The Craft Sessions Simple Hat Pattern

I improvised this simple hat "pattern" many years ago and have made it many many times, and made many versions. I wanted to share with you my basic recipe, as this pattern suits everyone and fits a wide range of heads. My two favourite versions fit me, my three kids (who are between 5 and 10) and my fella.

It is hat knitting at it's absolute simplest and the awesome thing about it is that it looks great whether it is a bit tighter or a bit slouchier. Mine tend to slouch up over time, to the point where I need to give them a quick wash to get them back into shape. You can see my oldest and most stretched version in the picture below.

My oldest slouchiest version that I wear running which has a 3.5" ribbed section and is a smidge longer. It is made from Rowan Kid Classic on 5mm needles.

This hat is my go-to quick knit as it can be made in a night or two in front of the tele, or on a long car drive. A simple hat in a gorgeous yarn is the perfect gift, for yourself or someone you love.

One of my favourite things about it is the crown. I love an odd number of points in a crown decrease. It just feels a little more balanced.

Just be aware that this "pattern"* is really loose - not that the knitting is loose but rather that the pattern is really simple and easy to alter. For example I love the three inch rib but have been meaning to make one with a 3.5 or even 4 inch rib. It might rock.

So I've included two of my most knitted versions -  one with an 18 stitch recommended gauge and another with a 20 stitch gauge. And I'd love to see your versions so don't forget to hashtag your creations #tcssimplehat on instagram.

I purchased these two skeins at Purl Soho to give their yarn a trial. On the left is their Worsted and on the right is their beautiful Flax Down!

Your yarn choice will give you a totally different hat.

Thinner slouchier version: If I want a slouchier version I use a yarn with some kind of alpaca or silk content and use a say a DK yarn with the 20 stitch gauge.

Chunkier version: I use a a worsted or aran weight yarn that is 100 percent wool. I would use the 18 stitch gauge version.

I'll recommend some yarns for the different versions at the start of the pattern. But this hat was made for stash scrap knitting, and for pom poms if you are into them.

Edited to add: If you are a loose knitter when knitting rib you might want to consider going down a needle size to do your ribbing. I don't but you might. This is especially true if you are using a yarn that is not very elastic.
 

Verions #1 20 stitch gauge in Purl Soho Flax Down.

The Craft Sessions Simple Hat Pattern Version #1 - 20 stitch gauge

Gauge: 20 stitches per 4"/10cm

Fits: Heads from 20-23"/50-58cm - That said my partner's head is over 24" and it fits him too.

Finished Measurements:
Hat length from cast on to crown - 9.5"/24cm
Unstretched width 18"/45.5cm

Yarn Suggestions
Rowan Kid Classic or Purl Soho Flax Down for a thinner version. Or any 20 stitch gauge yarn with mainly woollen content. Shelter is nice. As is Quince's Owl. Or Berrocco's Ultra Alpaca.

The 20 Stitch Simple Pattern
Cast On
Cast on 96 stitches using a 4.5mm needle. Please note that you should use whatever needle size you need to get gauge given the yarn of your choice. Place a marker to mark the start of round and join to knit in the round.

Ribbing
Knit 22 rounds of [k2,p2] repeat or until ribbing measures 3"/7.5cm

Hat Body
Round 1: Repeat the brackets 2 times [Knit 48, M1] - 98 stitches total.
Round 2 onwards: Knit all stitches until the hat measures 6.5"/16.5cm from the cast on edge.

Crown shaping
Round 1: Repeat brackets until end of round [Knit 14, PM].
You should have 7 markers in total including the start of round.

Round 2: Repeat brackets until end of round [Knit until 2 stitches before marker, k2tog]
Round 3: Knit
Repeat Rounds 2 and 3 until there are 7 stitches between each marker - 7 times in total - 49 stitches remain.

Then repeat Round 2 until 7 stitches remain. Using a needle thread a few inches of yarn through the remaining 7 stitches.

