Recently, I got an email from my longtime friend, Summer. Referring to her unborn (at the time) baby, she wrote, “I wanted to knit the baby a little pumpkin sack and hat. I ordered one instead, and it is neon orange in person and I don’t like it. Anyway, here is what I want you to do for me because you are such a good friend and I am 7 days overdue:
-find me a pattern to knit something like this (sack and hat)
-find me good yarn to do it with
OR
-do it for me and mail it to me:)
I called Summer right away to give yarn and pattern suggestions, because she needed to get to work! I explained all the reasons why I couldn’t possibly knit a last-minute pumpkin hat, as much as I truly, from the bottom of my heart, wanted to. I explained that I was knitting on deadline for Beatrix. I told her that if she wants something that badly, I need more notice. I mean, when you’re a week overdue, there’s no pretending that you’ve only just realized you are having an October baby. 🙂 I told her, “You’re just going to be sitting around with a newborn! You knit it!”
By the close of our conversation, I had promised a hat (but no knitted sack). I’m a sucker, through and through. (And I love Summer.)
Having recently bought a stack of undyed playsilks, I figured I might as well dye one to match the hat, in lieu of a knitted sack, or cocoon. The tickseed sunflowers are almost finished blooming, but I pulled my car over in a few different spots to pick the last roadside blossoms.
Little Stella Francis arrived on Monday, last week. I got the playsilk and the hat in the mail on Wednesday, in plenty of time to arrive before Halloween.
I’m still waiting for a photo. Evidently, Frankie isn’t cooperating. That’s okay, I can wait. I’m kind of busy knitting Beatrix’s sweater anyway. Thank goodness, that knitting is my only responsibility in life. Knit, knit, knit. Make your request! I’ve got all the time in the world. 😉
Love you, Summer!
p.s. I improvised the hat pattern. I’ll try to get it written down at some point, because there are only about three dozen or so pumpkin hat patterns out there, and I want to do my part.
p.p.s. I am updating my shop on Thursday, November 3rd at 2 p.m. EST. I have an appt. that morning, so if for some reason it’s not up at 2, I’m just running late, so keep checking. There will be a handful of naturally dyed playsilks and Jonny’s cutting boards in addition to yarn, and a few other things!
Eydie Searles says
Yes, please publish your version of the pumpkin hat. I like it best of those I’ve seen.
Richard (in Charlotte, NC) says
You are certainly an awesome friend to have and Summer is so in luck. Your knit Pumpkin hat is another wonder that comes straight from the heart from someone that I can’t believe has time for anything other than tending to that ginormous family!
Christy says
Lovely hat, and gift.
May the Lord bless you and keep you. May the Lord smile on you, and be gracious to you and give you his peace. Numbers 6:24
Pamela R says
Such a sweet hat and how amazing of you to add a such a beautiful silk!
Grace says
I have a nice named Stella Frances!
daniela says
thank you for sharing this little story. i love how you care for your friends as well as trying to keep your family on the knitting list…. 🙂
Theresa says
Ginny, you are so sweet. You have a million things to do and still knit a baby hat for a friend. Which is adorable. Bless you.
Jennifer says
I love those play silks. I had a stack of undyed silks and wanted to use natural dyes but had no idea where to get started with so many other projects I’ve got going. I gave in and used kool-aid.
Charlotte says
Ha! You made me giggle because ‘knitting is the only responsibility in my life’ writes the busiest woman I’ve ever heard of.? You are a good friend.
Debi says
Yes, please. I would love a pattern for your version. I have seen many but I like yours best!
karen says
i knew you would knit that hat 🙂 I love the pumpkin-ness of it all!!
Judy Van Gorkom says
What is a play silk?
Taryn Kae Wilson @ WoolyMossRoots says
That pumpkin hat is adorable! I recently knit two pumpkin hats. I really like the way yours turned out with the brown stem and green leaves. I’m hoping I’ll be able to get to your shop on Thursday in time for the update!! 🙂
Elizabeth says
super cute!! God bless you and keep you all.
Julie says
How adorable. Friends are one of life’s dearest blessings. Congratulations Summer! May all our eyes be open to the wonder of our days, unless the baby is sleeping, then let all eyes be closed, and sleeping.Lovely playsilks Ginny.
GretchenJoanna says
I have never ever seen a cuter hat. Everything is perfect, including the color, which reminds me of pumpkin ice cream! I wonder if that flavor is in the stores now….
Tracey says
You are the kind of friend I wish every women could have in their life!!!