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There is just something about a hat.
Maybe it has to do with the endless design possibilities.
Maybe it has to do with the simple style.
Maybe it has to do with the practicality.
Maybe…just maybe…it has to do with the history.
The history of the hat is much too long and broad for me to
discuss in one little guest post. To be honest, I don’t even know it. I doubt
if I studied the history of the hat I could learn all it has to teach in 10 of
my lifetimes.
However, I do know a little something about hats during a
time in history still fresh in our minds. World War I and World War II brought
about change not only within society and the world as a whole, it also brought
about changes in knitting and knitwear design.
When I began doing research for my book, the very first
pattern I noticed was in a magazine published toward the end of WWII. At least
three of the patterns happened to be some type of headwear. Either a balaclava
or a simple small cap or an extra-long cap meant for rolling up. There was
something for everyone.
As my research continued a wealth of knowledge sprung forth.
Hats were everywhere, and the interesting part was that most were knit on
size 6 or 8 double pointed needles and worsted weight yarn, what we use today.
Before this time much of the knitwear was knitted on smaller needles and much
thinner yarn. My Grandma Dalton would knit on triple-oughts and double-oughts
with yarn akin to thread.
I noticed the advancements were not only male oriented
either. Many of the headwear patterns were meant for women as well. Turbans and
snoods became ever more popular for practical reasons. Women loved their long
hair and of course cringed at the thought of cutting it. However, with the men
at war, women were forced to take manufacturing jobs. Long hair would
undoubtedly get wrapped in machinery and well…let’s just say it was not a
pretty ending.
It was also interesting to see the difference in knitwear
from World War One and Two, just a few short years created an abundance of
radio and transmission advancements. That means things needed to change.
Earflaps were added as a way to allow hats to be worn while still allowing the
radio to be worn. For example, planes reached horrid temperatures during air
raids and proper clothing was essential. The Balaclava, which has been around
for a very long time, was altered to allow the ears to come out the side,
essentially cloaking the head in wool while keeping ears free to wear headsets.
My favorite hat in my book is called "Pappy." Now Pappy is a
simple striped cap. A lot of people comment on the size, it honestly looks
like it’s a tad small for the head, but there was a reason for this. Watchmen
had to wear helmets, it was mandatory. However most helmets couldn’t fit over
the head if a thick wool hat was on, so the cap was born out of necessity. I think that last statement truly sums up the hat, or at
least the advancements made during the wars. Necessity is the mother of
invention, or in our case it may be better suited to say, Necessity is the mother of design.
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Now, if I may sneak in a little at the end here.... Rohn's book is fabulous. Double fabulous if you're into history, but it's also just skillfully designed and beautifully styled and photographed. I actually watched youtube videos on how to do victory rolls in my hair for an hour after reading it (conclusion: I have too many short choppy layers. But later, we're trying again!) This book also stands out as a wonderful resource for simple, sophisticated, yet interesting men's patterns- something which there is a dearth of, as anyone who knits for the men in their lives knows.
Also, the turban hat. Look at that turban hat.
Thanks Rohn, for stopping by!!
Fantastic hats! I love the styling, too. Very well done.
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