I know, I know, I said I'd finish my existing YoP WIPs from last year before I started on this year's list. Well, I couldn't resist the lure of casting on something new, so when I failed to do the maths to pick up the stitches on Eleonora, I turned to my list to find something simple and quick to do while I waited to figure out the stitch count and for my new circular needle to arrive.
I dug out these two yarns from my stash, and found my 5mm needles to cast on for Capucine.
I found the endless rows of garter stitch rather soothing, and quite enjoyed the transition from knitting flat to knitting in the round, where the fabric shifts from garter to stocking stitch. Very quickly I found myself casting off and thinking "job well done".
 |
| I'm so pleased with the way the stripes turned out! |
I quickly realised I had an issue. Let this be a lesson to you all in checking gauge before starting a project! As I hadn't checked mine, I didn't realise I was hitting 4 stitches per inch instead of 3. So my hat is tiny! Well, not tiny, but definitely not adult size! I estimate it's a 16" circumference hat, whereas I need 23". So once I've weaved in the ends and added the tassles, I will be gifting it to the nearest child.
Of course, I was sad about not having a hat for myself, so I sat down with the pattern and calculated how many stitches I'd need at my gauge to get a hat that would fit. Half an hour later and I had a pattern that I thought would work, and cast on immediately!
I am a little sad that I have now run out of the brown yarn, so my hat will just have a brown edge and the rest will be green. The tassles on the small hat will have to be plain green too. If I hadn't cut my yarn each colour change, and carried it up the work instead, I might have frogged the original hat to reuse the brown. As it is though, I shall be content with a bright green hat.
Gauge is such a pain yeah? It's necessary and I think for particular projects, one needs to even wash and dry that dang swatch.
ReplyDeleteI love that pattern. I want to make one for myself.
Cute little pattern--and thanks for those two lessons: swatch for gage and dont't cut yarn when striping! I am sure your second one will be just as delightful when finished.
ReplyDelete*smiles*
Lovely little pattern and there is nothing like rows of garter stitch to relax the mind and let you think on the stitches for Eleonora. Pity it didn't work out first time but some child is going to have a really gorgeous hat and looking forward to seeing your one.
ReplyDeleteI had this exact problem a few weeks ago! Got so into my project that I finished up my hat, tried it on and thought "man this is way too tight." Needless to say it's now going to be my daughter's hat for next winter *sigh* oh well. I'm sure you're second hat will turn out just as beautiful with its brown edge :)
ReplyDeleteGorgeous colours! I love diversion knitting :)
ReplyDeleteLove the colors!
ReplyDeleteJust another lesson in why we should check our gauge....not that I do. I like to live on the knitting edge, so to speak :)
ReplyDeletegreat color combo! But, I think the brown edged hat is going to be beautiful, too. gauge bites!
ReplyDeleteI love the hat and it's a lovely idea to gift it.
ReplyDeleteLove the colors. At least you had enough brown for a nice trim on your own hat. Did a little diversion crocheting myself yesterday.
ReplyDeleteadorable hat....I've got it in my favorites to do someday too...but after seeing yours...I might have to knit one up for my nephew...he loves getting a new hat each year for Christmas....
ReplyDeleteMy list contains projects that will force me to check my gauge and the math..well, I'm going to look that up. The green is nice.
ReplyDeleteLove the pattern and I think the brown to frame the face will really offset the green of the hat. (I hate swatching for gauge too)
ReplyDeletethe hat looks wonderful and i am sure someone will be very happy with it!
ReplyDeleteOh no! I'm sorry about the gauge. I'd have ripped it out though! Look how pretty those stripes are. I'd selfishly want those stripes for MY hat.
ReplyDeleteI've just checked my stash for other yarns of the same weight and I have some black that is similar, and some brown. So I might do a third one in green, black and brown just to use up the rest of the stash!
ReplyDeleteI love your color combinations. I'm so sorry about the gauge thing. It's a warning to me as I have yet to knit anything requiring gauge but it's coming up! Thanks for the extra warning. You do beautiful work.
ReplyDeleteThat hat is in my queue as well - must remember to swatch for it! I'm sure you'll find a loving home for it - it's very cute!
ReplyDeleteI never think about gauge, especially with hats. It's how my dad ended up with a massive chin length lacy hat when I was learning to knit. The colours are gorgeous though!
ReplyDeletethe hat colors are great. Joining you this upcoming year for the 'come blog a long' via Ravelry. I'm not sure if I should challenge myself with Knitting or just stay with what I know 'crochet'. I have a kids knitting book that I've been wanting to go through ... I'll decide soon.
ReplyDeleteLove the hat and good reminder about checking the gauge!
ReplyDelete