Fisherman's balaclava

I keep getting balaclava and baklava mixed up. The words, that is, not the objects. When it is cold and windy out, the former may be more useful than the latter.

Pattern: A combination of Hunter's Orange by Kaeleigh Geddes and Copy Cat C.C. Beanie by Emily Ingrid
Yarn: Lion's Brand Fisherman's Wool, in natural
Needles: US7 and US8
Modifications: Quite a few - see below

Starting with the Hunter's Orange pattern, I increased the needle sizes, as my head is big. Then I cast on 88 stitches using the alternating long-tail cast on. I followed the instructions until the cast on for the top of the face opening, where I used the slip knot cast on (which as very tricky to get tight enough). Then I continued with the instructions until I reached the "Head" section, where I switched to the Copy Cat C.C. Beanie instructions, starting above the ribbing. After two pattern repeats (using 2x2 ribbing instead of 1x1), I followed the instructions to finish off the crown (for which 88 stitches worked better than the 86 stitches in the C.C. pattern).

I was a little nervous about how it would turn out, but one of the great things about knitting is anything knit can be unknit. But I like it, despite the fact it reminds me of one of several one-eyed cartoon characters.

Bring on the windy cold weather!