A little hat project to break up all the shawl knitting I’ve been preoccupied with. And, I think a hat project is a perfect travelling companion. I’m heading to the East Yorkshire Coast over half-term - I hope for much knitting whilst the little one sleeps…

…In reality: not as much knitting done as anticipated. On account of being absolutely shattered. The thing about taking a little break, especially those breaks that require you to switch off and relax (because there’s sod all else to do), is that your body suddenly realises just how you’ve been burning the candle at both ends. And so, instead of frantically knitting upon an evening, I was comatose. I had the deepest and longest of sleeps. And, as with the irony of all these things, I didn’t at all feel replenished from all my catnapping and snoozing.

Wool: I’m using North Ronaldsay wool (you know, wool from those famous seaweed eating sheep. Last image) acquired from the most fabulous little yarn shop called ‘ A yarn’ based in Kirkwall, Orkney. We had the best holiday there late, last Summer. Oh, I do hope to return - if only to pick up more woolly supplies! (and some rather good seaweed face cream which I swear is the secret to ellimiating ALL signs of ageing. ahem.). And, much like the wool itself (which feels and smells divine), seaweed infused moisturiser slathered on the face, equally smells heavenly - almost like being immersed in sea water upon an evening…

The wool is listed as sports weight, but I really think it’s DK. Matched with other DK wools I have, it doesn’t all appear lighter. And besides (unusually for me), I haven’t had to faff around trying to attain gauge. I’ve almost achieved it working with suggested needle sizes - a miracle

Gauge: stitch gauge achieved. Row gauge - a little off. I’ve thus, added an additional repeat of rows 1 - 12 to compensate.

Hat measures: 19.5” circumference and 9.5” depth. Slight-slouch achieved. Snug fit around head.

Back to the wool: I’ve used three colours as opposed to the suggested four. This is really a product of stash-diving and using what I have to hand. Also the Prim-Peacock hand dyed ‘green’ is absolutely gorgeous and I really wanted it to take ‘main stage’. Prim-Peacock is sadly no longer available online, which I’m gutted about (as I wanted so much more of this rustic, naturally-inspired, woolly goodness). There was a rather gorgeous heathery-purple I was undecided about. You only the remember ’the wool that got away’, right?!

What I love: as with all Flutterby hat designs, the fit is always super good and flattering - thank you Emily!. The slip stitch detailing is rather clever and a lovely little added detail. It’s speedy to knit up, a bit clever in design and as always the pattern is perfectly presented (with some rather lovely accompanying photography too). A big smiling emoji and thumbs up required!

No mods. aside from adding 12 additional rows as explained above in reference to row gauge.