Beanies Baby!

I've been mastering the art of the knitted beanie hat in my spare time!

The pattern I've been working from can be found HERE  and it was the first time I've attempted cable knit, below is my first finished attempt and it came out really well! 

It's super cosy.

I decided to take on a challenge and alter the pattern so I could knit beanie hats with text on them. So instead of starting the cable pattern in the instructions from the link above, I just used stockingette stitch and followed my own lettering pattern I drew up for myself.

The receiver of my first attempt was my brother, he chose the word DRUM to go on his hat, I added a bit of extra length (he has a big head) before starting the decrease. I was in two minds about whether I should knit the text as I went along or hand stitch it into the hat after, in the end I decided to do the balls of yarn shuffle and knit with 2 colours, I got it looking pretty neat on the wrong side! So here's what it looks like.

I think I could've done with casting on a few extra stitches to give the edge a bit more of a stretch allowance for his big head!

Next I had a request from my friend Emma, I went back to following the original pattern, but tried out a new yarn for a lighter, summer beanie. I chose Drops Cotton Light yarn in turquoise. It was the first time I have used anything other than double knit acrylic yarn. 

It came out so well! She was really happy with it, and the colour is just gorgeous.

Next, I stepped up my game and decided to draw up a Stars 'n Stripes pattern to go on a beanie for my USA lovin' sister.

The trickiest bit of this hat was making sure I stitched it up all lined up correctly! I'm so happy with how it's turned out, and so is she! When winter comes back around my family and friends will be well equipped with cosy, stylish head gear! 

I should attempt a bobble to go on top of my next beanie.

For my next knitting challenge I think I will learn the art of circular needles and knitting in the round, perhaps matching cowls for my beanies would be a good project?

Thats all for now!