Many thanks to littlebutfierce, who organized a midwinter gift exchange that lifted my spirits like a great big hot air balloon.

I was so lucky to draw raanve's name. Yesterday I received the most lovely hat, made by her very own hands! It's perfect across many dimensions.

• Haven't cut my hair since WisCon and my new hat has plenty of room.


• raanve knitted it with SWTC Karaoke SOYSILK®/Wool which is amazingly soft and beautifully colorful. I've been playing with reds and browns this year, and raanve somehow chose those colors, complemented by a mellow charcoal.


• Its alternating, spiralling mesh holes mean I can wear it indoors and be cosy but not sweaty


• I can turn up the edge for fashion gold OR hide all my not-ready for-prime-time-hair inside.

In conclusion, thank you raanve!
( Red, maroon, charcoal fibers intricately knitted in a spiral hat, pulled down all the way on my head to below my mouth )