New Design: Bird on a Wire Hat
It's that time of year again...it's hot as blazes out, but the preview for Vogue Knitting 2009 is up! I've got a pattern in this issue. It's a bit of a departure for me: a) you don't wear it on your hands, and b) it's double knit (and therefore reversible)!
the outards. also, what is up with the model's arm?*
The design
I had a lot of fun with the colorwork on this one...the little buildings and the "wire" ring the entire hat and are punctuated with a little bird at the front. If you're a guy, or if birds are just a little cutesy for you, I think it would also look great birdless and knit in slightly more urban colors. Here's a little thumbnail showing just the buildings:
Double knit eh?
I know that double knit isn't one of those techniques that everyone has used, but it's fantastic for colorwork! I taught myself how to double knit way back when I was a new knitter and I couldn't figure out either intarsia or stranded knitting. I also wanted to knit a scarf with an octopus on it...not exactly a beginner colorwork project...but double-knit saved the day!
Double knit is amazing for intricate designs in the middle of blank spaces...no floats! No ten-million bobbins! Plus, extra-snuggly-double-layer warmth! Have I made it sound appealing yet?
the innards*
I should also point out that only the colorwork section is double knit. Once you get past the bird, you knit the lining separately from the outside of the hat. Easy, peasy!
Go forth and start your Fall knitting!
ETA: Ravelink!
*all photos courtesy of SoHo Publishing
Comments
Dead on! What a funky hat! It's a pity the model is dressed like she's off to the office, as I totally see myself wearing this with a hoodie and jeans :)
Posted by: Aileen | July 31, 2009 1:49 PM
Oh my goodness I love it. It's a little whimsical, but not too much. I'll have to try double knitting!
Posted by: mick | July 31, 2009 3:29 PM
Cool pattern! Cannot wait to knit this.
Posted by: Sandy | July 31, 2009 3:32 PM
I love it! Now I have to learn to double knit...
Posted by: Smellyann | July 31, 2009 4:11 PM
OMG, your hat was modeled by America's Next Top Model! (Not that I'd ever watch that sexist, shallow trash.)
Posted by: alex | July 31, 2009 4:24 PM
I just saw this issue of Vogue Knittng last night and immediately fell in love with this pattern! Will be a must knit this fall! Congrats!
Posted by: Rachel | July 31, 2009 4:53 PM
The hat is super cute! Not that I'm ready for winter or anything but I think the bird will remind us spring will eventually come!
Posted by: cat | July 31, 2009 4:57 PM
That is super cute! Will definitely be looking out for VK and your pattern.
Posted by: Bettylicious | July 31, 2009 6:09 PM
Oooh, I love that hat, AND I watch Top Model (though I should be ashamed to admit that). Must knit!
Posted by: notsocrafty | July 31, 2009 7:07 PM
Very, very cute! Love the buildings along the side. Perfect for city-dwellers. But then there's the bird. . . .
Posted by: Karen | July 31, 2009 7:13 PM
Wow! This is the most original and pretty hat that I have ever seen! This double knit is really intriguing. I haven't done any colorwork yet. This could be a good thing to try! Congratulations!
Posted by: Maryse | July 31, 2009 7:31 PM
Congratulations on this beautiful design! It's so cute and whimsical. Yes, the model is totally familiar :).
Posted by: grumperina | July 31, 2009 7:50 PM
Actually, I almost could imagine my son wearing it in as you say, more urban colors WITH the bird. BUt I haven't asked him yet. Congrats -- it's a great hat.
Posted by: Pam | August 1, 2009 2:09 AM
*tweet tweet* I love it!
Posted by: yaiAnn | August 1, 2009 12:33 PM
very cute!! such a great hat!
Posted by: margaux | August 3, 2009 2:13 PM
Great hat, love the bird!! I too am guilty of watching ANTM! I like to tell people that I watch b/c of the photographs.
Posted by: Brenna | August 4, 2009 9:59 AM
SO clever and cute!
Posted by: Val | August 4, 2009 1:15 PM
So cute! Yours and Tanis' hats are my favorite.
Posted by: connie | August 7, 2009 9:21 AM
very cute pattern.
Hey! that model looks exactly like that one model from ANTM! The one who was a kick-boxer. Can anyone confirm this?
Posted by: megan | August 7, 2009 11:19 PM
Wow- that is so cool that you got a desing published! I already have a subscription- but if I didn't I would go out and buy a copy right now! Keep up the excellent designer work!
=)
Posted by: Audrey | August 10, 2009 11:30 PM
I saw this in the previews. Congrats - it is adorable. And I would definitely knit double-knit to make a hat like this.
Posted by: Julia | August 11, 2009 12:47 PM
I think yours is one of my most favorite patterns in this issue. Whimsical and utilitarian. Who could as for more, really?
Posted by: nova | August 13, 2009 11:54 AM
Happy Birthday!!!
I love your sis's site and she mentioned today is the big day. I just turned 50 on the 12th.
Posted by: Suzyd | August 17, 2009 6:45 PM
Happy birthday, Elli!
Posted by: huan-hua | August 18, 2009 11:59 AM
I saw your pattern in vogue and I love it, sweet and whimsical but still wearable and cozy. I've decided to learn double knitting just to give this a try.
Posted by: Chelsea | September 29, 2009 11:01 AM
really cool hat! is that mckee of america's next top model fame??
Posted by: robin | October 8, 2009 2:01 AM