As soon as I saw this pattern I wanted to try it, even though I have not done much crochet for many years.
The pattern was well written and the photos were nice and clear. I read the instructions through first and started with my tension practice piece, as suggested.
I had a couple of problems and had to pull my work undone a bit as it was not looking like the photos. (Visual learner here.) Going back I found that I had miscounted when I was increasing. I decided to keep a better count and used markers as suggested. By the time I got to the side of the crown I was much more confident and my work had settled into a good tension and I was able to complete the hat to my great satisfaction.
I trimmed with some embroidered lace flowers on the outside edge of the brim and a ribbon around the crown.
I was so pleased with the hat that I have already started my second one. I would count myself a beginner at crochet and it took only two days to complete this item.
