Papa's Got a Brand New Hat

It is challenging to find an interesting men's crocheted hat pattern.  Whereas I adore stripes, crocheting a hat where the only difference form row to row is a change in yarn color does not appeal to me.  I was so excited when I came across the Aaron Mathew Headwear shop on Etsy.  Aaron Mathew has a lovely selection of interesting hat patterns with great detail. I purchased the Open Weave Crochet Hat Pattern to make John a nice winter hat.  

Once I received the pattern via email I realized I was going to have to learn a few new stitches.  This was a great opportunity to expand my crochet skills and thanks to some very helpful You-Tube videos I learned how to Front Post Double Crochet and Back Post Double Crochet...really pretty simple once you know how.  The directions to the Hat Pattern were clear and to the point.  For me it is easier to read directions that are not over written. 

John picked his own yarn, which is a natural color wool yarn made here in Italy.  I think the yarn worked well for this pattern and was also easy to work with.  The hat was fun to crochet, especially one the weave of the pattern became obvious.  I am now working on hat number two.  Bouncing Boy wants a hat like Papa's.  After that I think I am going to try a Cable Beanie, or the Zig Beanie, or maybe both, after all the Aaron Mathew Headwear shop offers a discount on multiple pattern purchases! 

And where was John today for the debut of his new winter hat?   At Villa da Schio of course!  Watching a fun performance about a queen, of long ago, who once was in hiding right here in our very own Colli Berici.