The Waif, The Grump and a Free Hat Pattern

The Waif had lunch with me last week. I was finally able to make her understand that paying for her car insurance after the DUI she got last week is bankrupting me. She wants us to go visit The Boss and Smiley, but I don't have any money. I also don't have any more vacation time to take this year. She agreed that she will get insurance for herself, but that I will help her by giving her $200 a month to pay for it for another year. I hope that will help her not be stranded. That is about one week's worth of what I now pay for her insurance. She agreed, but so far she hasn't done anything about getting her insurance.


The Grump was in town last week. He was on his way to Oklahoma for a goodbye visit with his mother. Her dementia has gotten bad, and it is either go now or don't go at all. He had wanted to meet up with The Waif in South Carolina, but she was already here, staying with The Arian. He added about 150 miles to his trip to come by and take them to dinner. I'm not sure if he stayed the night or not. He did not bother me this time, which I am grateful for.

Usually, when The Grump comes into town he insists on "family" dinners. I am in no mood for it presently. After years of forced congeniality for the children's sake, I no longer have to be nice. I can choose to be, but it isn't a demand. But now he wants to be Facebook besties and he's pushing all my buttons in his efforts. He comments on everything I post, and his comments jump on my last nerve. I posted a picture of this baby hat that I designed to be given as a shower gift. He posted "That's your creativity coming through." I took it as if he was trying to compliment me. But the whole 22 years that we were married, he never appreciated my creativity. He complained about each and every project that I ever did. I'm pretty sure that if we were still married he'd be complaining that I bought a doll at Goodwill to model the things that I make.

The hat is a basic cap. I used Bernat Baby Sport. I started with casting on 63 stitches divided onto three US size 5 double point needles and joined them in the round.
I did 8 rows of K2, P1 ribbing.
Row 9 is purled.
Row 10 is *K1, YO, S1, K1, PSSO* repeat to end.
Row 11 is purled. I knitted stockinette stitch for 4 inches.
The decrease is:
Row 1: *K3, K2 tog* repeat to end
Row 2, and all even numbered rows are purled
Row 3: *K2, K2 tog* repeat to end
Row 5: *K1, K2 tog* repeat to end
Row 7: K2 tog, repeat to end
Row 8: Cut yarn and slip through all remaining stitches. Pull yarn to the wrong side of the hat. Secure the yarn by slipping it through 2 or 3 stitches and knotting.
The bow is made by casting on 12 stitches evenly on the double pointed needles leaving a long tail. Knit in the round for 8 rows. Cut the yarn about 18 inches from the bow. Wrap the two long tails around the center of the bow and tie, Continue wrapping the tails around the center of the bow until you have a thick center. Tie the tails on the underside of the bow and pull them through to the underside of the hat. Tie the tails to the bow to the tail of the hat and knot tightly. Sew up all tails.

It's a basic hat with a simple flourish. I'd be remiss if I claimed to own it. I'm sure that others have done this same thing as there is nothing new under the sun. If you like it, you are free to make it and share it with your friends. I'd be honored if you share my blog too.