Multiple projects going at one time keeps the love of crochet alive for me. The mystery balls are still in progress; right after finishing an afghan in multiple shades of purple, I started another afghan. Yet, as I look for new color combinations for scarves and sets or to incorporate into afghans or the mystery balls, there are some amounts that are too much for the mystery balls or not enough for an afghan or scarf. Enter the humble hat.
A hat may be functional or stylish but it is also a necessity in the Midwest. The cold and sometimes brutal winters require hats. Since I have time because of sheltering in place, I’ve sorted through some of my working stash to find a use for some odd bits that might languish there. Some yarns have seemingly jumped out at me begging to be made into hats. No scarf to accompany it, just a hat on its own.
Top down, bottom up, side to side, open and lacy for fashion or tightly stitched together for maximum warmth – hats take practice. After making hundreds of baby hats, and dozens of adult hats, I have a good idea of how much yarn it would take to make a hat. Even so, I will rip something out and start again until I’m happy with what I make. Though I may never know the recipient, I want to be happy with what I make. One of the best things that I’ve ever figured out – when making a hat and scarf set, always start with the hat. You can make a shorter scarf, but you can’t skimp on a hat. The same stitch pattern takes on a different life when it is made in a lighter or heavier weight yarn or in a different color. The results are unique, fun and often can’t be duplicated because I’ve run out of yarn and don’t have the band to buy it (if it’s still being manufactured).
Make a hat or two to donate – they work up quickly and the gratification of a finished project is almost immediate.
[Note: Hats aren’t part of my 2020 goal – they are bonus items, but I will keep track of how many I make.]
Happy crocheting!
