I did it!
One failed attempt and three gauge swatches later, I crocheted the Basic Beanie from Crochet Slouchy Beanies and Headwraps.
Yes, three gauge swatches.
I wound up going down to an E hook. I was surprised that was what it took for me to get the right gauge with a worsted weight yarn, but it did. The crocheted result wasn't too dense (like I had feared) and the hat is nice and slouchy.
The hat is smaller than last time--meaning it fits on my head. And this is how much yarn I have left over from my last hat attempt.
I'll just add that extra yarn to the half of a skein I have left. Maybe it will turn into a cowl and then I can have a matching set this winter! I've been knitting and crocheting for myself quite a bit lately, and I kind of don't want to stop now. I love this yarn, I love this color, and it turns out I do love this pattern.
There's just six rounds of increases followed by several rounds of crocheting before a decrease round and the brim. Crocheting in the back ridge of every round makes rows upon rows of circles and I absolutely love the look of it. It's simple, but there's some elegance to the simplicity and I think this is just so pretty.
If I had some gradient yarn I wouldn't even be typing this right now because I'd be too busy crocheting this hat pattern all over again. Actually I could, in theory, have time to crochet a hat and write a post about it. This is a pretty straightforward project and I made my hat in about a day.
I'm pretty excited about this bit of wooly happiness incarnate on my head this winter, but if I had it to do over again (but I won't, because that's THREE tries for one hat), I think I'd work even more straight rounds. I might have actually skipped a few due to impatience, or maybe I was getting nervous about the size. I should have known better. I think the key in making slouchy hats is to work until you think the hat is pretty darn slouchy, and then work a few more rounds after that. And even taking that into consideration, I think this is just great.
As quickly as this practically crocheted itself up, I can see myself making a lot of Basic Beanies between now and next winter.
Especially now that I've got that gauge figured out.
I am happy that it fits!!! My DD had the same trouble knitting that same hat. I think she finally finished it. (there was some starting over for her too). It looks really cute. Make them in several colors. Fun.
Thanks, me too! Now that I'm set on the gauge, I think this pattern is a keeper because this is some excellent car crocheting. I hope your daughter *really* enjoys her hat once it's finished.