Warm Woolies for Wee Little Heads

Lately, it seems like everyone I know is having a baby! It must be the age…..or something in the water? This year, so far, 7 babies have been born to close friends/family. My very own sister announced this Christmas that she and her husband have a little cousin on the way for Winnie! We couldn’t be more excited.

Through the long winter months, when I find myself wanting to be cuddled up indoors, I knit. This year, in particular, I knit baby hats. I actually learned to knit just last year. My first project was a navy blue, hooded baby sweater. Armed with only a Debbie Bliss pattern, some wool and needles, I managed to finish the sweater......just before Winnie grew out of it! It was a long and daunting project, and though it turned out beautifully (in my humble opinion) a baby hat is a much more appropriate newbie-knitter project. Quick, easy, instant gratification.

The simple patterns I used were free at Wool-Tyme. For those who don't already know, the women at Wool-Tyme are AMAZING. Every one of them is a wealth of knitting knowledge. They will help you find the right materials and tools and recommend patterns that are simple and fool-proof. Then, when you mess-up the fool-proof pattern, you can go in and they will help you fix it! Incredible. They offer free knitting circles and affordable knitting classes. I can’t say enough!

I thought I’d share some pics of the super simple baby hats I completed in February:

The Noah

The first hat I knit was for beautiful, smiley, little Noah; born in December. I love the super soft organic blue wool and “alfalfa sprout” at the top. The only thing I don’t like about the hat? It covers up his gorgeous head of RED hair!

The Maeve

Hat number two was knit for Maeve, one of the first babies born on New Year’s day in Burlington, Ontario! I am only showing you the starting point of this hat creation because, to be honest, the finished project was….well….huge. I had knit it with the intention that it would fit an 18 month old and ended up with a hat for a 4 year old. Hmmmn, apparently gauge does matter…who knew? Nevertheless, it still turned out to be a very sweet little hat and I can’t wait to see it on her….in 4-5 years.

The Bren

I knit this hat for baby Bren who was born on Friday night. This beautiful little girl, with an even more beautiful name-sake, was welcomed by one of my besties, her husband and their son Foster. I wish I could be closer, but since I can’t, this light springy coral hat will have to keep Bren cozy until I can get there!

The Dude

This hat was knit for Theo Jude (aka Theo Dude) the coolest cat in Gimli, MB.......and another babe I wish weren’t so far away. I miss his mama so much it hurts. I decided that I would go a bit wild with this one. As per my grandmother’s suggestion, I decided to change the pattern on the bottom of the hat. Should a girl who ignores gauge be allowed to change patterns??? I doubt it but, somehow, the hat turned out to be my favorite.

I had planned to knit hats for ALL of the new babies in our life but time marches on and so does my attention span….I need something new! With beautiful weather on the horizon, I have decided it’s time to put away the wool and break out the organic cotton!

In the next few weeks I plan to figure out my "new-old" sewing machine with a couple of quick projects. Then, through May and June, I'll move on to more complicated baby gifts and some sweet sundresses for my little one.....posting the projects and patterns as I go!

Wish me luck!