My lovely friend Taci has recently been making some wonderful hats and posted about them on her blog. I was looking for an easy hat pattern and this hat fit all my requirements perfectly. Meet the Simple Slouch Hat by Robyn Devine. It is very fun and fast to make. I can see why Taci has gone hat crazy lately.
I made this as another gift for my friend Lynda. She is getting the woven towels and dishcloths, the green slippers, and a cowl and a hat for Christmas. When I paired the hat with the cowl I was sure surprised, look at how awful they look together even though they are both made from Malabrigo Rios Archangel in the same dye lot. This simple was not going to do.
I was lucky to have one more skein of the Archangel and whipped this new cowl up. It looks a bit better and I am hoping it will look even better when they are not put so close together. Funny how the colors are so different. And really I think the difference in knitting and crochet accentuate the color differences so much don't you? I will keep the top cowl for a gift for a therapist or friend and give the bottom cowl to Lynda.
Remember this is the Earth Fairy Button Cowl by Jennifer at Fiber Flux. It is so fast to make and I think it makes a very fun present. You see all that yarn I bought on my trip is almost used up already. I have started on the Ohio State scarf, I might have one more of these cowls to make and then the gift knitting/crochet will be over for the season. Hooray!!! Back to some sanity in my life if that is possible.
This weekend, besides a wonderful Thanksgiving with my family, I took our Christmas photo, ordered Christmas cards and got all decorated for the Holidays, well minus the tree that is. I was on a mission to get it all up and out of the way so when I returned to work after a few days off I would not be even more overwhelmed with Holiday stuff. I have about 2/3 of my shopping done, I am getting ready to ship a few items. I am trying so hard to be on top of things this Season. Normally I am a Christmas grouch, maybe if I am ahead of the game this year I will feel better once the big day comes. This is not my favorite time of year like it is for so many. To be honest I usually feel so overwhelmed by it all and by the time Christmas Day arrives I am just downright exhausted. I am trying to be better and enjoy the moment, but it is so hard with so much added stuff to do with the Holidays.
My computer has had a bad virus, so hopefully it has not affected your ability to visit me because it sure has affected my ability to visit you and leave comments. It has had a home visit by the computer doctor and is now on the mend. I hope to catch up with you all soon.
I am off to knit with friends this evening. What are you up to?
37 comments:
Lovely hat Meredith and the cowls are lovely too, yes it is funny how different variegated yarn looks in knit and crochet. Your friend is very lucky to be getting so many lovely gifts, I know she will love and appreciate each and every one. I am down right exhausted this evening I took the week off to get the small bedroom decorated and I've done too much, I have painted it and laid a new carpet hung up new curtains all in two days, tomorrow I must get rid of the mess. I'm hoping to get a couple of those cowls made for gifts too if only I had the time. :) xx
Ah, knitting with friends, bliss. I'm not a huge fan of Christmas either really, far too much stuff and buying. I'm knitting on my own this evening, and tomorrow morning I'm going to School in the Forest with the littlest boy. Lots of 6 and 7 year olds and a bit of a bonfire. Should be memorable. CJ xx
You are way ahead Mere. I think getting your card photo finished is amazing. Your shopping is going great! Have you thought of ways to streamline your other holidays MUSTS? Say paper plates for a week to cut down on DISHES etc? Carry out pizza once a week?
I want you to enjoy the peace of the season....
I know it can be hard Perhaps seeing it through lil buddy's eyes will help
Your hooks and needles must have been smoking, you've made so much lately. I love the way the hat and cowl look made with the same yarn but different methods, it's amazing to see the differences in the way the colors pool. I hope everything works out quickly with your computer. Take care and have a good week.
How lovely these knits/crochets are. I wondered if the top two were actually from the same wool as well. I hadn't ever thought of the differences brought about by the two methods, or that it would make such a difference.
I am always amazed by how prolific you are in your makes. Mine wink at me and make me feel guilty because they are only half done.
Wow Meredith! Those cowls and hat are gorgeous. It always surprise me when things don't look like they match when by all rights they should be perfect together. I've tried very hard to be on top of Christmas this year too because I have a nasty feeling it's going to be a hard one with two of our three children absent. Thanksgiving was very depressing for me. We can think of each other and I'll definitely be praying for you this season.
Blessings,
Betsy
I absolutely agree. Knitting and crochet bring out different color accents. I am jealous of your Christmas task accomplishments. So, jealous.
I am all over that Simple slouch though!
Your work is so pretty, the gifts are sure to be enjoyed. I'm looking forward to seeing the OS scarf you are making for your son. This will be the first Christmas for your family with your little buddy, it is sure to be a great Christmas; one to remember. Just wait until Christmas morn and he sees all the magic. I hope things don't get too hectic for you. Getting the gifts bought and wrapped early will help. Sending you hugs from OH. Heather
Those cowls are so beautiful - I *really* need to learn to crochet, and these are inspiring.
I hope you end up enjoying the holidays, and have some fun.
LOVE your hat and cowl.. you are amazing to me.
We're exhausted from a day out on the town - sitting in our easy chairs watching the news. We went to lunch with my younger sister and her husband and then to visit the Pittock Mansion which was decorated for the holidays. Will post pix tomorrow. Sheesh, this doing stuff is a lot of work. ((hugs)), Teresa :-)
Lovely hat,very beautiful cowls!
Many greetings.:*
It is fascinating to see the difference in the hat and scarf made of the same yarn...I know, I know, fascinating is probably not the word you would choose :) but I had no idea that knitting vs. crochet could make such a difference in the perception of color. I love your work, Mere.
