Cat hat - Peg + Cat

September first is my neice's birthday.  Every year, I nearly forget to send a gift (and some have been late) because we head to the cottage the week before.  This year, I'm happy to say, I was more prepared.  I'm proud to say the gift not only arrived on time but I managed to make it as well!

pbskids.org

My niece loves the show Peg + Cat.  She often gets her dad to pretend play Peg + Cat.  She gets to be Peg (the girl) and her dad is Cat (you can probably guess what cat is) ;)  After creating the Benjamin Bunny hat for a customer I had the bright idea of making a hat from the show for my niece Violet.  And the Cat hat was born!

I decided to crochet the hat as I felt I could more easily create the oval eyes in crochet than in knitting.  At least with my skills.  I started with a generic crochet hat pattern that I had.  I then created two uneven oval eyes, round pupils, and ears from my own knowledge of crochet stitches.  I must admit I was proud of myself.  I didn't create anything wild and crazy but it is a start to creating my own designs.  I think it turned out pretty well.

Finished hat

My daughter modeling the hat

My niece lives in Atlanta, Georgia so it is a bit warmer there than here in Ontario.  In the winter, it gets cool enough that a hat can be useful some days so I figured it was a good gift.  She loved it so much she put it on right away and wore it even though it was a warm August day.  Thank you to my sister-in-law for the great photos of Violet in her new hat!

My two neices.  I think Violet's sister  needs a hat too.
Look how sad she is ;)

Ahhh...  Relaxing!

A Cottaging We Go

Every year, at the end of August, we head to Prince Edward County for a week at the cottage with our neighbours.  It's a great time for relaxing and enjoying the county.  

One of our regular stops is for lunch and cider at the County Cider Company in Waupoos. This year I enjoyed a pear cider and super yummy salad.  You also can't beat the view!  There is nothing like eating lunch overlooking the grape vines and lake.

www.countycider.com

The Devil's Wishbone Winery is another yearly tradition.  We happened upon this winery 3 years ago and have been back every year since.  Not only is the view amazing here as well, but their wines are fantastic.  

http://www.devilswishbone.com/

This year, we also ventured to Sandbanks Provincial park to hit the beach for the first time.  It was super windy but the kids didn't mind.  It meant lots of waves to jump!

Of course, I also spend some time knitting!  I may have over estimated my knitting time however.  I brought a ton of yarn somehow thinking (or hoping) I would knock out a few hats and perhaps even start a blanket.  I managed half a hat. :)

Start on a hat

The rest of the yarn I brought and didn't need

While I didn't get much knitting done, I did manage to eat through a great book (The Rosie Project) in just two days.  I also finished a bunch of course prep for the classes I'm teaching this fall.  Along with some county travels, photography and family time.

One more day of summer then back to the routine of the school year.....

Happy long weekend!