Skip to main content

Outlander Sockhead Hat

So in keeping with my school year resolution, I cast on for my first Sockhead using a limited edition color of Lorna’s Laces Shepherd Sock in Fraser.  


I love the color orange and I debated whether or not to knit up a pair of socks or cast on for something else, and I don’t know why, but a hat using yarn named after Jamie seemed most appealing.  I’m a late arrival to Diana Gabaldon’s Outlander series and when I saw all the publicity for the Starz television show this summer, I knew I had to check out the book.  I was not disappointed. 

This is my first time making a hat with fingering weight yarn, so my patience and WIP commitment is being tested.  Plus, I’m a bit unsure over the fit.  I’ve read through a lot of modifications on Ravelry and I’ve cast on fewer stitches as well and have knit only 2 ¾ of the ribbing instead of 4.  I will probably shorten the body of the hat from 9 to 6 inches too.  

I have a really small head – so much so that I’ve been known to purchase children’s hats because they fit better.  I do like the slouch look of the hat, but last year when I knit a SupahSlouch, I stayed true to the pattern and was disappointed with the excess fabric that pooled at the crown; it cascaded down my head and almost to my ears (which are also freakishly small in case you were wondering).  It’s a fine line between Slouch and Elf, that’s all I’m saying. 

While I’m digging my yarn, I’m still apprehensive about the final product.  I’m using size 3 needles, although I think the pattern said 2.5.  I feel like the fabric isn’t dense enough for a hat but before I make that decision I think I have to see it through.  This may be another to frog or not to frog, I’m not sure.  But regardless of how the FO turns out, I’m committing Fraser to a hat…

Which leaves me wondering what I should do with its companion, Beauchamps.
  

 Since Jamie will be keeping my small head and even smaller ears warm, maybe Claire should keep my hands, um also kind of small, dry and toasty.  I really want to be able to wear them together, and I prefer contrasting accessories rather than matchy-matchy (not that there’s anything wrong with that).  Yes, I think mitts may be the thing.  But until then…bon tricot!
Labels:

Comments

Post a Comment

Popular posts from this blog

Knit Lit – Where the Wild Things Are Socks

The only thing better than knitting or reading a book is knitting with yarn inspired by a book.  And so it went with my March socks.  The yarn is Canon Hand Dyes’s Let the Wild Rumpus Start on Charles Self Striping. 

As the colorway suggests, the yarn was inspired by Maurice Sendak’s Where the Wild Things Are. 

I cast these on in the middle of the month, but I enjoyed the six striping colorway so much that these were knit in about a week. 
This yarn was a destash purchase and it came with a mini skein of black for the heels and toes.  But I chose to use a silver mini for less contrast.  I feel like I say this all the time but I LOVE THESE SOCKS! 
The turquoise, blue-greens, browns, and greys are colors I wear often.  So this pair will be sock drawer staple. 

Post a Comment
Read more

Knit Brit: Burberry Inspired "Novastripe" Socks

I’m addicted to indie sock yarn, and after the success of my Missoni knock-offs, I’m excited to merge my love of handknit socks with all things Burberry.  In my search for self-striping sock yarn on Etsy, I came across TurtlePurl’s Trenchcoat colorway.  The designer’s listing states that U.K. fashion plaids inspired the yarn.
I have always adored tartan plaids.  I’m particularly enamored with Burberry’s iconic Nova Check, which accents many of its designs, including the brand’s signature trench.  What I’m less enamored with, though, is the label’s exorbitant price.  So imagine my delight when I found this smashing yarn!  I paid a little more money to upgrade the yarn base with cashmere.  I justified the splurge: I’m indulging a luxury experience without the luxury cost. 
In keeping with Burberry’s classic appeal, I decided to use my tried and true vanilla sock pattern – ribbed cuff, stockinette leg, foot, and toes.  I’m delighted with the results so far.  Dare I say these socks are qui…
Post a Comment
Read more

There’s Nothing Plain About Vanilla – Another Set of Stockinette Stitch Socks

It’s been a few weeks since my last post, but I’m proud to say I’ve survived a stint with strep throat, my son’s first birthday party (with 24 of his kindergarten classmates), and Easter, complete with a visit from the Bunny, an egg hunt in the backyard, and a trip to see Ringling Brothers and Barnum & Bailey’s circus.  It’s been a whirlwind, to say the least.  But in that time, I’ve been sneaking in some knitting when I can.  To feel creative and productive (which don’t always co-exist happily), I find it best to have a pair of plain vanilla, stockinette stitch socks on my needles at all times.  I can trot them out of my project bag and knit a few rounds while waiting for folks to shop our yard sale, like I did this past weekend, or while I watch the kids play outside in the front yard. 
The first time I saw the Regia Jacquard sock yarn was on Susan B. Anderson’s blog.  I was saddened to learn it’s since been discontinued.  But during my Google search, I found it discounted at se…
Post a Comment
Read more