Web-Letter, Issue 57 – Daisy Chapeau We're in the midst of yet-another busy time of the season—we're hard at work putting the Spring 2009 line together and are all running around like busy little bees. Amongst her organized chaos Pam has asked me to take on the Web-Letter this week so she can keep her focus on next season. Cooler weather (and holiday knitting) is quickly approaching. To help us prepare, Jil Eaton has designed an embellished hat, fit for all ages—designed especially to feature Jil's own yarn line, MinnowMerino. Our 2-year old model really loved wearing the hat (even though the weather was pretty warm), so much so that it was hard to get her to take it off! Read on to see what Jil has to say about her Daisy Chapeau.
The Story: Everyone always asks me where the inspirations for my designs come from, and I never know how to answer, as I’m inspired by everything from my giant red hibiscus in my garden to a photograph in the Moma catalogue. I love to knit while watching  movies from my collection of classics, and this hat was definitely inspired by “Please Don’t Eat the Daisies”, an old charmer starring Doris Day and David Niven. I usually do embroidered flowers, and wanted something more sculptural and dimensional this time. I think this 3-D effect lends a flirty air to the chapeau. Don't you agree? I’m always looking for new ways to embellish, and these sculptural daisies are easy to do, with an adorable result. The Yarn: MinnowMerino — 100% extra fine superwash merino MinnowMerino is a fabulous machine washable yarn—available in amazing kid-friendly colors. Jil Eaton offers incredible pattern support in the form of single patterns and in her up-coming new book Pipsqueaks, Deluxe QuickKnits for Babies & Toddlers (available in October). The super soft, almost cashmere-like feel, and ability to be machine washed, makes easy-to-wear, easy-to-care-for finished knits. The larger gauge assures that the garment will be finished before the little one has out grown the size! Visit the minnowknits website to sign up for MinnowNotes—receive quarterly messages filled with MinnowInfo. The Stitches: Jil designed her Daisy Chapeau with the brim knit flat in garter stitch, to be seamed up later. The stitches are joined to work the crown in stockinette stitch in the round. This pattern detail makes for an even transition between the brim and the crown of the hat. If the beginning of the hat had been worked in garter stitch in the round, a “jog” in the transition between the two stitch patterns would have made for an uneven looking brim. Working the brim flat also allows the hat to be knit without any purl rounds! Embellishments can turn an ordinary project into something extra special.  In her Daisy Chapeau, Jil adds interest at the top by ending it in I-cord that is then tied into a little knot. To make the cap even more fanciful, I-cord flowers are knit and then sewn onto the brim. These added details are easy to work and make an extra-ordinary finished product.	more photos The Pattern: Here is the free downloadable Daisy Chapeau pattern.
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