FO: Slouch Hat

We've just spent a few days away in the lovely Bay of Islands.



It's so beautiful. We lived up there four years ago when M4 was born. We caught up with some old friends, and enjoyed seeing what has changed, and what hasn't in the years since we last visited. We stayed at a luxury holiday home in Russell for some true pampering - spa on the deck and it's own tranquil garden filled with native birds. Bliss!



This beach at Paihia used to feature in my old blog's header. It was too cold and windy for much of a paddle so we did most of our sightseeing from inside the car. Elsewhere in the country got the worst snow in 15 years so I shouldn't really complain ;)




On the way home we took a detour via the Tutukaka Coast which was equally as stunning. The road from Hikurangi to Sandy Bay is really windy and has the same rating on the vomit-o-meter as the Takaka Hill so be warned!




Some fresh air, a picnic on the beach and some shell collecting soon soothes the sore tummy though. Absolutely gorgeous scenery, we will have to go back in summer and take advantage of the lovely beach and rock pools.



I wore my newest knit - Slouch hat by Celia Ng. This was a test knit for a fellow down under designer which was a quick and fun knit. The cabled band is really cute and there is just enough slouch at the back.




I made it in Misti Alpaca Tonos Worsted which was stunning to knit and sooooo soft. It's Merino/Alpaca with just the slightest of halos which didnt detract from the cable, and the handpainted colours are gorgeous. This colourway is called Tealing Blue and is really like a rich sea green/blue. Dragon button from Spotlight. The pattern will go up soon once testing is finished, but if you are looking for a nice new hat for winter, I highly recommend this one!