tam

The vital statistics
Pattern: The basic tam from The Knitter's Handy Book of Patterns: basic designs in multiple sizes and gauges; the size is basically that which I achieved with the yarn that I used.
Yarn: dark blue Shetland wool recycled from a jumper that I bought at Sacred Heart Mission op shop on Chapel St in Windsor.
Needles: oh dear, don't remember, bamboo dpns I think.
Start to finish: 30 May 2008 to 7 November 2008

Comments: I was very pleased with the yarn for this - I decided that I wanted to knit a navy blue tam for baby bear and went out to the op shop specifically looking for a jumper in navy blue. I found one the first time I looked and here is the result. I knit this at a very tight gauge in order to make it as waterproof as possible. If I were to make a tam from this pattern again I think that I would start at the top centre (not at the brim). Then you could knit for a while and work out what your gauge is and then know when to stop the increases. I had some trouble blocking this - I did it over a plate and the brim stretched way too wide so it took me a while to actually get around to putting some elastic into the brim.

Verdict: Hmmmm, not sure. The pattern is fine but the fabric that I have created with the Shetland is a bit rough. I'm not sure whether baby bear will enjoy wearing it or how well it will fit her because she hasn't shown much interest in putting it on so far.