Me love you long time.

When I visited Liz and Meg last month, it came to my attention I had another little person in my life who was sadly lacking a homemade winter hat. Sam! Duh! And while I've made my share of baby hats, I'd never made a toddler hat. I don't trust my own math/reasoning skills yet, so I immediately started a pattern search when I got home. Well, maybe I just don't realize how close in size baby heads are to toddler heads, but I had a heck of a time finding the measurements for a kid. I finally found a pattern I really liked, with a cute mid-section design. The pattern turned out to be a real pain in my behind, which, I discovered, was my own fault, not a fault of the pattern (what would I do without my knitting guru, Jessica?!). Nonetheless, there was lots of staring at the computer screen and grumbling. But it worked itself out.

Until I made a stupid simple mistake that I just couldn't figure out how to fix. So (close your eyes, Jess) I "fixed" it in a way that it would be hid on the inside of the brim. While, the pattern that said it would fit up to a four-year-old was too small for Sam, revealing * gasp * my icky mistake! I immediately started a re-do hat.

This time I knew Sam's measurements better and was able to figure out the math for a simple straight knit hat. I threw in a little Charlie Brown stripe for interest. No mistakes this time, and it fits him pretty well. Phew!

Thanks for letting me steal the pics without asking, Liz. :)

What am I working on now? Well, wouldn't you like to know! Ha ha ha!

In unrelated news, today Lisa and I attended a free Japanese Bento box class at my neighborhood library branch. While a little overrun with youngsters (spring break week), it was overall a fun way to spend a few hours on a Tuesday afternoon. Plus, we got free Bento boxes and food to practice with. I don't know that I have the patience or skill to make much use of actual Bento arts, but I am endlessly amused by the cute possibilities.

Why thanks, Bento box!

Broccoli belly banana man in coffin and initialed strawberry-banana caterpillar.

Afternoons like this remind me of how lucky I am to have the freedom to do this sort of stuff right now. Deep breath, repeat three times: I am lucky... I am lucky... I am lucky... Sometimes you need a little reminder to look on the bright side of life.