Hats for the holidays

No time to knit? Blasphemy! But there it is. KIPing at a knitting group is one thing, but knitting in the library, waiting at martial arts classes, well, I find myself an ambassador "What's that you're doing, embroidery?" "Is that the needlepoint kind of knitting?" This from a Wharton MBA. Go figure. I am ill disposed to hear either exaltations or exhortations, just let me knit, people. It occurs to me that I should be educating the unfibered masses, but lately, my knitting has been my me time. Reminding me that there should probably be a bit more me time. Thoughtful, present, mindful me time. The problem being that there is always time for dazing gapemouthed into the screen, be it the computer, the television, the iPod, the Palm, wandering aimlessless from site to site, no more engaged or invested than the couch potato with a remote. Hmmm. Not entirely true. Invested and engaged for the instant, but then we're off on another tangent without more than the haziest whiff of what was engrossing the moment before. Paper and pencil should really be required equipment.

So there was a pretty little hat out of Cashmerino Aran in pink and lavender, 72 stitches increased to 84 after the ribbing and some pretty forgettable two-color work. It's not quite long enough to cuff, but it will be for Adelaide. Made another, sturdier one out of Wool-Ease worsted (30% wool) in cream with gray patterns for Anderson. Whose head looks quite big enough even if he's only 8 months or so. This one came out much bigger despite the EXACT SAME size 6 aluminum circular Susan Bates. Go figure. Pictures coming.

Today I wove in the ends on an attractive gray-and-cream (you guessed it) hat from wool remaining from Anderson's cap. I'm not quite as happy about these hats for adults; havent got the proportions right. This one is 84 sts increased to 96 sts after 1-1/2 inches ribbing, 7-1/2 inches from the edge to the first decrease, alternating rounds of decrease and plain ss until 7x12 sts, then each round decreased. Fair Isle pattern in three sets of three rows separated by 3 rows background. The hat is deep, but not long enough to cuff on an adult. Cuffs nicely on a child. A little deep for a plain adult cap. pretty, yes. The top may want to taper down a bit more before flattening. Made up in Wool-Ease, it doesn't feel quite warm enough as a single layer and thus may end up being Edward's hat.

I have started a toe-up sock. More accurately, a toe-up cast-on, we'll see if it ever makes it to sock. So far it's just some "Heart and Sole" which I dislike for its Cardiology connotations. That and its odd colorway. But for practice, why not? See ya'll.