Pattern Testing size Teen/Adult small-medium, will make matching cowl as well in same size.

Please note this hat is the prototype as adjustments were made. I made another following the pattern that is now available which you can view here: http://ravel.me/bedcrafter/pthstasmt2

I love this pattern especially with the matching cowl. It’s cosy and warm and it looks good in different colours too. I’d love to make a version in Lilac as I think it would look great.

Pattern Notes

I started with my gauge test and to start with I had problems matching it. 5.5mm hook was too small and 6mm was too big height wise. I tried again after checking with Kerry that the stitch I was using was correct. This time I worked hard to tighten my stitches when it came to height. After doing this I got my gauge square the correct size :-) all I have to do now is to remember to do the same when making the actual hat.

Please note my gauge square doesn’t look great as I was using a chain start for each row to stick to the requires stitches. I think next time I might do more stitches than required but only measure what is needed for gauge. It’s also why it looks slightly under 4 inches but I know on the hat it will be ok.

Now onto the making of the actual hat :-) and I did the beginning rounds in the pink chunky yarn. I’d seen a photo from the designer so I knew 4 rounds needed to measure 2 inches here. I checked and my sizing was good which was a relief, well it was very slightly over 2 inches but not by much so I knew it should work out in the end.

After this I then start on the round repeats using the pink and grey chunky yarn and the white Flutterby yarn. The pattern includes a helpful note, that the 4 round repeat should measure 1 1/2 inches so I checked this after doing my first repeats. Strangely on my gauge ruler it shows as slightly under 1 1/2 inches but when I checked with my usual tape measure (photos to be added) it was measuring 1 1/2 inches. I always just used to use my tape measure so I think I’ll stick with that for accuracy.

I also checked my gauge on the hat and using my tape measure and not the ruler it was exact, I had 12 stitches along with width and when I measured my height 4 rows were 2 inches so I knew it turned out perfectly on the hat as well as my gauge square. I’ve included photos to show this also :-) and it was a relief to see it was the correct size.

I’d just like to add when I was using my gauge ruler it was showing as 1/3 under each time approx. and I carrier on thinking it was OK. After completing the 3 repeats it asked for I knew that 1 1/2 inches x3 was 4 1/2 inches so this should be the height of this section. Going by the ruler I was 3 2/3 of an inch and so I was out by quite a bit. I very nearly frogged it to start again, because due to the design it would be hard to correct the missing height. I am glad I decided to carry on and chrck with what I always measured with as the results, as mentiomed above were different and my sections were measuring what they should:-D. The reason I mention this is two important reasons;

1. Double check your measurements, ideally with something else before frogging as you might find out it’s OK after all.
2. Most importantly; make sure your 4 round repeat does measure 1 1/2 inches or extremely close to it. If you don’t you’ll find you’ll finish up the hat with the length being too small and due to the design it will be hard to adjust the hat to add extra length in now. If my gauge ruler had been correct I would of learnt my lesson the hard way, so make sure you don’t do the same. You might think it’s only a little under but remember it will all add up!

Making this hat was really easy once you’d learnt the 4 round repeat :-) , it often meant I didn’t have to keep checking the pattern all the time which I loved. I really like this design and when I got into it I found the quicker my speed was. The design might look complex but once you know what your doing it’s actually fairly easy. I’d definately say a beginner could manage this as long as they’ve learnt the stitches and made some projects before. The pattern is clear and easy to follow so whether your a beginner or experienced you’ll enjoy making this hat :-D.

I have one top tip for making this hat, which I mentioned in the previous hat I patterned tested for Kerry called Eskimo Kisses. I highly suggest you follow it as it will make it a lot easier for you as you go along;

• When using the chenille Chunky yarn make sure to tie a knot in the end, this stops all the fluff coming off. What I do is join the chenille yarn (in your preferred way) and then I tie a knot in the end of the yarn that you’ll be sewing in later or carrying along with you until it’s worked over. Don’t forget when you cut the chenille yarn once your round is done you’ll want to do the same, just join the next yarn first and then tie that knot at the end of the chenille yarn. It really is worth it as it will stop all the fluff coming off :-) I tend to use my scissors and cut off any excess yarn after the knot otherwise you’ll still find some fluff coming off.

Apart from this don’t forget the usual, check your stitch count especially on the first repeat when it’s your first time doing it and as measurements count for this hat check regularly. I made sure to quickly checkthe height of each 4 round repeat as if it wasn’t right it’s easier to fix now than fund out later.

For the pom pom I used my Clover pom pom maker :-) as I love how easy it is to use and I get good results every time. The pattern stated 12cm diameter but definately no less than 8cm diameter. The biggest pom pom maker I have is 85mm so 8.5cm but I have to say the size to the hat looks pretty good to me so I’m happy. I will make sure to buy a bigger pom pom maker though just in case I do end up needing it!