Copy Cat

Hello again!

You didn't think you'd hear from me again so soon, did you?

So things are pretty good right now... I've finished the next step in my doctoral program (I just need to officially present it to my committee, but the manuscript is complete) and I'm working hard in my Muay Thai classes.

Slight side note: Muay Thai is a primarily a standing sport, where you strike with your limbs or wrestle your opponent in a move called "the clinch." However, in order to be a more well-rounded fighter I've decided to begin a grappling (i.e., ground) martial art, Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu.

Looks painful, doesn't it?

The main principle of BJJ proposes that a smaller, weaker person may be able to defeat a bigger opponent through the use of joint-locks and chokeholds on the ground. I've taken a few classes and it's really useful in a real-world kind of way, like how to get out of a head lock and other nasty moves. So now that I'm taking two martial arts, I can officially be considered a mixed martial artist (MMA). It's so ridiculous that tiny, nerdy me is training in such brutal sports but there you go. How's that for unexpected?

Anyway, I'm keeping strong with my knitting, which makes me that much happier. I've decided to work on small portable projects (to work on during my commute) and I'm primarily working from my stash. So no new yarn for the time being. Sadface. Here is my latest, which flew off the needles during my Thanksgiving break:

Copy Cat Hat by Terra Jamieson
Needles: 3 and 7
Yarn: Knit Picks Gloss DK, coastal grey
Skeins: 1
Size: Custom

I literally finished this hat in about three days, that's how well written and intuitive the pattern is. This is not real cabling; these mock-cables are created by slipping (SL) and passing slipped stitches over (PSSO) subsequent stitches. It's an easy four-row pattern to memorize and execute, and created an adorable slouchy hat. (FYI, it is REALLY stretchy.)

Regarding the pattern: I would assume it's well written except I used a few modifications, especially since I was using a DK-weight yarn while the pattern calls for worsted weight. (For ravelry peeps, I used nireknit and EraLunaris' modifications). Overall, here is what I did:

CO: 108 stitches. Join in the round.

Worked 2 X 2 ribbing for 1.75 inches using size 3 needles.

Set up row: *SL1, M1L, K1, PSSO, K2. Repeat from * all around.

Change to size 7 needles and follow the 4-row Eyelet Mock Cable Ribbing pattern for 8 inches. You should have total number of stitches that is divisible by 5. End with row 1 or 2 of the stitch pattern.

Begin decreases as follows:
Row 1: *SL1, K2, PSSO, P2. Repeat from * around.
Row 2: *K2, P2. Repeat from * around.
Row 3: *K2, P2TOG. Repeat from * around.
Row 4: *K2, P1. Repeat from * around.
Row 5: *SSK, P1. Repeat from * around.
Row 6: *K1, P1. Repeat from * around.
Row 7: *SSK. Repeat from * around.
Row 8: *SSK. Repeat from * around.

Break yarn and thread through remaining stitches. Wear fashionably.

The yarn for this hat was actually repurposed from this hat, which I never wore. It was just too big and pancake-y looking. Regardless, this yarn is pretty great: it's springy, has beautiful sheen and survived the frogging process relatively unscathed. Overall, a great little project that would make for excellent holiday gifts. I'm considering knitting a couple for a few friends.

So that's my progress...I have a few other projects on the needles I'm finishing up.

Catch you later, and get your holiday knitting done. No excuses!