I'm sorely tempted to try to rhyme about bucket hats. But I think that would end up being painful for all concerned. Instead, I'll just give you the progression of development of what should have become a Bucket-o-Chic, but instead, became something not entirely unlike a Bucket-o-Chic (with apologies to Douglas Adams).

Here's the starting point -- a whole lot of Cascade 220 in color 9323. I think it goes smashingly well with my cotton Gap Fair Isle (an ancient sweater), and Angel skinny scarf. Don't you just love that 3-needle bind off?

Not Quite a Hat

Here it is after one full cycle through my washing machine. I like to let my felted goods go through the spin cycle, because by the time they finish they are not so wet any more -- but damp enough so that the fabric can be manipulated. Gotta love that flowery floppy brim. I'm not so sure it's a good idea to do a doubled thickness of yarn in the brim... I've done enough felting to know better -- the brim felted slower than the rest of the hat. Thus, something that should have been proportional came out having a lot more extra fabric than it should have. I think if I do another of these, I'll only do a single thickness of yarn for the brim.

Damp and Silly

After playing with it for a while, and being pretty disappointed that it was not going to be a chic fabulastic hat, I set it down on my desk. Hmmm... the brim flattened out like magic. What, I thought, if I let it dry that way? Maybe the brim at least won't be all fluttery.

After a Night of Rest

After an overnight rest on my desk, the brim has developed a little bit more poise and conformation. But it's not very buckety. It makes me feel like I should be reading "One Fish, Two Fish, Red Fish, Blue Fish" and "Green Eggs and Ham" while Thing 1 and Thing 2 run around and demolish my house.

Still Pretty Silly

I'm fortunate in that I get to chat with the Divine Miss Burns on a semi regular basis. I read the FAQ... I even blocked that brim. I'm hoping that maybe she has some other pointers to keep in mind. Maybe I'll try to knit one without going the felted route. I'm very into Becky's awesome bucket that looks like it has a velvet brim and top. Since I don't think this hat is going to win any prizes, maybe I'll have to work out a trade for some of that fabulous French fiber that made for the perfect hat.

I have to start a little count down today. Some people are counting down to Christmas. I'm counting down to Columbus. I've got a trip to Indiana planned this weekend. Only 4 days to go until I'm giving myself permission to fall off the de-stashing wagon for a while.