I need to work on the willpower thing.

So I started my leaf lace scarf, and was really enjoying it (the pattern and yarn are fantastic), but when I got to about the 2/3 point I really, really wanted to start another project. I had several yarns and swatches out on my desk awaiting further developments and today, banishing all ill tidings from my conscience, I finally cast on for one of the projects.

I had made a swatch using some WOA bulky weight from Knit Picks, and I knew I wanted to make a hat with it. At first I contemplated the Robin's Egg Blue Hat, then Urchin, and finally I decided that I wanted something a little different. So, I sketched for awhile and perused my stitch dictionary for a suitable cable pattern. I finally found one that was similar to what I envisioned.


As I started knitting though, it just didn't look 'right', so analyzing it carefully I did something I've never done before, I took my knitting, located an unfortunate stitch and unraveled that stitch all the way back to the cast on edge. Gasp.

I stared at the gaping holes for a few seconds then sprang into action, grabbing my crochet hook and carefully picking up the stitches. Much to my surprise my knitting didn't fall apart, or get hopelessly tangled or anything. In fact, it looked great!
I'll definitely remember how well this worked for future frogging escapades! I've also heard of knitters using this technique to fix whole panels of intricate cable or lace work, but I don't know that I'd employ this technique across a larger area, as the picked up stitch was a little bit looser than the surrounding stitches. Pulling gently on the surrounding stitches in the back of my work evened it out a little, I just don't know if that would be a good option for a larger area?

As for the hat's actual design, it's nothing particularly special, just a simple cable design in bulky weight. I'll post the notes when I've completed it though. :)

BTW, I've decided to also soak my yarn in some wool wash before using it, I won't be able to cast on till I have my needles anyway so I'll probably let it hang up somewhere and air out for awhile and then soak it. Hopefully that will do the trick!