Hat of Blocks

Last week I completed a quick project as a pick me up.  Three days from start to glorious finish.  I have to throw these in between the forever lace and large projects to keep my knitting pep up.

Block Hat
Pattern: Sheep & Wool Hat from "Say What?"
Yarn: Red Heart Soft Yarn
Needle: Size 6
Knit: April 20 - 23, 2008
Notes:  This was a total stash busting hat.  I had small balls leftover from an earlier project that I wanted to use up.  Initially because of the colors I was thinking of making a knit penguin but decided to do some color work instead.  A quick search of Ravelry and soon I was zipping along on this hat. 

I knit this for my head (22" Circumference).  I made some minor deviations from the pattern including using a provisional crochet cast-on to make turning the hem under easier and I put a solid color row between the color work.  Nothing major.  And I love this hat.  I think the simple color work is striking and due to the stranding, it is a nice warm hat.

Of course its in the 90's in Southern California right now.  A winter hat isn't exactly something I will be able to wear. But I am one of those knitters who pays no attention to what season it is when I choose my projects.  So its of no surprise that the project I just cast on for is a sweater. I think its crazier that I am knitting a sweater on size 3 needles. 

Yup.  I am working on Abotanicity from Knitty - Winter 2007. I really don't know what I was thinking.  A sweater made of sock yarn.  It's going to take me forever!!! But it seemed like a good idea when I was buying the yarn. And I am in love with the shape and construction.  It will be a great jeans sweater for next winter.

And as much as I love the Trekking it was originally done in, I am budgeting these days so I am doing mine in Knit Picks Essential.  So far I am pleased with the feel in the hand and softness.  And it's machine washable.  A total requirement for any sweater of mine from now on.  I just don't do hand washing. I have shrunk one too many garments. 

I am totally happy with it so far. It's mindless ribbing at the moment and due to its small size, it is serving as both my TV and commuting project.  I finished my first ball last night so I have hopes that I can do the whole thing in a little over a month.  I realize that's more of a pipe dream but that's the kind of mood I am in.