monty
The bobbled pattern on this hat was inspired by craggy mountain rocks and dry stone walls, both in colour and texture. However, it would alsolook wonderFully quirky in a brighter colour. The 3d effect was designed to represent the depth and shape of rocks and stone while also giving extra width to the fabric, providing more insulation by the trapping of air. The palette is drawn from mountainside scenery, and the yarn is spun from a rare British breed, adhering comfortably to the idea of utilising images and materials which make up the countryside that informs the theme. Here, using yarn derived from sheep used to an exposed, cool climate means that the innate facility for excellent insulation will be endowed on any product made from it. The sheep are bred to have long, curly hair and the extended staple length of the hair causes the yarn to have a lustrous sheen and wonderful drape. This is evident when knitted with the bobble pattern here, as the hat does indeed have a wonderful weight, with the bobbles falling attractively.
Materials
British Breeds Yarns Blue Faced Leicester Double Knitting, 50g, 3 balls shade 615 Cloud (Yarn A) and 1 ball each of shade 607 Lilac (Yarn B) and shade 621 Forest (Yarn C). Pair each 3 mm (#2.5), $3.25\:\mathrm{mm}$ (#3) and $3.75\:\mathrm{mm}$ (#5) knitting needles TWo $3.75\;\mathrm{mm}$ (#5) DPNs Yarn quantities are based on average requirements and are therefore approximate.
Measurements
To fit head circumference 48(53:58) cm/ 19(21:23) in
Tension
24 sts and $30\;\mathsf{r o w s}=10\;\mathsf{c m}/4^{\prime\prime}$ over stocking stitch and bobble pattern on $3.75\,\mathsf{m m}$ (#5) needles or size required to give the correct tension.
Special Abbreviation
MB - make bobble. [k1, yo] 4 times, k1 into next stitch. Turn without wrapping and work on these 9 sts. 1st row (ws): SI 1p, p8. 2nd row: SI 1k, k8. 3rd to 8th rows: Rep 1st and 2nd rows 3 times. 9th row: SI 1p, p8. 10th row (Rs): [K3tog] 3 times (3 sts on right hand needle),then pass the stitch made from the second k3tog over the stitch made from the third k3tog and then pass the stitch made from the first k3tog over the stitch made from the third k3tog (1 st on right hand needle).
NOTES
When working the garter stitch hat borders, there is no need to break Yarn A. Carry Yarn A up the side of the work without pulling too tightly.
violet bobble hat
Pattern
Using 3(3.25:3.75) mm/US #2.5(#3:#5)needles and Yarn A cast on 110 sts 1st to 5th rows: Knit. Drop Yarn A and join in Yarn B. 6th to 11th rows: Knit. Break off Yarn B and pick up Yarn A. 12th to 17th rows: Knit. Drop Yarn A and join in Yarn C. Change to bobble pattern (all sizes) Change to $3.75\:\mathrm{mm}$ (#5) needles and pick up Yarn A. 1st row (RS): \* K22, m1; rep from $^*3$ times, k22. 114 sts Work 3 rows st.st. beg with p row 5th row: Knit. 6th row: Purl. 7th row K6, MB, [k7, M] 13 times, k3. Work 3 rows st.st. beg with p row 11th row: K2, MB, [k7, MB] 13 times, k7. 12th row: Purl. 5th to 12th rows form the bobble pattern. 13th to 28th rows: Rep rows 5-12 twice.
Shape top
1st row: Knit. 2nd and every alternate row: Purl. 3rd row: K1, [k5, MB, k2tog] 14 times, k1. 100 sts. 5th row: K1, [k5, k2tog] 14 times, k1. 86 sts. 7th row: K1, [k1, MB, k2, k2tog] 14 times, k1. 72 sts. 9th row: K1, [k3, k2tog] 14 times, k1. 58 sts. 11th row: K1, [k1, MB, k2tog] 14 times, k1. 44 sts. 13th row: K1, [k1, k2tog] 14 times, k1. 30 sts. 15th row: K1, [k2tog] 14 times, k1. 16 sts. 14th row: Purl. Cut yarn and thread through rem sts and pull tightly to gather.
Making up
Using Yarns B and C with a small amount of Yarn A, make a pom pom 5.5 cm to 6 cm diameter. Join seam, weave in ends and attach pom pom to top of hat.
