The first one, the Maltese Fishermans' Hat, was knitted straight through, all in one and I was very pleased with it. I attached a tassel today.
The tricorn hat was different. I didn't have a substantial enough yarn to achieve the gauge so I experimented.
The first was far too small even for the baby in the family. So I pulled it out.
I made the second with twice the number of everything and it was so baggy that it would have accommodated the most abundant dreadlocks. So I pulled it out.
The third was the right size but it was a funny shape, I wasn't satisfied by it. So I pulled it out.
I sat for some time wondering why it wasn't right, the measurements would be right, the knitting was right, but it was WRONG.
Then, I thought, why not start it from the centre at the top of the hat and knit it backwards instead of starting with the headband as in the Pithy Receipt? That's what I did.
It worked! I could stop knitting when the headband would fit a head and what's more the top part of the hat was flat, unlike the previous one which was a very odd shape.
Of course, all this knitting and pulling out - with yarn which was old and probably grubby to start with - hadn't done it any favours so this afternoon I washed both of them. They're now drying and, I promise, will be photographed tomorrow.
I'm pleased with the fishermans' hat because of the beautiful curved shape of the earpieces. I think it could do with something to fasten it under the chin.
The tricorn hat can be worn in many ways, I'm sure Jamesh - No 1 grandson - will love it.
If they're dry tomorrow the hats' pictures will be taken, tinypic'd and posted :-)
Mary