1/9/12: Making this headband for my sister Catherine and she will be using it as an earwarmer. Bought the yarn on my birthday when I went to the LYS. Can’t wait to start casting on and trying out this new yarn!

1/15/12: Earwarmers are finished. Wow, that was quick. The cables were so interesting and fun to make that I wish it wasn’t all over and done with!

The second photo from the bottom shows the “almost” invisible seam I made using the provisional cast-on. I had some trouble here but I think it turned out very well. I just need to practice some more!

Thoughts on the pattern: the pattern and chart are very easy to follow. This pattern two techniques I haven’t done before: provisional cast-on and kitchener stitch. But all went pretty well for me. The only problem that arose was when I was removing the crochet chain of the provisional cast-on and finding all the stitches. I chose to cast-on and go straight into the pattern. I think next time I will do one even row of knitting before beginning pattern chart; it should help with locating all the stitches and I don’t think it will obscure the cable pattern repeats.

Any alterations? Yes. After showing the earwarmer to my sister after a few rows she said she would like it narrower. So I ripped back and started a new piece that had two stitches removed from each edge. That brought me to a 24 stitch pattern instead of a 28. Even though these stitches were removed, the earwarmer lies flat and has an aesthetically pleasing edge, especially with the slip stitch.

Thoughts on the yarn: Cascade Sierra is very soft and has a bit of springiness, probably due to the added merino. The Sierra is matte in appearance and because of the 10 ply it has great definition. I think this yarn works very, very well with the cable pattern.