1 Hat, 2 Tries, and 3 Lessons Learned

You know the saying,

You learn something new everday.

Well, I agree with that wholeheartedly. Only, some days, I learn a lot more than one thing. Like last Tuesday, I learned two lessons. The first:

Wearing a hat can really make a big difference in your warmth when it's 5 degrees outside.  In fact, it can really make a difference even when it's not that cold.

Second,

Wearing a hat with a pompom on top is just.....weird. Not only did I feel like the kid from Home Alone, but it also wiggled whenever I moved my head......and that was weird. 

Those two wonderful lessons prompted me to make my own hat. I had lots of wool yarn left over from making my shawl, and no plans for it. Since I also had some extra time on my hands, I decided to go for it. I found the pattern for a hat here (http://lilustudios.blogspot.com/2010/12/arrow-hat-crochet-pattern.html). I certainly wouldn't recommend this pattern for beginners. However, if you have a good grasp of crocheting and reading patterns, then it's pretty easy to follow once you get into the swing of things.

Well, Friday night I went to work, and four hours later my hat was almost completely finished. I tried it on and....it was too small. Gggaahhhh......frustration. Well, after looking at some of the comments posted on the pattern, I found one lady who had a similar problem and gave tips on how to fix it.

So out it came. All 19 rows and 987 double crochet stitches of work.......gone. I hate having to do that. But, I knew it was worth it because in the end, the hat would actually fit well.

So, I went for my second try, and that time, it worked!!! It fits perfectly, and I'm so glad I redid it. I know it's hard to see the detail in this picture, but it gives you an idea:

I am quite pleased with how it turned out, and now my head will be very warm and not have to suffer through another pompom! =)

Now, I'm sure you're all thinking....."Wait! This post can't end yet! I've seen the one hat, I've seen the two tries, but you've only mentioned two lessons! What about the third lesson learned?"

Well, the last lesson I've learned this week is totally unrelated to hats; it is:

Never become too attached to the characters in the book you're reading.

Yeah...I WOULD do that. I've been reading the Anne of Green Gables series recently. I've seen her go from a scared, skinny little 11-year-old to a mature and lovely adult, enjoyed all her adventures and mishaps, learned with her along the way, and really just had a grand old time. Well, in the book I just started Anne got married; and I feel like a really close friend has left me behind. Up until now I could relate with most of what she experienced; but now, she's gone on ahead, and I'm still left here. It sounds silly, I know, and I'm not really all that devastated. I simply couldn't believe just how attached I've become to Anne Shirley.

And, on that note, I would highly recommend the series. You just can't help but be happy and encouraged my Anne's wonderful joy and zeal for life, and there are also many things to learn from her experiences.........like never paint a town hall blue!