My youngest son, who recently turned 5, loves axolotls. He specifically asked me to make him a toy axolotl for his birthday. When I had him help pick out a pattern (reviewed here), he happened to see the pattern for this axolotl hat, by Robin Fiori, and he asked if I could make that for him as well. Naturally, I said yes!
My son picked out the colors himself, and I went to town making his cap. The pattern, as written, is a basic watch cap, with instructions for six sizes. Each size has its own chart. The pattern is well-written and easy to follow.
When I got to the part of the pattern where I should have started the decreases, however, I decided to deviate from the plan a bit and turn this watch cap into a long stocking cap. I used decorative bits from charts from different sizes to continue the colorwork up the tapered stocking. Since each size has a different number of stitches and is intended to have a different length, each size also has a different chart. The elements of those charts are also different to accommodate different numbers. In order to make the stocking, I had three decrease points, while the pattern called for more. As the number of stitches between those points decreased, I switched to smaller elements from the charts. I also alternated between using the dark pick that was my color B for the body of the hat and the charcoal gray I used for the ribbing and the axolotls' eyes.
I'm really happy with how the hat came out, and so is my son, which is what really counts. My alterations aside, this pattern is a great project for people who want to dip their toes into stranded knitting. The charts are pretty simple and the gauge is large enough that it's really easy to see your work. It's also a good pattern for practicing the Philosopher's Wool method for enclosing floats on the back of your work (The tutorial at the link is really good. For the purposes of this project, start at 3:48). It's also useful for attaching a new skein and tucking ends.
I highly recommend this Stranded Axolotl Hat, and if you check out Robin Fiori's Ravelry Store, you'll find lots of other really cute hat patterns like it.
This post has been linked to Busy Monday, HIH, Senior Salon, Inspire Me Monday, WITS, Wonderful Wednesday, The Stitchin' Mommy, Thursday Favorite Things, and Create-It!
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