Feel the fear...

... And knit it anyway. A bit dramatic considering what I was actually in fear of, but bear with me.

I've never been much of a mathematician. Or scientist. Formulas, numerical sequences: even the arithmetic bit on Countdown makes me panic. 

Which is why I've always avoided using knitting patterns. All those abbreviations and numbers look a bit too much like algebra to me. So even though I'm a keen knitter it's always been strictly squares and rectangles. Cushion covers, wrist warmers, scarves. But I've been hankering after a hat lately and desperately wanted a go at knitting one myself.

So last week I bit the bullet, found a simple pattern booklet by this designer, and treated myself to some nice yarn  - Rowan's Cocoon - and a couple of pairs of bamboo needles.

And after a quick phone call to my mum to clarify one particular set of instructions I was on my way. Counting, stitching, decreasing even. And now I'm hooked. So much so that once I'd finished my first hat I went out, bought more yarn (the cream one, above) and knitted another. There wasn't enough for a matching pompom so I made one with some rather fetching khaki.

I think I prefer the cream hat. Here it is (being modelled in the bathroom mirror).

Sorry this picture's not great. But I wouldn't pose while Jay took a photo of me. You know I hate being photographed. And my eyes look wonky when I take photos in the mirror - no idea why.

But anyway, that's what I've been up to (in my free moments) since Wednesday. And now I'm able to actually use a pattern there'll be no stopping me. Hooray!