Adventures in hat knitting.....Part 1

I had this novel idea of creating a slouchy hat to fit my big HAIR.  I perused Ravelry, and found an easy cabled pattern that I could knit mindlessly.  The name of the pattern is called Sand Bank.

Over the course of a few train rides to and from work, I was able to cast on, and complete 4 inches of ribbing.

This is perfect for me to be able to actually fold the hat, right?

So, today was a very cold day, and I decided to attempt to finish the hat, so that I can actually have something to wear on my head, and use the remaining yarn to start a matching scarf. The yarn is Miss Babs Yowsa Whatta Skein, and it has excellent yardage, which is a plus.  

So, I made a few modifications to the original pattern.  I went up a needle size in the ribbing portion, and I planned on working an extra pattern repeat, just to have a longer, slouchier hat.  This would theoretically make up for the bigness of my hair.

After I was halfway into the 3rd repeat of the pattern, I decided to try on the hat.

I'm flippin mad.  It is still small.  Ugh.

I feel like ripping it out and calculating to account for another set of cables.  Hopefully I can do that without throwing off the stitch count totally.  I'm so annoyed.  Can't you see it in my face. 

Ugh!  

Stash Enhancement..... Woohoo!!!!

Over the past few days, there has been a plethora of yarn entering my stash. 

My first package came from Eat Sleep Knit.  I placed my order on Black Friday, because they had a mystery sale.  You got a percentage off after you checked out.  I received 10% off, and I also used my credit from the Yarn Lotto.  I decided to purchase something more luxurious than usual.  I bought MadelineTosh Pashmina Worsted in Baltic.

I am planning to make Joji Locatelli's On The Road Again.

I also couldn't resist the sock yarn during this purchase.  

I fell in love with Lorna's Laces sock yarn in Bittersweet years ago.  I made a sock for a swap, and always wanted to replace it.  So, here it is, in the Solemate base.

I also decided to try Sweet Georgia yarns Tough Love Sock (Superwash Wool/Nylon) in Snapdragon

All of this yardage in yarn has propelled me to receive the 5 mile mark in the yarn marathon.

I also received a mug with the yarnathon logo on it.  Sadly, it broke during shipping. 

I am blaming the post office.  Ugh!  

I contacted Eat Sleep Knit via email, and they were very quick with their response.  They will send a replacement mug with my next order.  Woohoo!!!! 

I also received another yarn lotto ticket, and it's a winner.

$5 store credit plus the $20 store credit earned for the 5-mile marathon mark.  Woohoo!!!  I see more sock yarn in my future.  

On Small Business Saturday, I made a trip to Knitty City, and picked up this lovely skein.  Manos Del Uruguay yarn in Alegria.  I just love all of these bright colors.

The next package I received was from MOOD. 

They carry Pagewood Farms yarn online only.  This color is Pink Sand, and will become a second Grandpa Cardigan. 

I also made some purchases at Knitpicks.  Felici yarn is back, and I just had to get some.  Self-striping yarn is my favorite. 

I also bought caspian needles because I know for a fact that I will need to magic loop these.  I bought two different lengths so that I can do either a single sock, or two at a time.  This is the first time I will be using caspian needles.  I'm excited.

I also bought a size 2.5 circular needle to use on my Japan Sleeves sweater for the cuffs on the neckline, body, and sleeves.

And Speaking of Japan Sleeves.  Here is my progress.

I have completed 4 inches of the body.

Last, but not least.  I purchased yarn to make booties for a friend in Atlanta who commissioned me to do the knitting.  

Purple is her favorite color.  

OK, now that I have all of this yarn, I need to find MORE free time to knit.  

More updates after the weekend is over.