    I hope you enjoyed your last day of work! Have a great mat leave.

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  11. Your pictures are too funny! Loving the hat! you think you could whip one up for me too? Hope you relax during your maternity leave (by relax I mean sew/knit like crazy!)

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  12. The beanie looks great, as do you!

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  13. Gorgeous hat! Lovely yarn. Will check back tomorrow ; )

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  14. Fantastic beanie! I love a good slouch.

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  15. Lovely hat. Hope you enjoyed your last day at work.

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  16. I wish I could knit. Love your hat.

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  17. I really like the effect of the 2 yarns together. The beanie has a very sophisticated look. Lovely. Wishing you the very best for the coming weeks... an exciting time indeed.

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  18. i just love your photography. you must be a super fast knitter! you and baby look great! hope you are enjoying your maternity leave!

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  19. Very cool and pro looking beanie! Nice artsy photo in the mirror:)

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  20. Nat,you look adorable in these pictures and your beanie looks beautiful. And so warm...!

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