Off the hook

After making all those hats for Christmas presents, I felt like I needed to gain a little more knowledge about hat making - specifically on the increasing / decreasing part when doing the crown of the hat. So, I took a look at the clases offered by my LYS (Northwest Handspun Yarns and they had an "Earflap Hat" class that sounded interesting. We had a little problem getting started because of postponments from snowy weather, and after the first session, I ended up being the only person in the class, so I had great conversation with Deb, the instructor, who is also in my spinner guild, about spinning for crocheting and how to read patterns etc., and I had brought my new magazine issue from Interweave Crochet (the same people who bring us Spin Off and Interweave Knits, plus a whole host of (would you believe about 30) other magazines!?) So we spent a bit of time going over all the patterns in the magazine - talking about materials and "tools".

I wanted to make this hat for myself. I have a wonderful winter hat - an ear muff style hat made from sheep skin - I love it, but it does kind of look like I have a squirrel on my head - and I don't always want to carry it around, for fear that I might lose it. I also have a large head - I've never been able to buy a hat "right off the rack" - they are always too small. Well this one is made "just for me" - and it fits perfectly - all the way up to over my twisted hair bun on the top of my head, but - I'm only letting you see the back of it, because The Shepherd says it makes me look like a big gnome.

Here's a picture of what it looks like laid out flat - I did put the chains down the front, because it just didn't hang right with out them, BUT, I do, however reserve the right to refuse to put a tassle on the top. I think I have enough yarn left over that I might make a pair of fingerless gloves. (in my spare time...)