Wednesday, November 28, 2007

Less Talk, More Action

Contrary to all the whispered rumors flying around the men's locker room, I am in fact still knitting. True, there's been little photographic evidence lately. Christmas surprises are taking up most of my time, but by way of introducing variety I also decided to work up a bit of whimsy for my Exceptional Niece Abigail's® first winter.

I'm not a veteran knitter of baby hats, and I don't have Abigail here to try things on, so for sizing I cross-checked seven or eight books and two online sources. I am sure they must all be cahoots to mess with my mind. Abigail's head cannot possibly be as big as they suggest. The bottom of half of her is so tiny and cuddly, but apparently she has a head like a bowling ball.

I know, I know. Babies have big heads. But as big as all that? I'm amazed Susan and Phil don't have to prop her up with two sticks or something.

Anyhow, I made this for my niece's apparently gigantic head.

Snow Hat - Front

I'm not the first (hell, I'm not even the twentieth) person to make up a snowman baby hat, but I did try to put some little personal touches into mine.

Snow Hat - Side

It's too cold in Maine for even a snowman to cavort in the raw, so I started the fellow off with a handsome red scarf. About halfway up the face, I realized the scarf ought to have a hat, so I knit a hat onto the hat.

Snow Hat - Top

A hat on a hat. If you ask me, every well-dressed baby ought to have a touch of the surreal in her wardrobe. If you ask others, it's probably a good thing I have no children of my own.

Around the back, to help keep the neck warm, are the "ends" of the scarf.

Snow Hat - Back

All the yarn came out of my stash, thus:
  • The red and white are Berroco Ultra Alpaca left over from the Littlest Democrat Sweater.
  • The black is the end of a ball of some mystery worsted.
  • The mouth* is a scrap of Cleckheaton merino.
  • The carrot nose is Lamb's Pride worsted that must have spontaneously generated in my stash cupboard. I cannot for the life of me imagine what I would ever purchase bright orange Lamb's Pride in aid of. I'm quite certain it wasn't a gift. And yet, I have two full skeins of it.
The hat is for Abigail, but it's dedicated to her Grandma Ann. Grandma Ann has enough snowmen in her collection to repopulate a small town, and it was one of these that I saw on my last visit home that inspired the hat.

Alrighty, then. Back to work on the _____ and the _____ for _____ and _____. How's your holiday knitting coming along?

*The mouth was going to be made of coal, too, until I worked the eyes and discovered first-hand what a pain in the gazoo it is to knit bobbles.

135 comments:

Carol said...

That hat is absolutely adorable! My holiday knitting is coming, albeit slowly. I really need to pick up the pace.

Heddy said...

Oh, I love it -- that hat is the cutest thing ever! Have you considered posting the pattern for those of us with like sized giant headed newphews? My nephew Owen is 5 months old, and this hat screams for Aunt Heddy to make it for him ...

Anonymous said...

A hat on a hat! I love it! She'll be the best hatted baby in the land.

Marseille said...

any chance you'd publish a pattern? :) :)

amy said...

That is the cutest snowman hat ever.

Christmas knitting? What do you mean by that? (Denial, thy name is Knitter...)

Five Ferns Fibreholic said...

That hat is too cute for words. As for Christmas knitting, it seems that I've been hired to do every one elses so there is no time to do mine ;(

Anonymous said...

Franklin. That hat is Too. Freaking. Cute.

Scarf ends to keep her neck warm. Snort.

You must, of course, acquire a photograph of Exceptional Niece Abigail(R) wearing this hat.

izzyb said...

absolutely adorable

dale-harriet said...

Yep. What they all said. Plus, it's an irony that a) you're gay; b) you're young; c) I'm old; d) I'm straight; e) I'm also married and have precious little to recommend my skills--otherwise I would SO be proposing to you. Every day when I need a bit of Whimsy and Delight, I come to visit Uncle Franklin. Merci. (That cap would look ridiculous on a 4'11" almost-65-year-old Jewish bubbeh, wouldn't it? I won't ask you to knit me one.)

Terri said...

