A hat in July {Knitting} + Le Challenge GIVEAWAY

The 12 hats in a year challenge is proving every month more and more challenging. A knitted hat is the last thing I actually need in my wardrobe right now, but I know that not long from now it is all I will want to wear. So I decided to go for simple design - for a minimum time spent on knitting. 

Pattern: Mock Rib Watch Cap (free pattern on Ravelry)

Yarn: Cascade Eco-Cloud in Bunny (#1804) bought here

Needles: Circular and DPNs 5.5mm

I did not even change the yarn - or the colour! I am glad. I had never knitted with Cascade Eco Cloud, and the yarn is actually really different from any other yarn I had knitted with. I tried to capture it on the pictures, it is not twisted, it is sort of braided - and so stretchy! It is a merino and alcapa blend - and I don't seem to be allergic to it, result! It would be great for sweaters in the winter, and probably very forgiving for sizing. 

I have bought about a girl (Lindsey Kelk) on Ibooks recently - after seeing a lot of recommendations on twitter. I have yet failed to make it to Chapter 1, so cannot tell you a lot about it - but it seems to be the perfect chilling out book! 

Linking to Tamis and Ginny's today. 

So here is for the giveaway. As you may know the next le challenge theme is HEROES (entries due on September 15), and Kirsty at Quiet Play has shared her inspiration and given you a chance to win 3 of a paper pieced patterns!! To enter, go here. 

Pearl Tassel {knitting}

I finished it last week but needed to send my notes back to Libby for the test knit. And she is onto a winner, this pattern is going to be a success. It looks great, easy to wear and is a super fit. Unfortunately you will have to wait for her to publish the pattern before you can make yourself one!

I cannot tell you a lot about it, as the pattern is not yet released - but trust me is not as difficult as it looks, really - which is great. It makes it a very quick knit. 

I knitted it in Malabrigo worsted (pearl) - The colourway is great, as it goes with everything. 

Looks at the back of it, I can't get over it. It looks amazing 

In my feedback I asked Libby to consider making mittens for the pattern, that would make a very complete pattern, and guess what I have a bit of that malabrigo left over, so it would be perfect! I will of course let you know when the pattern is available and there may even be a giveaway...

Testing {knitting}

I have never test knitted before - never the right project, too pregnant to test knit garment, not enough time - until Libby presented Skeppe. I knew I had to make it. I love Libby's style (she makes one complete outfit - yes complete with accessories - every month) and I love knitting hats! The perfect match!

This is an interesting exercise - because of the stitch used but also because I never had my own patterns tested - it is all based on my notes. I do not make any money out of them either - so it is more about sharing a construction.. So it is interesting to see the directions given, the feedback expected, the details - what you can and cannot do. And of course, it is great to be part of the overall process!

I am hoping to finish it over this weekend, and model it!