Unexpected travel plans call for some excellent car knitting (i.e. *not* the Lothlorian shawl!) Since my knee socks are almost finished, I fretted that I would not have enough knitting for the 12 hour drive . . . and so, I cast on an unexpected hat for our unexpected trip. Luckily for me, I had downloaded a free version of the Manning Park Hat by Black Crow Knits earlier in December and, with the help of some stashed yarn, it was the perfect project.
I cast on for the medium size (I like my hats snug, but not tight) and went for an inner-brim made of SW Merino from Tanis Fiber Arts. The beautiful blue/purple at the base of the hat is a 50/50 alpaca wool blend that I picked up in Glasgow at The Yarn Cake—only 50 grams, so I was super happy to find an ideal project to show it off. And the upper grey portion of the hat is some leftover wool from my Knit Picks Love Tangle Blanket.
This second attempt at color work was successful (in the middle of the hat) and the turned, picot brim is just wonderful with the little bit of drake blue peaking out from underneath the Glasgow purple. I love the little bit of slouch at the top, as my long hair can be tucked up there without compromising ear-coverage. [I promised, once the light is better, I’ll take some photos of the hat ON my head!] It’s taken me about 4-5 years of knitting to be competent enough to make a hat that I like and I will wear. Amazing how all of the hours of skills and practice come together in such a small project. 🙂
Knitting the Stash! 
Wowsers a 12 hour drive! I can not even imagine it, 2 to 4 hours would have me done xx I like your new hat it has turned out really well, hope you get lots of wear out of it.
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🙂 thanks! Yes, that drive can be a killer . . . but we’re “used” to it? For better or worse! Happy New Year!
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Beautiful colours and pattern. I hear you – I am similarly fretting about what to knit during a flight this weekend, and it’s only 1.5 hours! Happy knitting, and looking forward to seeing more of the Manning Park!
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Thanks so much! I learned this week that one can never have enough yarn and knitting–I’m not sure why this was so surprising?! I finished my socks and the hat and then I was left alone with Lothlorian . . . ahhhhhh! Happy and safe travels to you! What did you end up knitting??
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Haha. All true! – one can’t have enough – luckily knitting is the gift that keeps on giving. 🙂 Amazing – congrats on the recent FOs! I ended up making a head band on the plane (was itching for a quick knit post-holidays). Looking forward to catching up!
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What a great colour fade, I may have to try this pattern too one day. I too have to have a project at hand if away from home otherwise I will be straight into the nearest hobby store.
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Yes! I almost ended up at the LYS, but we ran out of time. I focused on the complex shawl on the way home instead and managed to get into a rhythm with it–super excited about that one. If you have a couple of days, try this hat for sure–it’s very fast and fun and practical 🙂
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I love your version of the Manning Park Hat, especially the darker contrast peaking out from under the brim. Thanks for featuring my pattern 🙂
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Aww, thanks, Laura! I love the pattern and hope to spread the word about it!
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