This has been one frenetic spell of knitting, knitting, knitting.  The standard I set myself when babies began being born in my extended family and friends’ circle – to knit individual, unique gifts rather than buy something off the shelf – has presented some deadlines requiring proportionate levels of discipline and effort.  This year has been off the scale with 2 babies and 3 toddlers to knit for, an outstanding promise for another toddler plus a baby and toddler in my extended family.  Plenty of ideas out there, Ravelry delivering, as usual, but a lot of work.

A hat for a baby was a good choice, uncomplicated, knitted flat rather than on circular needles, easy to knit though fiddly to make up and needing continuity of tension for a good finish.  A pointy hat, in cotton yarn, using the pattern from Cool Knits for Kids (25 stunning designs for babies to 7-year-olds) by Kate Gunn and Robyn Macdonald.  Sirdar DK Cotton yarn with 3.75 mm and 4 mm/UK 9 and 8 needles (bamboo, my favourite). I was pleased and so was J’s mum. Result!