Knitting Update: Pleated Cloche Baby Hat

It's done! This is a special baby gift for my friend Heather :) I was really excited when she requested this hat. I've had this pattern for about a year but I've never had any baby girls coming along to make it for! Now I can officially cross it off my list.

This is the Pleated Cloche Hat from 60 Baby Knits. I have to say that I was a little surprised when I read that the pleated section and the color band is done on straight needles and then seamed together. "What?!" I thought, "That's probably just because the writer doesn't like dpns. I'll just do it all in the round!" Oh cocky me! Turns out there is a very good reason you knit it flat first - the color changing. This is my first ever real color changing project, so I really had no idea this was the reason until I started going on it. If I had followed the directions, I would have knitted each color back and forth. Since I did it all in the round, I had no choice but to cut the yarn after each color change. Once I had it all knitted, I went back and had to tie the two pinks together where they meet, and weave in the ends. All. 44. Of. Them. Yeah, that wasn't so much fun and it felt like it took just as long as making the whole hat, lol.

This is the result of my tying - a bunched up middle section. I was able to cover one side with the super cute bow, but this side is out there for all to see. I also had some random issues because the pattern is a little vague. I was able to fix them, but honestly if Heather was a knitter I would be embarrassed to give it to her lol. At least it looks cute from the outside! Oh, and I made this in the recommended yarn for the pattern. This is Cascade 220 Superwash in Aran, Strawberry Pink and Salmon.

I can't wait to give this to Heather and see it on a little baby head :)