I recently did a test knit for Hudson + West Co in their yarn Forge. The hat pattern, Asthore, is part of their STUNNING fall launch. I’ve never seen so many gorgeous cabled sweaters!
I decided to use my famous tubular twisted rib cast on (how can it be famous if no one knows about it!?!). Someone suggested I write it up for a magazine article, so I will let you know!
Anyway. I proceeded to the main chart. The chart key was on a different page. I glanced at it, but did not read it carefully. So, I didn’t realize that the gray squares were purl sts, I thought they were “no stitch” place holders!! After several unsuccessful attempts, I read the key! Novel idea. Things went swimmingly until I got to the end of the row. I had cast on 4 extra sts! Argh!! KNITTERS CANNOT COUNT!! I “creatively” decreased them away, while retaining the flow of twisted rib into the pattern. 8-(
My other issue was needle size. I am a tight knitter, so I did my usual and automatically went up a needle size, esp given the robust nature of the yarn. Mistake. Huge. As is my hat: HUGE. I did a very light felt when blocking, but it is a really big hat.
I knit the second hat with different yarn (Cascade 220 Superwash, color Parsnip) and the correct needles. It’s much smaller as you can see!
The pattern is easy to remember after a few repeats, esp if you have the right stitch count!
Health update on The Rainey Sisters: I finished my radiation treatments last week and Surly started hers yesterday (she has to do 5, I did 20). We are doing great. That can’t be said about our 89-1/2 year old dad!
Last Wednesday at about midnight, he fell and broke his hip. He laid there for 7 hours until it was light enough for him to see his phone!! He called a neighbor who swooped in like a hero and called 911 and helped him. He had surgery on Thursday afternoon and they sent him HOME on Saturday! My brother (Barry) and I had quickly driven down there (to Omaha) Friday, but had no expectation that he would go directly home that soon. Typically, people go to a rehab unit for a week or two. Needless to say, we were in a scramble to get him in-home care!! We had driven my husband’s van so Saint Barry couldn’t just stay down there. There are medicare staff coming in once a week and we arranged round-the-clock caregivers until Barry gets back. So many people have to deal with elderly parents and I guess it’s our turn. Dad is super independent and wants to stay in his home (his log castle). He is in really good shape for his age, which has amazed all of his nurses.
That’s the latest!! One crisis after another! 😉
So scary about your dad! I’m so glad that you’re all on the mend. Wishing you all speedy recoveries. Please, no more health issues!
Comment by Samina — October 5, 2021 @ 11:11 am
You are in my thoughts and prayers. I’m sorry your dad went through that!
Love your knitting and blog
Comment by Marlys — October 5, 2021 @ 3:49 pm
Good grief, that’s a lot going on. First, glad that your radiation is over, second glad that Surly’s is under way, and third why didn’t your dad get sent to rehab??? Anyway, the hats look warm and cozy (big is good!). I love tubular cast ons and have just used one for the big blue sweater I’m starting. Perhaps next time I’ll twist the stitches. Take a deep breath, Susan.
Comment by Pru — October 5, 2021 @ 5:11 pm
Oh, my. All of that going on and you are able to still write in your blog! You are amazing and thanks for sharing with us. The hats are perfect. Best wishes for recovery for all of you.
Comment by phyddy — October 6, 2021 @ 6:55 am
Oh, dear! Best wishes for your father, and for you and Surly too!
Comment by Gretchen (aka stashdragon) — October 6, 2021 @ 9:37 am
Life can sure throw a lot at us all at once. Is that a good sign that your dad was sent home so soon? I hope he is diligent with his therapy. That can make all the difference. You and Sally and your dad are in my thoughts. Love both hats!
Comment by Chloe — October 6, 2021 @ 9:42 am
Oh my, sorry about your dad’s fall. I’m glad you and your brother were able to go to him. Thank goodness he’s in good shape otherwise. Also glad you finished your treatment before he fell, but you must be exhausted! Knit and rest and be kind to yourselves. Glad Surly’s will soon be behind her too. I feel proud of you both!
The hats look good! You just need to find a big head for that first one. Or someone with big hair.
Comment by annie — October 6, 2021 @ 11:11 am
I just used Forge for the first time in a sweater and love it.
So sorry to hear about your Dad! Hope he is on the mend soon. Are you sure you aren’t related to us? First, our son this Summer, and now hubby has just been diagnosed with cancer. We are about to enter the unknown.
We all need a break!
Comment by Penny — October 6, 2021 @ 12:13 pm
Dang! That’s a lot on your plate(s). I’ve been the elderly-ish parent falling several times lately, but only broke 3 ribs, not my hip, and spent several days in the hospital for pneumonia and septicemia that I had no clue I had. My neighbors were wonderful, too. So, oy, can I relate. I hope radiation went as well as could be expected, especially without burns, and any further treatment you need goes well. I’ve been through it all several times and have been fortunate that it hasn’t been terribly trying. Best of everything to both of you – and your dad.
Comment by Suzan Wachs Katzir — October 6, 2021 @ 7:01 pm
That is a lot to deal with.
Comment by Deb — October 7, 2021 @ 6:50 am
So sorry to hear about your dad— this has certainly been a year of life altering events for you and your family.
Re- the cast on— haha I am waiting to read that article!
The hats are lovely. I also have to go up one or two needle sizes as a rule, and have been caught by surprise when it turns out that I shouldn’t have. Can you block the large one as a tam? Flip it upside down, line it and make a small tote?
Best wishes— and congratulations to you for having the strength and spirit to blog and knit through all of this!
Comment by Pat — October 8, 2021 @ 12:50 pm
All best to your family, Sisters!
Comment by poodletail — October 9, 2021 @ 8:59 pm