We Open in Venice.

Mike didn't get the same wardrobe enhancement I did prior to leaving for our trip. He did manage to cut out a couple patterns; I just didn't have time to put them together for him. He had to settle for a hat. But, a mighty fine hat at that! 

I've been trying to knit Mike a new hat each year. He's always cold, so he wears hats often (and quite well, I think). I know I like to have options when I'm accessorizing, so I figure he might too. I haven't quite been able to convince him that any of those options should be outside his standard earth tone color palate. Not yet. Maybe I'll surprise him with a red hat next time and test the boundaries of his comfort zone.  

This hat was knit using the Dembow written by Susan Dittrich. It's a really solid hat design featuring a faux cable looking stitch pattern. The whole pattern is charted out through the end of the crown decreases, which I really like. I can't be bothered with too many maths while I'm knitting. And, it's a FREEBIE! So, that's exciting. 

I could possibly have gotten away with one fewer pattern repeat. My hat turned out a little longer than the pictures on the pattern page. Mike likes it slouchy like it is. So, we're not going to mess with it. I can certainly see using this pattern again for future husband hats.