OhSewCrafty Blog

• Pattern: by Ysolda Teague
• Yarn: Sublime Angora Merino, color chili, 170 yds
• Needles/Size/Gauge: Size M, 6 spi on US 6 in stockinette, US 5’s for the ribbing
• Time to knit: 4 days in February 2010

This sweet little hat was so fun to knit, with (new to me) top down construction.  It’s incredibly soft, the bright color really pops, and the lace pattern is just so pretty.  

 The pattern is pretty simple, with an excellent chart as well as written directions.  I found it addictive, barely able to set the project down as I watched the pattern develop.  I did make a few modifications; I didn’t like how the I-cord beginning stuck up, so I folded it over and sewed it down into more of a button shape.  Instead of doing the final cable cross and knitting in pattern to the end, I decreased (k2, p1, p2tog) all the way around on round 66, then knit through round 72 in 2 x 2 ribbing.  I did a tubular (sewn) bind off for 2 x 2 rib, which both looks neat and is stretchy.  It’s not the easiest way to bind off, but Vogue Knitting “The Ultimate Knitting Book” has excellent directions and diagrams on page 51.  This book really is the ultimate- if I could have only one book in my knitting library, it would be this one.  

 The yarn, Sublime Angora Merino… where do I start?  It is sublime, what a shame that it’s been discontinued.  It’s so soft, I found myself unconsciously picking up the ball to brush against my cheek.  It was a pleasure to knit, and blooms delightfully after a soak.  The color is deep and saturated, and miraculously, it did not bleed, like reds usually do.  The downside, it sheds a bit while knitting.  I noticed this effect only while knitting on the subway, when my bag is in my lap and the knitting is rather close to my face.  Otherwise, it wasn’t a problem.  

 I finished the project a week before Valentines’; alas plans for photography didn’t pan out.  After having worn the hat often for a few months, I’m quite pleased with the warmth and durability, it sheds only a bit onto the collar of my coat.  Excellent winter accessory!