Something to Give

I am a selfish knitter in that I still knit a lot of things for myself.  I know what I like, I can try things on as I go, and I know which mistakes will bother me and which aren't worth worrying about, which means it's usually pretty easy for me to knit for me.

I do really enjoy knitting for other people, too, but it's more of a gamble.  Other people won't always tell me if they don't really like something or if it doesn't quite fit and maybe don't understand that I'd rather try to fix it for them or replace it than see a hand knit item go unused.  Some people are more matchy or finicky dressers than I am, too.

So when Halos of Hope put out a request for hat donations for chemo patients in advance of Stitches Midwest 2010 on the Ravelry boards, it sounded like a great opportunity to knit something fun and bright that someone somewhere would like (and presumably choose for themselves from a stash of donated hats).

I decided to try out some cheerfully bright sock yarn that I bought at Stitches Midwest 2009.

The happiness of the Ixia colorway

And I chose one of the popular slouchy sock yarn hat patterns.

It doesn't really like to lay completely flat

Pattern: Sock Yarn Slouch hat by Sandra Bichlmayer
Yarn: Creatively Dyed Yarn Steele - Ixia
Needles: US 1 - 2.25 mm, US 1½ - 2.5 mm
Completed: August 13, 2010

Since it was sock yarn it took me a bit longer to knit than your average worsted or bulky weight hat pattern, but it was pretty simple and relaxing knitting.

There's some fun pooling near the top

I said goodbye and turned it in at the Halos of Hope booth while we were at Stitches and sent it on its merry way.  They had a busy booth, so it certainly looked like it would at least be in good company!  Hopefully it will accomplish its mission to make someone smile.