That is the cutest snow man hat I have seen. Please consider publishing that pattern! Be well and happy knitting.

Anonymous said...

That hat is the most Adorable. Thing. EVER!!! I also agree with everything said above, including shameless begging for the pattern!!!

BEG

BEG

BEG!!

Anonymous said...

That is hands down the cutest hat ever!

Anonymous said...

Please post the pattern!! (I am now on my knees begging!) That is adorable and my equally large headed niece and nephew would love it!

Calvin said...

What a cute and adorable hat, Franklin.

Anonymous said...

If I could be a bird, I would fly over to your window ledge to perch and secretly watch you in action. Your a darling!

Ann said...

What a great hat! And now I must cast on one for the even tinier baby in my life!)

And instead of bobbles, there will be flat, black buttons.

Kate said...

Gorgeous. How about 8ply socks with the carrot yarn?

Holiday knitting: French press cosy is complete : ) Now to finish 3 washcloths and 2 tea cosies. This is the thing with a southern hemisphere Christmas, one can't knit sweaters, scarves etc for the kids as they grow out of them before they wear them in winter. sigh.

Amelia said...

the hat's adorable! Regarding babies and giant heads, I read somewhere that if you want to be sure a hat or pullover will fit a baby, you should try to stick your own head in it! Amazing such little things have such huge heads, huh?!

Anonymous said...

"Head like a bowling ball" I will not even touch that;)

That is the most scrumptious baby hat- evah!

I think it's just caused me to ovulate.

Seanna Lea said...

I love bobbles (though I've only knit them on freeform things, so maybe I'd hate them in a pattern), and the hat looks like a hoot. I know adults who would love this hat!

Anonymous said...

Holiday knitting? I didn't get the memo! When were we supposed to start holiday knitting?!

Anonymous said...

Absolutely adorable!

And traci's comment made me laugh out loud! Excellent!

Anonymous said...

I hate to admit this, because I do TRY to maintain some semblance of dignity as a grown adult: I would totally wear that hat. Unashamedly, and without hesitation. I am totally not kidding.

knitmd said...

Maaaaahvelous, Dahlink! Maaahvelous! I love it!

Anonymous said...

That is such precious hat!

Anonymous said...

I love it more than I can say. I think I want one for myself, as I have a collection of snowmen as well. It would fit. Well, fit my collection, that one might not fit my head, but you know....

knitography said...

Wow, that is the cutest hat I have seen in quite some time! Abigail will look fantastic in it. What a lucky girl!

rhea delisle said...

That is beyond delightful, you must be the Best Uncle Ever®!

BerkeleyBecca said...

That's so meta. And unbearably cute.

Kristine said...

I love the hat, it's wonderful! It's gorgeous. I must add my voice to those begging for a pattern...

Holiday knitting, hah! None happening this year; I still haven't figured out what I'm going to do for Christmas, but it won't be knitting. No time, no energy, and the little bit of knitting mojo I have is going towards my own little one due in a couple weeks!

Anonymous said...

I LOVE the hat!! Lucky kid!

Anonymous said...

I agree with everyone that is the cutest hat ever!!!! I would love to make that for my niece and myself . As for my Christmas knitting only making 1 think this year and maybe it will be done for Valentines Day.....2010

JanKnitz said...

That is one cute hat, Franklin!

Alwen said...

I have looked at many knitted hat patterns, but that's one of the few I want for myself.

SoapDoc said...

OMG, that is brilliant!

I'd wear it too, Erika :) And I believe rhea_sun has given you a great new name :)

Best Uncle Ever® seems PERFECT to me! Mind if I borrow it, rhea_sun?

Lynn in Tucson said...

Simply spectacular.

Kristen said...

"Oh! Me! Me! I want one! Oh please! Yeahyeahyeahyeah!" she says, rubbing her hands together and drooling like The Weasel from the Foghorn Leghorn cartoons.

mary said...

Chiming in with the same praises that everyone else has already left!

1) The hat is TOO FEAKIN CUTE!!!
2) Abigail is such a lucky baby
3) I want the pattern.... please pretty pretty please???
4) I want to make myself the hat.

Anonymous said...

