Funky Hat: Last week I figured it was time to try something new with the knitting, so I settled on this funky (yet easy) hat. It’s easy because you don’t do any increasing or decreasing; you just basically knit a tube with a circular needle and then close off the top (like a square). Then that bit kinda flops over. It’s also got twisted rib brim and little braids that hang off the back corners. (I’m going to put beads on mine as soon as I can get to the bead shop this weekend.) Since I’ve still got tons of Gryffindor yarn left over (hint hint – anybody want a scarf?), I decided to do it in Gryffindor stripes. Pretty cute, huh? The only flaw was that I grossly overestimated the diameter of my own head, so it’s not a very snug fit. But at least I know now, right?
And before you say anything, Sis, yes, I know I need to pluck my eyebrows. I’ve just been too busy with the craftiness. 🙂
orangecat
January 14, 2003 — 1:02 am
Man, i wish i could be that talented! I could no more do craft than i could successfully run for Future President of Australia.
Moire
January 14, 2003 — 10:35 am
Whee!! I’ll take a funky hat — I’ve gotta complete the look, you know! 😉
Moire
January 14, 2003 — 10:35 am
BTW, do you have any wool left over from my Slytherin scarf?
Jenny
January 14, 2003 — 1:02 pm
You know…if you reeeeeally needed to get rid of that Griffindor yarn, I suppose I could go and see the movie for a third time super-duper cooler than the first 2 times by wearing a Kris Howard Original. 🙂 Plus, it’s very, very cold here.
Let me know what you need from me! I can’t be jealous anymore!
Jenny
January 14, 2003 — 1:04 pm
And your hat is very cute! You look fab…regardless of what Amy says about your eyebrows! 😉
Kris
January 14, 2003 — 5:22 pm
Moire – I’ve still got to put the fringe on, so I can’t tell yet. I wanted to do it on the weekend but the Snook was brewing and I was worried they’d come out smelling like stinky hops. Probably won’t be much left over. The wool is really soft and warm, but the thickness meant I didn’t get as much length per ball, so it turned out a bit shorter than the Gryffindor. (It’s still pretty long though.) I’ll see if I can whip up a Gryffindor hat and throw it in the package to make up for it. 🙂
Jenny – I should have enough left for a scarf, if you seriously want it. Let me know and I’ll get started… And don’t worry, as a family member, you’re entitled to a line of credit. 🙂
Tricia
January 14, 2003 — 6:05 pm
Hops aren’t stinky; they’re perfumerific! You should start posting Snook’s crafty beer recipies…
Very cute hat, by the way. I’m very impressed that you’re knitting totally tubular style. Is that harder than normal knitting?
Kris
January 14, 2003 — 7:35 pm
I’ll tell him we’ve had a request. He’d probably do it, if people are interested.
The tubular knitting is actually even easier than regular knitting! You use a special circular needle, which is just like two short regular needles connected by a bit of nylon cord. Really you’re knitting in a spiral. So you cast on normally and then use the first knit stitch to connect the ends. Then you just keep going around and around. It’s especially good for stocking stitch (knit one row, purl one) because the double thick tube keeps it from curling (stocking stitch curls like a beeatch) and since you’re always looking at the “right side” of the garment, you just knit! No purling! I hate to purl. Moire’s Slytherin scarf took me, like, less than 2 weeks on the circulars as opposed to over a month for the Gryffindor on the straights.
Jenny
January 15, 2003 — 3:36 am
Totally!! Yes yes yes! Did I mention that I’m very impressed?
Moire
January 15, 2003 — 8:26 am
Woo!!! Thanks, Kris! You’re a doll! 😉
Do you need a measurement for my head?
Moire
January 15, 2003 — 8:30 am
BTW…. I was at Safeway this morning, picking up some lunch and a couple of “Dream Homes Under 1600 Sqare Feet!!” magazines, when I came across a Better Homes & Gardens knitting magazine. Ever since you announced that “knitting is like crack,” I’ve wanted to give it a go. So!! I bought the mag, and I’m visiting Michael’s this afternoon to pick up some knitting supplies.
We’ll see what this knitting thing is all about…. 🙂
Max
January 15, 2003 — 11:09 am
Gorgeous work, Kris–make some stuff in lots of shades of blue (you know, to bring out my eyes 🙂 ) and you’ll have a lifelong customer in Alabama!
Jenny
January 15, 2003 — 1:05 pm
I agree with Moire…I’m very curious about this whole knitting addiction. I just need some time!
Kris
January 15, 2003 — 5:19 pm
Hooray! I’m glad you guys are interested. It doesn’t take much to get started, just a couple big plastic needles and a ball of yarn. Expect it to be a bit frustrating at first til your fingers get used to it. I seriously pulled out and restarted my first project (the potholder) at least fifteen times. Once you get it though, you’ll be addicted like me! Once I master hats, I’m planning my move into sweaters. I’ve GOT to make this one for myself. I’m thinking the sleeveless version. Hopefully the class I’m starting next month will be able to help with the stuff I don’t know yet.
Moire – Hmmm. I actually started the hat last night. Well, as long as your head doesn’t vary hugely from mine, we should be okay. You can run a tape measure around it if you want. As long as it’s somewhere around, say, 21-23″ we’re okay.
Max – Navy blue is your color, right? I’ll keep my eyes open for some nice wool. 🙂
Moire
January 16, 2003 — 2:50 pm
I can’t find my damn tape measure, but I think we’re fine. My head is kinda small.