...Erin's Hat...

I've been working on this project for some time now and here it finally is!  Introducing Erin's Hat!

I designed this hat for my wonderful daughter, Erin.  It's the perfect accessory for the crisp autumn days, football games and tailgating;  these are a few of  Erin’s favorite things. Her hat is perfect whether you’re cheering on your favorite college team or just taking a walk on a brisk fall day.  A beautiful band of cables travels around the brim ending with a smart decreased, cabled buttonhole section.  The stockinette section and uniform decreases on the crown finish off this simple but classic hat.   Add a special button and you’re set for cooler weather and the crunch of leaves under foot!

~ Erin's Hat ~

Yarn:  

Valley Yarns Northfield

[70% Merino/20% Baby Alpaca/10% Silk, 50 gm/124 yds]

2 skeins,  colorway:  Chestnut

or

Blue Moon Fiber Arts Socks That Rock Heavyweight

[100% Superwash Merino, 198 gm/350 yds]

1 skein, colorway:  Tumbleweed

Supplies:

US 6/4mm 16 inch circular needle

US 7/4.5mm 16 inch circular needle

1 set US 7/4.5mm double points

or needles to obtain gauge.

Cable needle

markers

yarn needle

one 7/8 inch button

Gauge:

5 stitches/inch over stockinette stitch

Finished measurements:

circumference:  19 inches

depth:  8 inches

Notes:

Pattern includes both written and charted instructions.

I hope you enjoy making Erin's Hat as much as I enjoyed designing it!

Coming soon:  matching mittens, fingerless mitts and cowl!  Stay tuned!!

...east coast adventure, part 1

I just have time for a quick post before I head here to finish setting up the Blue Moon Booth.  I just finished up the best 5 days ever.  First up Rhinebeck.  What an event!

The fiber, the food, the animals....so much to see.  It's like no other festival I have been to.  I bought a few things (more later on that).  We started the morning on what Knittinggolfer like to call the "magic bus"which left from WEBS.  It was great being with all of those knitters for the ride.  There were goody bags for all and door prizes.  The best part was that we were dropped off at the entrance, given a ticket for admission and away we went.

We got to see Steph briefly.  She had a huge line of knitters waiting to get her new book signed.

 I ran into Anne and got to show her my Rhinebeck sweater.  So exciting! 

 There was fried dough....

We finally got back on the magic bus at 4:00 and headed back to Webs.  What a day!!

From there I head to Knittinggolfers house for some rest before Stitches East.  It was so much fun to finally meet her family in person.  Her husband was great and her kiddos.....so much fun!  

Needless to say with 4 of them Marcy stays really busy.  There is always someone coming or going from that house.  In one day we were in the car no less than 7 times.  While I was there I got to see Emily and Nicole play soccer,

 Zac play baseball (coming into home!)

 and Erin do cartwheels.

  The kids even made me a welcome sign.

It was so great to be with such a wonderful family.  Thanks Marcy and Rick for your hospitality!

Now I am in Hartford getting ready for the opening night of the Stitches East Marketplace.  It's going to be a great show.  If you are in the neighborhood, stop by booth #805 and see me!  

...on the road again...

Finally, after weeks of waiting and preparation I am leaving on a jet plane in the morning for my east coast trip.  First stop, Rhinebeck, NY and the NYS Sheep and Wool Festival.  And if you know anything about Rhinebeck you know that you've got to have a new sweater just to make an appearance.  Enter Bel Air.

 

Yup, this is the sweater I started back in August when I was in San Francisco at A Verb for Keeping Warm with my pals Stephen and Carrie.  We were lucky to be taking class from the master herself, Anne Hanson!  And this is the result of that fantastic class.  Let me tell you, Anne was right.  If you take your measurements and knit to them.....the sweater fits!  I love this sweater beyond belief.  If you see me wearing it at Rhinebeck I'll probably make you listen as I describe all that is lovely about it! Humor me.....

I'll be taking in  everything with my best pal, Marcy.  This trip is going to be one to remember!  We start by getting on what Marcy likes to call "the magic bus" at Webs  and riding from the shop to Rhinebeck with a bunch of knitters!  Who could as for anything more?

We'll be making stops to see Miss Babs and then to The Fold.  Speaking of The Fold, if you love
Blue Moon Fiber Arts Socks That Rock (and who doesn't?) get on over there!   Not only will they have a great selection of STR, but they also will have Silk Hankies!  Rumor has it there is a cowl pattern (free) that will be showing up there that can be knit from one hankie!

We'll be stopping by to see Steph at her book signing that kicks off the tour for her new book.  Can't wait to see her!

Once Rhinebeck is over Marcy and I will travel back to her house for a few days of rest before heading to Stitches East in Hartford.  I'll be hosted by our pals at Webs and will have a bunch of great Blue Moon yarns.  Tina has sent some beautiful garment yarns along with Socks That Rock so the booth will be packed with loveliness!  Please stop by and say hello if you get to Stitches.  I'd love to see you!

Well, as they say let's get this show on the road!