Some of you will know that part of the attraction of my current job is that I get to travel 50 minutes each way to & from work on the train – during which time, if I have enough elbow room, I knit. In the morning I *always* have enough elbow room, so I always have a small project with me.

I’ve become known as the lady who knits, as a few of us travel in the same carriage each day. There is a group of 5-6 folks who sit in the same area as me and chat – through eavesdropping I’ve come to know them a bit, but don’t want to join in their conversation as then I’d lose the “me” time I’ve come to appreciate.

Some time ago, one of the ladies in the group, by means of “pleasante”-ness (I can’t think of an adequate English equivalent to the French “je pleasante” which is as succinct ~ I’m gently ribbing you by way of trying to be pleasant and making friends doesn’t really cover *or* cut it, frankly) asked was I going to make them all hats.

I confess, my initial reaction to this was “am I bugger!” but I smiled & responded appropriately.

However, over time I’ve come to think that there may be an interesting creative challenge here: working out what’s the right hat for someone who I know only through eavesdropped conversations, and then making it ~ and handing it over without giving offense!

So, I’ve decided to go for it. Target is the start of December, so we don’t hit the Christmas holiday period, and they get them before it gets truly cold. And we’ll see how many of them actually get worn!

The candidates are:
Angie, the ring-leader (who asked about hats in the first place) ~ a slightly older lady, she chuckles a lot. Her hair is curly and dark and frames her head like a halo.
Diane ~ is a bit younger, and is quite brash (but in a hold-your-own way rather than being-nasty) . She got a lot of flack for the hats she wore last winter, so could be approached two ways: go conservative as she may be sensitive about things or be a bit bolder as I know she can take it. I have a happy plan for the latter which I *really* want to try, so I think I will. Also, she usually washes her hair in the mornings so careful styling is clearly about as important to her as it is to me!
Bella ~ about the same age as Angie, and in my head I picture her wearing golden autumn-y tones. Her hair is straight & short, but always nicely styled. She will be tricky as when I had short hair I always struggled with which hat to wear without looking like a mental patient.
Other lady ~ I’m sure I should know her name, but can’t recall it.  She’s somewhere between Angie & Diane in age and has long dark hair worn in a bob. I keep picturing her with a red beret but am concerned that might be a bit of a cliche.
Chap #1 ~ again, sorry about the name thing. At the older end of the group’s age spectrum, he dresses like… someone on his way to work in an office job. Knowing how men like exciting hats, I’m going to go with a plain navy hat for him.

Optional extras (if I have time) – these guys sometimes are there in the mornings, and are usually there in the evenings. If I have time I’ll cast the net wider!
Chap #2 ~ I think he’s called Ian – drives a smart car & works in insurance. Time permittinghe’s getting a Wooly Wormhead Chevron made from cream aran with colourful flecks in. As a smart car driver, I’m pretty sure he can carry it off!
Tracy ~ When I grow up and start styling my hair, I want her hairstyle. For this reason she may not get a hat, but an elaborate scarf/neck-wrap. She’s very stylish. And smiles a lot.

Some of these are in progress or finished – will post some more presently…