Wednesday, December 5, 2007

I am obsessed with this hat

So, last night, my dear friend Richelle sent me a message stating that the hat that Mary J. Blige is wearing on the cover of her Reflections album is "FIRE"...and I do agree, it is off the chain. Take a peek.




So, I stayed up till about 2:00 AM scouring the internet for any information that I can find. Well, I found the hat at an online boutique, it is made out of Alpaca, and it costs $200. What???? Well, a skein of Misti Alpaca Chunky or Cascade Magnum is around $20 at my LYS.

Paying 10% of the cost of a super trendy, celebrity-inspired hat in a color that noone else in the world has is priceless. And since I have Cascade Magnum already in my stash....you already know what I am going to do.

Now, let's get back to Richelle. I have known her since I was twelve. She is a dear friend of mine that I care for very much. I consider her part of my family. But her exact words in her text message were "Girl, I don't think you can make that". My response "Are you trying to challenge me??? That sounds like a dare". Does she know who I am??? I can knit anything! I am a Certified Instructor... and I even knit half asleep. Of course, I can make that hat.

So, my lovely knitting peeps, I am going to put my design /deciphering skills to the test. I have already worked out the cable pattern into a chart, and I just have to figure out the decreases. I will keep you posted on the progress.

Now, I am not trying to infringe on the original designer's copyright. I will not sell the pattern to anyone. I am just using it as inspiration. If I happen to make it as an exact match, then I am a genius and a knitwear company should hire me ASAP, and pay me a great rate, with benefits and vacation. LOL!! But seriously, I am a person who is trying to stick to a budget and doesn't need a hat that costs more than her monthly car insurance payment.

Yes, I know that everyone has missed me. It seems like forever since my last post. I have been knitting though. I will post pics as soon as I can. Right now, I have some serious deadline knitting to do for a gift, and I haven't even completed 50% of it. Pictures before the week is up, I promise.

I made a cream and silver Sparkly Hat to replace one that I lost, but it is too big, and has to be frogged. So, no pictures just yet. Sorry. My problem was that I did it fron the top down, using a slightly thicker yarn than the original hat. I made one increase too many. I absolutely hate the way it looks on my head. This new yarn is Berocco Pure Merino, and the reason I got it was that it was Superwash.

But, I still have confidence that I am a fabulous hat maker. I completed my Beret. Here is a pic.

I am also making cat Bordhi's Mobius Cowl to go along with it. More updates on that later.

Oh, and those earrings in the picture. A Shameka original. Sterling Silver and glass beads.

Happy Knitting Everyone!!!


11 comments:

Mary Beth said...

"She's Alive!" Wow, was wondering if you got lost in the subway or something. Glad to see you're fine. Making a knock off/ copy/ inspired design. No matter what we call it, I am proud of you for making a go of it. It will be a terrific learning experience. Keep owrking on that present. You still have 19 days til the Christmas. You'll make it.

Lisa said...

Hey Shameka! Beautiful hat! Love the earrings! Great job : )

Anonymous said...

Cute hat!!

Anonymous said...

I love your beret! My husband stole mine. dangit.

Kim said...

Gorgeous beret & earrings! You definitley seem to be obsessed with hats. That's a good thing! I know you'll kick butt with your Mary J knock-off. See you soon!

Jeanine said...

Lovin the colorway of that hat! The earrings go well with it too.

chicagopurl said...

Chica, you are on point with that hat! If you do break it down, make sure you share with us! And welcome back! I'm new on the blogs and luvvvv yours!

Virtuous said...

Gurl you are on a roll over there!!
You SO can design that hat! :o)
Happy Knitting!

Anonymous said...

Hey Shamika,

I have all faith in you. Not only are you going to make a perfect hat but you will look foxy in it !!! Love the hat you knitted also, very nice !!!

Knitty Cent said...

dang, glad to see this post!

don't you hat it when people question your knitting abilities?! work it, girl!

loving the completed hat and matching earrings. i love being able to make my own accessories!

Scheherazaad said...

Nahh! Nobody in their right mind would challenge you with that hat. I think your friend might be fishing for a hat gift. I'mm sure that you can recreate it. Let's see who gets to wear it.