18-Apr-2012: Finished other than blocking and final photo - then off to its owner but wanted to note many issues with pattern.

• Yardage: Pattern calls for 198 (approx) yards, my own used 1 ball of 128 yds and I have a decent amount remaining (perhaps not enough for another full repeat of the 9 row repeat, but close if not).

• Needles: States US 10 and US 13, but no where in thepattern does it state which to use where (or if it is to adjust sizing somewhat?). I used Size 10 US throughout (though if redoing, I would have likely changed to 13’s after increase row by band to make it more slouchy/open - perhaps this is the difference in yardage??)

• Gauge: pattern states 3.5 sts = 4” stockinette (I think that should be 3.5 sts per 1” / 14 sts per 1”)

• Notions: No stitch markers called for in pattern, and not needed if you can keep track of the start of each round by needle placement/yarn tail.

• Cast-On: Calls for stretchy cast on, but then knitted cast-on. I admit, perhaps it is just me, but I do not find knitted cast-on to be stretch (so I used another).

• Pattern itself: Only thing here would be lack of defining cdd (had to look it up, no biggie, but including in notes). Use of “Began” instead of “Begin”. Lace pattern itself is written very well - I used the written instructions instead of the graph and found no errors in the lace at all - stitch counts were dead on as well.

• Finishing area refers to some other pattern (button band, buttons, blocking necklace, sewing pendants, and similar) instead of the hat.

I love the look, and can’t wait to complete blocking to see how it ‘really’ turned out. Pattern creator has been messaged about most of the above notes as I really do think it’s just lack of proof reading/testing (or perhaps, doing so too close to writing patterns).

Working around the above, it’s a lovely pattern and I hope to see an updated version for my permanent file :)

Edit: The more I look at the pictures, and my own hat, I’m pretty sure the change to 13’s was to occur after increase round. I think I’ll be ripping out all of the lace and reknitting on 13s - otherwise I don’t think I’ll ever be happy with it.

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20-Jun-2012: I had ripped back to the ribbing a while back, but was annoyed, so let it sit. Now picking it back up and the lace portion is looking MUCH better on the 13’s. The pattern author contacted me confirming 13’s should be changed to for the start of lace and said she’d be putting out a revised pattern for that and other things that I noted within the pattern. At this point, it’s back to looking lovely again.