30-03-2024

After a little more research on Tunisian crochet, I chose to do the back horizonal loop/bump method for picking up stitches from each foundation CHAIN, instead, which for me created a neater foundation row, but I didn’t realise I’d need a bigger HOOK size, than I’d normally use, to stop it curling at the edge.

So I frogged my first 8 lovely rows of work and started again. I changed from 5mm to 6mm and this increased the length of my hat by 2”.

Keeping the reverse TC stitches even was another challenge initially until I picked up the 9 sts on a cable needle, then my tension for the brim improved dramatically.

I realised that for the reverse stitch, we are picking up stitches from the back vertical bars (as in back post crochet, but only slipping through the back half of the st). While the simple stitches are drawn from the front side of the vertical bars.
(I practised this using this tutorial
https://youtu.be/_Xaf6r6EfVI?si=57PtvCIFgZ1ldOCO )

So now it’s just a case of working the rows to and fro until I’ve done the requisite amount, without adding or missing sts.

11.08.24 Frogged the burgundy yarn and started again with paintbox aran, much better to see and work without matting.

16-08-2024

I found some Pom Pom attaching tips here:
https://knitwithhenni.com/2020/02/19/attach-pom-pom/

Restarted project entirely 11.08.2024 after watching YouTube tutorial on tension. Also how to pick up dropped sts from forward pass.

I realise I should’ve done a dish cloth practice piece, first.
Working steadily, a bit each day, now provides better results than rushing.

30-09-24 It’s using more yarn than expected, so far. I’ve still got 6 inches to go.

03 Oct 2024. Used 135g yarn in the end. 24” circumference for head sizing.
The cinching of the end of the hat, once side seam sewn, is leaving a gap. I sewed a second set of sts to draw up to tighten the inner part of the pom pom end of hat.

Thanks to my friend, Brigette, for the glorious fluffy pom pom.

08-10-2024

I believe the hat lends itself better to a softer, silkier yarn than Paintbox Simply Aran.