Missoni Hat finished!

I had to block it twice to get closer to the desired fit, but it's done and I think it came out all right!

poking along on the LTKA

I now have FOUR squares, woop de doo! Only 61 to go... o_O

Special-order hat and design improvization

I offered knitting "services" in exchange for a logo design -- and it's time to pay up! (Thank you, Susanna!)

She requested a slouchy beret type hat, like the hat in this picture:

Only with design elements more like those in this Missoni-inspired blanket (http://www.ravelry.com/patterns/library/missoni-inspired-chevron-blanket):

Pretty!

So I combed through Ravelry patterns to see what was out there. I found two patterns -- one for the shape, and one with an approximate Fair Isle chart that I altered somewhat.

I am using this pattern for shaping (http://www.ravelry.com/patterns/library/116-45-basque-hat-in-karisma-with-norwegian-pattern)

And I took the chart from this pattern as a baseline, and then recharted it a bit to make the widths of the stripes a little more "random" throughout the hat (http://www.ravelry.com/patterns/library/opus-spicatum)

Due to budgetary constraints :\ I decided to minimize the yarn by using a self striping. I picked Mochi Plus, an incredibly soft wool/nylon blend with beautiful colorway that should have really nice drape.

The DROPS pattern, however calls for DK weight and the Mochi Plus is a worsted (so they say, it is on the thinnish side for worsted). Nevertheless, maybe I knit tight, or I don't know what, but the first two attempts at sizing were way too small for a relaxed, slouchy beret.

After a few false starts, here is my WIP (there is ribbing, but it's k3p1 so doesn't show up when not being worn...):

I hope the FO comes out nicely! If so, I may do another in white with the striping.