Monday, October 15, 2012

Brownie



Thank you for your comments and e-mails. I truly appreciate that you have all been here.

Just when I was beginning to think that I would never knit (!!!) again, cold northerly winds froze me yesterday on my daily route and the weather forecast for this week predicts snow. For some time now I have worn a hat while outside but Saturday when it was raining for most of our walk, I was sorry that I did not have a wool shawl with me. I have rainproof coat, but we stay out for quite a while with the dogs and even though the coat is good, the chill creeps inside when the outside is wet. But if I wear a wool shawl on the shoulders over the coat, it makes a big difference, as you know. Getting out the small wool shawlettes worked their magic with the weather, and I found myself once again searching for the right pattern, needles and yarn. Bliss!

I decided to start small. I love hats, and love them when they are playful. 

When I found Woolly Wormhead's hat patterns, I needed to have them. I will get her newest collection ClassicWoolly Toppers at some point but for now I flipped through Twisted Woolly Toppers. There is a cute hat, Brownie, that is worn by a little boy (beautiful little boy) but it is so cute and interesting looking, that I decided to make it in the biggest size and I was not disappointed. Knitting was interesting, it came together quickly and the outcome is great. I think I will need to make it in another color. I often make two copies of one pattern; the first one is sort of a trial and I keep having second thoughts and I am a bit worried of the outcome, but then once I have worked through the first copy, I can enjoy making another, and then maybe tweak the pattern a little bit. This pattern is very well written, so most likely I will not tweak any details but I just need to knit leisurely one before I will cast on for a new one, which again, is going to make me worried... 


But you might wonder why I am making this for myself and so

I have to show you this. (Sorry for the blurry picture. It is such a long time since I have been blogging and taking pictures, that I will need to work on the photography.)


I bought this a couple of years ago (five years? ) from a craft fair and just love it, made by Taikatunturi. I mostly use it around Christmas time and Brownie reminded me of this hat.


I did follow the pattern as written for most of it but I did make one small modification. For the brim I added six stitches, so that I could add another cable repeat into it, thus making the hat deeper. And the hat is knitted with trusty Cascade 220. (I have used this wool many times and never thought of it being anything but Cascade220, as if there was a sheep breed called Cascade220. Surprise, surprise, it is Peruvian Highland Merino wool.)

Ok, the winter is about to start, first snow maybe tomorrow, and I have a new wool hat (it still needs a lining, so I almost have a new wool hat). I am prepared. Well mostly, I will need to get the car tires changed to the winter ones. Slippery roads tomorrow.

Wool with you,
Lene

PS. I cannot tell you how happy I am to be knitting again.

PPS. Last year November was celebrated as Wovember and I am really looking forward for another Wovember with great woolly pictures and interesting woolly stories.
Go have a look, I promise it is good!

PPPS. I am my worst enemy and because it is such a long time I was blogging regularly, I am looking at the text thinking is this interesting to anyone? and I realize the language is quite clumsy, and the pictures poor... oh well. I am going to hit the publish button anyway and I sincerely hope this will get better... although there are no promises.

47 comments:

  1. Kiva kuulla pitkästä aikaa sinusta! Oletko huomannut maininnan käsitylehden sivuilla blogistasi lokakuun numerossa?

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  2. I love reading your blog posts when you are able to post, and I am very happy that you're back. Happy knitting!

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  3. Of course we are reading and looking forward to your posts! You have so many talents, you make me envious.
    Last winter I kept up with your daily reports of how short the days were getting. I know I could only live there when the sun was shining most of the day and night!

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  4. It's lovely to read you again. I don't think I'm alone in being pleased to see you post whatever your crafty pursuit of the moment may be - you have so many talents!

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  5. I was so happy to see "Dances with wool" pop up in my list of blogs once again. And now I feel the need to knit a hat. . .

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  6. If you're writing, I'm reading, so please keep at it whenever you can! So glad to see you again, and I adore the rabbit in your blog header.

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  7. What a beautiful hat! Reading your posts always brightens my day, whether you are writing about knitting or watercolors or the length of the winter days.

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  8. M'ellen21:37

    What a lovely hat. I am always so happy to find a new post from you. And I was thinking yesterday I need to knit some new hat and this one is perfect! Thank you!

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  9. Of course it's interesting Lene, glad you hit "publish" and so happy to see you on here again:) Be warm and well, best wishes from Canada:))))

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  10. It's so nice to see you blogging again!

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  11. Anonymous22:00

    Your blog always makes me happy. And your hat is beautiful. Best Wishes. Deb

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  12. Love the hat so much I bought the book!

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  13. Yes! It's wondderful to see a new post from your pen...well, keyboard. I was just thinking that it had been a while and was hoping that things were okay with you.

    I recently discovered the Wool Wormheads hats and I am smitten as well. I made a Bimple for the newish baby of a woman I work with and it was adorable.

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  14. Wonderful you are back! Just keep at it, I have also found it feels clumsy after a hiatus but once blogging regularly again its amazing how much easier it becomes!

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  15. annie23:19

    I too was happy to see Dances with Wool pop up on my blog list! I was certainly not disappointed. The hat is great, and I love the sheep photos....they're all so beautiful!

