SMASH THE SHELL

This hat was created for my Laurel’s elevation to the Order of the Pelican when I was his student (prior to taking a belt). To match his persona, it is a naalbinded hat made with handspun wool singles from a fleece I washed and prepared myself. For the red color, I dyed most of the yarn with madder root.

I took a hat I had made him previously for “repair” (which it did need) and used it as a sizing guide for the new hat.

I tried starting the hat from the center and increasing at six consistent intervals to help ensure I got my desired cap shape.

Nimitz assisted by guarding the yarn and being judgmental.

After the white border around the opening was complete, I spun up some black alpaca and embroidered black “ermine” spots onto the white strip. And that, a they say, is a hat!