I won this pattern (Perennial) in an instagram contest for #spin15in15. I am using the yarn I spun for the contest. Thanks to The 1764 Shepherdess for gifting me this lovely pattern.
So after ripping the hat out 3 times because I couldn’t seem to get the leaf pattern right, I finally just took a leap of faith and knit like I didn’t care. Guess what? The leaves look fine. Lesson learned.
Once I had the confidence to work the leaf pattern, I was able to finish this hat in about 2 days (working lunch and evenings on it – like I said, it’s very easy) However, although I used a smaller needle for the ribbing at the bottom, it is still WAY too big. Admittedly, I didn’t do a gauge swatch. I generally don’t for a hat but I guess I should. Anyway, I am not happy, this was knit from my hand-spun and I am disappointed that I can’t wear it.
 |
| Snipped the stitch |
 |
| Ribbed band off the hat |
What next? I am definitely not ripping it out to start again so that just leaves (cue the eerie music) HAT SURGERY. I am going to clip off the ribbing at the bottom and re-knit the ribbing using an even smaller needle. Could this be a disaster in the making? Yes. But it could also be a bigger win and worth the risk. I found this great tutorial for ‘fixing’ garments too long or short. Once I snip and rip the ribbing back I can start knitting the ribbing again from the top down.
Sounds scary, doesn’t it?
Well, it required some concentration at first but I picked back and slipped the open stitches onto my needles (now US6).
Ta da! Mission accomplished and the hat is saved!
Old Dog, New Tricks 