This hat is inspired by a photo I saw of an antique Roman tile floor. I was struck by the dissonance between the border of the pattern, which looked rustic, and the center pattern, which looked modern and well-made, almost slick. The two designs didn’t seem to relate to each other, either.

I decided to make the pattern in gray and yellow because that color combination also gives me a little feeling of dissonance when I see it. I’m getting used to it, though, and it’s an attractive combination of colors.

This was fun to knit, and although it is stranded knitting, it isn’t very difficult. There are two rows where the knitter carries four colors of yarn in back, but I’ve included an alternate suggestion for those who don’t want to do that.

I include an extra chart with a slightly different design as an option. There are also links to online help for stranded knitting. There are written instructions as well as the charts, for those who prefer written instructions.

You’ll need four colors of yarn, plus black and white. This is a good opportunity for stash busting, or you can dye small amounts of yarn in different colors as I did. Use any yarn that gives you the correct gauge. Although I like Karisma because of the way the yarn feels and the economical prices, any yarn will do as long as you get gauge.