When I saw the most recent issue of Pompom I fell in love with this hat, Sweetfern. I used the recommended yarn, Neighborhood Fiber Co. Rustic Fingering in Reservoir Hill (navy) and Columbus Circle.

The pattern was pretty breezy after a repeat or two. It all started to make sense. The brioche abbreviations and descriptions were a bit befuddling at first, but after my brain clicked into action they made sense. I think my gauge was a little looser than the pattern, but I don’t mind. I used the recommended needle sizes and just went for it. For hats I often skip the gauge swatch. They’re small enough that it’s not completely frustrating if they are off enough to have to rip. Plus, bottom up hats can be tried on as you go if you use the magic loop method. This hat doesn’t have as much negative ease on me as it should, but sometimes I really enjoy that for the non hair-smooshing factor.

I love this hat and plan on making several more. I don’t often get excited by hats. I need them. They’re totally functional. This one was lovely enough and interesting enough to be captivating. The Rustic Fingering is beautiful and knits up nicely. I did find one spot in the hat at the end where I had split the yarn and it would have formed a hole. I just went in with a strand of the same color and did a premature repair. I think it will get a bit fuzzy, but since it’s a hat that’s ok.