Here's my final two projects of 2009...I wasn't able to finish any of my WIPs for Jacquie's Joy in the New Year challenge, but we were able to finish up our basement and I've been devouring lots of great books lately.

My first project is this hat pattern that I knit up from { a-black-pepper }. I had some leftover yarn from my red scarf project scarf and was debating about making another Koolhaas with it when Lucy published this pattern. I love the bubbly cables on this hat and it was really fun to knit.

I made the medium size for the hat...either I'm a looser knitter than I thought or my head is smaller than I thought, but this hat turned out a little bit too big for me. (note: I actually think my head is smaller than I think it is, so for all future knitting projects, I'm going to go with the smaller size option).
The crown instructions were really confusing to me and I ended up knitting and frogging the top three different times before it finally made sense. My adjustments to the top are included in my ravelry project notes if you're interested.
This is such a lovely pattern, the crown is striking and I think it looks so great in red, so my little problems with the hat are completely minor in the long run. Lucy is so good at designing with cables and I always love seeing what new patterns she publishes.
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After seeing Amy's Lonely Dollop, I had to buy the materials to make one for my sister for this year's Christmas gift exchange. We're always getting each other random and off the wall gifts, so I think this was perfect for her.
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And finally, Audrie asked me to be a part of her new quilting bee, Bee Beautiful, a few months ago. We're starting the year with my month and I just mailed the fabric to my other group members today. You can click on the link in my sidebar to see what the group creates this year.
Your cables are beautiful....What a great pattern. I must learn to knit. Must. And that is definitely an off-the-wall gift for your sister.
Posted by: Jodi | 30 December 2009 at 07:42 PM
If we got them together they wouldn't be so lonely! :)
Posted by: Amy Hodge | 30 December 2009 at 08:47 PM
that lonely dollop is hilarious.
also, beautiful hat. :)
Posted by: Nichole | 30 December 2009 at 08:49 PM
Heehee the poo is so cute! My sisters ought to get one each... for being little poos lol I can't wait to get your fabric! I was excitedly telling my hubs that you chose a great block and showing him in the book, and he started laughing at my excitement. Hmph.
Posted by: Audrie | 30 December 2009 at 09:30 PM
LOVE, LOVE, LOVE that hat! The crown of the hat looks so neat, and I love the angle you chose to photograph it.
Posted by: Stephanie | 30 December 2009 at 09:34 PM
another fabulous hat! i love the round cable pattern!
Posted by: abcgirl | 30 December 2009 at 10:44 PM
Beautiful hat! I have been meaning to knit a Koolhaas, maybe I will have to knit that hat too. Too many projects, too little time!
Posted by: Trisha | 30 December 2009 at 11:01 PM
Love the pile of felt! And I can't wait to start the Bee, thanks for being the brave first! Happy New Year!
Posted by: erica | 31 December 2009 at 09:42 AM
love the hat - you always make the nicest hats!
the dollop is too hilarious!
Posted by: melissa | 31 December 2009 at 05:44 PM
The hat is so pretty!
Posted by: Oiyi | 31 December 2009 at 08:17 PM
I love the hat! What a great pattern.
Posted by: cami | 03 January 2010 at 03:40 PM
i love that hat pattern! that will definitely be going in my queue- beautiful job!
and that little dollop is too too funny!
Posted by: CMV | 03 January 2010 at 08:30 PM