Evora - after one of my favourite singers, Cesária Évora
PKA - stands for Portuguese Knitting Adventure!

I designed this pattern for the ‘learn to knit in the Portuguese Style’ class I teach. My students have been blown away by how easy, even, and fun Portuguese knitting is, especially for stranded colourwork.

About the instructions:
The pattern instructions are charted with written directions for traditional knitting (Continental or English), so any knitter can make this set using your preferred style of stranded knitting.

However, because this pattern is all about learning how to knit in the Portuguese style, special Portuguese Knitting (PK) annotations are included. You will also find directions on how to ‘translate’ basic knitting stitches to the Portuguese style. N.B. This pattern is not a tutorial, that is, it does not teach you how to knit Portuguese style, it does include links to helpful videos.

Yarn & Swatching:
Two skeins of Cascade 220, will make the set, that is, one beret, and one hot water bottle cover.
I prefer non super-wash wool. The colour sequence was designed to make the most efficient use of the yarn, and to yield a pleasing result. Choose high contrast yarns for best effect.
Directions for a stranded swatch are included to better assess your gauge when working Portuguese stranded knitting in the round.

Additional tools:
For Portuguese knitting you can loop the yarn over the back of your neck, but I much prefer, and recommend, using Portuguese knitting pins, you will need two, one for each colour. You can find these for sale on Etsy.

About the patterns
There are two primary patterns: a hot water bottle cover and a beret. Both projects feature the same essential construction and techniques. The geometric colourwork suits men, women, and the home. The hot water bottle cover is one size to fit most standard hot water bottles. It is worked from the top down and closed with a three needle bind off. The beret is offered in two brim styles, rolled or ribbed, and will fit an average adult woman’s head.
Bonus directions are included for making a toque or a cowl. Customise your toque by making it standard or slouchy style and choose either a single or double thick ribbed band.