Finally

I think I'm finally starting to feel like my self again. I hope I don't jinx that, but to be honest, I say that things are getting back to normal a bit while at the same time I had two days this week where I felt pretty crappy (e.g., headaches, pain). So why does it seem like things are getting back to how they were? A few reasons....

For one, last weekend my bestest-friend-in-the-whole-wide-world was home to celebrate her 40th birthday. When she was home at Christmas, I wasn't able to see her because I was so tired/sick to make the 45-minute drive on my own. This weekend I felt good and when Lil' Snowboarder asked if we could spend the night, a couple hours at a party turned into an all day and into the next party, and I felt great. Decadent to relax with family and friends that have known me since I was 6 years old.

Another reason....I finished knitting something! Normally, that's not something I'd get over-the-moon excited for, but lately, the knitting just hasn't been there.



Shhhh!! Don't tell Anne I haven't blocked the lovely hat yet. The Polartorte hat is actually a quick knit if you, um....knit it. I also went to knit night three weeks in a row, so I think that helped. It has probably been over a year?! that I've been to that many consecutive knit nights. That alone is so good for the soul.



I can't wait to block this hat this weekend and see how the yarn, Bare Naked Wools Stone Soup DK, blooms. I loved knitting with this yarn and can't wait to use it again.

Speaking of finishing things, I also released a new pattern this week, Miles to Go (which would look fabulous in Bare Naked Wools Stone Soup DK). This hat was originally designed for Woolgirl's Robert Frost Kit for the Poets Club. I will sooooo miss Jen's lovely kits, but am so happy for her to take time for herself.





The woods are lovely, dark and deep.   
But I have promises to keep,   
And miles to go before I sleep,   
And miles to go before I sleep.



The last stanza of Robert Frost’s Stopping By Woods on A Snowy Evening poem inspired this slouchy, warm hat. The featured cables and leaves panel reminds me of those snowy woods, dark and deep.




Shown above in Oink Pigments DK, a lovely, squishy yarn



I just love the photos Jill took.....a perfect hat to wear on a walk through the woods.



When I came home from Stitches West, I cast on this lovely skein of Plucky Knitter Bello Worsted shown above and was smitten. I just love love love that yarn! And it is perfect for the slouchy style of this hat.

Miles to Go     

Notes: Instructions are written for a hat that is worked in the round.  The hat is sized for a slightly slouchy fit.  Charts are provided on the last page.

Suggested Yarns: ~180 yards of Plucky Knitter Bello Worsted, Oink Pigments DK, Anzula Cricket, Bare Naked Wools Stone Soup DK

Materials:
Size US 6 (4.0 mm) or size to obtain gauge either DPNs or circular needles
Size US 5 (3.75 mm) or one size smaller than used to obtain gauge, either DPNs or circular needles
Cable needle
Stitch markers
Tapestry needle

Gauge: ~22 sts and 34 rows = 4” over st st for hat on larger needles    

Size: one size fits most adults for hat
                                     
Sizing Modifications: The ribbing on the trim of the hat provides a lot of stretch and accommodates most head sizes.  However, if you would like to make the hat smaller or larger, it is recommended to make these modifications by working fewer (e.g., for smaller hat) or more (e.g., for larger hat) repeats of the ribbing section in multiples of 4 sts. Then incorporate or remove those stitches in the stockinette portion of the body of the hat. You can also modify the slouch of the hat by making the hat longer (e.g., for more slouch) or shorter (e.g., for less slouch).

Finished measurements:  8 1/4” unstretched (up to 10” streteched) width, 9 1/2” length  for hat



The pattern is on sale for $4.50 through the end of the month. BUT if you use the coupon code: summer   you'll receive an extra 30% off of that (so it'll be just $3.15).

And one more reason why I know I'm feeling better.....



I've been swatching (the colors above definitely are too wonky for the final pattern, but I was trying different things out, hence...black and white). I think tonight I may even cast on a new design......

So there you go. A lot of good, everyday things that help me now I'm going in the right direction. I just feel like summer is going to be great!

Any fun plans for your weekend? I hope so. Here's to a happy weekend!!
xoxo Irishgirlieknits