This pattern-writing business is tricky stuff! I’ve been tweaking here and tweaking there, and I think I finally have the pattern where I want it.
After 4 hours of counting stitches, unraveling and RE-counting stitches, jotting down this, scratching out that….
And let me just add, if you are working on a pattern that requires counting your stitches, DO NOT attempt to watch your dearly beloved Baseball team at the same time.
Can you just visualize me sitting there on the couch, hook in hand, weaving away, whispering numbers, as the WGN Announcer spouts out,
“It’s 2 and 3 here in the top of the 4th….”
Or better yet, “… Zambrano has given up 2 or fewer runs in 8 of his 12 starts. He hasn’t lost a decision since April 11th. He’s 7–1 with a 2.33 ERA….”
AAAAAAAAHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHH!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
New rule: No Baseball while crocheting!
On the plus side, all of this retooling has left me with a dud still-very cute prototype that I can sell.
Hmmmmm…..
I took the hat that I showed you on Tuesday and I added some red trim and replaced the green ribbon with red.
I’m really liking this color combo……very Strawberries and Cream!
As far as the floppiness factor of the final Prototype……yes. It is floppy.
It is going to stay floppy!
I do like the idea of a summer hat that has a huge, wide brim that flares straight out to the sides but I finally came to terms with the fact that, you know what? You can’t do that with yarn. At least not yarn that isn’t made out of metal. Or straw. Or bricks! 😛
Okay……I do want to know what you all think, though. I really thrive on your feedback, positive or not. As much as I do enjoy a good ego-stroking, I need the cold, hard truth when it comes to these things.
People will be paying me to give them something pretty, after all. I cannot fail them!
Pretty is as pretty does.
Pretty much! 🙂
9 responses to “Retooling…”
I love the final proto type! And I have to say that I personally prefer my summery hats to be drapey like it turned out, instead of the edges to be stiff. All the better for laying in a beach chair wearing, plus it shades your eyes. So the brim may not be as stiff as intended, but I like it the better for it. Also the red and white is great, very yacht club-ish. What kind of yarn is it out of?
very beautiful! is it hot?
The hat is beautiful. Really.
And I laugh because I too have tried to knit and read books at baseball games. I’m a terrible fan!
Amy,
You cleaver thing, you! It is Yacht Club-ish, isn’t it?
I used Bernat Softee but any Bulky weight yarn will work.
When I make the actual hats to sell, I’m going to use Bamboo yarn. It’s three times more breathable than cotton. Perfect for outdoor summer heat!
I just wish we would get a decent yarn supplier in town. 😛
Sarah,
The hat is not too warm, on. And it has a really soft feel.
But like I told Amy, I am going to make it with a little bit cooler fiber that does breathe a little better than acrylic next time I make some of these up. 🙂
Melissa,
Thank you! When I watch the Cubs, I’m not a terrible fan, I’m just a terrible crafter!
I will eventually put the yarn and hook away so I can focus on the “game plan” at hand. 😉
I think this hat is beautiful! I agree that it should be a bit floppy so that it shades your face a bit more and the idea of bamboo yarn is a great idea for summer. I want one! Especially since I’m not supposed to expose myself to sun for extended periods now that I’m on high blood pressure medicine.
Kalurah,
Would it be possible to slip a strand or two of craft wire through the edge of the brim. If there was an easy way to attach an edging of i-cord to the brim, then there would be a tube along the edge which would be perfect for some sort of stiffener. I think. Maybe. It is at least an idea, which no doubt will lead to trouble, but there you go. Or rather, there I go making trouble once again!
I like the red and white, very cute. Do they make bamboo chunky yarn? I’ve only seen skinny bamboo yarn.
Thanks, mom!
Heather,
I know, I know. I keep thinking of things that might work. I will keep at it. But for now, the pattern is out there for the consumer to buy and play with.
Thanks for your great suggestions!
My hubbie actually thought of the i cord idea. When I tried it, it ended up weighing the brim down too much.
Back to the drawing board! 😉
Yes, Bernat makes chunky yarn with 86% bamboo, 12% acrylic and 2% poly. So it’s a blend. 🙂
I like the floppiness – seriously, I do. It seems very… I don’t know… chic that way. It also seems it would work well in an old-fashioned chic.. I’m picturing a ‘lady’ at the races sort of thing.
I LOVE how you put the word lady in quotes. Since, well…for myself, anyway, that is such a far cry from what I should be titled!
😉
P.S I don’t know why but this made me think about “Blast from the Past”. Tell me you’ve seen it!! HILARIOUS! 🙂
Troy: He thinks I’m a gentleman and you’re a lady.
Eve: [disgusted] Well, consider the source! I don’t even know what a lady is.