OhSewCrafty Blog

• Pattern(s) by Ysolda Teague from “Whimsical Little Knits 2”
• Yarn: Cascade Dolce, “Boysenberry”, 200 yds for hat, 184 yds for mittens
• Size/Needles/Gauge: hat: M, 5 spi on US 6, US 5 for brim; mitts 5 spi on US 6
• Time to knit: hat: 2 days in August 2011, mitts: ~1 week in Aug/Sept

Here’s another effort to stashbust for the current SKC KAL.  I’ve always liked this pattern and I thought the bright pink would provide some cheer during dreary winter days.

The patterns are fine, no errata.  I worked the hat entirely from the chart; it took longer than I might expect due to all the cabling.  The pattern is easy yet a bit tedious for that reason.  There are some “work as established” rounds, but it’s not exactly a mindless project.  I chose to make the M size because I wanted some slouch, but I went down a needle size for the brim because I don’t want it falling off my small head.  It came off the needles with a rather odd shape (due to the constantly changing stitch count) and required blocking over a plate to obtain the beret form. The mittens, being mostly stockinette, were easier knits.  The flip-top section is written very well and it employs a smart technique.  I made the tops and thumbs a bit shorter to fit my hands.  

Dolce is a soft, smooth yarn, blended of 55% alpaca, 23% silk, and 22% wool.  Since the wool is in the minority compared to the less springy fibers (alpaca & silk), the yarn doesn’t have much give, and it made my hands a bit sore working all the cables.  It would probably be better suited for lace, but at least the blend ensures a nice drapey, soft, silky, fabric, especially after blocking.  The mittens are especially warm and cozy.

The Snapdragon set is highly satisfying, interesting but still pretty easy, and relatively quick to knit with worsted weight yarn.  After knitting several of Ysolda’s patterns for the KAL (with a few more still to share), I’m definitely a fan.