| Yarn: | Knit One Crochet Too 2nd Time Cotton, Irish Linen – 100/100 g |
| Yarn Weight: | Worsted |
| Needles: | Size 6 (4 mm) circular |
| Size: | Large |
| Pattern Location: | Ravelry’s Windansea Hat |
| Time Spent: | 10 hours |
| Dates: | 12/8/2012 – 12/11/2012 |
This was the fifth 2012 Christmas present, code name “Hawk.” I made it for my mom, code name “Black Mamba,” since she wanted this hat or the ridiculously complicated Nightingale socks. I will make those socks one day but I have a feeling it will be for me. The hat was still a challenge because I’ve never made a brimmed hat.
The hardest part was finding the “millinery wire” it asked for. Save yourself some time if you’re looking for this and go on Etsy. I bought mine from LuLu Deux Millinery; the price was good and the shipping was fast. I wish I had just gone straight to Etsy instead of trying to find it in any stores around me. I know people make substitutes but I did not find any substitute I liked. If I ever make another brimmed hat I will also buy the joiners. The pattern says to tape the two ends together but a real joiner seems worth it me.
The second hardest part was crocheting an encasing around the wire. There were a few times the wire was tricky to work with but mostly it was because I’m a terrible crocheter. I was also very surprised by how much yarn was used up for the encasing. Again this may just be my lack of experience with crocheting.
The final difficulty was finding a box to wrap it in! I didn’t want a bag because that would put pressure on the brim and it’d end up slightly misshapen. Luckily Hobby Lobby had a small collection of hat boxes. The first one I tried was a tiny bit too small so I ended up buying one that was quite a bit bigger than necessary. Fortunately my mom really liked the hat box too so it ended up as two gifts in one =)
I do have enough millinery wire left over to make a second hat. Maybe if my mom decides she needs a lighter weight or different color I’ll make her a second one since I already have the hardest part done!
ipinnedit
January 5, 2013 at 6:38 pm
I didn’t realize you made that hat! Great job!