The pumpkin I started to knit got frogged over Thanksgiving and I restarted it and have done a better job following the directions so far. Today I started crocheting a simple bag to hold art supplies as a gift for a ten year old.
Just between you me and the fence post, I feel kind of depressed about preparing cards and gifts this year even though this is my favorite season of the year. You are doing so well in your preparations, Mere! Cheers for you! And thanks for your inspiration even if this isn't your favorite season :) xx
Beautiful! I love the yarn.
They are all so lovely, and that yarn is GORGEOUS!!!
Gorgeous yarns!!!
You have been busy creating while I have been gone!! Enjoying your colors in the Cowls and caps. Interesting that they are the same yarn, but don't seem to match. What a difference the pattern makes!! Bet they are all warm!!
Happy belated Thanksgiving friend! Your makings are stunning!!!! Golly you have been busy!!!!! If it makes you feel any better I have barely started my shopping...not good but oh well! Just trying to be in the moment like you said with the beans! Wishing you a wonderful week! Nicole xoxo
Beautiful gifts!!
Glad you got your virus problem fixed. Computers can be such a pain sometimes.
Your gifts are going to be so very much appreciated by those who receive them Meredith, so much care and love has gone into them.
You really are super organised! Things here are not quite so far on although I feel that I am doing a bit better than usual. Time will tell!
Helenxx
I to was fascinated by the difference the same yarn is when knitted and crocheted. The cowls are wonderful, such beautiful gifts. You seem to have everything under control, you are doing a great job with the gifts.
Wow, love the hat and cowls! Amazing how different the same color appears in crochet and knitting, doesn't even look like it's the same one... anyway these are all lovely projects, I'm sure they'll be very loved presents! : )
I'm now up to my very first knitted scarf, a present for my boyfriend...
Wish you a nice week!
Hi dear Meredith, Wow, I couldn't believe that was the same yarn!! I love both cowls but the second one will go so nicely with the lovely Slouch hat! The hat looks so fun and the color variation is brilliant.
Now on to the December madness. I'm trying to do the same, be done with decorations soon and then on to cards, packages etc. BUT I have made a promise with myself to TRY to enjoy it all!
xoRobin
The hat and cowl look stunning together. So much to do at this time of year x
More beautiful cowls, Meredith, and the hat is really cute. I bet they look fine together when on. Your friend is going to love all her fun gifts!
Hi there, your knitted projects are always so beautiful-love your yarn choices too. The holidays can be really too much some years. I love to bake so this year I am just baking a few things we love every week. don't work too hard Kathy
It is indeed amazing the difference in the yarns and how they look whether crocheted or knitted, who would have thought! They all look beautiful though and I am sure that everyone will love your gifts!! I hope that you can enjoy Christmas this year, perhaps having little Buddy and his excitement will help to carry you along a little. Take care my dear. xx
Hi Meredith!
I like your knitted hat! Strange how the dye lots can vary so much, but I totally get your point - they do not match unfortunately!
I guess sometimes it is better to have a mix and match approach when it comes to accessories. I have different coloured hats and scarves and combine them every day differently.... ;)
I'm sure your friend will appreciate and enjoy your thoughtful gifts!!!
I hope your computer gets sorted out quickly, i would miss you, if you stayed away for too long... ^^
Try not to work so hard with the preparations for Xmas, you got enough on your plate, juggling your work and family life!
Warm hugs,
Ingrid xx
http://myfunkycrochet.blogspot.be
Such pretty hats and cowls! You choose the prettiest yarns! Love the blue one! I'm almost done decorating (doing too much again) next year I promise I'll do less. Then I have a bit more shopping to do and I'm done!
hugs,
Linda
Knitting with friends is the best kind of knitting. Have a good week Mere. Jo x
Hello ~
I love all your work. Beautiful.
December can be hard and toss in a birthday too, mine. The next thing you know the month is over!!
Let's pray for each other, we can relax and enjoy the Reason for the Season. :-)
xx oo
Carla
Holy doodle, look at you go girl! The hat and cowls are beautiful, love that yarn, it's awesome!! I have some of it stashed away in the sock weight, it's so nice to knit with. Your friend will feel so loved and cherished with all her lovely thoughtful gifts. I have not done anything Christmasy yet, I am not the most enthusiastic person about Christmas. I used to be so worn out by the time it rolled around I would get sick or have a migraine. I will have to get in gear soon!! What gets done gets done, what doesn't will have to wait for next year!!
What a difference in the colour pooling between the hat and cowl! Looks like some gorgeous yarn. Your friend will be wrapped in warmth this Christmas. I love the next colourway too.
Hope you get all your stuff done in good time - December's really heating up for me too (not weatherwise but commitmentwise). We must take a deep breath and pace ourselves. :)
Your needles have been very busy! Gorgeous hat and cowl. Hope you enjoyed your evening knitting with friends.
Marianne x
There is not much to tell from the crafting front! I'm just catching up. Two more weeks in school .... :-) All the best from me to you, Regula
Macs, my sister, Macs.
No viruses.
xoxo
Claudia
I love your cowls and your hat looks gorgeous... Don't you just love this pattern ? Thanks for mentioning my hat I also love mine and wear it every day . The cowls are gorgeous and I really think the difference is only because of the texture in crochet and knit they look fantastic and I think if you wanted to give the same color they will look just perfect once you are wearing them. She will love them.
I'm another who isn't too keen on Christmas. So much hype and hassle for one day! Give me a turkey sandwich and a flask of coffee to take on a long hike in the Welsh Hills, that's how I'd prefer to spend that day! And if friends and family walked with me then all the better.
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