Red Habitat Hat

Pattern/Technique: Habitat Hat by Brooklyn Tweed + folded band from Skiff Hat (watchcap version) by Brooklyn Tweed

Modifications: Knit tubular cast on from Skiff Watchcap. Knit lower brim 2.75”. Knit remainder of brim until piece measured 5.5”.

Switched to Habitat pattern for cablework. Knit chart A (shorter beginning section) then chart C (main hat body)

Materials: Held 2 strands of Brooklyn Tweed Loft in Amaranth, used 2 skeins total. I lost yarn chicken on the last round (40) of the cablework but luckily had a scrap ball left over from the last Skipp hat, so I spit grafted it and used about a half yard to knit the last SSK round and weave in ends.

New skills: n/a

Lessons: Knitting cables while holding 2 strands together seems to be trickier than knitting cables with a single strand of yarn. I think it might be because there’s less tension and more bulk?

What I'd do differently: if I'm knitting this again for myself I can definitely get away with only knitting 5” (or even 4.75”) on the brim length. There's a little bit of room at the crown but it doesn't look/feel weird at all.

Care: Hand wash, dry flat

Habitat Hats

Knitting is (almost) always very relaxing, but I can't remember having this much fun making a pattern. The intricate cables require paying close attention, but seeing how the design will manifest is also strangely addictive. While I was working on the first hat, if I took a break to do anything else (say, adulty thing like working or chores) I'd find myself wishing I was back home knitting, seeing what the next row would bring. Long story short: this pattern was a joy and a delight to make.

Pattern: Habitat by Jared Flood for Brooklyn Tweed. Blue version: size small, using BT Shelter in Tartan. Purple version: size large, using BT Shelter in Plume

Lessons: Don't fret about running out of yarn on this hat, one skein is enough and a little extra will be left over. On version two I focused a lot more on keeping my tension tighter while making the cables and I think this resulted in more even cables. I think this is well worth the effort/attention on future projects.