Have you ever knit something simply because it intrigues you and not because of any other reason? Have you knit something that you just *know* won't turn out but you're so entertained by the thing and you just keep going on and on and on like some sort of crazy knitter?
(BTW: I have heard from a major authority on the subject that out of all the crafty types that knitters are pretty much the craziest. Not that I agree with that sentiment or anything--although there are days I can say that I do--I always find it amusing that people who think knitters, simply because they are knitters, are instantly "knitterly" and therefore there is no way that they could ever do anything bad, nasty, snarky, etc.--or, horrors, steal. What a lark. In my mind, people are people no matter what their hobbies happen to be. . . unless, of course, their hobby is making gin in a bathtub each night. And if that is the case and you know anyone who does, I'd like their phone number.)
But seriously. This hat. It's top-down. I just can't stop knitting it. I know it'll be a loser. It was a b*it*h to figure out those crown increases so they line up like that, and it's on DK weight yarn with a slip stitch pattern (slip two! that's all I want to do!) that eats up yarn like that Japanese dude eats those hot dogs. And if you haven't heard of that Japanese dude who can eat a lot of hot dogs real fast, just know that he's awfully fast and eats a LOT of them. Like my hat here. It's eating a lot of yarn, too, and although I want to get to the end of it and actually try to wear it, I don't mind knitting two and slipping two all the live long day.
Which brings me to this: I think the reason I like knitting this hat so much is that I am under no pressure whatsoever to "make it work." No one is paying me for it, it's not for sale, and it's just me, enjoying slipping stitches.
P.S. That little "nipple" action at the top of the hat will be cinched up last. I had to mention it because I know that is what is on your mind right about now. So, get your minds out of the gutter.
That is SO COOL! Are you going to sell the pattern if its a winner??
I'd love to try my hand at making one.
Posted by: Nancy | November 22, 2011 at 05:09 PM
I love your posts. :) They always crack me up. I can totally picture that Japanese dude eating hot dogs fast. That hat is cute. ;) If it is a good one.... hee hee hee
Posted by: Lauren | November 22, 2011 at 05:34 PM
Yup, knit lots of things that won't work, that I won't wear, that I won't be able to foist off on anyone I know--because if it's interesting, that's enough :)
Yeah, Japanese hot dog eating/knitting the fun: metaphors for each other. LOL
Posted by: kathleen | November 22, 2011 at 06:02 PM
Lol Wendy you know your fans so well. I was just preparing to type "nice hat, but it kind of looks like a boob." ;-) There are few joys in the knitting life better than when you are knitting something and you don't want it to end but you can't wait to wear it.
Posted by: Angie | November 22, 2011 at 06:04 PM
Nice boob hat. :)
Posted by: Shannon | November 22, 2011 at 06:50 PM
On the TechKnitter's blog, she calls that a "knipple" because it's created by "knitting." Ha!
Posted by: Jennie | November 22, 2011 at 07:06 PM
Wendy, I love your writing and your blog. And your photos... But I'm not a stalker, seriously! I just haven't kept up on my feed reading, for like a long time. So glad I checked in tonight!
Haha... Knipple. Whipple's Knippets! ;)
Posted by: CraftyGinger | November 22, 2011 at 11:02 PM
you crack me up! If the hat is a loser at least you have a cool sweatshirt on DA BEARS!
Posted by: elise | November 23, 2011 at 05:08 AM
lol, I love it. I love the sweat shirt and I love that you're just knitting it to knit it, even though you know that it's futile :) Sometimes the love of a project is enough to make it worth the time.
Posted by: Cambria | November 23, 2011 at 05:26 AM
Boob.
'k, I'm done.
Posted by: Erin N. | November 23, 2011 at 05:58 AM
Wait...you're not writing it up???? But I wanna experience the slip-stitch magic! And the crown increases look so cool.
Posted by: Michelle | November 23, 2011 at 06:02 AM
Well, it's an awesome color even if it turns out to be a loser.
I totally embrace the no-presure knitting from time to time. Sometimes the deadlines and obligations really get to me and I just want to relax! Some of the no-pressure projects have turned out to be something I like, or that get scooped up by family and friends. Some go to charity. Sometimes they even get unravelled. What does it matter when knitting should be fun?
Posted by: Maryanne | November 23, 2011 at 06:12 AM
I say save the nipple. That would be a guy magnet. Just saying.
Posted by: Princess Di | November 23, 2011 at 06:53 AM
Those increases are awesome. I'd probably keep knitting til the end too.
Posted by: Melissa | November 23, 2011 at 07:13 AM
Ha Ha you are so funny Wendy. Even though you think your hat has loser potential I have to tell you that the color is great and it looks like a really neat pattern. Have a great Turkey Day
Posted by: Victoria | November 23, 2011 at 09:50 PM
I'm so tired right now that when I read your post, it said "like that Japanese dude eats those hot frogs". How's that for a pretty picture?
Posted by: Alison | November 24, 2011 at 11:05 AM
I like the nipple- it adds to the whimsy.
Posted by: Robin F. | November 25, 2011 at 05:46 AM
Love your shirt...and am strangely intrigued by the hat! Enjoy your no-pressure knitting!
Posted by: Mandy | November 25, 2011 at 10:23 AM
I really like that hat, and the color! I have some yarn I would love to be eaten up and rid of, so please make the pattern available.
Posted by: Judi A | November 25, 2011 at 12:53 PM
you're the kobayashi of knitters ;-) slip those sts!
Posted by: margaux | November 25, 2011 at 11:13 PM
Makes me feel warm just looking at it.Perfect as the cold winds start to blow.
Posted by: Anna | November 26, 2011 at 11:32 AM
Cute post...and yes, I'm a bit nuts.
I make lemon vodka in my hall closet all the time....and I knit to stay sane.
Have a great week, post the hat when it's done, I want to see it...and have a drink in your hand so I won't feel so alone:)
Posted by: lapdogknits | November 28, 2011 at 06:43 AM
Cute! Very cute!!!!
Posted by: Dolisa | January 02, 2012 at 08:23 PM