January 2, 2017

I love the final result of this pattern, but it wasn’t without a few challenges!

I made this years ago for Daisy and had made a few notes on the pattern paper which was useful. That time I used a different weight yarn and worked out my own gauge, cutting down on the stitches in each row. This time I was using the right weight yarn and was getting the right tension, so I thought all would be well if I made the toddler size.

Umm… I realised at some point when starting the decreases of the hat that I couldn’t kid myself anymore: this hat was enormous. I tried putting it on Andy and it fit him comfortably. Hmmm…

Rather than rip it out I decided to finish that hat for Andy, and make the baby size for Gabriel. The scarf worked out fine for Gabriel, though. If anything it’s not long enough, which leads me to believe the problem is with the pattern rather than anything I did wrong.

I don’t like the fact the scarf isn’t reversible, and I wish I’d used a larger hook or worked foundation half treble crochet for the first row, but I compensated for this by working the last row in a smaller hook, which pulled it in on that side too.

There are a few points in the pattern where I didn’t find the instructions particularly clear and I don’t think it would be ideal for a beginner. Luckily I could fudge it and do my own thing where necessary.

These hats are gorgeous, so it was well worth all the hassle. I’m also pleased to know my two “boys” will have warm heads and ears this winter :)