This hat, I mean.  I cast on for the Gretel beret about two weeks ago.  It's a lovely, lovely pattern written by a fantastic designer, Ysolda Teague.  I think most of the knitters who read my blog know who Ysolda is.  I've known about her for some time now, but only recently are her designs making it into my knitting queue.  Gretel has been at the top for a while.  Ishbel is right up there too along with Damson and Liesl. 

Her patterns are extremely well written, and her website has some video tutorials.  The Gretel pattern has both written and charted instructions.  While I use a chart when I'm knitting lace, I need the written instructions handy for cabling so I'm very happy to have them here.

 

 

 

 

 

Look at me in all my dorkiness.  (Side note: See my new couch from IKEA?  Much better than the craptastic one we had.)

I started the crown decreases this morning while the kids were watching Sesame Street.  I'm coming down the home stretch and should have this finished soon.

The yarn I am using is Classic Elite Lush.  It's 50% wool and 50% angora.  It's wonderfully soft and a pleasure to knit, but it sheds like the dickens.  It's the angora.  I'd knit with it again but only for a small project like another hat or mittens.  I can't imagine it in a sweater.

Hopefully I'll have this finished rather quickly. 

OK, I must go because my daughter is becoming increasingly irate because I won't let her under the desk to chew on the computer cords.