Midweek Meditation -- What's in a Name? -- What's in a Number?

"Reality leaves a lot to the imagination."   ~ John Lennon 

Sometimes it can be challenging to come up with a unique name for a knitting pattern.  There are so many named patterns already out there.

Not so very long ago, I was wondering about the name of John Lennon's song "#9 Dream".  These days, whenever I have a question on my mind, I Google it.  Sure enough the song has its very own Wikipedia article.  I now quote "Number 9 Dream", Wikipedia, The Free Encyclopedia, September 13, 2011:  "'#9 Dream' continues Lennon's fascination with the number nine — he was born on 9 October, The Beatles appeared on The Ed Sullivan Show on 9 February, 'Revolution 9', etc. Coincidentally, the track peaked at #9 in the States."

I would say simply that John Lennon liked the number 9.  Much like I like the number 7.  Seven is in my birthday more than once, and it always keeps popping up in my life.  You might very well ask does it really pop up more than say 2 or 8, or do I just notice it more when it does appear.  Can't tell you.  But it is my number.

I named my new hat pattern "#77 Dream Hat".  When I did a search for "#7 Dream Hat" at Ravelry, the result was 5 pages of patterns -- any hat with the word "dream" in the title, or in the name of the yarn, came up and dozens more besides.  When I did a search for "#77 Dream Hat" there were none.  It is a unique name.  And, guess what else?  The directions begin, "CO 77."

BTW:  My hat was the winner of a little knitting design contest held by Manos del Uruguay.  (Thanks so much if you voted for me!)  I will write more about the pattern when it is ready for (free) downloading.