Materials:
Reynolds Lopi Icelandic Wool
Main Color (MC) 1 skein
Contrasting Color (CC) 1 skein (lots left over)
16” Circular needles (and double points) size 10
Crochet hook Size G / 6

Gauge:
7 sts. = 2”, 19 rounds = 4”

Notes:
Ear flaps are worked back and forth in rows. Cap is worked in the round. When working with more than one color, carry color not in use loosely at back of work being careful to maintain gauge.

Ear Flaps:
Make 2. With MC cast on 5 sts. Increase 1 st each side on RS row 6 times starting with Row 3 and last inc will be row 13 – (17 sts.) Work even until 18 rows completed . Leave on needles.

Hat:
With MC cast on 7 sts, k 17 ear flap sts, cast on 24 sts, k 17 ear flap sts , cast on 7 sts – 72 sts. Place marker. K2, P2 rib for 5 rounds. Follow chart for a total of 6 repeats. When done with chart, work 5 rounds in MC.

Chart:

Shape top:
Round 1: [K2 tog, K10] 6 times. Round 2 and all even rounds: K. Round 3: [K2 tog, K9] 6 times. Round 5: [K2 tog, K8] 6 times. Continue in this manner working 1 st less between decs on every dec row until 6 sts remain. Break off MC Leaving a long strand of yarn.

Finishing:
Weave strand of yarn through top 6 sts and pull tight. Tack down on wrong side. Weave in any loose ends. With Crochet hook, starting at center st of ear flap, make single chain ~ 12” long. Or make a braid of yarn using 3 – 6 strands.

I don’t know why, but my mind kept wandering back to cupcakes. Yes, I know, it’s already been done in both knit and crochet, many times, but… There’s something so intriguing about that shape, something so inspiring. In that same sort of vein, I came up with a small spin off on the cupcake-hat idea. Hostess anyone? Or should I say, Fauxstess?

The knitting the hat itself is very simple, it’s really the icing squiggle on top that pulls it all together at the end. I also knit this hat a bit on the shorter side, so feel free to add extra rows to the ribbed area to increase the length.

Instructions:

With #8 (US) DPNs and black worsted weight yarn, CO 80 and distribute among needles.

Knit 4 x 1 ribbing (k4, p1) around until length from the CO edge measures approximately 11 cm (or to your preference.)

When you reach your desired length, knit 2 rows even.
K8, K2tog*
K 2 rounds even
K7, k2tog*
K 1 round even
K6, k2tog*
K 1 round even
K5, k2tog*
K 1 round even
K4, k2tog*
K 1 round even
K3, k2tog*
K2, k2tog*
K1, k2tog*
K2tog*
K2tog*

(* Repeat until you reach the end of that round)

Cut yarn, tie off, and weave in ends.

For the icing, CO 3 in white and knit an I-cord for approximately 24 inches, or until you’re happy with the width of squiggles that it will create when applied to the top, straight across right at the edge of where the ribbing ends. Once you reach the end of your I-cord, k3tog and leave a long tail. I suggest you pin it in place before you begin sewing it, so that you can ensure even loops.

Now you can knit your cake and wear it too!

My son loves wearing beanies all year around; he says it’s his signature piece of clothing. When he asked for a new beanie for the summer, I thought that the traditional Nordic designs I’ve been knitting for him didn’t scream summertime so I designed a totally tubular beanie with some tasty waves that reminds me of the beaches I’ve left behind in California. I can smell the Coppertone already. Cowabunga dude!

Size: One size fits an average adult head
Circumference: 21 inches unstretched
Length: 6.5 inches

Materials:

• Main Color – 1 skein Heirloom Breeze [30% Wool, 69.6% Cotton, 0.4% Lycra; 95 m per 50g skein]; color: Dark Turquoise # 013;
• Contrast Color – 1 skein Heirloom Breeze [30% Wool, 69.6% Cotton, 0.4% Lycra; 95 m per 50g skein]; color: Light Turquoise #011;
• 1 set(s) US #6/4mm double-point needles
• 16 inch length-inch US #6/4mm circular needle

Gauge: 26 sts/36 rows = 4″ in stockinette stitch

Notes: Using Fair Isle knitting techniques follow chart as written, catching the floats every 4th stitch or so. Note: At the end of the last repeat one extra square is to be worked in the contrast color at the end of each round.

Pattern:

Using MC and circular needle cast on 132 stitches place a marker and join into the round being careful not to twist the stitches then work a K1 P1 ribbing for one inch. Switch to St st and continue working with MC until piece measures 2 inches from cast on edge. Begin working ocean wave chart as written using the MC as the charted design and the CC as the background. Be sure to catch the floats every 4th stitch as you work. After completing the last row of the chart break off the MC and continue working in St st with the CC until hat measures 5 inches from the cast on edge. Begin decreases as follows:

Row 1:[K10, k2tog] repeat to end of row

Row 2 and all even rows: Knit

Row 3: [K9, k2tog] repeat to end of row

Row 4: Knit

Row 5: [K8, k2tog] repeat to end of row

Row 6: Knit

Row 7: [K7, k2tog] repeat to end of row

Row 8: Knit

Row 9: [K6, k2tog] repeat to end of row

Row 10: Knit

Row 11: [K5, k2tog] repeat to end of row

Row 12: Knit

Row 13: [K4, k2tog] repeat to end of row

Row 14: Knit

Row 15: [K3, k2tog] repeat to end of row

Row 16: Knit

Row 17: [K2, k2tog] repeat to end of row

Row 18: Knit

Row 19: [K1, k2tog] repeat to end of row

Row 20: Knit

Row 21: [k2tog] repeat to end of row

Row 22: Knit

There should now be 11 stitches remaining on the needles and you have ended on a knit row. Break yarn and thread through remaining stitches and secure.
Weave in all ends and block lightly.

Pattern Chart:

ABOUT THE DESIGNER
Deanna prefers that you call her Dee. She knits too much, cleans too little, blogs a bit and lives in Chicagoland with her husband, two teenage sons and two adorable westies. She is organizing the second and now annual Heartland Knitting Retreat this December 2006 details at www.kneatles.com

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