Christopher Hat

Bought this pattern last fall but never got to making it until recently. My husband lost his favorite hat last winter, so needed a new one. I started it for the car ride when we traveled over the 4th of July.
It came to the orthodontist's office, the park, and the pool, and was finished at the dining table.


I'm really happy with how it turned out. I've knit hats before, but never top down. It was easy to follow and gives a nice result. We live in a northern climate so more winter than summer . . . a warm hat is necessary. Will not know the final results until winter weather arrives.

I used this video for help with the stripes. (I really love the quality of their videos and the written transcripts below so you can review it again and again). I am pretty happy with that area of the hat, but would like to try again and see if I can improve it even more. If you were to use a variegated yarn, I think it would be even better.
One more knitting hint, when the pattern gets more complex, I get out a notecard (or whatever small paper is available) and make notes so I know where I am and where I'm going. It's never failed me and I am sure I didn't think of it myself. Just passing it along.

Happy stitching!
(My sewing machine is out for repair, but I have a backup or two).

Details:
Pattern: Christopher Hat by Jane Richmond
Yarn: Cascade 220 from the Loopy Ewe
New skills: Stripes!!!!
Knitting a hat top down

Date started: Not sure exactly . . . early July
Date complete: 7/26 . . . just in time for his birthday