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I recently finished this hat from the Winter 2006 Interweave Knits. I started it for myself, but decided the color didn't suit me, so it is destined for the little sister of one of my friends.



Pattern: Tweed Beret, Interweave Knits Winter 2006, author Kristen Tendyke
Yarn: Elann Peruvian Highland Wool in Claret, 1 skein and a little bit more
Needles: mystery DPNs acquired from various sources, US6
Knitting Time: Ten hours or so. I cast on Saturday night and finished it last night.
Modifications: I used a different yarn than the one suggested in the pattern, and didn't have a circular needle in the appropriate size, so knitted it on seven DPNs instead. I also cast off with a US8 DPN to insure the cast off was sufficiently loose.

Appropriate for beginners: Not for a very first project, but if you've knitted a pair of mittens or a hat in the round before, you should be able to handle this.

( Further notes and five more pictures under the cut )

What I'd change: The little tag at the top of the beret is three stitches knit back and forth until it's two inches long and then sewn in place to cover the hole made by the cast on. If I made it again, I'd try a four stitch i-cord instead, because it's kind of a pain knitting that few stitches back and forth. I'd also use directional decreases at the bottom of the ribbed diamonds, just to emphasize the slant. It might also be fun to modify the diamonds into hearts or try some colorwork.

Would I knit it again? Oh, heck yes. I'm planning on buying some different yarn -- maybe the Takhi Donegal Tweed suggested in the pattern -- to make myself one, and then another friend has fallen in love with this one, so I'll be knitting one for her, as well. It's a very nice quick knit, and absolutely adorable on. I love the shape -- it makes me feel both chic and sassy.

Crossposted to knitting