the fortnight beret

I have a new sewing AND a new knitting project to share today! The shirt you’ve seen already in a different fabric, it’s the Salme Kimono Top that I shared a tutorial for on Craftsy. There isn’t much else to report there except I adore these Kimono sleeve shirts and I hope you’re not too sick of them already because I plan to sew many more. This particular fabric (an Amy Butler voile) was given to me by Gina at The Little General many, many months ago. She originally sent it as a kit to make a circle scarf but I had enough to make a whole shirt instead!

This is only my second “real” knitting project and I’m very proud of it. It’s the All Day Beret by Debbie Stoller and I worked through the pattern with the help of Debbie’s video class on Creativebug. I’m having such great success knitting with video classes! I’m learning new techniques and learning how to read patterns as I go, so if you’re a beginner knitter (like me) who’s ready to step up your game, I highly recommend trying a video class. I’ve taken the All Day Beret class, and the Rosie Beret class (both on my own dime) and I’m thrilled with how my projects turned out! (Here’s my Rosie Beret if you missed that one.)

I used a local yarn by East Valley Alpacas. I don’t usually like knitting with really fluffy, fibrous yarns because the fluff gets in my nose and irritates my allergies but this yarn was so squishy and soft that I just couldn’t help it! If the color wasn’t enough to brighten my day, the fact that I directly supported a local business by purchasing this yarn really puts a smile on my face too.

The original pattern calls for a super wash worsted weight type yarn, but I thought this fluffy alpaca goodness would give the lace pattern an interesting texture. It’s a sport weight but the sizing/gauge worked out just fine for my little head.

Outfit Details:
Hat – All Day Beret pattern by Debbie Stoller
Shirt – Handmade by me (tutorial on Craftsy!)
Skirt – Antique, given to me by my gracious Aunt
Boots – Timberland Savin Hill Mid Lace
Hair Color – Manic Panic Vampire Red

photos by William Waldon

I’m calling this The Fortnight Beret instead of the All Day Beret because it took me a lot longer than just a day to make it (though Debbie assures me an experienced knitter could easily make it in one sitting), and I’ve been wearing it day after day after day. I should have been born in an era when women were expected to wear hats, and being seen without one was practically like stepping out in the nude. That’s kinda how I feel without a hat on actually. I can’t help it. I just like hats!

What are you working on lately? Any hat pattern recommendations for me? I’m on Ravelry!

xo
Rochelle

p.s. in case you missed it, the Sew For Victory deadline has been extended until Monday the 5th! Get those photos added to the Flickr Pool!