Daddy has a hat

You may remember that before vacation I talked about making my Dad a scarf. I did. Nothing special, 2x2 rib and used red heart acrylic held double so it would knit up quickly and be extra warm. Dad needs easy care yarn. Well he loved it, and I asked if he would like a hat to match. He said sure, but could I put a Phillies P on it. Why not? I'm fearless. Low and behold....



I was a little concerned about the fit. I measured his head, but me and measuring don't always get along, so I was still nervous. Plus the acrylic yarn I was using was not that forgiving. But it turned out pretty well don't you think? Here are the specifics:

Pattern: Pastaza Skull cap (Ravelry) with some mods. I co 96 stitches and then had to fudge the crown but it worked out and swirled.
Yarn: Red Heart red and white
Needle size: 8 circs and dpns
Size: Men's large
I used graft paper for the P which was pretty easy. I may consider doing a Flyers hat next. Hmmm...


(BTW, Dad was tired, hence the half closed eyes)
TTFN!

First FO for 2009 Yea!

Like the majority of the country, the weather has been brutally cold here in Philly. Like single digit cold, and we haven't had that in several years. Therefore a nice toasty hat was in order.

Pattern: Robin's Egg Blue Hat from i dream of knitting

Yarn:Malabrigo chunky in Stonechat which I won over a year ago from Cinnamon Girl at Happyhand Work

Needle size: 10.5

Size: women's medium

Love, love, love the yarn and the pattern too. It is super easy and took less than a week. Maybe three days? I have never knit with malabrigo before, and I must say it was awesome. And the colors of this yarn are just beautiful. I know after a while malabrigo pills and stuff, but to have a worsted weight sweater out of this colorway, would be a good thing.

Hmmm....I see a future project.

I like the swirly thing the crown does. Cool!

Stay warm and happy knitting! TTFN!

Yarn Crawling in Philly

Last weekend Suzy Girl, myself, Knitting Novice, and a bunch of great gals from the PhillyKnitters blog went on a yarn crawl. Although the torrential downpours may have kept the sane people in doors, us crazy gals braved the weather for some yarn purchases and to meet other knitters. Despite the rain and the need for Noah's ark, I kid you not, we have a fabulous time. We laughed, got wet, bought yarn, knitted, and made friends along the way.

Sparkcrafted was the organizer, and she did a marvelous job. There are 4 yarns shops in center city Philly: Rosie's Yarn Cellar, Sophie's Yarns, Nangellini, and Loop. We started out at a coffee shop, and went in groups to Rosie's. From there we went in the order that I mentioned. I would have to say a good time was had by all.

Now obviously I got some yarn, because how could I pass up this opportunity, especially when my first stop had a sale basket. I told Suzy, I wasn't going to buy a lot, because I had a lot of things going on, and my stash was pretty big. just some yarn for a hat. You know nothing major. Now to some of you, my purchases may not be major, but when then don't quite fit in the stash container, well....lets just say I won't be making any purchases any time soon.

This first one I got at Rosies for $7 a skein on sale. The red was screaming out to me. The color is actually a little variegated, in that it is light and dark. And it is so soft. It really just jumped into my arms. I'm thinking clapotis.

Next purchase was at Sophie's. Just 1 skein of this Cascade Pastaza in blue. What? Blue? Yeah, I know I never really buy anything blue, but I do like the color. And my favorite football team's colors are blue and white (Colts), so you know. I'm thinking a hat.

The last purchase was at Loop. I saw this Lamb's Pride and immediately Celtic Tote came to mind. Gotta have it!!! There are 3 grey skeins and 1 black for contrast. I already have that pink and brown I want to use for a felted bag, so that's why I chose a different colorway.

Yeah, don't know when I am getting to these projects, but at least I have the yarn for them.

TTFN!