Friday, June 24, 2011

Fiber Arts Friday: Recycled Wool Nightcap - Not Quite Finished

Woo Hoo, I have finished knitting my Nightcap and most of the zillion ends have been woven in.  :-)  The only thing is...


Hey, Hey, Hey... it's a little big. :-/

Yes, I swatched.  Yes, the swatch met gauge.  No, I did not compare the circumference of the hat pattern to the circumference of my head.  :-/

So, not only is this hat too big for me, it's also too big for Hubba.  (He would not let me take a photo to share with you all.)

So I've been taking suggestions for ways to make the nightcap useful because I am not going to rip it out and start over...
  • felting and subsequently shrinking it in the washer/dryer or a bucket with a plunger
  • adding elastic
  • adding a drawstring
  • finding a larger than 24.5 inch head
  • lining it and adding a strap to make a purse
I haven't done any of these things before, so any advise from the wise Fiberistas out there is greatly appreciated.  Please and Thank you. :-)

Of course, you're sure to see some great projects that may even fit if you head over to Fiber Arts Friday, hosted by The Wonder Why Gal.
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12 comments:

  1. Paula ParrishJune 24, 2011 at 7:37 AM

    Hello Kathryn,
    Hello I am your newest blog follower my name is Paula. Nice work on knitting the night cap, oh yes I see the problem with it being a bit big. Where are your eyes? This photos is just to FUN (love it). I would try the drawstring idea it sounds like a wonderful solution to me. Thanks for sharing and happy knitting.
    Smiles, Paula

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  2. pinkundineJune 24, 2011 at 8:15 AM

    It's very cute at least ;) I was going to suggest felting, but I'm not sure if that would change the cool shape, so maybe the lining or elastic would be a better plan?

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  3. Melissa PlankJune 24, 2011 at 9:12 AM

    I love the idea of making a bag/purse out of it! How cute would that be! Sad that it's too big, but I think it may turn into a happy accident! (Seems like the best, most creative things come out of happy accidents!)

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  4. VivianJune 24, 2011 at 10:35 AM

    I say felt it, and then if it still doesn't fit, cut it up and make it into something else. It's a nice solid color, so adding bright colors would be easy. Handfelt or embroider some colorful designs on it, add other fabric or swatches to it if needed, it can be a purse, pillow case, a stuffed animal, or just a cool shape of what it decides to be. Can always put eyes and mouth on it and make it a monster!

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  5. Dutch HollowJune 24, 2011 at 11:19 AM

    Love the hat, can you felt it?

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  6. Spinster BethJune 24, 2011 at 4:34 PM

    Felting, I guess ... I've never felted before, but I understand the concept!

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  7. WonderWhyGalJune 24, 2011 at 4:37 PM

    I vote for elastic (speaking from personal experience, of course). You put so much time into this gorgeous cap and if you felt it, it will totally change the look.

    I love it!

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  8. fiberdanceJune 24, 2011 at 4:56 PM

    I think felting it and making it into a purse sounds great!

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  9. Kathryn RayJune 24, 2011 at 5:50 PM

    I am leaning toward the idea of felting it in a bucket with a plunger so it can go slowly.

    I actually don't know if this wool has been treated to not felt. It was taken from an old sweater that was only drycleaned.

    I do like the idea of turning it into a monster though.

    Hmmm.

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  10. Voie de VieJune 25, 2011 at 12:16 PM

    I, too would felt it. It's a great looking hat (size notwithstanding!).

    You could also tink back the cast-off and about 2", decrease and knit a ribbing (assuming you ended on the large side of the hat near your eyes).

    My second choice would be the drawstring - but not the elastic. Not a big fan of elastic on the head. :)

    Definitely take photos - now we all want to know the outcome!

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  11. Kathryn RayJune 26, 2011 at 3:26 PM

    @vdV - it's a bottom up hat. :-/

    I am thinking about trying the drawstring first then if that doesn't work, try felting it.

    I am going to let this idea sit and rest a bit though, now that the Tour de Fleece is nearly upon us.

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  12. AllyBJune 28, 2011 at 10:24 AM

    I'm sorry to say that The Saint only has about a 23" noggin. I would totally put that thing in a bucket and plunge away. I love hand felting stuff...the machine is so big, seems like a waste of water and takes too long for my liking. Whatever you decide to do with your night cap I'm sure it will be awesome. Have a great week!

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