When it’s cold outside and the sun only peaks out a handful of times during winter, I enjoy doing a craft project. It makes me feel accomplished. 

I used to knit scarves years ago but decided to try something different. It felt like work instead of a fun pastime. Now, I knit hats on a loom. 

One of my besties, Stacie, asked me to knit her a hat, so I got down to business! It’s been about a year since I made my last one, but it’s like riding a bike. I picked it up again quickly. However, I wanted to challenge myself and learn a new stitch. 

Of course, YouTube is the perfect way to grasp a new skill. Finding a good video and teacher can make you proficient in almost anything. As I mentioned in a recent blog, my dad always said, “If you have the right tools, it makes the job easier”. So, for this project, I bought a nifty little row counter and markers to remember what type of stitch I was knitting. These gadgets made it much more enjoyable. I am not a coordinated hand-eye person, but I do make a nice knitted hat! 

These winter days are the perfect time to revisit a hobby, an unfinished project, or to teach yourself something new. It keeps your brain working while we patiently wait for longer, brighter days. In the meantime, stay warm and take pleasure in taking on a task perfect for a weekend in February.

If you want to learn how to knit hats, this is my loom kit. Click here for the brand of yarn I used, super bulky #6. Also, here is the row counter and stitch markers to make the process uncomplicated. 

This is the video I followed for this slouchy hat pictured above. If you decide to give it a whirl, please share a picture of your results! Have fun!