Friday, November 26, 2010

Handspun Friday - Reflection Hat

I've been so busy this past week, didn't get to spin at all. I don't think this will change much. Taking care of a whole house, and keeping it clean, takes much more time, than the little space downstairs. Besides, cooking takes time too, and clean up after. All time NOT spent crafting. :o)

Anyway, I've got this fiber from my daughter for my birthday.
Hannah's b-day gift-Fleece Artist fiber-1
I didn't want it to disappear into the vastness of my stash, so I spun it up quickly. It's 2 braids 2oz each in two colorways (no name) from Fleece Artist, 100% merino. It was quite compacted, and tearing it apart was hard work, and so was spinning. I still managed to get yarn close to worsted weight out of it, even though it once again turned out thick/thin.
Fleece Artist merino for a hat-2-ply, 2x2oz-218yds total-4
I knew I wanted to knit a hat with it, but my first choice of this Game hat (sorry rav link) pattern needed more yarn then I had. It would have been cut close, and I really wanted to make the pompom as well. So I was looking through my books, and found "His and Her Reflection Hat" by Melissa Leapman from her book "Mastering Color Knitting".
Reflection hat by Melissa Leapman made with my handspun yarn

I liked the colors they used in the book, but you could hardly see the color design. I thought the two colors of my handspun yarn would show it better, but the thick and thin yarn made just a big mess of it.
Reflection hat made with handspun yarn-1

Oh, yeah, and weird head is back. Well, as long as you don't look at his face, he's not too creepy.
Reflection hat made with handspun yarn-4
Fresh from the needles the hat was a little small. I've knit the smaller size, because I was afraid of running out of yarn. I did have some left over yarn, but not enough for the bigger size. After washing and blocking though, it fit my head perfectly. Have already worn it on our walks, and we got wet from light rain, but I put it right on Manni's head to dry, so it looks O.K.
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I've also knit Jared Floods Strago mittens. They are drying now. I love this design!

Strago mitten one in progress

I've got to get back to work. Wish you all a wonderful weekend!
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12 comments:

Michelle said...

I have some fleece artist bfl in my stash and it seemed like quite a tight braid to me. I'm curious now how it'll spin up. The hat looks good, even with the thick thin. Hopefully you can get into a routine again soon and your wheel will get lots of use!

tina said...

M'agrada molt el barret, és preciós!

I like the hat very much, it's beautiful!

CelticCastOn said...

I like it, its not a mess at all!
Nice and purpley!

LaurieM said...

I like that hat! The thick and thin makes it quite clear that this is a one-of-a-kind artisan hat.

There are only two solutions to the housework, ignore it or hire some help.

Susan said...

That hat is beautiful! The handspun yarn worked perfectly!

Queen of the Tea Cosies said...

LERVE the beanie fair isle colours.
Sometimes less is more.
Beautiful

Anonymous said...

I think the hat looks fab. In fact, it's much nicer i think than the Game Hat. Worked out great.
Marianne

Wanderingcatstudio said...

Oooh I love the colours in that hat!

Unknown said...

I love the hat. I think it looks great with your handspun.

2paw said...

I think your hat is gorgeous and I can totally see the pattern, but I do confess that I love the green mittens better!!

Virginia G said...

I think the hat is lovely! Looks great. :)

And the mittens look awesome. I need to knit some up for the family. I guess that'll be my December project after I finish four honey cowls...

Mr Puffy's Knitting Blog: said...

I love the hat!!! Not sloppy looking at all :) I think I need a creepy head to dry my hats on too - LOL