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December 3, 2013: Some advice for those of you tackling this lovely hood!

Sizing: Check your gauge if you are doing small. It’s not easy to get 11 sts/inch, you may have to go down to US 0 (2.0mm). I did not check gauge because I was lazy, and got 9 sts/inch with US 1.5 (2.5mm). My hood is larger than in the pattern, front edge = 25”, Neck edge = 21”

M1 over 2 rows: A brilliant stitch that I will be using in the future. It avoids the problem of stealing tension from adjacent stitches in a regular 1-row M1. I have very detailed photos of both the M1L and M1R on my blog. Something that may help you is to remember that the 1st row of the stitch is like doing a backwards loop cast-on (or frontwards if doing M1R).

Bobbles: Love the technique used here. Instead of purling back over your increases you just pull the yarn across the back like an i-cord. Pull nice and tight so that you get a good tight bobble.

Nupps: Whereas your (K1,yo,K1,yo,K1) should be super-tight for your bobble, it should be super-loose for your nupp. Make sure two needles can fit through your loops! I have included a picture of the bobble set-up versus the nupp set-up.

Grafting: You need to graft in both knit and purl to really finish this hood well. Just remember how grafting works: whatever stitch is facing you is your goal. BUT the first leg is always what you don’t want. If you see a knit stitch facing you, insert your yarn needle as if to PURL first. If you see a purl stitch facing you (usually on the opposite needle), insert your yarn needle as if to KNIT first.

Totally enjoyed making this hood! And the designer teaches me new techniques every time. I can’t wait to see what she comes up with next. Thanks, Christa!

November 26, 2013: I just had to make this hood for the sheer delight of complexity. Cables, cable pictures, bobbles, nupps, i-cord, twisted stitches, moss stitch, grafting knits and purls… everything but the kitchen sink, and a lot of fun.

More notes, pictures and details on some of the stitches are coming. But it’s my birthday so I am tooooo busy celebrating. ;)