While the first hat dried, I began HatTwo, as a surprise gift for a friend, who is recreating the life of a sailor in Elizabethan times. When I found the photo below, I was VERY excited.
I've done a bit more reading in the mean time. I'm going to ensure the hat doesn't extend so far over the brim, as the extant examples I've viewed (unless they are split and have ear or neck flaps) don't appear to extend quite so far. This means I'll just remove one 'set' of 5 rows - and see how that looks. Interestingly, the Gagiana Barett, from which my pattern is derived, is one of the few where the crown actually does extend over the brim.
I'm also not going to do the Purl row for edge definition, and just allow the hat to softly curl where it wants. I can press it flat, if it requires it, for shape.
At this stage, I'm debating a lining - it seems that most of the hats were, whether or not the lining has survived to modern times. This will be added last, so I have some time to choose.
I'm knitting it on circular needles because it's faster and easier. Sssh. I've done it the 'right' way once ;)
Completed Mary Rose knitted cap
Completed Mary Rose knitted cap
I made modifications to the original pattern, extending the crown only as far as the brim before curving back in towards the centre. This ensured the crown was not wider than the brim, as per these extant hats.
Pre-felted
I hand felted the hat once, but it wasn't quite enough - so I put it in the machine on the shortest wash. It looks good - stitch definition blending and it's lovely and soft.
Further reading had informed me that most hats discovered on the Mary Rose had a square silk lining.
From 'Before The Mast'
From 'Before The Mast'
I cut out a square of woven silk from my stash, and hand stitched it on the inside. Finished!
I hope it fits the recipient!
Next step will be a further investigation of cappers and knytters.
