Chris’ birthday is today! He’s turning 28 and he says he feels old. As you know, I don’t have a job, so funds for a present are pretty much nonexistent, but luckily I have a nice yarn stash and could make him something:
It’s a Space Invaders hat! For those who don’t know, Space Invaders was/is an old arcade video game (probably one of the first ones). Since Chris loves video games, I figured he’s probably played Space Invaders, and since I found a handy chart by Arne & Carlos here, I figured I could make him that.
To make the hat: using worsted yarn (Berroco Vintage) and a US6 circular needle, I cast on 96 sts and did some rows of k2 p2 ribbing. Switching to a US8 circular needle, I used the chart from the free PDF, and did the decreases at the top like this (switching to DPNs when it became necessary):
k10, k2tog. Knit 1 round. k9, k2tog. Knit 1 round. k8, k2tog. Knit 1 round…. etc. until I got to the last three decrease rows, where I didn’t do a regular knit row in between them. When 8 sts were left I cast off and secured the ends!
I hope it fits him — it fits me but might be a little tight for him around the colorwork area — I did the floats without really factoring in stretch.
Also, my sprained foot is feeling much better — I’ve been taking it really easy and I think it’s going to be just fine. The swelling is almost completely gone, the big bruise has stopped spreading, and I’m walking almost normally again. Thanks again for all the well-wishes — ya’ll made me smile!
I guess that’s all for today. Thanks so much for stopping by!
not your average crochet 
Awesome hat! Oh and tell that young-un to quit sniveling about being old at 28.
Signed,
The 43 year old 😀
LikeLike
Thanks! Hahaha that’s what I tell him!
LikeLike
Tell him to do some squats and man up. lol
LikeLike
HAHAHA I’ll totally say that next time he complains!
LikeLike
and whatever you do, do not let him know where to find me… 😀
LikeLike
Awesome hat! Absolutely gorgeous!
LikeLike
Thanks so much!
LikeLike
Great hat! And what a blessing we all have when we can make something when we cant afford to buy things… My son is 30 and daughters 29 & 17,,, They love hats!
LikeLike
Thanks! It is very nice indeed to always have that skill to use for gifts!
LikeLike
Oh. My. GAWD. I lurve space invaders, this hat is a thing of beauty. Way better than anything you could have found in a shop anyway. Glad to hear the foot is healing up quickly.
LikeLike
Haha I’m glad you like it! 🙂
LikeLike
Happy Birthday Chris!! Hope you ha r many more. 🙂
Hannah that is a great gift I think he is going to like it and I hope he wears it everyday 🙂
LikeLike
Goodness that should say have
LikeLike
Thanks! I hope he wears it too, although I bet he won’t for a couple of months — he works in a hot kitchen and it’s been about 90 degrees Fahrenheit every day lately. Then again, he does love to keep the house very cold — maybe he’ll wear it inside!
LikeLike
i think it will look especially nice with a coordinating handmade jacket??? 🙂
LikeLike
Listen, chick, I was playing space invaders before you and Chris were even born!!! Stunning hat, and pleased to hear about your paw.
LikeLike
Hahaha!! And I’m ashamed to say I’ve never even played it myself!
LikeLike
He is sure to appreciate something you have made yourself rather than a bought item and the hat is great with the space invader pattern on.
LikeLike
Glad to here your foot is getting better. Tell Chris to wait until he’s 30, that’s really scary. That’s what I thought at the time. Now I’m thinking 80 will be scary. Signed Irene (aged72)
LikeLike
Awesome hat! Great job knitting. Glad to hear that your foot is doing much better.
LikeLike