I’m forming an opinion regarding color. As some may know, Ryan and I are choosing not to find out the gender of the relatively soon-to-arrive little Beuthin baby. I originally thought this would mean working only with subtle creams and tans, khakis and soft browns. What I’m finding as I knit, however, is that I keep coming back to blue. Blue is for baby boys, right? Soft sage, turquoise, periwinkle, teal… I’m thinking these blues definitely work both ways (keep in mind that he or she will likely have very, very blue eyes). If we have a girl, I can easily and quickly doll up any blue item with a crocheted flower or coordinating headband. If I felt the same gender-neutrality toward pink, I don’t think there would be as simple a solution if a boy is born.
pointy pixie hat on a somewhat reluctant model
So when I began to dream of knitting for baby, I went through my stash to find the softest yarns possible. I stumbled across a skein of Rowan Bamboo Soft, which I think Rowan no longer makes (sad face), in a very pale shade of slightly sage but mostly silver blue. I proceeded to knit up a Pointy Ribbed Pixie Helmet Hat in the smallest gauge, using US size 2 needles. I’ve knitted this hat twice before, once for myself (in a blueish teal; baby and I will match on chilly outings) and once for my sister-in-law. Christine passed her hat on to her daughter and if you’d like to see a picture of it on a human child rather than a [slightly spooky] cat head, please click here.
side view: corners come down to cover little ears
back view: please note the interplay of different rib patterns
I love this Pointy Pixie Hat. Any hat, really, that keeps the ears cozy is a winner in my book. If you’re interested in trying it on for size, visit Cynthia Combs live journal where you can find the pattern for free. The modifications I made to Cynthia’s pattern include pearling one extra row at the very end of the hat portion, creating more space in which to orchestrate a three-needle bind off instead of weaving the ends together with a tapestry needle and yarn. The other change I made was to knit two identical chin straps that tie under the chin instead of just one that buttons at the opposite ear. I like the effect and functionality of two straps and have found that the ear-flaps lay flatter and are more becoming this way.
So you just might see me with baby in arms strolling along on a brisk and breezy winter day. We’ll be wearing matching pointy hats and looking a bit like lost elves on some forgotten mission.
I had COMPLETELY FORGOTTEN about C locking us upstairs. Thanks for reminding me with that link!
I really want to knit one of these for myself (again) but make it aggressively large for my aggressively large head/hair, but I’m nervous. Mainly because I’m stupid at knitting. You do such a beautiful job with it! I can just imagine you and baby, waltzing around in your matching elf hats.
And I think these shades of blue are perfectly fine for either gender. Turquoise, especially, in my opinion, goes beautifully either way.
sister,
You should definitely attempt this pattern. It’s actually really simple and fun to make, using only the knit and pearl stitches. I know you can do it! But, if you’d rather not, I’ll make you another for Christmas in a larger size than the one from two Christmases ago. Just name the color.
xox
In regards to color……certain blues work for both boys and girls. I have put my girls in blues before, and like you said you can always add a bow or flower if it is a girl. In my opinion the only color that is not gender neutral is pink and purple. Everything else is good! The hat is so cute by the way!!!
[...] Knit Picks Palette, 100% wool, held triple Needles: US size eight circular Similar past project: baby’s pixie hat GA_googleAddAttr("AdOpt", "1"); GA_googleAddAttr("Origin", "other"); [...]