Great Hat-itude! A Woolpack Pattern Round Up for the Season.
Keeley Richardson
Founder and Chief Fiber officer
Oh yes, there has definitely been a dip in temperature here in the PNW over the past week and fiber enthusiasts are rubbing their hands with glee. I am one of those “Fall Fans”, and always get excited about decorating the house with Chrysanthemums, pumpkins and the occasional dried flower garland. Of course I also rejoice in the opportunity to dive in to my closet to rediscover beloved knitted sweaters and hats in preparation for the colder months.
It’s also time to prep, plan and begin fiber projects for the coming season. As the nights draw in, it is the perfect time grab a warm beverage, settle down on the couch and revel in the joy of beginning a seasonal project. A hat is a great way to get things started!
There are so many great reasons to make a hat. I often knit one instead of a swatch. It provides more of an opportunity to see how a new yarn will behave once blocked than simply knitting a square of fabric. To me it feels like a good sense check before investing in a sweater quantity of yarn.
I recently went to an event with Aimee Gille at The Nifty Knitter. Her advice for a beginner knitter was to jump straight in and knit a hat. Why not learn to knit in the round rather than flat for your first project? After all a hat will knit up more quickly than a scarf.
Many of us find hats to be a good “palette cleanser” in between larger projects. It is rewarding to have a quick win while deciding on your next big knit. So if you are planning on reaching for your needles/crochet hook and making a fabulous hat for the new season, here is The Woolpack round up of our faves for Autumn.
The Color Work Hat – Cold Heart Hat by Boyland Knit Works. – Yarn weight: DK
Nordic inspired and stylish to wear, the Cold Heart Hat is guaranteed to invite compliments. One of many great hat patterns from Caitlin Hunter.
The Nature Inspired Hat – Gro Hat by Fiber Tales – Yarn weight: DK
This is such a pretty knit with simple, elegant texture that celebrates the beauty of plant life. This sample of the Gro Hat was knitted by Jennifer for The Woolpack Yarn test Kitchen in August.
The Keep It Local Hat – Washington Beanie by Nancy Bates -Yarn Weight: Worsted.
This could be the perfect Holiday Gift for local family and friends! Nancy Bates has produced another beautiful color work design that will have knitters across the State stash diving and reaching for their needles. Huge thanks to The Nifty Knitter in Issaqauh for allowing us to photograph their sample.
The Chic Hat – BisBis by Sari Nordlund – Yarn Weight: Fingering or Sport
If you are looking to add a touch of European style to your accessory rotation this fall/winter, how about a beret? This rather lovely top down pattern is easy to follow and makes for a fun alternative to a beanie.
The Classic Rib – Salish Cap by Mary Pranica – Yarn Weight: Fingering held double.
Perfect for stash busting, this slouchy ribbed beanie calls for two strands of fingering weight held together. Create a beautiful marled effect or play around with stripes to add a personal touch.
The Quick Knit – Green Giant by JVK Knits – Yarn Weight: Super Bulky
I can’t resist a squishy super bulky yarn in the winter! As well as being cozy, it makes for a speedy knit. This fun pattern provides interest with a basket weave effect rib, knits up like a dream, and is free on Ravelry!
For Him: Mountain Mist by Tin Can Knits – Yarn Weight: Worsted.
For The Littles – Beloved by Tin Can Knits – Yarn Weight: DK.
A couple of fabulous knits from Tin Can knits to make for the whole family. I knitted the Mountain Mist Hat for my husband last winter and it immediately became a firm favorite. A rewarding color work hat with endless color options.
The Beloved Hat can be a perfect baby’s hat, but the pattern also has options all the way up to adult size. Warm ears are guaranteed. This adult version was knitted by Caitlin in for our first ever Yarn Test Kitchen.
The Classic Crochet Hat – Easy Every Day Beanie by Grace for The Frills – Yarn Weight: Worsted
Who doesn’t need a class beanie to accessorize throughout the colder months. This simple but stylish beanie is a quick make and the pattern includes sizes for the whole family. A great option if you are new to crochet.
For The Season: Pumpkin Beanie by Jessica Cooper – Yarn Weight: Worsted
This super cute pumpkin hat is perfect to keep your youngsters warm from Halloween to Thanksgiving. Oh, and they will also look super cute too!
If you decide to knit or corchet any of the patterns from our round up, we would love to see them . If you share on Facebook or Instagram, don’t forget to tag The Woolpack. @puget_sound_woolpack. Happy making!
