Gratis Knits: Winter 2009

Better late than never, right? Ar this point, we're accepting submissions for the next Gratis Knits, due to come out in April, so please consider sending a pattern our way. Now, without further adieu, get your needles ready!

Flurries Slouch Hat
By Sandy Bingham
(this pattern is also available as a PDF)

Sizes:
Adult M (22” head circumference)

Yarns:
MC: The Fibre Company Road to China [65% Alpaca, 10% Cashmere, 10% Camel, 5% Yak, 10% Soya Fiber, 73m/ 80y per 50g skein]; color: “Light Amethyst”; 1 skein.
CC: Tilli Tomas Flurries [100% Merino wool with glass beads, 64m/ 70y per 50g skein]; color: “Atmosphere”; 1 skein.

Needles:
•3.75mm/ US 5 circular needle, 16” long
•4.5mm/ US 7 circular needle, 16” long
•4.5mm/ US 7 DPNs, 8” long set of 5

Gauge:
19 sts & 24 rnds = 4” in St st on larger needles

Notions:
•row counter
•stitch marker
•scissors
•tapestry needle

Notes:
Do not cut yarn when changing colors. Carry the unused color up the inside of the hat and catch it on the first st of the sixth rnd of the current color. Knit the first few stitches after the color changes tightly to prevent holes, being careful not to pucker the work.

Abbreviations:
CO - cast on
CC - contrast color
K - knit
K2tog - knit 2 together
MC - main color
P - purl
PM - place marker
Rnd - round(s)
St(s) - stitch(es)

Rib pattern (multiple of 3 sts):
Rnd 1: *K2, p1* around.
Rnd 2: *K1, p2* around.
Repeat these 2 rnds for pattern.

Stockinette: (in the rnd)
Every rnd: k around.


PATTERN

Brim:
CO 102 sts with MC using smaller needles. Join in the round, being careful not to twist sts. PM to indicate start of rnd.

Work “Rib Pattern” for 1.5”.

Body:
Change to larger needles and knit 6 rnds of Stockinette with CC. Alternate MC and CC every 6 rnds for a total of 6 stripes (36 rnds), ending with a MC stripe. Switch to CC to begin crown shaping.

Shape Crown:
Shape crown as follows while continuing to alternate MC and CC every 6 rnds:

Rnd 1: *K4, K2tog* around. (85 sts total)
Rnds 2 - 4: K around.
Rnd 5: *K3, K2tog* around. (68 sts total)
Rnds 6 - 8: K around.
Rnd 9: *K2, K2tog* around. (51 sts total)
Rnds 10 -12: K around.
Rnd 13: *K1, K2tog* around. (34 sts total)
Rnds 14 -15: K around.
Rnd 16: *K2tog* around. (17 sts total)

Cut working yarn leaving a 6” tail, use tapestry needle to pull tail through remaining sts and cinch tight.

Finishing:
Weave in ends, block lightly.