When Cascade asked me to design an accessory with their wonderful new Cloud yarn, the design choice was simple. The strand of Cloud looks like an elaborate braid, so the yarn inspired my principal design element. Then I just had to find the right Braided Cable. I’d done projects with 3-strand and 4-strand braids, so I decided to try a 5-strand braid. A quick search of my stitchionaries convinced me to go with the Loose Five-Rib Braid from Barbara Walker’s Second Treasury. I love the way the single purl stitches between the knit ribs almost disappear while opening up and softening the texture of the braid. I am also very proud of how this hat tapers to the top.