Morgan Hat

After much knitting on Friday and Saturday, I reached the top edges of the hat where you knit each stitch together with the one 3 rows below, creating a sort of rolled edge. I measured the hat at that point and realized it was way too big. The pattern says it has a width of about 8.25". On size 6 needles, I was getting a width of nearly 10".

On Sunday afternoon, I sat at Borders and ripped everything out so I could start over. I used size 4 needles and now have a width much closer to 8.25". The fabric is tighter too, which is nice because I felt it was too loose and had too many holes before.

At the rate I'm knitting the hat, I can probably finish it tonight or tomorrow. I could potentially even finish up a pair of Knucks made in the same Rowanspun yarn. I don't think the socks will happen. They would be the odd ones out since they wouldn't be made with a matching yarn.

The Rowanspun is softer than it felt in the skein. I hear it blooms and gets much softer after a good wet soaking.

Current Project Status

Quick update on the status of my active projects.

Rona Lace Shawl - It's been a while since I've worked on this because it is now at the point where each round takes me at least half an hour to finish. With at least 50 more rounds to go, I'm not looking forward to all the time I still need to spend on this.

Crusoe Socks - I'm past the heel on the 2nd sock. These may be done by this weekend but I've got a few other projects I need to start.

Vixen Camisole - I started this the same time as the Crusoe socks. This is also almost done - it's such an easy pattern that I've just been flying away on it. I also may finish this weekend (although I'd still have to buy the ribbon for the straps).

Projects I plan on starting and completing by next weekend (they're going to my uncle for his 70th birthday):

Comfy Socks - These socks are knit with a bulky yarn. I actually made a pair using this pattern for my grandfather. Unfortunately, I gave them to him right before he was taken to the hospital and he never got a chance to wear them before he passed away. I put the socks in his coffin before the was cremated since they were made for him. I should have some bulky yarns in my stash I can use for this - Moda Dea Tweedle Dee & Valley Yarns Berkshire Bulky. I've got some leftover bits Cascade Magnum I could use for stripes too.

Morgan Hat - This type of hat is called a "flat top", "golf cap" or "driver's cap". An excellent item for an elderly gentleman! I'm thinking of using my Rowan Rowanspun 4ply in Sludge, doubled. It's dark and has a tweed look to it. I've even got some super heavy interfacing I can use for the lip of the cap.

Knucks - These are fingerless gloves that still have a bit of each finger. I'm thinking of also doubling up the Rowan Rowanspun 4ply in Sludge for these. I'll have matching hat & gloves.

* My thanks to the wonderful people who replied to my post on Ravelry with their suggestions.

The Circle of Crafting

I've been knitting so much stuff recently that I'm at that point again where I'm feeling the urge to work on a different craft for a bit. After receiving my new heddle, I never took the time to put the warp back onto my Kromski loom. I wanted to take it out of the closet on Monday but I got preoccupied. Last night at the knitting group, we had two people who were spinners. Maybe I should take out my drop spindle and give it another whirl? :P I was also thinking about digging out my jewelry wire and pliers so I could try to making ear cuffs.

Updated projects with photos

I took some time this weekend to upload photos of projects I hadn't yet uploaded onto Ravelry. Here are just a few photos:


Muffin playing with the bumble bee toy I made for her:



"Crusoe" socks (because they're "stranded"):



"Monterey" socks from The Eclectic Sole:



"Endpaper Mitts", pattern by Eunny Jang:

dramaz?

I love my online communities but I think reading about the drama that inevitably goes on is getting to me. I need to focus more on my knitting!