Attempt #1 - pattern as written

For the first hat I followed the pattern exactly so that I could get a feel of what it would be like. In the end I didn’t love it, which was disappointing. I found that the ruffle was not really all that ruffley and that the decreases for the crown were a bit wonky and came to a point. Not to be deterred I decided to make some modifications and knit one more before I abandoned this hat completely.

Attempt #2 - altered pattern

Alterations to pattern were as follows

• k in the round
• co 198 to account for pleats instead of ruffle
• k for 12 rounds (brim)
• k pleat rounds
• change colour (CC) and k 14 rounds of linen stitch
• change back to MC and k for 2.5”
• decrease as written but when you have 3 stitches between markers…
• k2tog, k1 around
• k2tog
• thread through remaining stitches and pull tight
• weave in ends

As you can see (4th picture) this hat was much more ruffely and the linen stitch band allowed the bow to lay much flatter then the seed stitch band on the original. The crown of the hat was also much nicer and was flat on the head when worn. In the end, I still don’t love the pattern and I am not sure that I would knit it again.

As the hats were not for me, all that mattered was if Rachel liked them. Rachel in deed liked the hats but unfortunately they were both too small for her girls. (This was an oversight on my part and I should have gotten Rachel to measure her girls heads first.) Now, what to do with the hats. It didn’t take much thought as my best friend Vic also has 2 ridiculously adorable girls who just might fit into the hats!

(first picture) Jocelyn and Chelsea sporting their new hats!

Success at last!

Blogged about the hats here.