HATS & GOSSIP

I am very proud of myself. I have knitted ten premature baby hats. Today I took them to Clicking Needles. There was only one teensy weensy itsy-bitsy hiccough which I had to explain to the ladies. Initially I had a bit of a problem working out the pattern and my first two efforts are, I think, perhaps more suited to a set of pixie twins:



When I showed Jeanette, in her usual kindly fashion, she said she thought the hats were better made this way because it made them easier to take off baby's head. She even managed to make it sound as if I had in some way improved on the original design by adding this innovation.

But the next eight hats, whilst not exactly of a uniform size, do show promise I think?:



When we arrived, the other ladies proudly displayed their efforts and the table was covered in baby jackets, hats, shawls and booties delicately and perfectly presented, a showcase of complex stitches and patterns. Everyone 'ooh-ed' and 'aah-ed' and marvelled at the work, asking technical questions about casting on, tensions and wool characteristics. Eventually I decided to make a brave face of it, and to hoots of laughter, I presented my pixie hats. Because I am Australian I think I got away with it. However, I was pleased to note that the lady who joined Clicking Needles at the same time as me is STILL knitting squares!

Current gossip:

1. Last night the nearby crofters lodge burned down. Janet heard the fire engine at 1.00am. Arson is not suspected.
2. The white van believed to harbour the burglars who stole the duvets and fireside set from Jean's shed two weeks ago was spotted at 2.30am at the end of our lane! Elaine's husband heard the engine running and went to investigate as this was a highly suspicious occurrence. The fellow was scared off and has not been seen since. I have been locking my door at night ever since I heard about the buglary because my bedding and my fire implements are the most critical items I will need this winter.
3. A knitting lady with a loud cackle went to Perth yesterday to see the Christmas decorations being lit up. There were four reindeers there - real ones apparently - and a mangy dog that followed her around. Her husband wasn't amused. She commented that he was showing his age (she must be well into her seventies). Cackle, cackle.

I started to knit one of those long stringy scarves for my son, Will, but I unravelled it when I discovered I was making it in Faggot Stitch. I thought it might offend him. It will look just as nice in knit two, purl two.