UP Ht
When I began to dream up this pattern, I started thinking about my nephew. He has quite a mountain to climb, and his favorite part of the path right now has to be trains. He's such a huge fan of model trains and real trains. He goes trainspotting, which is where you stand and watch the train pass while you either take photos or a video to record your presence. As we took him back home from his visit this past summer, we stopped in North Platte, Nebraska to visit the Golden Spike Tower and view the Bailey Yard (the largest freight rail yard in the world!). When I think of trains, I think of the whistle (not so easy to translate into yarn) and the headlamp (much easier). I started seeing a picture of his little head, covered with a hat with a big neon yellow spot on the top. The sides would be orange (his favorite color). Then I realized that he needed some letters. A big UP for Union Pacific, the owner of the Bailey Yard.
So, UP, UP, UP for him growing UP and following his path, whether it be on rails or not; UP for train lovers of all sorts; and UP for your headlamp as you find your own path UP your Mountain. Size: 16" circumference Materials: Schachenmayr SMC Boston (60 yds/70% Acrylic, 30% Virgin Wool), 1 skein Pumpkin; 1 skein Neon Yellow Needles: Size 10.5 double pointed needles and 16’ circular needles (or needle size to get guage) Gauge: 14 stitches & 20 rows = 4” in stockinette
Abbreviations:
K = Knit P = Purl K2tog = Knit two stitches together.
Notes:
Color A = Pumpkin Color B = Neon Yellow
Directions
Brim:
Cast on 52 stitches with color B. Join in the round being careful not to twist. Place marker. Round 1: \*K2, p2; repeat from \* to end of round. Round 2: Change to color A. \*K2, p2; repeat from \* to end of round. Round 3: \*K2, p2; repeat from \* to end of round. Rounds 4-5: Repeat Round 3. Rounds 6-10: Knit all. Rounds 12-22: K13, work next appropriate row of chart, k13.
Chart
Rounds 23-28: Knit all. Round 29: Change to color B. Knit all. Knit hat until 6.5' long.
Decreases:
Round 1: \*K2, k2tog; repeat from \* to end of round. Round 2: Knit all. Round 3: \*K1, k2tog; repeat from \* to end of round. Round 4: Knit all. Round 5 - End: \*K2tog; repeat from \* until only 4-6 stitches remain. Break yarn, leaving a tail at least 10” long. Use tapestry needle to thread tail through remaining stitches and pull tight to close the hold. Weave in all ends. Make a soft 6" pom-pom using any desired method and attach to top of hat.