That is, without any doubt, the most adorable hat ever. EVER. I am not normally into cloyingly cutesie baby stuff, but that is the sweetest thing I have ever seen and also a marvel of class and craftsmanship.

amysue said...

Holiday knitting? Jumping Judah Maccabee, I only have 11 days before the big family Chanukah gathering to knit 3 more sweaters, a few hats and sew some stuff and make the food. TMI, but I had an insulin reaction last night and didn't need to go to the hospital but maybe I should have...I mught have got some down time to knit in.

Janice said...

Tooooooo cute! Best dressed baby due to Uncle Franklin.

la takahashi said...

yep, adorable to the nth! She will be the best hat-hatted baby in town. Like Paul, Tracey so made me laugh! OMG I will NOT will NOT ovulate.

Anonymous said...

now really, Franklin. you should publish that pattern and give the proceeds to Heifer. you are too smart ...

Berry Gal said...

www.cdc.gov/nchs/data/nhanes/growthcharts/set1/chart10.pdf

Check these charts out.... I find them super helpful... Yes dorky but helpful

Kathleen said...

That has is fabulous!

And the non-coal mouth is perfect. We always used sticks anyway! We were lucky if we found old charcoal for the eyes growing up - we'd never find enough for a mouth! :)

Kathleen said...

The hat is fabulous too! (sheesh, my typink skilz stink!)

Anonymous said...

Oh Franklin, that's super adorable!!! Hooray for surreal baby accessories! I just made a hat for Alec (now 3) and measured his head at a shocking 20 inches around!!! I poked around and found this nice guide at Bev's Country Cottage:

Baby - 3 to 6 months
Head Circumference: 14" - 17 " Hat height= 6.5 - 7"

Baby 6 to 12 months
Head Circumference: 16" - 19 " Hat height = 7.5"

Toddler - preschooler (12 months - 3 years) Hat height = 8"
Head Circumference: 18" to 20 "

Child (3 - 10 years) Hat height =8.5"
Head Circumference: 19" - 20 1/2"

I think you should make ducky booties for the Super Adorable Niece, by the way. Buzz me for the pattern!

Liz said...

Ask her mom about the size of Abigail's head and she might set you straight ;>

Seriously though, my five-year-old wears some adult hat patterns. It's crazy. The lovely thing about hats that are a bit too big (or any baby thing that is a bit too big) is that they will fit and all too soon.

datatech57 said...

Ooh! Ooh! I remember where you got that orange Lamb's Pride! The Baby Surprise Sweater for the Dulaan Project! I remember you said something about it shedding on you like an angry orange cat! I remember this because we have an orange cat, named Schnapps, who we call "Sir Sheds-a-lot." Also, I grew up about six miles away from the Brown Sheep factory, so I pay attention when people mention their products.

Ruth

Leanne said...

That is one seriously cute hat. I may just have to make one for myself. Would that be weird.

Anonymous said...

Please, please, oh pretty please publish the pattern? I'd even pay for a cutie pattern like this!

Anonymous said...

I wish I'd thought of that.

Juno said...

You are unspeakably charming.

Jena said...

Very cute! I'd ask for the pattern, but it looks like countless others have done so before me, so I'll wait patiently and see.
(Of course, by mentioning it, I was already sort of asking... should I remove the mention of the pattern, then? Nah. Leave it in. Join the flock.
Baa.)

Ruby said...

Wow! I love the hat! Can't wait to see the photos of Abigail wearing her darling new hat.

Trope said...

Well, if you're looking for a baby-sized head to try things on, I know a model. (wink) His head is small for his body, though, so--unbelievably--normal baby things would be loose on him! I really love the double-hat feature... it's hats all the way down...
Abigail is one lucky baby to have this uncle!

Elizabeth said...

Adorable! That's the cutest baby hat I've seen in a long time.

I learned my lesson last year: no more extensive holiday knitting. It ruins Xmas.

Mary said...

So.... you're knitting meta-hats now?

Very inspiring. Wish I had had an uncle like you.

Anonymous said...

This hat is absolutely fantastic! Love it!

