There have been a few ‘perfect’ winter days recently; I mean the kind with clear pale blue skies and crisp, invigorating air. I love going out for walks when the weather’s like this. Of course, the fact that the sun is shining doesn’t preclude strong wind… and I’ve decided that hats are the key to Winter Hairstyle Survival. There’s nothing more irritating than walking outside and having your hair rearrange itself on your head after a particularly vicious gust - it makes me feel like a poor relation of Susan Sto-Helit. I’m a fan of the cloche (which seems to be ‘in’, but it’s a classic hat that should, frankly, be worn whether it’s in or not) and own one, but I recently bought a trilby and really like that too. (There’s a photo of said trilby here.)

I’ve been thinking about knitting a hat, but there are so many patterns to choose from! I’m not sure what would suit me, either - only certain things look good on my head, and I haven’t figured out what those things are yet. Some hats I like:

• Estella, by Ysolda
• Gretel, by Ysolda
• Bonnie, by Kim Hargreaves
• Soul, by Kim Hargreaves
• Katie Cap, by Staceyjoy Elkin
• Ice Queen, by Rosemary Hill (this isn’t actually a hat, but does potentially cover the head)

I really can’t choose between them. I’m edging towards “Bonnie”, which is in the Kim Hargreaves pattern book (Heartfelt) that I’m getting for Christmas. It’s knit with just a couple of balls of RYC Bamboo Soft, which I’ve wanted to try for ages… I had a fondle last time I was in a yarn shop and it really is silky-soft. (I’ve also heard it’s splitty, but I think I can cope with that for one hat.)

My own knitting efforts are drifting between doll sweaters and secret Christmas presents, and I can’t show the latter here in case someone’s being naughty and peeking! I can show off dolly knits, though. I like the colour pink more than I used to, but only in small doses… so I’m knitting thin stripes of it into this plain black sweater. I love horizontal stripes, but I’d never wear them myself because of the “person looks bigger than actual size” problem. (Living vicariously through doll fashion? Moi?)