Did someone want to see my “backside”? 
Well, here you go, with a look at the body as a bonus:
You don’t see floats on the backside because I wove in the unused strand every other stitch. (Edit: well, they are little floats?) Can you still call this “stranding”? What else can you call it? I really do prefer doing it this way.
The body will be mostly covered by the cuff when the hat is completed. Why bother doing a design on it I wonder? But it was good to practice. Now I contemplate on how to block the hat. It definitely needs blocking because the plain knitting parts of the hat are curling. Just lay it flat? Do stuff it!
This is the Merino/Angelina that I blended at The Fabulous Fiber Fest. You have to click on the photos to see the sparkles better. The second one shows the color of the light. Well. Sort of. Now that I remember what I bought the fiber for, I am glad that I didn’t put in too much Angelina. I’ll be using it to knit a cabled hat once it is spun. The Merino is Ashland Bay top in Denim. Angelina is Crystal Amethyst.
Oh, I want a drum carder. Maybe a Strauch Petite with the brush attachment? I am dealing with a client from hell. I can see it going on for weeks. Carding would help to relieve stress, no? 
Nice hat! whats next on the horizon for you?
Well, I must say, that is one handsome backside you have there, Jason! No kidding, I do the same thing, keeping the floats (and yes, they’re just little floats) short like that, helps keep me in the rhythm of the stranding.
Mmmm, that Merino/Angelina blend sure is pretty!
Yes…you *need* a little drum carder, whatever it takes to relieve stress,eh?
Good luck with that, I hope you get one!
It’s important to keep a tidy backside! Well done man. Makes me feel like I need to re-do my last fair isle project.
Carding only relieves stress if you get to smack someone with the paddles.
No don’t give him any ideas!
The inside of your work is wonderful! Very nice knitting. As for the pretty fiber batt I think it is lovely and will be beautiful in the sunlight! A mini drum carder would be great for small quantity blending and would be so much more socially acceptable than beating a client to death. Treat yourself!
i love that merino/angelina!! i am one of those that’s so easily distracted and drawn to sparkly things. i guess i was meant to be a bird?
the hat looks great. i didn’t even know that you can weave in the floats as you knit? how? i guess that’s something to look up on the internet while i am supposed to be working. but i have been blocking my hats on noodle bowls. or cerel bowls if it’s a smaller hat….give that a try, it seems to be the right shape for me.
I love your blue batt! I am such a batt addict, I keep telling myself I want a drum carder too. TG my place is too small for one
stunning work – wow oh wow -