The Sewing Place

The Emporia => A Good Yarn => Topic started by: b15erk on October 02, 2017, 09:07:23 AM

Title: Garter Earflap Hat
Post by: b15erk on October 02, 2017, 09:07:23 AM
This is a free pattern by Purl Soho, https://www.purlsoho.com/create/2014/01/23/lauras-loop-garter-ear-flap-hat/

On the face of it, a very simple pattern, but there are hidden traps for the unwary!

The first problem I had, was working with very short, circular needles (I haven't yet mastered Magic Loop). It was hard on my hands, which are rather large, and not as flexible as they were.

The short rows were a bit of a pain, as I kept messing up.  Once I had decided to do a trial hat, things became clearer.

The next thing was the pattern.  It isn't for beginners imo, mainly because it misses things out like, working to the end of the row etc.  Although, on the website, questions are answered, but who sits in front of a PC or Ipad when they are knitting?

The last criticism from me is that the last few rows are really, really difficult, and you do need some knowledge of working in tiny spaces, with either dpns, or magic loop.  I tried both, dpns didn't work as the needles kept falling out of the stitches, so I did a very poor approximation of a Magic Loop.  Fortunately, it doesn't show at the top of the hat, and the little antenna thing hides it!

Having said that, it's a lovely little hat, and looks great on Theo.  I just wish it was easier.  I may try to convert it to flat knitting now that I know how it all works.

Jessie
Title: Re: Garter Earflap Hat
Post by: b15erk on October 03, 2017, 12:18:52 PM
This one, began life as the trial hat, and it seemed a shame not to finish it when I became familiar with the mysteries of the Magic Loop technique.

You can clearly see where I change over to Magic Loop when the decreases began.  I'm hoping that with the application of soap and water this will not be quite so apparent.

Jessie