Monday, January 18, 2010

FO: Flat 'at

Morgan driving cap

Pattern: Morgan
Source: Knitty.com - Fall 2008
Yarn: Rowan Felted Tweed
Needle: Knit Picks Options, size 6
Started: November 29, 2009
Finished: March 28, 2009
Mods: Sewed brim to front of hat, free-handed brim stiffener.
Ravel It!

Here in lies the problem with blogging knits so long after you finish them. I can't remember how I came to knit this one! I'm sure I saw it in Knitty that fall when, like everyone else, I crashed the site the day it came out. I do remember having stealing a similar hat from my Dad when I was young, so I'm pretty sure that's why I wanted to knit this one.

Morgan driving capI'm not entirely happy with how it turned out, though I don't hate it either. I had worn it a couple times. For me, the Felted Tweed makes the hat too light; like it doesn't have enough substance. The hat doesn't want to keep its shape, instead it conforms to the shape of my head. I also wasn't too pleased with how the brim template fit into the actual knitting. Perhaps my gauge affected things, but I ended up free-handing the layout with some cardboard. The main complaint I've read about this pattern is the fact that you have to pay constant attention to the written pattern because the increases are spread randomly throughout the crown to better disguise them. I can't say it really bothered me, although I do remember having to constantly count the number of stitches on my needles.

I'd like to knit another one of these with more substantial yarn - and something not so warm - so I can have a summer version. This one is more suitable for fall. I did pick up some Cotton Ease for it, but couldn't get gauge. I've also got the idea in my head on how to design my own version. It would be constructed differently and I think it would be better. Also, I want to put cables on the top of the hat. I don't know when I'll get around to that.

3 comments:

Yarndude said...

Well, for what it's worth, this one really does look quite fantastic.

Crystal said...

It's funny that you don't like it because I really do! I think your version has finally convinced me I do need to make one :)

brandilion said...

I think it looks fantastic! Do you think cotton will hold its shape any better? Maybe if you starch it...