I really enjoyed test knitting this hat and interacting with its designer. After working the brim, there is never a dull moment. Knowledge of making 1x1 twists without a cable needle is extremely beneficial. Because various yarns, tensions, and knitting styles will affect the over all dimensions of this hat, the designer offers flexibility as to when to begin its crown decreases.

I do not recommend the yarn I used for this test knit. Please read my stash notes for details.

Blocked dimensions:
height (brim unfolded) = 11”
height (brim folded) = 9”
circumference = 20”

yarn usage

• beginning skein weight: 92g (so glad I weighed; put up on label lists 100g)
• skein weight after 2x2 rib and increase round: 74g
• skein weight after first body repeat: 56g
• skein weight after 2nd body repeat: 38g
• skein weight after 2.5 body repeats: 29g
• end skein weight: 19g
• total amount of yarn used: 73g / 194y

project notes

• Used one size larger needle than pattern recommendation. I am a tight knitter and am using non-superwash, wool yarn.
• CO method: German twisted
• Took 19 rounds to make 2.5” of 2x2 rib
• I thought increases looked less noticeable when doing m1L before purl stitches and m1R before knit stitches.
• Placed WIP on large cord mid-way through 1st body repeat to assess fit. All was well.
• After completing round 10 of 3rd body repeat, I contacted designer for advice. I explained that I tried the hat on again and felt I need to start my decreases at this point. My current hat height was 6.25” with the brim folded and 8.5” with the brim unfolded. My full pattern repeats were 2” wide and 2.5” tall; circ.=18” (unblocked). Traditionally, hats that are 8” tall (with brim folded) fit me well. If I were to complete the 3rd repeat, my estimated hat height would be 7.5” before crown decreases and 9.5-10” after crown decreases with brim folded. I also asked if I were to start my decreases at this point, would I have to adjust the crown decrease chart 8 sts to the left or right. In 2 hours I was instructed in writing how to adjust chart to start decreases mid-way through a body repeat. Within a few hours, the designer followed up with chart.
• Crown: Anything over 10 sts is hard for me to cinch tight at the end of a crown. After the designer’s last round, I knit an additional plain round, then a final round of back-to-back CDDs. Cinched remaining 6 sts. Height from beginning of crown to top of hat (unblocked)=2”.

Testing thread: https://www.ravelry.com/discuss/the-testing-pool/4176349/...