Knitted ribbed balaclava hat

A few weeks ago I started looking for ski mask patterns…

I found a ski pattern that I liked but the designer called the hat a ‘Balaclava’, from some quick research I learned that the name comes from the town ‘Balaklava’ which is located in the Ukraine.

Since I didn’t want something fancy for my father, I came up with my own pattern. It’s only rib stitch (k2, p2) this is the perfect project to have on hand when I don’t feel like looking at what I’m knitting, or when I need a break from some of my intricate works in progresses.

Currently the knitted balaclava is drying on a chair, and sometime tomorrow I’ll give this to my father. He loves to be outside, and having something that covers most of his face might make my mother not fuss at him so much.

I made his knitted balaclava in a olive color (perfect for him since he doesn’t like anything too loud) so I  know he’ll wear this hat. What I’m really liking about the hat is how incredibly soft it is, and the rib stitch makes it super stretchy and warm. I’m sure he’ll enjoy wearing this hat throughout the winter months. And while you could ‘just pick up a department store ski mask’, the density, and the feel of that fiber compared to what I knitted isn’t the same.

This is the first hand washed item that I’ve made for my father…

Last year, his favorite hat was a crocheted hat that I crafted  using man made fibers. The hat I made, was similar to this crocheted chunky cranberry hat. The only difference is my father’s was crocheted in black with the cranberry trim at the rim of the hat.

In a few weeks, I’ll start knitting a balaclava hat for my daughter. I’m really liking this cabled balacalva pattern. I most likely won’t follow the pattern exactly, but add my own twist.

But now… it’s time to work on the crocheted scarf that I’m pattern testing. I’m currently stumped on one section, and I know it’s something simple I’m overlooking.