Hoot Hoot

Back when EM was 3-6m old we used an adorable little monkey hat on him. It was machine knit and fleece lined. Yes it wasn't hand made, but it was adorable, inexpensive, and immediate. Three wonderful things when you have no time to knit.

Well, before the winter was over he outgrew it. In fact winter was really just beginning! Days before Christmas 2012 I was suddenly in a panic because he needed a hat. And fast! I did a quick search on Ravelry and found the Hoot Toque (Ravelry link ~ Designer's blog link). I already had some Cascade Yarns Eco Duo in my stash from a visit to Main Street Yarns in Mill Creek WA from the year before. It was soft, beautiful, and oh so special. I hung onto that single skein (why did I buy just one anyhow?) for an equally special project. 1 year and 3 months after that day I had found the pattern.

Not knowing if this was really the ideal yarn or not I showed 3 options to Hubby's Mom and Grandmother. Now, Grandma has this tendency to gravitate towards anything soft. And the true proof of an item's softness is when she puts it up to her cheek and ever-so-gently brushes it against that cheek. This skein of Eco Duo won the toss-up. And if it was soft enough for her, then it was definitely soft enough for a baby's hat.

I made it large intentionally hoping that it would last another winter. Thankfully my planning was spot on. The two images above are of EM wearing it now. Still enough room for this winter. Now I'll have to hunt down the perfect hat for next winter!

The thing is though, when you use just under half a skein of precious yarn, and you have another Little incoming during winter time...well, you just have to make another!

Knit one size larger than currently needed, just like her big brother's hat. She will be swimming in it to begin with!

EM's Hoot Toddler size project page
Girlie Little's Hoot Baby size project page