norby

The second of my holiday hats and to be honest I'm wondering why on earth I resisted them in the first place. Perhaps I thought they might have been too tricky but, given the size of a project for the average bonce, I eventually concluded it would be an easy fail if all went badly wrong. And now that I've got two under my belt, I reckon hat knitting could easily become something of an addiction. This is Gudrun Johnston's Norby and I am thrilled with it. I may even go so far as to say I prefer it to 'Snöflingla', hmm just thinking out loud there for a minute. What's also on my mind is that had it been knitted in a paler shade, I could have done Norby even more justice, with its lovely ripple effect. But hey, never mind that, have you not noticed? It ain't grey!

Knitted in the round, I did quicky succumb to irritation at the amount of purling I had to start it off with but the rippling chart was definitely something to look forward to. And as for those tassels, what a brilliant addition. The yarn, which I snapped up from my now local yarn shop, is Tonos Carnaval by Misti Alpaca in blackberry (rather a duller shade than the photos would have you believe). It feels soft and reassuring, with just about the right amount of variegation in the colour for my taste. (I'm not convinced I have a fondness for the Noro style varieties, I'm afraid.) What's more it is super warm, as testified by the Model, who remained toasty as anything when she wore it over the weekend in bracing temperatures on a frost covered beach. She also looks much better in it than I do, so I'm in danger of losing this hat if I'm not careful! As ever, more knitting notes are jotted down on Ravelry.

Yippee, we've received word that our house contents are getting ever closer (last seen in Los Angeles) and I am suddenly starting to feel the excitement levels rising. Despite the majority destined to sit in storage till the summer, I am hoping to at least retrieve my sewing equipment. Well, that's the plan anyway, can you see my fingers tightly crossed as I place my three wishes and prepare to breathe a huge sigh of contentment xxx

Have a super duper week!