I was looking at my Ravelry projects, and I’m amazed by how much I’ve grown over the past year as a knitter. Behold the difference in hats alone:

The Littlest Stevedore Hat
Last December, I made my first hat ever. I made it for myself, it was the Robin’s Egg Blue Hat by Rachel Iufer. Great pattern, very easy. Love the seed stitch band. It falls off my head though, and this month when it fell behind a radiator the button split in twain. I have yet to replace it – must get on that. It was a lovely handpainted ceramic button, I’m not sure what I’m going to do as a replacement.
This year, I had decided, as I’ve mentioned, to make matching hats for Dad and Jeff. This one is Jeff’s:

Jeff enjoys his Christmas Hat
I mean, as far as head coverings go, it’s no knit Elvis wig, but it’ll do. And it’s nice and scrunchable – easy to fit into a pocket and to take out when he needs to go out onto the lot with a customer or what have you. I’m very pleased with the colour choice – I had been really concerned about it. My brother, dear as he is, is Mr. Neutral. I thought the sage green might be a bit bold, but it was a hit. This hat also features some of the neatest seaming I’ve ever done. I’m so pleased, and I hope he wears it in good health.
Pattern: Ski Beanie, from Son of Stitch n Bitch.
Yarn: City Tweed DK from Knit Picks, in Desert Sage. Used just shy of one ball.
Lastly, my Christmas tam. After all the knitting was done for everyone else (or, at least, mostly done), I decided I was going to make something for me. I love Ysolda’s patterns, and was earmarking a ball of Karabella Boise in my stash to make her Rose Red beret. I cast on on Christmas day, and finished it up two quick days later. Her directions are so clearly written, and I enjoyed having the choice to read line by line instead of following the chart. What a confidence builder of a pattern! I’m keen to try more lacework now. And check it out, my Christmas cashmere tam:

Cute hat for a snowy day
Lacework, cables, and I even had to block it. I’ve learned a lot over the past year, and I have a lot yet to learn! I’m going to make mittens to match the hat. I just threw on a puffy vest here on account of the raging blizzard you can see behind me on my street, so you’ll have to take my word that the green is going to be wonderful with my black pea coat. It’s super cute, and I’m glad I made the smallest size. I don’t like something super floppy.
Pattern: Rose Red by Ysolda Teague
Yarn: Karabella Boise 50% cashmere 50% merino sportweight. Has a crazy halo for cashmere/merino, and it’s gorgeously soft. Like buddah, as Linda Richman would say. Used only one ball for the size small.