Off white hat “Le Gretel”  a hybrid of these two kicky patterns. However, I so should have listened to that voice – you know the one…. “this isn’t right, it’s not going to turn out the way you want, it has to be perfect because it is for two of your most favorite people ever….. get it right” and on and on.

Gretel (as written) while lovely, was making my head hurt. Why? Well, for starters I didn’t have a cable needle with me. What’s the problem? Easy enough to fix, right?  Either use another circular or, better yet, learn to cable without a cable needle. Well, in theory it was a great idea, but I was also hoping for a knit that didn’t require too much concentration, I was on vacation, afterall. And Plucky hubby’s good nature was being put to the test by all my shhhh’ing and counting.

So, I thought I would get creative and combine all the great parts of Gretel with the snazziness that is Le’Slouch. Turns out I should not have gone with the moss stitch. The decreases – ick – I just couldn’t make them look right. (It really is a lovely, fun pattern though – think I will definitely have to make this in stockinette).

Then I remembered this pattern. Said to myself – “Don’t you dare start another hat with the yarn for M & B – use some other yarn and make a test hat.” So, that is where my extra skein of Malabrigo Graphite  Blue came into play. Good thinking, right?  But, wouldn’t you know it – gauge – waaaaayyyy off (yes, should have made a swatch). To the tune of I can’t get it on my head. At.All. Yet I kept knitting and by the time we reached Minneapolis I just couldn’t deny it any longer. Either I stop, rip and reknit or keep going and  give it to Sophia (and, while  she would look adorable in it,  I  really don’t think is quite what her Mum had in mind when she mentioned Sophia needed a new hat. See, Miss Sophia is only 11 months old and I think Mum was thinking more color). So, rip it I shall.

I’m thinking though that this is a great pattern with  nice detail without being to fiddly and will be lovely in the off white yarn. Just need to go up a needle size on the ribbing and on the body of the hat. What do you think M? B? Do you like this pattern?

Here’s hoping that works. The girls need their hats – it’s going to be cold Up North this weekend!

 

There was other knitting done. Knitting that turned out well and was even color coordinated with our surroundings. Yarntini Pumpkin Spice self striping, uber basic sock. Much further along that this picture shows (yes, that is the yarn I was making the Dublin Bay socks out of, but I ripped it and I am so glad I did because these are fitting perfectly).

And, because I am still in vacation mode – here are a few more pictures of our trip.

I leave you now with my favorite pictures from the trip. Beatnik B & S

Up tomorrow – A contest!!!

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