Jennifer said...

I love snowmen, so how can I resist that adorable hat? I love all the details you put into it!

Mel said...

Adorable hat. But where'd you get the bowling ball to block it on?

Anonymous said...

ohmigod....it IS the cutest hat ever. Franklin, you're an inspiration. Have you any idea how many knitters are digging through the stash and casting on right this minute? We're going to try to duplicate this adorable hat. Please save us all the ripping and do overs....I too am begging to be able to buy the pattern!

LisaB said...

I also have Lamb's Pride orange in my stash because, if you ever do find you need orange yarn, it is the one to have. If it's got to be Orange! (not rust, not persimmon, not peach) then there really is no other choice. Cutest snowman hat ever.

Unknown said...

That is not only too cute, but too cool! I love the detail. I mean, I never even thought of a snowman hat in the first place (I guess I'm unoriginal), but even the fact that he has a SCARF *AND* a HAT--it's just cool. She's going to be the most fashionable baby in Maine. (And yes, babies' heads are that big. I've pushed a baby out who had a big head, TRUST ME, it really is that big. Ouch-- and that's almost 7 years later!)

Mallory said...

That is so ridiculously adorable, I can't even handle it.

EJ Machel said...

I actually GASPED when I saw that. It is way way waaaay beyond fabulously cute. I love it! And I know the amazing baby and her grandma will too.

- a new knitter who just finished three baby hats for a coworker and is very jealous at the spiral pattern your decreases make, even though I did mine they way that is supposed to to that, mine didn't!

chris. said...

That is one fantastically adorable hat. Can i be your niece next?

FiberQat said...

So are the buyers at Hanna Andersson banging on your door demanding you knit another thousand for the Christmas rush?

Nice work, Unka Frank!

Anonymous said...

You seriously need to publish this pattern. I'd buy it! That is the cutest hat!!

Anonymous said...

OMG, how cute is that? Please, please, the pattern!

Dana S. Whitney said...

Wicked cute. And clever, too.

miastick said...

What a wonderful hat- I haven't seen one of those before, so to me you are very original. I will have to copy the idea for my own baby... If you don't want to knit me one that is ;)

Lynne E. said...

I love the hat, which will result in some extremely cute baby pictures! Exceptional Niece Abigail will make the hat irresistible.

MaryjoO said...

SERIOUSLY -- we would all pay to get a download of that pattern -- Dolores could donate the proceeds to her favorite charity! My 20 something daughter would even like that hat!

What fun you must have had!
Maryjo

Anonymous said...

Bother! My niece, nephews, son & daughter are all too old for such knitted cuteness. & too young to start on the next generation.

So I'll just bookmark this brilliant design for later.

After all, it's not as if we get enough snow for snowmen in this part of the UK.

Marlena said...

This is the best baby hat I've seen. I mean, how much can you trust my opinion... before I saw this hat, I was enamored of those simple pumpkin hats... but this hat I will actually remember to make, next time I know someone with a winter baby. And yes, in Maine at least, the snowmen wear hats. Not all of the children keep theirs on, but the snow people are well protected.

Anonymous said...

Babies have big heads. Just ask her mother; I bet she can tell you to the last millionth part of a millimetre exactly how big Abigail's head is.
Love the hat. Almost enough to make me want another baby myself. Almost.

sarah b. said...

beautiful! I am in agreeance with you on the bobble thing... I never understand how anyone could actually knit an entire sweater of bobbles!

Anonymous said...

My son's head was 40 cm at 6 weeks old... wonder why it hurts when they pop out! eek! Love.Love.Love the hat. I wish my son had an uncle (or an aunt) like you. Try Annie Modesitt's bobbles...they are a little less complicated.

laura gayle said...

Beautiful!

Terri H. said...

Well. Snowmen are generally on my "scary things" list (more than carnies, less than clowns), but that hat is truly sweet.

Susie Cupcakes said...

So cute. It was already at maximum cuteness and then I saw the ends of the "scarf." Cute overload!

shyknitter said...

I will second (third, fourth, fifth...) the request for a pattern. It is too cute not to share.

Anonymous said...

