Behind-the-scenes: Stoneleigh hat

This weekend, my latest pattern, the Stoneleigh hat, was published in the August edition of Knotions.  I'm honored to have another pattern published through Knotions!  Today, I'll share a bit about the behind-the-scenes design process for this hat.

The Stoneleigh Hat

Combining two of my favorite things, short rows and sock yarn, this hat builds upon the same concept of a few of my sweater designs (Assateague, Baton Rouge, and Loch Raven).  What I call short row 'wedges' alternate between your main color and contrasting color to provide an interesting knit and a unique shape.  Before you know it, the body of your hat is complete and you're at the crown shaping. (Yay! I love it when hats go quickly.) 

For my sample, I used two great yarns, Colinette Jitterbug and Spincycle Yarns' Dyed in the Wool.  I love how the long color changes in Dyed in the Wool really highlight the construction of this hat, and paired with the rich solid color of Jitterbug, it makes a gorgeous knit. 

If you follow my designs at all, you might have noticed that I don't knit hats very often--nor do I often design them (this is my first published hat design). I enjoy the challenge of sweater construction in particular and usually find hats a little less fun to design.  However, this one was definitely not the norm for me! It gave me a little trouble when I got to the crown shaping (fourth time ripping is a charm, right?!), but when it was done, I was soooo pleased with how it turned out.  I think I don't enjoy hats as much as other projects since I don't wear them much, but this one will be a definite staple for me this fall and winter. 

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close-up of the wedge (short row) shaping in the Stoneleigh Hat

Neither too slouchy nor too snug, this little hat is a quick knit for this transitional time as we move into fall.  I'm ready for more sweaters, for sure, but may make another one of these before we get into chilly weather... 

If you'd like to make this hat, check out the full pattern at Knotions at this link.  I'd love to see your finished project--if you share on social media, feel free to tag me (@emilyconnell_designs), use #emilyconnelldesigns and #stoneleighhat, and I'll be sure to see your photos! 

Thanks for reading, and happy knitting to you all! 
best wishes for happy crafting,
​emily

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