A pause for some "happy hooking"

Okay, so mostly I've been loom knitting lately. That's cool and I love doing it. But my first fiber craft is crochet and so the last time I was in a bookstore, I picked up a copy of Debbie Stoller's new book "The Happy Hooker" and leafed through it. And right there on the front cover was the reason I bought a copy. The Yeehaw Lady hat. Had to have it. Had to make it. Buy the book for the pattern I must!

So yesterday I got some time to myself, picked up my crochet hook and started in. This morning, I put on the finishing touches. What do you think? I like it, but I would adjust a couple of things in the pattern next time. The increases around the back of the crown end up being off-center and I think it makes the hat look a little lopsided when all is said and done. Next time, I'd adjust their position a bit to make them more centered.

Oh, and if you do get the book, there are two pages of corrections to the patterns posted online (the page has corrections for all Debbie's books; scroll to the bottom for the link for "Happy Hooker"). Make sure to check those before you start. The corrections don't include a fix for the lopsided increases I just mentioned, but there are a couple of adjustments that could make a big difference if you try to follow the pattern literally as printed in the book.

I'm planning to travel to Italy next year. I'm hoping that I'll attend a week-long workshop with Debbie Stoller that's put on by Toscana Americana in the village of Cortona. I've sent them email asking if loom/rake/board knitters are welcome. They forwarded it to Debbie, but I haven't heard anything yet. If I get brave enough, I just may go no matter what with my looms in hand and see what happens! Anyone want to go with me??? (I need to find a smiley that loom knits!)

I knitting news, I made a couple of wash cloths, one from a design in the Knitter's Bible and one with my own design on it. What do you think? Hope the designs show up okay.


I took a day off today (just recently found out that I actually get some paid vacation days -- YIPPEE!), but can't go anywhere because the exterior of my house is being painted. I feel like I'm hermetically sealed in! It's a good thing, though, and gives me time to catch up on my blogging and finish a couple of knitting projects without worrying that I should be editing or transcribing something instead.

Hope you're enjoying your day, wherever you are!