Tuesday, January 01, 2013

handknit holidays, part II


I'm happy to say good-bye to 2012 and hello to 2013! 2012 was in some ways a hard year, marked by sad losses and bad luck, but it also crystallized how lucky I am to have Paul, sweet new kitties, gainful employment doing something I love, and the freedom to pursue my interests. Here's wishing you and yours a wonderful year of good things and lovely surprises!
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I have been a veritable hat factory over the past few weeks...

a star-crossed slouchy beret for my dearest friend (who has recently started liking blue, or as I call it, "the best color")
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a cozy, slouchy Mmmmmalabrigo hat for me

pattern: a most bespeckled hat, by Alexandra Tinsley
yarn: Malabrigo Merino Worsted, in Bobby Blue & Natural
needles: US 7 Clover bamboo 16" circ + DPNs

notes:
Quick, fun knit! Some of the floats are a bit long, but Malabrigo is soft, fluffy and forgiving of this.

It is a long hat, and requires a certain positioning to make it look good. I might cut the ribbing down to 3" next time. Lots of compliments on it already!  I should really post a modeled shot to show the cute, slouchy shape of this one.
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another star-crossed slouchy beret in progress (in Malabrigo Merino Worsted in Natural), this time for my mother-in-law. This really has become my go-to gift knit hat pattern -- always a hit, and it's quick, fun, and easy to knit.
Moxie was a little skeptical of all this hat knitting, as you can see.

11 comments:

peaknits said...

I sure want to snuggle that kitty! Your knitting is gorgeous - I have to check out the go-to hat pattern. The cozy malabrigo will be wonderful. The NEw Years greeting reminds me that Downton Abbey starts next week - hurray!

barefootrooster said...

Yes! Love all of this, and I totally want to see a picture of that bespeckled hat in action! Here's to 2013 (and to getting to hang out in May)!!

Tracy Altieri said...

A Happy new Year to you as well! I'm ready for 2013 myself. Best wishes!

Anonymous said...

I must agree, blue is *indeed* the best color. Almost everything I have planned for 2013 so far at least involves blue.

Anonymous said...

I'll have to check out that pattern! I haven't knitted with Malabrigo in forever, but I really do need a hat and scarf out of it. It's just the softest.

Anonymous said...

I'll definitely have to check out that pattern! I haven't knitted with Malabrigo since my ill-fated Wicked about 5-6 years ago, but it's clearly time to remedy that.

Hilary said...

Pretty hats! I love your Most Bespeckled hat especially...but no gigantic pom pom? :) Happy 2013!

Heather said...

Love the blue hats - yes, it *is* the best color. Malabrigo is sooooo toasty. Happy 2013!

Alisa Kim said...

Star crossed was my first try at knitting a hat, and it did not disappoint! I loooove the bespeckled hat, I definitely want one for myself.

Carrie K said...

The hats are are nice but Moxie looks so very neglected. Or thinks so.

Katie M. said...

Yay! And yes! please post a modeled shot. That hat looks so cozy and cute.