Diamond Pompom Hat

Diamond Pompom Hat

If you've checked out my blog before, you know that every other pattern I've posted has been free. As a small attempt at some revenue with which to keep buying yarns, I'm offering this pattern for $1. You can expect to see many more free patterns from me in the future, and I totally get it if that's all you're interested in (economy! yarn is already expensive! there are so many nice free things out there anyway!). If you like this pattern and have an extra buck to spare, though, you can purchase it on Ravelry.



Here are the basics, if you're considering it...

Blister Stitch Hat

Blister Stitch Hat

I know, I know, it's high damn time that I made a multi-color piece. And here's what I came up with: a slightly goofy, slouchy, pom-pom bedecked ski bunny hat with all kinds of fun details: a cabled band! wee bubbles! Easter colors! etc. So let's get to it.

Yarn: Cascade Yarns 220 Superwash (100% Superwash Wool; 220 yards [200 meters]/100 grams); #910A Winter White - one skein (main color), #1973 Seafoam Heather - just a bit (accent color 1), #834 Strawberry Pink - just a bit (accent color 2), #1942 Mint - just a bit (accent color 3), and #820 Lemon - just a bit (accent color 4)

Dude! Let's view it from the back.

Needles: One 16" circular needle in size 6, one set of double-pointed needles (dpns), also in size 6

Notions: Tapestry needle, cable needle (cn) or double-pointed needle (dpn) for cabling, 3 stitch markers or yarn scraps, 3 1/2" or 5/8" buttons, and a needle and thread with which to attach them

Gauge: 20 stitches = 4 inches

Okie-doke, so this hat is a two-parter, and we're going to begin with the band, which is knit back and forth. Of course, I'm still using my circular needles, but that's a matter of personal preference.

ANYWAY, to knit the band you'll start by casting on 18 stitches with your main-color yarn. Also, we'll be knitting a very tiny variation on the loose five-rib braid from page 169 of Barbara G. Walker's A Second Treasury of Knitting Patterns. So we'll start with some notation, move on to a couple of set-up rows that include buttonholes, and then we'll get down to business.

Zigzag Cowl

Zigzag Cowl

Okay, last year I knit my mother a cowl out of a different color of this same yarn, and I was very impressed by its airy texture and attractive folding. So when I saw another color, especially one with such nice earth tones, I had to get it and try again. This particular cowl is really dang wide (roughly 15" - which makes it layer so nicely), and this variegated yarn suits it perfectly, creating delicate and even stripes. I chose to knit it on the shorter side so that it would sit close to the neck and keep a person warm, but with a few more inches of length it would suit warmer temperatures as well. And it's just so pretty!

The pattern

Yarn: Berroco Comfort Sock (50% Super Fine Nylon, 50% Super Fine Acrylic; 447 yards [412 meters]/100 grams); #1814 Dunedin - one skein

Needles: One set of straight needles in size 3 (fine, I knit it on a 16" circular needle, but that's because I can't stand straights. It's a back-and-forth knit either way)

Notions: Tapestry needle

Gauge: 30 stitches = 4 inches in stockinette

Cast on 80 stitches (you can cast on less, as long as you cast on an even number, if you don't want your piece to be quite as wide. you will lose volume, however). And now, let's begin the pattern, which is Zigzag Lace Trellis from page 190 of Barbara G. Walker's A Treasury of Knitting Patterns.

Row 1 (wrong side) & all other odd rows: purl

Rows 2, 4, and 6: k1, * yo, k2tog; rep from *, end k1

Rows 8, 10, and 12: k1, * ssk, yo *, end k1