{WIP} Helm

Hello friends! Going back to work has massively cut into my knitting time...not cool, not cool at all.  But, I'm pleased to present you all with a new WIP! 

I just started on Stephen West's Helm this week.  I'm changing things up a bit folks.  As you all know I usually tend to make my hats using the Magic Loop method...and word on the street is this hat is very confusing using that method...so I will be using a US 5 16" circular and switch to the magic loop once I start the decreases.

String Theory Yarn

But right now those decreases seem a long ways away...for you see, I'm learning something new with this hat.  And that is short rows.  West utilizes these short rows to create a "subtle ear flap" and man, do I almost wish I could just pick up stitches and add an ear flap a la the Gnomey Ga-Nomey Hat.  My first attempt I did about 7 rounds before I finally realized that maybe it wasn't looking the way it was supposed to be looking - I had holes and I was also adding increases.  One would think I would Youtube how to do a short row in the round before starting a project...but nah. I'm a cool knitter kid now, I know what's what.  ... Not. So. Much.  Apparently those wonky wrapped stitches that occur during the Wrap & Turns get knit or purled together...not treated as two stitches. Oops.

It hurt me to do so but I frogged all the way and re-did it, and it looks so much better already!  It's a tough project to work on during the commute because of the amount of counting that goes on, but we'll see...I want to get as much done this week as I can. I'm way behind on my holiday knitting!