This is the first of a collection of 5 new hat patterns, using a common design element and each pushing double-knitting in a different and intriguing direction. In addition, the hats are themed for the Chinese 5 elements: Fire, Earth, Metal, Water, and Wood. If you buy the collection, you will get this pattern now, but you will also get the other four patterns as they become available.

From the pattern:

The first of my Wuxing: 5 Elements series of hats is themed for the element of Fire. Each of these hats is pushing the envelope on double-knitting in some way; this one uses beads!

The beads are hooked on periodically as you go, and you can choose to use different beads for both layers. In the sample, I chose iridescent red beads for the embers at the base of the flames on one layer, and matte black beads for the charcoal at the base of the smoke on the other layer.

Prepare yourself for an adventure into off-the-grid double-knitting, using decorative increasing and decreasing to achieve a fascinatingly curved colorwork motif.