Ok, here is the first Shining Star. I think it took me over an hour and at least 10 tries to start this. My needles were big, heavy, shiny metal which just would NOT cooperate! Finally I caved and cast on the same way I did for the pinwheel blanket. I altered the bottom of the hat to add the pink ruffle. I did two rows of the brim in pink, and then just kfb’ed in all stitches for two rounds.

Side view: I like the laciness of the “rays”. It was hard to get a good picture of this yarn because it was so shiny. I have no idea what yarn it is…I found it in my mother’s stash, but if I were to guess, I’d say it’s Caron Simply Soft. Yes, nasty acrylic…but this one is rather nice as far as acrylics go.

Now, for take two: observe the homemade mini knitting needles! These were fabulous, weightless, and very grabby…perfect for the tiny cast on! I must make more of these in different sizes because, hey, you never know. They’re not oiled or anything, just sanded for now. But it was good enough. I worked with these until there were 8 or so stitches on each needle and then switched to the normal ones.

Top and side views of the boy’s hat. Since the Bernat Cottontots worked out so well for the Anouk dress, I was anxious to work with it again. So, here it is in blueberry.

So, all in all, I love this pattern! I like working with DPN’s, and starting at the top and increasing was pretty damn cool. I’d make this again, maybe in a larger size for my 9 year old cousin if she would like one. Something pretty and sparkly would suit her.