On the Needles: Dinan Slouchy Beanie

I am through the cuff of the hat and moving into the pleated section. This is a really fun knit. I have to say that I had to make up some of my own for this pattern. I contacted the designer to see if he could shed some light on the two questions I have. First question: when do you change your needle size? The pattern calls for two sizes of needles in 16-inch length, a 7US and an 8US. You are instructed to cast on with the "smaller needle" but then there is no mention of changing to the larger.

I have taken it upon myself with this first hat to change to the larger needle when I began the increases for the hat, after finishing the brim. That made the most sense to me. So far I think I chose correctly. (note from designer: yes, that is the correct place to change needle sizes).

The second question: how do you make a "Make 1 Purl"? There is no mention of it in the terms section, and I looked online to see if I could find an explanation. No luck there or in one of my books at home. I do realize that rarely do you do a make one in a purl, it is normally done in the knit. So unless I rewrite that particular row, I have attempted a lift bar increase and purled into it. I have noticed that it leaves a little hole that for this hat is not a big deal. (note from the designer: he said to do whatever make one is comfortable to you and is as invisible as possible.) I think on the next hat I will do a knit one front and back, of kf&b, in the first knit stitch of each pattern section.

Now, I am about 3 1/2 inches into the hat, two inches to go before I begin the decrease. I am knitting medium size ones for everyone on the hat list. I will see how that goes when I get to the end of the first one.

The yarn I am using is wonderful. It is Encore Tweed worsted weight, a mix of acrylic and wool, making it soft, warm and washable, just the combination I needed for the recipients that these are intended.

Note: the bag that this project is in came from BusyMindDesigns at Etsy. I heard about her on the Round the Twist podcast and when I found the one with the cats I had to have it. It is a great size for a hat or mittens project.