Now, if only I had a subway to ride.

After my long winded longings about going to New York and thoughts about art and Alexander McQueen, I took some pictures of the hat that I just completed from Modern Top Down Knitting, the Subway Hat, also one from my 12in11 list.







Great pattern, took one day, even including making the lining and adding the braids. The pattern was simple, but I learned three new things. This is the first—and not the last—hat I have done from the top down. Big yarn—I used Blue Sky Alpacas Worsted Hand Dyes in Blue and Natural, Colorway 2001 and 2003— and big needles meant it went along quickly, and I got the majority of it done at the Laundromat yesterday. The second new skill was doing the crochet boarder. Super simple, and this is another skill that I will be putting to good use in the near future.

On Saturday I found a fleece remnant in the bin at the local fabric store, and a buck later, it was mine. It was .45 yards and 2x what I needed. I quickly drafted a pattern, surged it together, & over-locked the edges. I included a 1/2" seam allowance, so I folded it up, and stitched it. Incorporating the braids seemed like it might be fun, and also something I hadn't done before (3rd new skill).I also over-locked the braids into the lining, in the seam allowance, so there is no mess, no muss, and no fuss.



Being lazy I used my Bernina 450, the correct thread—natural for the crochet boarder, and light gray for the fleece—and a top-stitching needle, I carefully, and quickly sewed the lining into the hat. I know it was cheating to do it this way, but, hey, I don't mind.



So warm, now I just with I had a subway to ride on ... New York? Something about New York?

A Simple Hat.

As I have recently made a number of hats for the Holidays, I have come across a big problem. I have used a number of different patterns, but I have yet to find a good pattern, for a masculine hat that is sophisticated in its simplicity. So, I have made my own pattern.

I am sure that this pattern is similar to a number of others out there, but I did create it all on my own, based on what I wanted.





The way that Ramon likes to wear hats, he likes to be able to take the ribbed section and flip it up, or down depending on the temperature. This hat is made to be long enough to almost cover the ear with the ribbing folded up, and made to be very low on the neck, ear, and mostly likely over the eye-brows when the ribbing is flipped down.

Yarns:

I chose to work with this specific yarn because it is very soft, and wonderful to knit with. I have realized that the softer the yarn, the more comfortable on the neck and forehead over long durations of time. Knit with the US size 7 needles, the tightness of the stitches provides generous enough elasticity and a lot of warmth in addition to the softness.

Color A:
Blue Sky Alpacas, Worsted Cotton, 613 Ink (Black), 1 Hank 150 yards, and this project used almost the entire hank.

Color B:
Blue Sky Alpacas, Worsted Cotton, 614 Drift (White), 1 Hank, 150 yards, used probably about 1/4 of a hank.

Gauge:
4.5 sts per inch on size 7 needles
OR 18 sts and 26 rows equals 4" x 4"

Needles:
US size 6, 20" or 24" circular needles, for ribbing
US size 7, 20" or 24" circular needles, for the cap

Large Hat, 24" in Diameter

Ribbing:

Row 1: With Size 6 circular needle, Using Color A, CO 96 sts using continental method, pm,

Row 2: On the next round, Join sides, being careful not to twist stitches.Work in k2 p2 rib, in the round

Row 3-20: Continue working in k2 p2 rib, in the round. Piece should measure 3.25"

Striping:

Row 21: Switch to Size 7 circular needle, working in stockinette stitch, k12, m1, repeat to end of round [110 sts]

Row 22–23: Knit even.

Row 24-25: Add in Color B, be sure to carry up the opposite color at the marker whilst. Knit even

Row 26–28: Switch back to color A, and knit even. (3 rows)

Row 29–37: Switch back to color B, and knit even (8 rows)

Row 38–40: Switch back to color A, and knit even. (3 rows)

Row 41–42: Switch back to color B, and knit even (2 rows). You are now finished with Color B and no longer need to carry it up. Cut the yarn, leaving at least 4" to weave back into secure.

Row 43–55: Using color A knit 12 more rows even. Piece should measure 8" from CO edge.

Cap Decreasing:

Row 56: K11, k2tog, repeat to end of round

Row 57: K10, k2tog, repeat to end of round

Row 58: K9, k2tog, repeat to end of round

Row 59: K8, k2tog, repeat to end of round

Row 60: K7, k2tog, repeat to end of round

Row 61: K6, k2tog, repeat to end of round

Row 62: K5, k2tog, repeat to end of round

Row 63: K4, k2tog, repeat to end of round

Row 64: K3, k2tog, repeat to end of round

Row 65: K2, k2tog, repeat to end of round

Row 66: K1, k2tog, repeat to end of round

Row 67: K2tog until you have only four stitches remaining. Pull 4 stitches carefully to inside of hat, and using a crochet hook, weave tail of yarn through the stitches, securing.

When I get a moment, I'll create the same pattern for smaller sized hats, as I know this one is on the larger side.

If you find any errors I would love to know!

Enjoy!