Oh my goodness! Possibly the cutest baby hat I've seen in ages...another pretty please to publish the pattern?

Helen said...

The only thing that will persuade me to knit bobbles is a baby that needs a hat.

Anonymous said...

I would wear that hat myself! I'd probably be the only snowman-hat -wearing person in Sacramento. Please post a pic of Abigail wearing it!

Anonymous said...

Best hat ever!

tadlewog said...

adorable, fabulous, and fantastic.

wonderful fabulous job. :) it's perfect.

and yes, is that orange! yowza! :)

katerina said...

That hat is just wonderful!
Not needing a hat like that anymore is one of the reasons I'm sad not to be in Chicago anymore.
LOve it.


P.S.
Any chance that someone could/would measure Abigail's head for you?

Teresa said...

Franklin...you are so talented!

I know it's just a baby hat and not an intricate Fair Isle but the way your artistic eye melds with your design ideas..it's just cute as can be!

EmilyG said...

Franklin, you're killing me! Too freakin' cute!!!

Eric & Tony said...

91 people before me have commented on how cute the hat is so I don't need to tell you, but I'm going to: Too Cute!

Anonymous said...

I see I'm not the first to jump on the begging for the pattern bandwagon - but that is the cutest hat ever! And the only baby hat that has appealed to me in a really long time. Now I just need a baby to knit it for...It would even be cute for an older child, so if you could just add a couple sizes to the pattern when you write it...in your spare time ya know. LOL

Fe said...

I LOVE the surreal touch of a hat on a hat. Fortunate Abigail - to have you as her uncle, knitting these wonderful things.

Anonymous said...

O.M.G. That is the cutest thing ever. I am especially fond of the three-dimensional carrot nose. Abigail will certainly benefit from having such a whacked-out and creative uncle in her life!

Anonymous said...

Cute, totally whacked in a wonderful way, and a great-looking snowman, too! Plus induces hysterical giggles. Man, can you imagine how people are going to mob Sister Sue or hubby when Abigail's wearing it? LOL!

(Blogger's scaring me again. the verification is "kloqfre." What does it have against cloches? And how does it know??)

Denise Bein Kroll said...

Wow, I'm lovin' it! Since the chorus has already sung the publish it refrain, let me echo it loud and clear 3 grandbaby's and counting... obviously one of them will need this hat!

Knitting it Out in an Urban Zoo said...

I totally relate to the size of baby and children's hats. It kills me that you have trademarked your niece's name. I have one with a similar name!

Anonymous said...

And now another 1 in your own size and than a picture from the 2 of you please!!

Anonymous said...

This hat is just too cute, thanks for sharing.

rams said...

A meta-hat! (Knew this MFA would pay off.)

Anonymous said...

Freaking Chee-rist...ONE hundred comments on the snowman hat? Dude...plop out the pattern. You could afford bison fiber with that income.

Holiday Knitting Conundrum: am knitting for son. Can only knit while son is at hockey practice. Am required to be in the STANDS at hockey practice ("Mom, did you see me do THAT???"). Trying to knit surreptitiously so he can't SEE what I'm doing, while my fingers become more numb by the minute. (and no, I can't knit with fingerless gloves on - the dpns get stuck in my wrists)

Help! We should have traded knitting projects with each other a long time ago "You knit a pink hat for me, I'll knit black socks for you..." Great timing.

Anonymous said...

Great hat! She'll be ready for Borges in no time ;-)
Necia

Anonymous said...

Very cute & clever hat. That kid is going to be the coolest (& warmest) kid around. The rest of the stroller crowd'll be seething with jealousy.

Anonymous said...

oh but this is wonderful! yes, believe in the giant size baby heads. It's proper baby proportions. Really.

Anonymous said...

OMG, too cute!

Anonymous said...

You, sir, are ingenious!! LOVE the well-kitted out snowperson gracing Abigail's hat.

sweetfigs said...

LOL on those bitty scarf ends. You must write up the pattern for your adoring masses!

Carson said...

