A Hat for Him

We spent another weekend hunkered up inside the house, but, actually, I did not mind at all.  It poured all day Saturday, and with temperatures hovering around 30 degrees the roads were covered in ice.  It felt quite balmy, actually, after having weeks of below zero temperatures. Although it was icy, we welcomed the warmer temperatures, and I welcomed the opportunity to rest.  I had been feeling quite tired and run down, and Hubby decided that he was going to take over on Saturday, not allowing me to do anything except take it easy. I had plans to take the Christmas tree down and pack away the ornaments and the few other decorations that we still have up, but Hubby wouldn't hear of it.  He wanted me to take the day off, and I was so tired that I didn't even try putting up a fight, which is rare for me.  I often push myself too hard, trying to accomplish more than is necessary, and it's not very often that I will sit when there is work to be done. Hubby was insistent that I took the entire day to rest.  He cooked, cleaned, changed diapers, and kept up with very active toddlers, as well as doing the barn chores and keeping the fires going.  I knew I needed to take his advice.  I was snappy, intolerant and grumpy.  I wasn't doing anyone any good, and unless I took a little break, things weren't going to get better.  I succumbed to sitting under a blanket, drinking tea and working on my new knitting project all day, not even flinching when the play-dough was taken out and played with on the landing of the stairs.

After finishing the chevron scarf, I was anxious to learn knitting-in-the-round.  I chose a simple beanie pattern and set to work on a hat for Hubby. My first attempt had to be pulled out because I didn't have my gauge right, but once I found the right size needles, I was on my way again.  I used a black worsted weight merino and am quite pleased with the results.  At first I didn't think I cared for knitting-in-the-round using double pointed needles.  I was having a hard time maneuvering them, and it took me a bit to get used to ribbing with all the extra needles pointing everywhere. I eventually got the hang of it, and then I actually began to enjoy it.  Once I was past the ribbing and onto the stockinette, I started having fun.  I could drink tea and have a conversation without the fear of making a mistake.  With all the time spent resting, I was able to finish Hubby's hat and even start one for myself. Hubby was quite excited about his new hat...almost like a baby with a new toy.  Even though the temperatures were in the 40's the next day, which felt like a heat wave, Hubby wore his hat all day (even in the house). It felt so good to make something that was so well appreciated.  So, I guess, even though I was resting, I was still able to accomplish something. 

Joining Ginny's Yarn Along