1st: Pick the perfect wool, not too rough, not too soft, not too bland, not too bold. This will basically be a no nonsense hat I can stuff in my pocket or bag.

2nd: Pick a matchy project bag, not too big, not too little, cast on a trillon, and think .. “all these tiny stitches have me living slow and steady and a little bit tweedy, I’m in love”
A week later, I’m not as fond of it anymore and think ..”damn all these tiny stitches and wtf stabby needles, why is this taking me F.O.R.E.V.E.R! Am I about to lose my shit over a simple hat!?”

3rd: Please oh please be enough, please be enough, please be enough, please.

4th: YAY, with the littlest smidge to spare, not enough for a top pom but that’s ok.

5th: Time for a soak, I love a strong smelling wool wash, so mostly menthol, way too much eucalyptus and always spearmint.

6th: Dried it slow and flat, normally I wouldn’t block a hat flat ..but this roly poly brim ..so many fudging pins!

7th: Finished this gumdrop with some wooly embroidery (lazy daisies, fern fronds and french knots) not too much, not too little, it’s ever so subtle and absolutely just right.