This very pretty hat is inspired by the head of a globe artichoke, and reflects its colours as the flower opens. The lower section is based on the complex leaf shapes of the artichoke plant and forms a sort of wreath or garland around the head. The top of the hat shows the sepal leaf sections around the flower, which appears at the centre of the crown.
There are 2 sizes: for a child of about 5 years, and an adult.
It is knitted in the round, starting with a ribbed brim and ending with a 7- or 8-segment crown using centred double decreases. Despite its complex design and 7 colours, it follows the Fair Isle tradition of no more than 2 colours in use simultaneously, and there are no colour changes in decrease rounds. However, because of the complex, asymmetrical design, it is best suited to an experienced colour work knitter. It’s a good stash-buster as the quantities of each colour needed are very small. (If you want a simpler design, try my Beginner’s Colour Work Hat, or Iona Wool Tam.)
For a child, make 7 repeats of the pattern, and the small stitch count. For an adult, use 8 repeats.
The pattern includes detailed written knitting guidance, and a full-colour chart of the Fair Isle design as 2 separate pdf files. The recommended colours are named both as Jamiesons Spindrift colour names and natural dye colours.
Thank you, Liz Wake, for test knitting and photographing the hat.