First Knitted and Fulled Balmoral Bonnet

**John Henderson** · 11th October 14, 01:41 PM

I have an eight-year-old son, Luke, whom I am trying to kit up in Highland gear. With his growing head, I hated to start spending the money on the fixed-size, commercial balmorals. I searched here and came across usonian's post: http://www.xmarksthescot.com/forum/f...almoral-74554/. I was inspired, and began to teach myself to knit just to make this. With actual ties, it would allow a little growth, and when I have to make another, I have perhaps $10 of materials in it.

I finally finished it today.

It is the pattern by Anne Carroll Gilmour, in the small version. I overfulled it, so it is smaller than I liked. I may make another for him, but am proud of the workmanship on this one.

I won't bore you with more photos or details, but my Ravelry project link is: http://www.ravelry.com/projects/iain...almoral-bonnet. I have many comments in my log there, and many pictures showing the steps along the way.

I got bogged down in the sewing of the trim (you can read about it on the Ravelry page), and in the meantime, knitted and fulled my own balmoral, this one in green with a gold double lover's knot. Hopefully, I'll be more motivated to finish the trim, and will get pictures posted in a week or so.

**cruiser348** · 11th October 14, 02:02 PM

Fantastic work! The work I see done by the members here has often been part of my inspiration to ge my own planned projects take care of. Sadly, the list is still too long and my time and talents too short. I look forward to seeing the one you've made for yourself when it is completed.

**Rick Y** · 11th October 14, 02:03 PM

I'm impressed! Great job, John!

**Father Bill** · 11th October 14, 02:07 PM

I'm impressed with your work, and with the big grin on your handsome young Scotsman. He's obviously delighted and proud. Well done, John & good "Dadding!"

**Tarheel** · 11th October 14, 03:06 PM

That is not the look of an eight year old thinking, "Oh, don't make me do this again." Good job and he truly looks pleased, which is praise abundant.

**MacEanruig** · 11th October 14, 05:42 PM

John, that is very impressive! You might very well start a side business knitting highland accessories.

**John Henderson** · 12th October 14, 10:07 AM

Originally Posted by MacEanruig

John, that is very impressive! You might very well start a side business knitting highland accessories.

I've thought of that. If I considered what my time is worth professionally, I couldn't afford this. But it's a hobby and learning experience. But I do keep looking for ideas to supplement my income in retirement in a couple of decades while travelling around the country in a motorhome.