I was about 8 or so. I had a childhood illness and was driving Ma nutty. She collected her leftover thread and yarn, some crochet hooks and knitting needles, and the old "Learn How" book. She told me to "Make something." I futzed around until I learned how to crochet. I started making the hat and ran out of thread, a straw about aran size, and never did get the thread to finish it. I still want that hat. If anyone has that old WW II-era pattern, please share with me.