Knitting In The North

Shades of Elmer Fudd

 

I've been reading the Angry Chicken blog for some time, and have felt inspired to try sewing things that seem far too "scary" and advanced for me.  When she issued this Mudflap Hat pattern as part of her mailorder series, I knew I had to give it a try.

 

Since repurposing is important to me (and there is no fabric store to speak of around here), I decided to take apart a few things floating around.  I ripped up a pair of Brian's corduroy pants (they had a hole in one knee) for the outer layer, and used a thrifted flannel shirt for the lining.  Iron on velcro finished it off, and I was thrilled!  Look what I made!!  Wowee!!!

 

The thrill didn't last, sadly, because I had forgotten two important things.

1. Liam has a very funny, melon-shaped head.
2. Sewn objects are not quite as forgiving as knitting.

The hat is adorable, and I plan to make another (with some modifications for babies with melon-shaped heads), but sadly, the crown is too shallow for this particular melon.  It's getting a lot of use, though, just being worn around the house, by a little person who is suddenly obsessed with hats. 

 

I have knit him up a Thorpe hat this week, just in time for snow to fly.  (Pictures to follow, of course.  But not today.) 
 

  
 

If The Shoe Fits

I've never been what you might call a "shoe-horse", if you know what I mean.  My shoe wardrobe has almost always been thus: one pair of black shoes (simple enough to wear with pants or a skirt); one pair of brown shoes (also simple & versatile); one pair of running shoes.  These shoes have met all of my needs, and seldom have I found the need for anything else. 

Once, years ago, Stuart bought me a beautiful pair of dark red leather heels, with a matching purse.  They are gorgeous, but I can count on my one hand the number of times I've worn them - I'm just not that kind of girl.  Or am I?

Katie has recently discovered a deep love of shoes, and we've had a lot of fun this summer, wandering the shoe sections of various thrift stores.  I may just be converted, because look what I've found!

This dizzying array is keeping me endlessly entertained - what riches indeed! 

Now, the deep question of the week is:

How many pairs of shoes to do you wear?