I wanted to make something special for Phil and Aggie’s wedding – something that they could share and cuddle up in. I settled on Jared Flood’s Girasole – a piece of traditional circular lace that can be worked as a blanket or a shawl. It looks much more complicated than it was to knit. The chart sections flew by and the lace was really fun to work. I used Misti Alpaca Pima Cotton & Silk so the blanket would be soft and cozy but not too warm.

What special projects have you made or received as wedding gifts? I have a few more weddings to attend this year and am on the lookout!

[Photos courtesy of Chris]

[Ravelled]

When I first started knitting I was more inclined to make up my own patterns. Sometimes they worked out, other times not so much. I was more adventurous in a way, less focused on proficiency and more on experimentation. I had completely forgotten about an early hat I made for my brother, but when I saw him over the Christmas holidays he told me he still wears it. Since I can barely remember making the hat, I figured it was high time to replace it. Or at least add to his collection!

I decided on Jared Flood’s Turn a Square – a toque with raglan decreases and subtle striping. I used Mission Falls 1824 Wool and Noro Silk Garden. The hat takes less than a ball of each, so it could be a great project to use up some of your yarn leftovers.

Here are some other man-friendly patterns I came across in my search for my brother’s birthday hat:

Windschief (Ravelry link) by Stephen West

Golden Autumn (Ravelry link) by Lucy Sweetland

Koolhaas by Jared Flood

Seaman’s Cap by Brenda Zuk

Thorpe (Ravelry link) by Kirsten Kapur

[Ravelled]