And you have a hat!

Version #2 18 stitch gauge version in Purl Soho Worsted.

The Craft Sessions Simple Hat Pattern Version 2 - 18 stitch gauge

Gauge: 18 stitches per 4"/10cm

Fits: Heads from 20-23"/50-58cm

Finished Measurements:
Hat length from cast on to crown - 9.5"/24cm
Unstretched width 19"/48cm

Yarn Suggestions
Purl Soho Worsted for a chunkier version. Or Rowan Felted Tweed Aran or any 18 stitch gauge yarn with mainly woolen content.

The 18 Stitch Simple Pattern
Cast On
Cast on 80 stitches using a 5mm needle. Please note that you should use whatever needle size you need to get gauge given the yarn of your choice. Place a marker to mark the start of round and join to knit in the round.

Ribbing
Knit 20 rounds of [k2,p2] repeat or until ribbing measures 3"/7.5cm

Hat Body
Round 1: Repeat the brackets 4 times [Knit 20, M1] - 84 stitches total.
Round 2 onwards: Knit all stitches until the hat measures 6.5"/16.5cm from the cast on edge.

Crown shaping
Round 1: Repeat brackets until end of round [Knit 12, PM].
You should have 7 markers in total including the start of round.

Round 2: Repeat brackets until end of round [Knit until 2 stitches before marker, k2tog]
Round 3: Knit
Repeat Rounds 2 and 3 until there are 6 stitches between each marker - 6 times in total - 42 stitches remain.

Then repeat Round 2 until 7 stitches remain. Using a needle thread a few inches of yarn through the remaining 7 stitches.

And you again have a hat!

Enjoy and feel free to ask questions. And don't forget that hastag #tcssimplehat. They will make me happy!

Felicia x

*Some people on instagram mentioned the similarity of my hats to the gorgeous Simple Hat by Hannah Fettig that you can find here - similarities that makes sense as there are only so many ways you can make a simple hat. I don't have Hannah's pattern nor have I ever seen it - and our versions are different. Different ribbing, different crown length and different crown shaping. Also my "pattern" has only one size in two gauges. I know from experience that Hannah's patterns are incredibly well thought-out and well written, and her simple hat has many sizes and I believe three gauges so please check it out if you are interested.

Stash Less - The Paradox of Freedom

Stash Less is an ongoing series whereby we discuss having a mindful stash. Previous Stash Less posts can be found here. 

So I'm reading a book at the moment that is not at all related to Stash Less. However, it just connected the dots for me on something that has bugged me for many years. One of those moments when your brain goes ping and your realise you finally have a good explanation for something that you understood in your heart but did not have any words for. 

And that is the difference between the idea of freedom, and true freedom. And how by engaging in the first type of freedom you can lose the chance at the second. Who doesn't love a paradox?

We have a cultural idea about freedom, our right to it, and what that freedom means. We value freedom very highly, as we should. Every country, and even every subculture, has a slightly different interpretation of what that freedom means depending on their history and heritage. Some cultural versions of freedom are more focused on individual rights, others on workers rights, others on community rights, or women's rights. Then of course, we individually form our own ideas about freedom and what it means to us, based on our history and experience.

The common thread that holds most of these versions of freedom together is that freedom is about our right to do as we please without restriction. If we are restricted then we aren't free, right?

Why is this important in the context of Stash Less? Because this here blog is ramping up to set some challenges around what we own, our consumption of materials in relation to our craft, and our spending patterns. From the comments over the last year, I feel like some people might feel that although they like the idea of Stash Less that it all feels a little too restrictive*. Like a burden - and that by setting some rules around their spending they would be giving up their freedom. Their right even! Their right to do what they want and purchase the pretty things. To feel that thrill of purchasing, possessing and having. The freedom to engage in our consumer culture with joy. Yippee?

