Monday, January 14, 2008

Reappearing

I had the kind of winter break that saw me reveling in my favorite forms of relaxation, wallowing in novel forms of stress, consuming stupid large amounts of alcohol, losing and regaining my knitting mojo at least twice, and overall having the kind of time that left me needing a vacation from my vacation. But mostly in a good way.

And now here I am again, and with a fair bit to show for it. So, taking a cue from Ashley, we'll begin a mini FO parade. The Real Family (= me + The Lady + The Sis) went down to Corvallis yesterday to visit the Slightly Extended Family (= Mom + Gram) for the latter's 80th birthday. When Mom started driving us all just a leeeeeetle bit crazy, we needed an excuse to take a break -- and the Inga photoshoot did just the trick:



We drove down to our old middle school and did two things we never did while we were students there: photographed knitwear, and smoked cigarettes in the parking lot.

PSA: Smoking is bad. Except when fortifying yourself for crazy relatives.

The Dirt:
Pattern: Inga
Yarn: 1/2 skein Brown Sheep Lamb's Pride Worsted, in Aran, 1 skein Knit Picks Swish in Clematis Heather, and a wee bit of Cascade 220 in Green.
Needles: US 6 (I forgot to use smaller needles for the brim, but I think it worked out OK.)
Mods: None, really. Slightly heavier yarn than called for, I guess.

I knew this pattern ran long, if not wide, but I figured since the sis has a big head, it'd be fine. Turns out it is a tad long -- if I were to knit it again, which I might, I'd take out part of the first repeat, like Adrian did -- but she loves it as-is.

This will probably go down as the project that taught me both how important even tension is in colorwork, AND how much blocking can do for you when you neglect said tension. I didn't take any pre-blocking shots, but believe me: this hat was transformed.

All in all, I am over the moon about this one. It's the kind of project that makes you look like an even better knitter than you are because it's just so damn pretty. So: go make it, now. But consider lopping off an inch or so.


20 comments:

The A.D.D. Knitter said...

Fantastic, hurray for blocking and being a bad ass on the grounds of your junior high! The hat looks fabulous, and I'm sure you are as good a knitter as the hat is making you look!:)

nicole said...

Very pretty indeed. I love the silly shots. And she's right, there's something really cute about it being just a smidge too long.

Courtney said...

Pretty, pretty, pretty!

It's a good thing you posted today, I was just on the verge of leaving you a naggy comment.

Glad you're back!

Anonymous said...

Such cute pictures! It looks awesome on her! I have a big head also, maybe that's why I didn't notice that the pattern ran long ;)

Glad to hear you have your mojo back!

Anonymous said...

The hat is awesome! The modeling pics rock!

jennie said...

I've been eyeing that hat forever now. too bad i swore off casting on for new projects. Soon... soon.

Yours is absolutely lovely!

a friend to knit with said...

glad you had a bit of a break...and it sounds like the perfect one at that. like tons of fun!
It looks fabulous on her! i just love that the photos were taken at your middle school....and feeling a little like a rebel while standing on the grounds!
your work looks perfect. just perfect!

Kath said...

Hat looks great - it's on the list of things I want to own but don't want to make (yet). But you can't go telling people that the hat makes you look like a better knitter! You have to let them admire it's beauty and wonder over the complexity, while you bask in the glow.

Anonymous said...

What lovely photos and what a GORGEOUS hat! Lucky sister. Welcome back!

kelp! said...

I love that hat pattern - every time I see one, it reminds me how much I adore it. Yours turned out lovely!

If you went to my school, you would have been smoking in the bathroom. You guys are bad to the bone...

Stacey said...

love the hat. it's been on my to do list for a while. looks like lopping off some of the first repeat is a good idea!

bad smokers! bad!

Kristy said...

Cute hat! I actually hadn't seen that pattern before-- thanks :)

Neuroknitter said...

Welcome back! Happy New Year!

Lovely hat!! Fun photos! I know what you mean about blocking fair isle...it's almost as magical as blocking lace!

Amy said...

Nice work!!!

Anonymous said...

That is such a beautiful hat. I plan to make it soon myself.

nova said...

I think the unintentional added length gives the hate character, looks great. I am really excited about stranded knitting again. I need a new project...

Kara said...

Oh, I love the purple and green together. So pretty! And it looks so fab on you.

Elizabeth said...

Very cool hat! And I love the photos.

femiknitter said...

Great hat--I've been wanting to make it but have yet to learn colorwork. I love that you took these at your old school while smoking--hilarious!

Mary said...

That is one damn fine hat. I like when knitting isn't perfect...what's that saying? "It's handmade. If it was perfect, you could buy it at the GAP."