2014 FO#19: Rikke Hat

Australia is headed into the hottest part of the year and it has been estimated that this particular summer is going to be a scorcher. What better time, then, but to finish a 100% woollen hat?

The pattern is the Rikke Hat from Happy Knits. It is a simple slouchy garter stitch hat knit in the round. 

This is technically Rikke Number 2, as I did knit the hat using 104 stitches as specified in the pattern. That hat was a bit big, so I reknitted it on 96 stitches and now it fits perfectly.

The yarn is Mirasol Hacho, bought six or seven years ago. It's lovely to work with and the hat is gorgeous and soft.

I suspect it's going to be super warm and useful in the winter...

..I guess I'll know in six months time when I finally need to wear it!

WIP Wednesday: Lace time

Two Fridays ago, I knocked off early and spent the afternoon outside with some classic literature, a vodka and tonic and a new shawl I'm hoping to finish for Christmas (the 100th anniversary hearts half-circle by Mwaa Knits).

10 days later, I've moved Middlemarch to the "when I'm on holidays" pile (it is a very long book!) and started Amy Poehler's Yes Please, which I am enjoying immensely. I also have a more midweek appropriate beverage (a nice cuppa) and have done a lot more on the shawl. I haven't knitted lace for a while and I'm really enjoying it, although if you count all the knitting I've ripped out, I've really  knitted three times as much as you see here (vodka and soda and lace knitting...really bad partnership!)

Lucy is also an Amy Poehler fan. What can I say - my cat has very good taste.

I have 13 days to go...I think I can do it!

2014 FO# 18: Go With The Flow Socks

Another pair of socks that I was very pleased to have finished is my version of Evelyn A Clark's Go With The Flow socks from my favourite sock book, Favorite Socks. This is the third sock I have made from the book.

I adapted them by knitting them toe-up and two-at-a-time. I also used a short-row heel and a four by two heel rather than the lacy one suggested in the book.

They were knitted in the divine Mountain Colors Bearfoot in Copper.  By knitting them toe up I was able to use as much of the yarn as possible.

I wish I'd taken a close-up so you could see the lace but you'll have to trust me - these are really pretty socks that are lovely to wear. A win all round.