Maroon Monstrosity

Surely there is a learning curve in everything.  I happily completed three wash clothes, therefore I considered myself qualified to make a hat.  I have a tendency to jump into things with both feet.

My good friend and fellow knitter, Stephanie, generously shared some of her stash with me.  I chose a maroon acrylic yarn (lesson learned #1).  Stephanie quickly pointed out that I would need circular needles (lesson learned #2).  Then I had to join in the round without twisting the yarn.  Geez, there are lots of rules!

I knitted with gusto.  I poured my heart into making this hat and was well on my way.  In fact, I was well on my way to North Carolina to accompany my husband on a business trip.  But then, my knitting train came to a screeching halt.  I had to use dpns?  Obviously I didn't own dpns because I was borrowing the circular needs.  To solve my problem, I searched for the local yarn stores and trusted iMap to get me there.  I purchased the double-pointed needles and hunkered down in the hotel to master the beast.

The heavens parted and beams of light shown down as I clumsily weaved in the ends.  (Not really, slight exaggeration, but I'm taking artistic liberties here).

I did it!  I actually knitted a hat.  A real hat.  I placed it atop my noggin in anticipation of the fashion statement I would make in the mirror.  Sadly, it was ugly.  

The acrylic yarn made it floppy and bulky.  Upon further research, I learned that wool holds its shape better than acrylic.  So that's why knitters love those gorgeous soft merino wools.  Fiber really does make a difference.

Now I have a hideous maroon hat.  I will never wear it in public, but I will keep it to fondly remind myself of where I began.  And on rainy days, I can entertain my children with the ridiculous ways to wear it.

The styrofoam head wears it better for sure.