Snail Hat

I love this hat!

It fits me - just. It's supposed to be made with sheepsdown in a gauge of 7 1/2 sts /3 inches. I have never had such a bulky yarn. I had to hold together three strands of Berroco's Ultra Alpaca and knit it with 8mm needles. When I put it on my head it stretches out and the folds disappear, but that's O.K. I'd like to make another one soon, but have to keep a lookout for a super bulky yarn. By the way, I've used three different colors, all leftovers from other knits. I followed the instructions in "The Opinionated Knitter", but I've cast on 50 instead of 40. I even steamed the folds but even with the dummy head it's stretched out. If I can't find a bulky yarn for this hat, I'll have to do a little math to make it larger, but for now it's fine. I'm happy with it.

Monika