After 8 years of grad school (3 years masters and 5 years doctoral study) I finally became Dr. Kostashuk on May 10, 2024.

When I was in elementary and high school, I was a messed up kid with poor grades and a bad attitude. With my limited self-awareness, I fantasized about becoming a doctor someday but my work ethic and study skills didn’t improve until I had struggled for several years in undergrad, erasing any chance of applying to med school. Later in life I decided I didn’t want to set my dreams aside. It’s never too late to do what you love, and having life experience makes the pursuit more meaningful.

To commemorate my achievement I created this pattern for a Doctoral Tam using my school colours. I also added the golden tassel to celebrate achieving academic honours! The guideline for regalia is that colours and designs must be austere and minimal, but I think this tam would look incredible in YOUR favourite yarn!

Sizes correspond to 44.5 cm and 47 cm brim circumference.

You will need:
60 g worsted weight yarn in MC
approx 10 g worsted weight yarn in CC
approx 5 g lace or fingering weight silk yarn in CC2 (optional) for tassel
button or mini pom