Colorwork: Or, Look What I Did!

Hello, all out there in blog-land!

So, as you can see by today's title, I have tried something new: colorwork! I got tired of the endless yo, k2tog, yo, k2tog of Wisp, so I decided to start something new for the moment. I want a hat with earflaps. I've wanted one for a while, and the fact that they seem to be in style right now (although fuck me if I really know, because I am the least fashionable person around) was a plus. So, I started browsing Rav for patterns, and I kept coming back to the Norwegian Star Earflap Hat. I liked the design, but I wondered if I could really do colorwork. I've never done any sort of it before, not even stripes. After some encouragement by a cotillion of internet buddies, I decided to take the plunge. I went with the two handed method (or, as it could be less eloquently described, double-fisting), and it was my first time really using English method. I found it pretty easy, except I couldn't find a comfortable way to wind the yarn around my finger. Also, my right hand is still sort of idiotic when it comes to these things.

So, the colorwork turned out pretty darn well for a first try, but I can't get the damned thing to fit properly. First the earflaps were more like neckwarmers, so I frogged back and tried again. Still too long, so I frogged back and tried again. And now... it's too short. Looks like a damned toddler's hat. I should have put in a lifeline last time but didn't, so I'm going to have to painstakingly frog yet again. Do you know how difficult it is to A. Keep track of the beginning of the round B. Get all of the stitches back on the needle and C. Orient them all correctly? It's a giant pain in the ass. Giant pain. I'd give up if this weren't my first colorwork, I swear. As it is, I am quite proud of it, so damn it, it . will. be. perfect.

And as for the yarn and pattern. The pattern is pretty much impeccably written, but the hat runs a little deep (which is why I unsuccessfully tried to shorten it). I would definitely recommend it. Clear directions, nice chart, and everything is laid out beautifully. The purple yarn is Malabrigo, worsted, and it is a joy to work with. The stitch definition is fantastic! The blue is Universal Yarn Deluxe Worsted Tones, which is a decent wool. Seems to have a lot of lanolin, but it's nice enough.

Wisp is slumbering right now, but it will be finished! I just needed a break. Also, in blog giveaways recently, Simplified Bee is having a $25 gift card giveaway to one of a few craft stores in order to celebrate 100 posts! Congrats! Audrey's Give Aways is having a giveaway of an Atomic Mushroom painting. Normally, I would not mention a non-yarn giveaway, but Boyfriend is quite the amateur mycologist and this would be great for him, as sort of a jokey gift. And finally, SadieKate is giving away 3 skeins of yarn from 100 Pure Wool. What pretty yarn! As always, I thank the bloggers and their sponsors for their generosity!