Snuggly, until it gets prickly (or, well, itchy), just like Frannie. Day 128.

I went to the library this afternoon to do some research for a project. Wait let me re-phrase. I went to the library today to *try* to do some research for a project. I love the library, I do, but they did not have one single book in the entire system—not just the branch I was in—on the topic I am trying to research. How? Why? Does not compute.

Feeling a little down, I returned home, and finished the second Taylor Swift hat, which I had started this morning. The red one was a "large" and this blue one is a "small." I found a few (4) errors in the pattern, so now both the pdf, blog and ravelry.com page are all updated. I hope this hasn't lead to any frustration, unlike my trip to the biblioteca. Lame.

I have also learned that I need to take picture in the morning in the mirror, not at night, as I look like the ice queen.





Knitting the hat for the second time took SURPRISINGLY less time than the first. Big needles, big yarn = 1 day project. Who knew? The first time around it took a week, but there was a lot of figuring out to do. I wore it out when we went to the Mexican place for dinner, and it is super snuggly, but I actually prefer the red wool hat, which is Superwash Wool, and not itchy, as opposed to the Mirasol Sulka which is 60% Merino Wool, 20% Alpaca & 20% Silk. Even though it feels like my mom's kitten, Frantic Frannie, it actually got a bit itchy by the end of dinner. Not what I expected.

Working the smaller size went well though, and I think that it is a bit better size for me than the large. I have a small yead, but my brains are mighty—granted not as mighty as my Mensa sister, but, you know.

Despite the library's terrible shortcomings today, I did fine a book about Audrey Hepburn in the "bestsellers" section, that I am going to try to give a go. I still have Ramon's sweater to finish, but I have a bunch of calculations to do for the pattern for the sleeve, and I am just not sure that tonight is the night.

Taylor Swift Inspired Diamond Slouchy Beret

Last winter, during a family visit, my eldest sister gushed about her love for Taylor Swift. Not much of a country music fan, I knew I had heard some of her music, but didn’t know much about who she was until just recently. While watching an E! True Hollywood Story about Taylor Swift I felt a connection with both her music, as well as herself—one of the reasons why she is so popular.

I also noticed a red beret that she was wearing, during a visit to London. I loved the hat, and I now love her music, it is my guilty pleasure. So, to honor the inspiration she has provided me with, I created a knitting pattern for the hat.







Her Beret looks very slouchy, almost over-sized, so that is how I created this pattern. I have included two sizes, but if you are worried about it being too big, I recommend working the smaller size, as it is easier to stretch the ribbing. Since it is done from the bottom up, you can also work the ribbing, and test it, to see if it is going to fit well, without having to go too far into the pattern.

As the idea for the hat is not original, even though the pattern I have created is, I am making the pattern free, though if you like the pattern, and would like to make a small donation, I will use the funds towards recouping the costs of the development of this pattern, and towards the creation of new patterns which.



If any Errata are found, or thoughts about the pattern come up, I would love to hear them. Please feel free to respond on my blog, on Ravelry.com (user: projecthallway) or send me an email at projecthallway AT gmail.com.

You can also download a PDF of this pattern here.

Enjoy!







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Yarn
2 Hanks or about 190 yards (173 meters)
Cascade Superwash 128 in Red, Col No. 809,

Needles
US 10 (6.0mm) 16” Circular Needle or DPNs for Ribbing
Or you can use the 29“ Needle with “Magic Loop Method”
US 10 (6.0mm) 29” Circular Needle
US 10 (6.0mm) DPNs for Cap Decreasing

Gauge
3.5 sts per inch, 14 sts = 4”

Size
Adult, 18 inches (20.5 inches), 45.7cm (52cm)

Notions
Crochet Hook
The size doesn’t really matter as long as it is large enough
to pull tail of yarn through remaining sts at end
1 Stitch Marker

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I am making new things all the time. You can follow me on facebook & on twitter.

I have also added the second hat I made using this pattern to my 12in11 list.