Evangeline & Gretchen's Slouchy Hat

Hey, pack family! If you bought a paperback copy of Pack of Freaks, then you got this pattern in the back of the book. I thought I'd share my test knit with you!

When I began editing, I knew I wanted to include a link to a comparable pattern to the one Gretchen uses in the book. I looked through some patterns and couldn't find any that I liked, so I wrote my own. Most of the ones I read through were knitted in the rounds and I wanted something more beginner-friendly so I took some measurements and gave it a go.

To start, I didn't follow my own instructions. I didn't choose a soft yarn. I just grabbed a color I liked out of my pile. It did soften a bit in the wash, and I'm hoping it will soften with wear and washing, to get just the right amount of slouch.

I'll let you take a gander at the pattern before I talk (type? write?) your ear off (eyes out? No, that sounds way grosser!):

I took some pictures of the progress:

The beginning! It felt strange to use straight needles again, I've been using an interchangeable set for every project. The smaller needles are used to create a snugger brim. If you'd prefer a looser fit, go ahead and use the larger size from the beginning

After making it to the end length (you can make it longer or shorter if you wish!), I seemed the two outside edges together, folding it together so you're working on the inside. I use a plastic tapestry needle. I think you could tighten the seam to emphasize the slouch.

I stitched the opposite end from the brim together, so that the mid-seam ended up down the middle of the back.

I loosely whipstitched the top corners together to keep it from looking too square. If you like the square look, you can skip this. (You can turn it right side out to check) This would also be a good time to hide all your ends. There are many different ways to do this. I simply threaded the yarn through the purl bumps and called it good, since no one is going to see the inside.

This is what it looks like right-side-out!

Because of the stiffness of my yarn, it took some manipulating to get it to sit and slouch properly (I really should listen to myself!)

My kiddos have absconded with it several times, and it looks stinking cute on them! I think I'll be working up some more, in smaller sizes for Christmas! I made the smallest size for myself. If you have any questions about this pattern or the book, feel free to email me: jenniferzamboniauthor@gmail.com or contact me on facebook: https://www.facebook.com/jenniferzamboniauthor I love to talk shop!