At the Discoteque

I had a skein of Madelinetosh Tosh Vintage in Spectrum that I had been saving for something spectacular.  I like to purchase yarn in person at a local yarn store rather than online because color ways can vary depending on the specific dye lot.  One skein can look dark and muddy compared to another that is bright and vibrant.  This particular skein was perfect.  Gorgeous.
After happily perusing my Weekend Hats book, I found a suitable pattern, Leaves Long Beanie by Melissa LaBarre.  The lace pattern was simple to follow and produced a nice leaf, although I don't really think it looks like a leaf.

It reminds me more of hanging disco balls.

 The finished hat has much more slouch that I originally expected.  Upon further inspection of the pattern photograph, the model has much more hair than me.  I suspect her hair fills out the hat.

I did block this hat so that the pattern would open up.  I don't block many hats because when you wear them, it tends to stretch the hat out and show the lace work.  After all, once you put in the hard work for a lace pattern, you want everyone to see it.

As for my project name "At the Discoteque," it comes from my time back-packing in Europe in 2001 (crazy college kid!)  My then boyfriend (now husband) and I would visit some of the dance clubs called discoteques.  Colorful party people dancing and having a good time are much like the rainbow of colors grooving to the same melody in this one project.  Besides, I still don't get leaves out of this pattern.