I’ve commenced the Christmas Stocking knitting - mostly, because now that I’m back working full-time, knitting doesn’t happen all that much. Although, I managed to snag a full day of knitting this weekend and so I’ve managed to knock this little beauty out, in a few hours…

…YES, a few hours!!

Here’s how: it’s knitted In super-bulky wool and large needles, that means 4 rows of knitting and you have an inch! the pattern is so, so simple. This is a watch TV, manage the kids and let the mind ponder, knit. It’s ace. Before you know it, just as the end-credits are rolling to a film, you’ll have one-ribbed hat in your hands…with just the finishing-touches to add.

Pattern: You essentially knit a ribbed hat and then add the smocking detail at the end - clever, eh?!

*Wool:** feeling experimental and brave + wanting to gift the Husby something a little special and different - I’ve opted for the vibrant, bold and unapologetically ‘in your face’ Countess Ablaze dye-artistry. It’s wonderful, if you’re feeling bold.

This particularly colourway is filled with yellows, neons, grungy greens and dark ‘gothic’ black with moments of something little subtle. It looks completely bonkers on the hank, but once you start knitting, it beautifully merges and creates the most interesting and mesmerising fabric. I’m sold.

Plus, the wool itself is soft and squidgy and with a fine thread of silver running through it - it adds a smidgen of glimmer that twinkles. I’m told y the Countess herself, that in dark light, this hat even glows!! wow! It’ll be perfect for the adventure-loving, outdoor pursuits Husby - he’ll be a neon beacon amongst the cloud cover and mizzle.

What you get: aside from the above. Is a hank with more than enough wool to knock out an adult hat, place a generous pompom on top and some leftover to admire…

Smocking: a little word about this. It’s easy but the instructions in the pattern are a little difficult to visualise. Follow this link to help with undertaking just what you do.

Mods: followed notes about sizing and opted to go down a needle to an 8mm.

Overall: thumbs up. shall knit again - both with wool and the pattern. The Husby has seen it and loves it. Though it’s packed away ready to be stuffed in the Chrimbo stocking!

Photos: they are crap. Bad lighting. Miserable day. unloved background. MUST DO BETTER! UPDATED PICS ON NYD - a slight improvement.