Knit for Japan Hat

My Knit for Japan hat is finally complete! I chose the Milanese Lace Topper because I liked the swirl of lacework. Also, the pattern was free, and I already had a ball of worsted weight yarn that I could use. The lace pattern took me longer than I'd care to admit, mostly because each repeat was similar to the round before, but not quite the same. I had to keep looking at the pattern to keep my place. As I progressed, I kept worrying that the brim would roll up because there was only one round of ribbing to anchor it. However, after wet blocking the brim isn't rolling at all. Score one for me.

I like how simple and feminine this hat turned out. I also like imagining who will end up wearing it. I picture it arriving halfway around the world and keeping a Japanese woman warm and pretty this winter. Maybe it will bring her some comfort knowing that people from all across the globe still think and care about the people of Japan. This hat is a small but intimate connection between me and a stranger. I don't know her, but she is on my mind.

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Thanks to Ginny for organizing the Knit for Japan group. 

If you want more details on this hat, check out my Ravelry page.

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I'm brainstorming ideas to make something for another Japanese stranger. My friend Fumiko just had a baby! Fumiko lives just outside of Tokyo, and when I heard from her after the earthquakes and tsunami she expressed worry about her baby and worry about her ability to respond to emergencies while seven months pregnant. I want to send her new little girl something handmade to celebrate her safe and joyful arrival. I'm undecided if I'll knit, crochet, or sew something for her. What's your favorite thing to make for a new baby? I'd love to hear your ideas!