The hat is underway.  The hat, destined as it is to have a nice deep brim, begins with an almost interminable stretch of 1 x 1 twisted ribbing.  The hat is whispering to me how much more interesting life will be when I start the patterned bit, and I am firmly pointing out that it will be more fun to wear with a deep brim.  I’ll let you know how the conflict ends.  In the meantime, I thought I’d tell you how to knit a hat.

1) Decide upon yarn, pattern, and needles.

2) Knit a nice swatch and, armed with a firm knowledge of both your head size and basic math, figure out what size you should make.

3) Cast on for the appropriate size and start knitting.

4) Become convinced that there is no way this hat could ever conceivably fit a human head; it is far too small.  Continue to knit.

5) Become convinced that there is no way this hat could ever conceivably fit a human head; it is far too small.  Continue to knit.

6) Become convinced that the hat is far too short.  Continue to knit.

7) Become convinced that the hat is far too tall.  Continue to knit.

8) Do some decreases.  Remain convinced that the hat will never ever ever fit.

9) Block the hat.  Try it on.  Be amazed how well it fits.

This is the process I have followed for every single hat I’ve ever knit.  I’m on step 4 now.  At least I know what to expect.