when is a swatch not a swatch?

When it’s really small? When it’s so small you can barely even measure the row gauge because it isn’t even a full inch? Really, why did I even bother? In my defense, the swatch is for a hat. I don’t feel like a “proper” swatch is in order when there is ribbing involved. Hats are genially pretty forgiving like that. I’m using Knit Picks Elegance (70% Baby Alpaca, 30% silk) in Coal and Oatmeal and an heirloom German motif. Jim always gets stuff made from the best yarn! I guess I feel the need to pamper him since he’s cold all the time. Speaking of cold, I also started another sweater for him (when I was waiting for more clog yarn to arrive)…no cables this time! I like the color…variegated yet manly. The sweater is on indefinite hold until I finish one last pair of clogs and make the hat.