All fired up

I know you were expecting to see a Loch Ness Monster, and you will see him, but not today - he still needs his flippers.

Instead, I have a project to show you that I couldn't be happier with.

Way back in 2008, not long after I first started knitting seriously, I attempted a colourwork hat. I was knitting it flat, with some left over cotton. It was my first ever colourwork attempt... and well....

Not only did it come out looking rather crappy, with stitches pulling in all directions.... it was also about two sizes too small for the recipient, because my floats were way too tight. After a very aggressive blocking session, it still only managed to fit my niece, who was about two years old at the time...

I've wanted to redo the hat for years.And since my recent successes with colourwork, and considering I had the colours in my stash (and in Big Cat no less - so much better than cotton!) I gave it another shot.

Well... that's MUCH better. Dave tried it on and it fits him, so it will definitely fit the recipient! The pattern is the One for All Cap. I cut the fire chart down to 20 stitches from 29, and cast on 100 stitches for the brim. It knit up quick - just two evenings - and that's one more present down and a giant colourwork success!

Now back to that monster....