Introspection is available for pre-order!

The collection went on sale last night and I got a newsletter out this morning. I’m completely exhausted but it’s here. I’m publishing a new collection for the first time in 18 months!

Myself and my tech editors have been working flat out to iron out a few kinks with the first patterns. Problems that probably wouldn't exist if it wasn't for the fact that I went for seamless construction and refined details with a bazillion size and yarn weight options, not to mention all those brim and crown options.

Most of the finickity bits we've worked through over the last few days apply to most of the patterns, which means we've done the bulk of the tech editing work and the rest should be a little more straightforward. Famous last words and all that but I’m not expecting the rest to take long.

The pre-order includes a file explaining how the patterns will be delivered and what to expect. It also has the first 2 patterns with it. The first 2 patterns are Intro Beanie and Intro Helmet. If you managed to purchase the pre-order before the Helmet, I’m impressed with your speed! And you can use the original download link to access the Helmet, likewise the other single patterns as they’re made available.

The pre-order is available on Payhip, Etsy and Ravelry as well as here on this website.

I went with a deep, deep brim on the Intro Beanie because I like it’s proportion and the way it sits, but you don’t have to. You can easily adjust the depth of the brim and add the extra length to the body. The deep brim is even toastier in the folded brim option, and I’ve heard from quite a few folks that they’re keen to knit this one for that reason!

All of the patterns have 4 brim options - 1x1 rib, 2x2 rib, garter stitch and the folded brim. I’ve added in extra little details that create nice, clean lines without being too challenging to do. It’s these little details that can make a Hat in my opinion.

The beanie has 10 crown options so there’s a lot to choose from!

From a pattern writing and technical editing angle, the Intro Helmet was the most brain bendy one. I guess there always has to be one? I spent quite a bit of time in video meetings with my tech editor, as it was easier to explain with my arms moving around and pointing to my head than it was in our chat group! It was worth it, as it’s really clean. I’m really chuffed with how these patterns have come out - so many options, so many possibilities, yet super clear and concise instructions.

It’s not that this one is particularly difficult to knit, more that I wanted a completely seamless construction and used some clever moves, and explaining those clearly is where it gets tricky. The knitting itself is much more straightforward and it all makes sense as you work through it, but I will warn you not to over-think it if you read ahead in the pattern.

The helmet has 6 crown options. It works on a similar maths principle to the beanie, only it’s shaping is more rapid, and thus not as much room for as many options.

In case you missed it previously, there are 6 styles in this collection - beanie, beret, bonnet, helmet, pixie and slouch - and they’re written for 6 yarns in up to 12 sizes. Each style has 4 brim options and between 6 and 10 crown options. Which is an awful lot of Hats!

They’ll love your hand-spun or hand-dyed yarns, especially if they’re the kinds of yarns that prove challenging to many patterns. These patterns will play really nicely with those opinionated yarns. And they’ll also be just as happy with your semi-solid, solid or mill-spun yarns - there really is room for everything within this collection.

The bulk of the work is done, I only need to work through and make some minor changes to the remaining 4 patterns before sending them back for further editing. The layout style has been developed so once the editing is all done it’ll all get dropped into layout ready for final checks! Folks won’t be waiting long for the remaining patterns or final eBook, and I reckon 6 weeks tops.

The eBook will include a couple of bonus chapters that the single patterns won’t have, which includes how to calculate yardage and how to start substituting stitch patterns - this will appeal to adventurous Hat knitters and inquisitive Hat designers alike.

There are also 12 photographic tutorials in the eBook, and they’re available to download as PDFs via links within the single patterns. This collection will also be going into print so if you’re an LYS, keep an eye out at Deep South Fibers.

Phew. I hope you enjoy knitting them and find them useful!