Are you quite sure Exceptional Abigail is not yet able to read blogs?
As far as computers are concerned, they are starting them awfully early these days. I'm just worried that the surprise will now be spoiled for little A.
( 197th person to say "cute"!)

Judy in Indiana said...

My kids would so love that hat. Can you at least sell the pattern? I forget you are a knitting genius and probably don't have a pattern for it, you made it up as you went along? Tell the truth smarty pants!

Anonymous said...

As mother of five, I can attest they do have big heads, surprisingly so. I've read too that that is what makes them so adorable! I think it has to do with our inner programming to automatically adore them--small creatures with oversize heads are appealing to humans. Think about it!

knititch said...

the fast cap in the opinionated knitted has a gauge at 96 stitches to 25. i think that works for a cute little baby head. no their heads are not that big. i have never seen a snow man hat before so with or without personal touches it is completely unique and lovely to me. it is almost a toy.
and then i have noticed that parents seem to like balaclavas for children. they cover the neck completely when the grow big enough to talk the talk and walk the walk.

Anonymous said...

hat on hat good.

bobble eyes? easy in crochet :-p

Anonymous said...

I cannot resist chiming in - that is the cutest baby hat ever. I would be more than willing to purchase the pattern.

Anonymous said...

Is there any chance that you'll publish the pattern? I have two co-workers who are now grandmas and I'd love to make this little hat as gifts for them. It would be kind of fun for one of them, especially, as her grandchild is in Hawaii!

The hat is so adorable, as is your precious niece.

Joanne
joanne@jconklindesigns.com
http://www.jconklindesigns.com/keeptalking.htm
Ravelry: JConklin

Rhonda the Stitchingnut said...

Just adorable!

Anonymous said...

*timidly creepin up* Hi! I've been lurking for a while, but I thought it was time to come out into the comments so that I could say: That hat is the cutest thing I have ever seen in my life. Really. I'm dying a slow, adorableness-induced death over here. I love it. Please post the pattern. Pretty please?

Liz said...

That is wicked cute!

Yvonne said...

Oh My. I think Abigail is one very lucky little niece. If you do publish a pattern, could you make a grown up version, too? :-)))))

Mauren Mureaux said...

Ok. That's even more adorable than the Tulip sweater!!

Must. Have. Pattern. Please?!

Anonymous said...

OMG! that is the cutest hat ever...but then Maine's cutest baby girl deserves said hat...and I love that you will make pattern available, can't wait. Bev in TN

Courtney the Knitting Goddess said...

Beautiful attention to detail. Will willingly shell out $$ for Dolores' Ciggy Fund--I mean Snowman pattern. My 9-mo nephew wants one.

noricum said...

I love the toque! :)

Anonymous said...

OMG, that hat! She's adorable. Please consider selling the pattern. I'd buy it in a heartbeat and make snowmen caps for all the chillins in the family

Code Purl said...

I love the snowman hat. I was recently trying to design a simple baby hat and had the same problem with all the sizing charts online and in books. I was like how can the kids head only be a few inches smaller than mine??

Knitterella said...

That hat is awesome! I just love it. Great job!

I found your blog through Susan B. Anderson's - glad I did!

Heather said...

I also found your blog thru Susan B. Anderson's. So nice to run into another Chicago knitter!!! LOVE the snowman, and Happy Holidays!

KHM said...

You know, Abigail must certainly be the most loved of little girls with fabulous knitter uncles. It is SO cute to observe all this fiber love you wrap her with...*aw*

Cheryl said...

AGH! Freakin' adorable.

Nic said...

Hi Franklin,

Sorry, I couldn't see an email address to contact you (probably wise on your part) so I'm commenting instead. Just letting you know that I've cross-posted the Hat-upon-a-hat pic from this post to my blog http://nicknits.blogspot.com/2007_12_01_archive.html.

I don't know the blogiquette for this but needless to say, I'll remove the pic if you so wish.

Happy Knitting.

best wishes from Ireland,

Nic
http://nicknits.blogspot.com

Anonymous said...

That hat is too cute. I must make (for Christmas) for my friend's baby :) Although I could guess at the pattern, I would love it if you posted a copy! Happy Knitting. Denise

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