you can't have too many hats

Pattern: Gretel, by Ysolda Teague

Yarn: Mission Falls 1824 wool, colour 20 (cornflower)

Both Ysolda and this wonderful yarn can do no wrong, in my books. She writes great patterns I always learn something from - the tubular cast on here was far less daunting with the help of her video. It does produce a rounded and stretchy edge that's perfect for hats.

Besides its fabulous colour, this yarn (Canadian!) has great stitch definition for cabling. I think I've officially decided on repeating this colour/yarn combo when I get around to making this. It's only been in my queue for 8 months while I decide.

Now I can to go finish some socks that are taking forever. And plan a super sweet five-year-old's birthday party. Man. I cannot believe she is turning 5 already.

Have a great weekend.

something that's not teal or turquoise

Pattern: Topographie by Alexandra Tinsley

Yarn: Plucky Knitter Merino Cashmere DK (discontinued)

Andrea (and Elizabeth Z.) say it's time time to make hats, so here we go! This one takes about 30 seconds to make and is super fun. The yarn I bought about a year ago (yay! using stash!) and I'm so glad I did. Sarah's yarns are amazing (I have lots of her sock yarn), but in recent months she seems to have become so popular her store updates sell out immediately, so they're really hard to get. I'm very happy for her success (I was reading her blog way back when she first said "hmmmm. maybe I should try dyeing yarn!"), but sad for me. boo hoo.

This pattern is a simple stocking stitch in the round, with the occassional, random, bit of purl "relief". Alexandra wrote the pattern because her original yarn colour reminded her of topographical maps. I also love maps, topographical and otherwise. And anything vaguely "landscapey". Tree mitts included. I guess that's why I'm a landscape architect. Though my hat is more the colour of a Mars-scape.