Other than a couple of mild days, this winter is shaping up to be a cold one. November was cold and windy, and it became clear pretty quickly that this was not a year to go hatless. I have a lot of hats, but I really don’t like any of them (I have never been a hat person), so right in the middle of a frenzy of holiday knitting I took a minute to knit one for myself (that it took another three weeks to get photos is a whole other story).
I decided to knit Norby, which I bought the pattern for ages ago. It’s written for fingering weight yarn, but it was cold, so I decided to use DK for a little extra warmth. Despite having many excellent options in my stash, I figured that since I was breaking my holiday knitting rules* anyway, I might as well splurge. This is Shalimar Breathless DK, a merino, cashmere, silk blend, and it is deliciously soft and snuggly.
To make the pattern work for the heavier yarn, I cast on fewer stitches and worked one fewer repeat of the chart. The whole thing was a breeze to knit, and the tassels (which I wasn’t sure about at first) are the perfect finishing touch!
This is by far the most successful hat I’ve ever knit for myself. I’m not sure this will be warm enough if the weather gets as cold as last year, but for now, Norby is perfect.
Details
Pattern: Norby by Gudrun Johnston
Yarn: Shalimar Breathless DK in Scarab
Needles: 4.5mm
Notes: Followed the pattern exactly as written, but used a different stitch count. Ravelled here.
*As a general rule, once October rolls around, I focus on my holiday knitting until it’s finished. It’s the only way I know to get it all done without scrabbling around alone on Christmas Eve. So far, despite Norby sneaking in there, I’m still on track to finish with a healthy buffer.
Pans & Needles 
Very cute hat!!!
Ooh. Once you mentioned the Shalimar yarn, I could almost feel it on my own head. That sounds so decadent.
It really is incredibly decadent. Thank goodness for on-skein projects that let you enjoy such lovely yarns on a budget.
That hat is lovely! Perfect for the winter weather!
I like your Norby, such a beautiful colour!
I’ve never been much of a hat person before but now that I can knit myself whatever I feel like, I can’t seem to stop. I have a few lighter hats that were great for fall temperatures and now it’s time for warm hats here as well.
I love this! I love the tassels! The tassels are amazing!
The colour suits you perfecty – especially your eyes. Really, really great knit. And I can absolutely relate on your hat-problem – I am not a hat person myself, my hair is too thick, so I seem to be constantly pulling my hat down and down and down … No fun.
Keep going on your holiday knitting! I keep peeking at your project page and it is all beautiful. 🙂
Have a great start to your week!
That is exactly my problem! This one seems to be okay, especially if I make sure to tuck my hair into my jacket.
It’s a beautiful design. You have done well!
Lovey hat and what great yarn you picked!
What a cute hat. You are workin’ it fierce!
I had never noticed this pattern until now – what a great hat! I think you were right to make it in the heavier yarn, and I’ve heard that yarn is amazing.
Love it! It looks so soft and comfy 🙂
This hat is perfect! 🙂
Thank you!