Wednesday, October 27, 2010

Confectionery Cap - a pattern for sale

PLEASE NOTE: this pattern is now free :^)  If you click on 'download now' at the bottom of this post, it should take you straight to the .pdf file.

Okay, let's talk hat.

Two summers ago I had the nicest week's worth of afternoons designing and knitting hats in the back yard while chatting with friends and drinking lemonade. Of the two hats I made, one went out into the world and won a place in the top ten - earning it a spot in the pattern section - of 1000 Fabulous Knit Hats. The other made its way into Interweave Knits Holiday Gifts' 2010 issue.

It was a very, very nice week.

The only hitch was that the yarn that inspired that first little cake of a hat was a limited-run bit of gorgeousness long since sold out. Everybody substitutes yarn all the time, I know, but it's nice to have the option to knit the exact hat you're looking at, don't you think? I didn't want knitters having to sort out a different gauge or source new yarn unless they actually enjoy that sort of thing.

So this summer, I spent some time in Romni Wools, a yarn store with just about the hugest selection of yarns you will find anywhere, if not the hugest. And after a leisurely hunt, I found a yarn in colours that nearly exactly match those of the original hat.

I like to include multiple sizes in all my patterns, or else offer a companion piece, so it's easier to use up all of the yarn set aside for it. I knit my own hat in the Adult-medium size, and managed to get a second, in the Child size, out of the remains. The catch was, I didn't have quite enough yarn left to repeat the original crown.

Instead, I striped it.

Both versions are included in the pattern, so you can choose whichever you like.

This hat, even more than the first, spells summer to me - softly warm air, good company, some treats, and above all, tranquility. I'm very glad to be able to offer it here.

Confectionery Cap

Difficulty Level:
Intermediate

Materials:
Debbie Bliss Baby Cashmerino (55% Merino wool, 33% Microfibre, 12% Cashmere, 125m/50g) - 1 ball color 340010 (purple), 1 ball color 340018 (green)
1 set 3.25mm/US 3 double pointed needles
1 set 3.5mm/US4 double pointed needles
1 stitch marker
1 tapestry needle

Notes:The ribbing on this hat features a nice little twisty stitch that's easier to work when every other row is knit on larger needles, but the majority of the hat is worked on 3.25mm dpns.

The lattice pattern is finished after the fact with a little duplicate stitch, to prevent any jogs in the design.


download now

6 comments:

heklica said...

It's beautiful! I like the shape, the pattern created by the stitching, the ribbing, the colour - everything!

Unknown said...

Wow, how lovely!

cmcole said...

have you checked the book to ensure the pattern is printed correctly? I'd like to dig it out and knit it, but others have found errors in the print version of other winning entries (strange they couldn't manage to get ten patterns correct, but I digress).

Mary Keenan said...

You know what - that's a good point, I didn't! I proofread the draft I was sent with a fine-tooth comb in one hand and complete paranoia in the other, but I haven't looked at the final copy. I will take a look and let you know.

Anonymous said...

Hi Mary, did you ever finish proofreading the final copy?

I saw that book at the local Borders book store and it sold within 2 weeks of the first time I saw it sitting on the shelf. I was amazed at the lovely hats it featured.

Mary Keenan said...

Yep, it was right!