So I wanted to offer my take on "freedom to purchase" as I'm now a year and a half into this project - and I've felt all of those feelings. I've sometimes felt that Stash Less is impinging upon my freedom. And my rights. And my life. :)

My realisation yesterday was about the paradox of freedom in the context of craft. Because for me it is a paradox. By engaging in my right to exercise my freedom to purchase, I created a situation where I didn't feel free.

By exersizing that very freedom (by purchasing whatever I want when I want it) I enslaved myself to to purchasing it when I didn't need it and to stuff. To being distracted by the idea of purchasing. To being distracted by FOMO. To shopping, rather than creating, when time was thin on the ground. To the idea that more stuff will make me more happy. To keeping up with all the goings on in the crafting world. To feeling guilt that my purchasing wasn't in line with my values around consumerism.

By engaging in a consumeristic version of freedom (to purchase with no rules or restrictions), I created a situation where I was weighed down by the realisation I owned too much stuff. And owning that stuff was restrictive in so many ways.  

A year and a half in I've realised that there is another version of freedom - one that is much more aligned with how I want to live. It's light and it's joyful and it's mindful.

By choosing to restrict myself in a way that is in line with my core values, I'm engaging in a much deeper form of freedom. Not freedom in the moment, but rather the feeling of freedom that comes from living my values. 

I am not weighed down by the psychological weight of owning too much. I am free (er**) from wishing and wanting - from being stuck in desire. I'm free from shopping as a pastime. I'm free from having to keep up. I'm free from the guilt of being excessive and knowing I'd made questionable choices. 

Therein lies the freedom paradox! One where by purchasing freely, I created a bondage of stuff. Conversely by restricting my purchasing, I create a life of freedom. 

Over the last year and a half, deciding what to craft and crafting itself, has become a more mindful practice for me. A quieter one with less buzz from the outside world and all the sparkly things on display. And that feels pretty good. 

I'm off to bed now - but really hoping my realisation made sense?

The first challenge will be up next week and I'm truly grateful so many of you are interested in  joining in. 

Felicia x

PS. I'll be back Friday with my Simple Hat pattern that I promised you eons ago. Post is written (almost!)

*Please note that in no way does Stash Less involve restrictions set by anyone other than your-lovely-selves. :)

**This is a work in progress.

Stash Less - A community challenge for 2016

A series whereby we talk about creating a thoughful stash. My previous posts on this journey can be found here.

The idea and impetus for Stash Less arose from shock – I went away for six months and on my return I was totally bowled over by how much stuff I had accumulated through my years of making. The time away gave me perspective and opened my eyes to what I had. And ultimately it changed my life.

My spending habits changed for sure as did my making, and the way I go about coming up with new project, but it also changed something more subtle. By establishing boundaries around my spending on craft, I found that I spent less time in a desire state thinking about the future and more time focused on the possibilities of now. What was/is before me at this very moment. I'm much more conscious of my consumption, and how it affects my life, and not just in terms of my making. Subtle but pretty profound.

Now I still have work to do regarding my habits around purchasing, hoarding (let's just call a spade a spade shall we) and using my materials. And I also have many ideas and resources that I am yet to share with you on this topic - so Stash Less will continue as a regular-ish series. But I wanted to take it a little further and see if you lot are interested in playing along in some way.

You see the thing is that as I've been posting about Stash Less, so many of you have pinged me to say that mindful consumption of materials is something that you too have issues with. And while you may not want to engage in the challenge in the way that I have, that you have been thinking about your purchasing. I want to encourage it, create community around it, and see more of what you are up to. I learn so much from your comments and ideas.

So here is what I'm suggesting; there will be two ways to participate...

1. A monthly challenge -  An idea or an exersize to get you thinking and to assist you in your journey to a mindful stash. One we share so that we can learn from each other. I'm going to ask you to leave me a comment in the blog to direct me to your instagram or blog where I see what you are up to around that particular challenge. First challenge will be set next week. 

