Penny's Notebook

selbu modern, winter edition

I first knit this hat in 2012 and it's my favourite. I wanted one that was a bit warmer than normal sock yarn for winter. Rhapsody Light fit the bill and I thought I'd have add some sparkle to the dismal dark of winter with Beaded Mohair and Sequins. The March inspirations color (which I'll share photos of on March 1) seems perfect for this new version.

Photos

needles showing 1x1 rib of Rhapsody Light in a dark navy on a red "striped" pillow (it's cropped, they're actually leaf shapes)
needles showing 1x1 rib of Rhapsody Light in a dark navy on a red & green "striped" pillow (it's cropped, they're actually leaf shapes)

Log

Just in time for thaw

18 February 2026

I've been looking for the "right" yarn to knit a new version of my favourite hat and last week when I was visiting the Artyarns factory the stars aligned. A skein of Rhapsody Light in color 303 (a dark navy) and a skein of Beaded Mohair and Sequins in the March Inspiration color (which I can't share until March 1) begged to be knit into a new hat. Yes, the Rhapsody Light is categorized as DK but I think it'll knit up fine for the hat.

needles showing 1x1 rib of Rhapsody Light in a dark navy on a red "striped" pillow (it's cropped, they're actually leaf shapes)

This time I've opted for a complely solid brim. I wasn't thinking and this time I followed the instructions (of my version of the pattern the same one I knit in 2012 (ravelry link)) (except all in MC) and I'm not sure I like the cast-on edge. I knit about 7 rounds last night after casting on and getting the correct number on the first try but may rip it out and choose a tubular cast on. With the dark navy it's not easy to see details, but it's the type of thing I think I'll keep thinking about.

I'll probably rip this all out later today and begin again.

The past two days are the first ones in a long time that it's been above freezing when I've left the house to go to morning minyan at 645a. I believe that's because I cast on for this hat. You're welcome.

much better now

18 February 2026

Yes, I am happy that I ripped and redid the cast on. This is a much better look and very appealing. I can’t wait to get to the colour work. But not tonight.

sometimes ripping is moving forward

18 February 2026

I just ripped out all I knit last night. I’ve prepared one of my favourite provisional cast ons, andI’ll start again. It’s not easy to be here but I know it’s the right decision. I was thinking too much about it and I know this will look better.

slow progress

25 February 2026

This hat would be much further along if I didn’t pause to admire it each chart repeat! There’s eight repeats per round. It’s super pretty and I love the colours. I can’t wait to share them, March will be here very soon.

It’s absolutely stunning. I love the subtle sparkle in the beaded mohair and sequins. I love it and hope that by finishing it I’ll hep this endless winter of snow to end. I’m only on round 8 though and there’s 62 for this chart.