Dear Sis,

Charlotte is very picky about hats, but she also has a tendency to get cold easily. I found a hat that our pig lover just might wear. Originally, I was looking on Etsy, but quickly realized I could make one for a faction of the cost. I actually made four for $18.00 and I still had yarn leftover. They will be Christmas gifts for all of our kiddos. We’ll have to get a picture of them wearing them all together:)

I used this FREE pattern from the Repeat Crafter Me blog.

Since the pattern does not provide any gaging information or measurements for the various sizes (NB – adult). I made the hats to measure as I worked. With two measurements, you can make these hats tailored to any sized head:

1. Head Circumference – measure all the way around the head where it is fullest
2. Hat Depth – measure from the center top of the head to the point on the forehead where you wish the hat to end. The image below shows exactly what I’m trying to describe:)

This pattern works up beautifully, but I did make a few changes:

• Pig Ears – are worked in two layers, one in the lighter shade of yearn and one in the darker yarn. Instead of sewing the two layers together as the pattern suggests, I used the lighter shade to single crochet around them. This creates a boarder of the lighter shade around the darker shade, which I prefer visually.
• Ties – the tie instructions are very vague and create thin ties. I cut nine (24 inch) strands of yarn. Folded them in half in half and used my largest crochet hook to pull them through the bottom of the earflap, as pictured below. 

Then, pass the ends trough the on the other side of the earflap and pull them tight carefully so that all ends are about the same length.

Divide yarn into three groups of six stands and braid. Secure braid with a knot.

Happy Crafting!

Love,

b