Hats and Small Dogs

I went into Anthropologie clothing store this past weekend thinking I'd snoop around for a design to inspire my knitting just like the talented Hilary at The Yarniad does (ya, right) only to find the cutest sweater jacket ever. Which I immediately bought.

In my defense to knit this sweater jacket would require US 0 needles (for the non-knitter that's a very tiny needle) and it might just possibly have taken me the rest of my life to complete. It was an easy call. Personally, I don't find instant gratification over-rated in the least. Plus I think it suits my newly completed flapper style hat - yeah!

As a self proclaimed "yarn sampler" (i.e. one who enjoys experimenting with different yarns) I like nothing more than to experience the various yarns available through independent vendors. I find it fascinating how yarn can take on so many different characteristics depending on how it is processed and type of fleece used. I like everything from the highly processed to the very rustic yarns.

The Lily Chapeau hat is a Morehouse Original design using their popular 3 ply merino which is what I would call a very rustic yarn and, I imagine, almost like handling an actual fleece (roving). I'm not sure why it's called a 3 ply as it sure looked like a single ply to me. There is little bits of vegetable matter included which I happen to like (in small doses). Opinion: A ruggedly soft yarn that I'll definately use again!

I know there is occasional grumblings out there that I don't knit more for children. Occasionally there's grumblings around here that I don't knit more for for small dogs. I know. I know. But, if you knit for children you won't be disappointed if you pop over to Denise at The Knitting Den (link is to her latest cute hat) or Tiennie at Tienne Knits (link is to one of her many children hats). Both of these knitters knit the cutest hats for children!

Specifications: Lily Chapeau design by in-house designer Evi Westmore. 2 skeins Morehouse Merino 3-Strand in contrasting colors (worsted weight, 140 yards per color). US 6 needles (circular and double pointed). Purchased as a kit directly from Morehouse Farm. The few pattern modifications I made - including how I dealt with the annoying jogging caused by making color changes when knitting in the round - are on my Ravelry page <link here.

Speaking of small dogs......
Sigh. I don't ask a lot. I only asked that Mr Puffy open and sort the mail while I was out. To then come back and find it just as I left it. Well. Such a disappointment.

And to think I had been considering increasing his allowance.