Introducing Whirligig!

Thank you Eileen for the name!  This pattern will look VERY different if worked in a thinner yarn, but I have included some modifications in case you want to try it.

I can't quite believe that it's the end of February already.  Or that this is Schnapps' first pattern of the year.  My Mom had a life threatening allergic reaction to her medication back on January 5th.  She was in ICU for a few days and, although she is home now, is still having some cardiac issues.  So, Schnapps and I have not been home much - we have been over helping Mom and Dad.  Please send some love Mom's way!  :)   

But, we did start a new project - Red Hats for Heart!  We collected baby and adult hats for the babies, parents and staff of A.I. duPont Hospital for Children's Cardiac Care Unit.  This will be an annual project for Delaware Head Huggers from now on. 

Many people tell me that they can't knit, crochet or sew, but want to help us.  You can always donate materials to someone you know who can make hats or blankets.  You can purchase patterns from Schnapps - from Ravelry or Craftsy.  Both links are on this page.  100% of pattern sales go right back into the charities.  You can donate postage costs by using the Donate button on this page.  You can help by simply spreading the word that we are here.  The more who know about us, the more we can help.

 

If you're not a fan of Delaware Head Huggers yet, stop by and "Like" our Facebook page.  Help us name the patterns and see all the beautiful hats that are donated.  Stop by Kozy Kovers for Kids Facebook page too!  We welcome everyone to join us.  Stop by and say hello.  You can always reach Schnapps or me at robin@delawareheadhuggers.org too!

Whirligig

 

 You will need 6 weight yarn and size 13 circular needles or some combination listed below.

Abbreviations:
T2L:  slip next stitch on cable needle and hold at front, purl next stitch, then knit the stitch on the cable needle
k2tog:  knit 2 stitches together as one

Cast on 45 stitches, place marker and join, taking care not to twist stitches.

Work Brim: 
Row 1:  knit all stitches
Repeat Row 1 for 2.5 to 3 inches.  (see info below for different yarn weights)

Work Pattern:
Rows 1, 2, 13 & 14: purl all stitches
Rows 3, 4 & 10:  *p1, k1, p1*  ; repeat around
Rows 5 & 11:  *p1, T2L* ; repeat around
Rows 6 & 12:   *p2, k1*; repeat around
Row 7:  p2, T2L, *p1, T2L*; repeat from * to * around using the first stitch of the next round to complete the pattern.
Row 8:  beginning with the second stitch, since you used the first to complete the previous round, *p2, k1*; repeat from * to * around
Row 9:  *T2L, p1*; repeat around

Work Crown: 
Row 1:  knit all stitches
Repeat Row 1 for 1 inch  (see info below for different yarn weights)

Decrease Crown:  use dpn’s when needed
Row 1: *k2 k2tog*; repeat around
Row 2: *k1, k2tog*; repeat around
Row 3: *k2tog*; repeat around

Finish: Cut working yarn, leaving a 6-inch tail.  Draw the tail through the remaining stitches, cinch closed and secure.  Weave in ends and give it to someone special who needs a warm hug!

This pattern will look quite different if worked in a thinner yarn.  The pattern should be centered in the middle of the hat.  The pattern is in multiples of 3, so adapt accordingly.

If using 5-weight yarn, use size 11 needles and cast on 57.  Work the brim for 3.5  to 4 inches and work the crown until the hat is about 7.5 - 8 inches.

If using 4-weight yarn, use size 8 needles and cast on 75.  Work the brim for 4 to 4.5 inches and work the crown until the hat is 8 - 8.5 inches.

If using 3-weight yarn, use size 5 needles and cast on 105 stitches.  Work the brim for 4.5 to 5 inches and work the crown until the hat is 8.5 inches.