Sometimes the sweetest things are born when you are not planning anything special. That is what happened with thishat and neck warmer– I was sitting one cool autumn morning with a cup of coffee, watching the first leaves swirl outside the window. My yarn basket was beside me, with just the right whiteBaby Softinside: soft, fluffy, warm and with a slight sheen. And somehow the crochet hook began moving all by itself.
At first I intended to make only a little hat, but when I saw how silkily the yarn worked up, I thought, why not add aneck warmertoo, something to keep the neck softly warm without loose ends or knots to worry about. As a set they looked especially sweet.
The hat has a small raised pattern along the edge to hold its shape and add texture. On top is a pompom – not only for decoration, but so the little wearer can grab it and laugh when the wind ruffles the hat. The neck warmer is crocheted a little more densely so the neck stays cosy and the wind does not blow through. Both suit babies of around 3–6 months, depending on head circumference.
Baby Soft is one of those yarns that is almost impossible to ruin. It forgives every little mistake and creates a pleasant, almost meditative rhythm as you work.
When yarn runs between your fingers and the needles click, it feels as though the world goes quiet for a moment. That is the magic of handicraft, a moment when time stops.
The pattern itself is simple but effective. A small raised edge gives the piece a professional finish. The edges are finished with a fine crocheted border that helps hold the shape and adds strength, so the hat does not stretch or sag. For the neck warmer I used a lightly spiralling stitch that makes it stretchy without becoming too loose. That combination is ideal for babies: warm, breathable and gentle on the skin.
Maimu naturally joined in the moment the finished hat was first placed on the table. “Tiina, it is like a little cloud!” she said, touching the yarn. “Did you make this for a baby or a little angel?” I laughed, because the white really was so pure it seemed almost heavenly. Bim was not far behind. Naturally he had to use the entire neck warmer as a pillow. Cats and handicraft, a very special combination, is it not?
If you would like a closer look at the set or want to order something similar, the link is below. And do not be surprised if Maimu comments from somewhere in the background again. She is our resident quality control.