A couple of months ago I blogged about the witchcraft that is double (layered) knitting. I was learning from a book, and as my gauge was WAY OFF what I expected I had to do some serious adaptation from the original pastafarian design I found to get something that would fit a non-giant.

I managed to tough it out through finishing Ralph’s hat, but don’t be expecting me to start churning out the double knits any time soon. It’s even more tortuous than 1×1 rib, which is saying a lot.

It’s more than twice as tortuous. But I had mentioned to the intended recipient’s partner that it was in progress, so not finishing it or not handing it over would have been Noticed I think.

Ralph the fish, while not a Mafioso, does have easy access to freezers and a smelly van, so he’s not a man you cross lightly. He actually supplies very yummy fish to restaurants.

I pulled my finger out and did the decreases necessary to finish off the top of the hat. It was finished… recently. With much checking that it wasn’t going to be too small.

To be honest, the size is touch & go.

And, somewhat disappointingly, due to the way it’s been knitted, the reverse side is a lot looser than the intended outside, so it’s actually significantly bigger inside out.

..which may actually be the “right” way out for wearing the The Freezer, which is apparently its intended destination.

Fortunately Ralph had clearly picked up on Steph’s tips on receiving hand knitted gifts, and appeared to be delighted and wore it immediately and until we left the house.

This one I was somewhat relieved to be able to be giving away.