I love seeing your projects, tag #winterberrystudio in you Instagram photos.

When I saw the color way name of this beautiful yarn created by Groovy Hues Fibers, I laughed and laughed. I had to own this yarn that described my relationship with backpacking - - How to Thru-Hike the Appalachian Trail…From Your Couch.
Early in our marriage, my husband and I had opposite ideas regarding backpacking. My idea was setting up a base camp with a comfy air mattress to return to after a day of hiking. My husband had backpacked into Yosemite as a teen and loved carrying everything on his back. We compromised with tent camping and canoe trips.
Ten years into our marriage I watched a PBS documentary that followed several through hikers traveling the Appalachian Trail from Georgia to Maine. I had just quit my job to be at home with our four year old and the thought of a cheap weekend away with my husband intrigued me, even if it meant carrying a pack on my back. Our first foray on the AT in northern New Jersey met with blisters, beautiful environs, and an early morning wake up call from a momma bear and her cubs. We had three more adventures on the AT before I returned to my couch.
Suzanne’s color choices highlight the spring flowers peeking out along the trail. I hope you enjoy this knitting journey as much as I liked my hike back on memory lane.

This pattern has been tested for accuracy. Please let me know if you encounter any errors or difficulties.

Materials
Needles: US 7 (4.5mm) Circular - 32” or longer cable, or needle size needed to obtain gauge.
Yarn: Groovy Hues, Cuddly ‘n’ Groovin’ DK (100% Superwash Superfine Merino; 231 yds/211 m; 3.53 oz/100g skein)
Color: How to Thru-Hike the Appalachian Trail…From Your Couch.

Yardage Used: 385-469 yds

Pattern Information
Gauge: Using US 7 (4.5mm) 16 sts = 4” (10cm) square in pattern stitch (Blocked). The stitch gauge is important to this pattern - additional yarn maybe required if gauge is not met.

Finished Measurements:
Circumference (A): 74 in/188 cm
Depth (B): 10 in/25.4 cm

Special Techniques:
Knit & purl, cast on & bind off.
Simple lace: yarn over, knit 2 together, ssk (slip, slip, knit), slip, k2tog, pass over.
Working in the round on circular needles.