    It is wonderful to have you back. Take your time....we will be here!

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  16. Carmen23:28

    Glad to have you back!

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  17. Anonymous00:25

    Så hyggelig at du er på blog igjen!
    How nice to se you back again!
    Kjærlig hilsen (Love) Inger

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  18. Anonymous01:03

    delighted to see a letter in my email telling me that you have a new post.
    don't worry I always read what you write and what is going on with great interest.
    I live in Wisconsin and can't believe we have had snow here but you have not. I have been wearing winter woolies for a month now. but this week we will have a warm up the weatherman says- our Indian summer

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  19. If you're writing, I'm reading. And no matter how you may feel about your (perfect) English, it's always going to be better than my Finnish. ;)

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  20. the knitting aunt02:39

    I've never commented before but wanted to say that I always look forward to clicking the link when I see you have a new post. I'm very interested and love the photos of your beautiful projects. And I enjoy your writing style--I find it restful and very clear. I hope your life again makes space for joyful knitting (and other crafting).

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  21. Hats are a great place to start a new knitting season
    Look forward so much to your posts !

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  22. I love to read every post you write. When you aren't posting I think of you and hope you are well. You are always inspiring. :-)

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  23. Anonymous06:20

    As all have said before, I, too, am so happy to see a blog from you. Isn't it nice to have so many people worried about you? :)
    As Jen says, your English is always going to be so much better than my English.
    I bought the hat pattern as I know an adorable little girl, and probably her grandmother, who will look stunning in it. (I am biased, of course)
    Welcome back, Lene. May you continue to take horrible pictures and use awful English.
    Love from America.

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  24. don't think too much, just write:) and knit!
    I wish you all the best.
    warm regards:)

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  25. Glad you're back--the writing and pictures are wonderful as is the news that you are feeling like knitting again! Missed you, but have hoped and believed that you would be back. Warm wishes for your family.

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  26. I do enjoy your posts, Lene. Your language is very far from clumsy, you choose your words beautifully and the resulting prose is lovely. And I always enjoy your pictures.I am happy that you chose to hit 'publish'!

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  27. Anonymous15:26

    I'm so happy to see a new post from you, and so are alot of other people!

    Love your hat and the color.

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  28. Anonymous15:27

    I'm so happy to see a new post from you, and so are alot of other people!

    Love your hat and the color.

    Melody
    (Forgot to sign my name!)

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  29. Your language is beautiful as is your photography. I miss you when you do not post.
    I love your hat. How will you do the lining?

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  30. Gretchen16:45

    Your posts are always welcome when they come out. I love the variety of your projects and interests, and the beauty of the place you live. Don't worry about how often you post, you will know the right times and we will enjoy them.

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  31. debbie18:30

    Hooray! I so look forward to your posts, and enjoy them more than I can tell you.
    I love reading and learning everything you share with us. Your pictures are wonderful.
    I hope things in your life are well. You have taught me a great deal about Gratitude. Thank you!

    debbie in Washington State

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  32. hello! i hope you share how you add a lining to your wooly hat. i wouldn't know where to start.
    so good to read about your projects. be careful on those snowy roads! xx

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  33. Beth in Maryland18:47

    How great to hear from you! the hat is beautiful, I think I need one! XXX

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  34. Re: the fine print...

    ...always, always, always interesting. You send me in directions (felting, twisted-stitch knitting, embroidery, etc.) that I would not ordinarily venture. Thank you for your inspiration. Best wishes for a happy, healthy and warm winter to you and your family.

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  35. Anonymous19:58

    What a lovely hat to celebratethe fact that you're knitting! (and what a wonderful, cheerful colour)...

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  36. Mary Jo20:43

    It's great to hear from you again! And your hat projects are lovely.

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  37. Mary Jo20:44

    It's lovely to ready your blog again. and your hat projects are fun - looking forward to seeing the second.

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  38. Lene, we missed you! Lovely knitting as always (and yes, it is so soothing is it not?).
    Thanks for sharing and blessings to all,

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  39. very nice hat. I'm glad that you can create again because you're so talented :) Have a great day!

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  40. Pam in Colorado00:08

    I am so happy to see that you have returned to blogging and knitting. I love to read about your creative projects.

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  41. Oh, it would be s o lovely to read frequent blogposts from you during wintertime!-Your posts are always so inspiring.

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  42. Anonymous02:07

    Yes, it is of interest! Lovely hat(s)!

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  43. moiraeknittoo02:14

    YAY a new post from one of my favorite bloggers! This makes the end of a stressful work day a much better, happier one for me. Seriously - you have been missed.

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  44. AnnP in NY03:10

    Welcome back. You are always an inspiration no matter what medium you are working in. Looking forward to more of your outdoor photos this winter.

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  45. Kimi03:51

    So enjoy your blog. :)

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  46. Karen05:38

    So lovely to hear from you! You are often in my thoughts and I hope all is well. Always look forward to seeing your creations and your beautiful knitting is inspiring (my knitted wardrobe is sadly lacking both mittens and hats!)

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  47. Mary Jane15:11

    Are you kidding with your PPS? I love looking at your photos. They are so interesting. I read your blog all the time and have really missed you posting. I just rarely comment.

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