2. Every three months I'm going to give away a (good :)) prize for my favourite Stash Less project created during that time - Jan to March, April to June etc. I'll post about it in more detail but I want to make sure we are highlighting the work people are doing to get creative with their stash. I love watching your projects pop up on instagram using the #stash_less hashtag and can't wait to see more of them as we progress through the year. 

Finally, because I want this challenge to be all about the joy then feel free to jump in and out throughout the year as your other life commitments allow - for the month, for a few months or play along for the whole year.

First challenge will be posted next week. In the meantime, are you interested thinking about your stash?

Felicia x

PS. I LOVED all your comments on Tuesday's would you or wouldn't you post. I can't wait to be able to sit down and read through them in detail. It's school holidays here so computer time is non-existant. Hopefully tomorrow, as I can see there were so many good, inspiring ideas. xx

Would you make your own wedding dress?

So I'm going to share some happy but possibly shocking personal news ;). You may not know this about me, but I am actually an unmarried 40-something with three kids. Living in the suburbs in happy non-sin with my gorgeous peeps with nary a piece of paper to be seen. In this day and age who would have thought it was possible? 

Anyway, fifteen years in, we are thinking of celebrating the love at the end of this year in the form of a wedding..... and I have been wondering if I should/could make my dress. I saw the cover of Hello May pop up on instagram not long ago with a total stunner of a frock that was made by the bride and I was smitten.

It wouldn't be too formal. I'm not that kind of gal..... but it would involve sewing with fabrics that I don't normally sew with. And there would be fit issues I don't normally have to deal with given the simple shapes I normally sew.

The sentimental part of me thinks - "Of course!  How amazing would that be?" The ultimate in slow fashion with sentiment.

The practical part of me thinks - "Hell no! Don't be ridiculous woman."

Your thoughts?

Felicia x

Reading - The Uppercase Compendium

My copy of this little gem arrived a few days ago and I thought I would share it, as I adore what Janine (the creator of Uppercase magazine),  has put together. The Uppercase Compendium of Craft and Creativity is a snapshot into the creative process and lives of 66 makers from around the world. 

“There is a long publishing tradition of the creative annual. Creative industries like graphic design, illustration and advertising each have their own dedicated annual books and special edition magazines that compile the best of each category. For designers and illustrators, to be included in an annual is a benchmark of success. It helps get them recognized within their industry and opens doors to new opportunities. For aspiring creatives, annuals showcase what is possible in their field. They inspire, educate and promote. And as the years pass, the annuals serve as important cultural artifacts—a snapshot of the trends and aesthetics of a particular year.”

— Uppercase Compendium Webpage

As is customary for anything Janine puts together, it is beautiful, well written and insightful. It is a book that is rich with stories and gorgeous photography that truly celebrates the value of craft in our daily lives. 

"We", the crafting community, need books like this. Books that show us how others around the world are creating, thinking and engaging in their craft. Something that talks about all the things we care about. Connection. Meaning. Creating. Books that celebrate making in a real, everyday way.

I was lucky enough to be included in the Compendium alongside some other lovely Australians like Siobhan Rogers and Fiona Chandler. Being included was pretty special but it's even more special to me because of the main photo she chose to include; my kid and I cutting the steek of her cardy. Just out of a pool, sitting at our campsite under some olive trees in Umbria. Her total joy in what I had created, and then that she got to cut it, are that moment for me. All about the love. From me to her. A moment where I knew she could feel it in what I had made for her. 

You can read more about it in my original I Made This post or better yet, go click on this link and pick yourself up a copy. By doing that you will be supporting Janine, and all the wonderful things she puts out in the world. 

The Compendium is one of those books that will sit on dining table to be perused at mid-morning coffee time for many many months to come.* I can't wait.

Felicia x

*Other mid-morning coffee favourite dip-in-and-out books include Gee's Bend and Letters of Note and Women in Clothes.