Fàilte is Scottish for Salute or Welcome.

Every year I create a special pattern for Christmas. This year’s pattern is particularly poignant given the year we have lived and the year we are facing ahead.

This has been a YEAR of epic proportions! We have all suffered to a greater or lesser degree. We have been strong and we have stumbled. We all need to be acknowledged for our resilience and strength. I acknowledge you. I thank you. I support you. Just as you have supported those around you and been strong for those who need you.

This year’s pattern was knit with Kate Davies Designs Schiehallion, a bouncy blend of 70% Corriedale and 30% Cheviot. The colours in this yarn are particularly rich. The hat is working double duty as I am planning yoked sweater for myself with this yarn and these colours, Elizabeth Zimmermann I salute you – hats are the best gauge swatch!

I had fun designing the ribbing this year. I added a fair-isle band to the center of the ribbing, I wanted just the right touch of fair-isle and tried out a few different patterns. I had seen pictures of vintage gloves and mitts with this detail and I thought it was time to incorporate it into a new hat! Once I set the ribbing – everything built from there.

Schiehallion is a standard DK weight yarn and there will be lots of substitutes for the yarn if you are stash diving or supporting your LYS.

Materials: 3.25mm US #3 16-inch circs, 4.0mm US #6 16-inch circs and dpns (or size needle to get gauge), 60 – 110 yds, main colour, 30 – 35 yds golden green, 25 – 30 yds rhubarb, 20 – 25 yds light pink and 15 – 20 yds light grey, (sample shown is in the medium size and was knit with KDD Schiehallion in Alto, Daunder, Rhubarb, Doris and Eileen), markers and the regular notions.

Sizes: Adult – Small – 18 inches around, Medium – 20 inches around, and Large – 22 inches around. Note – sizing refers to width, not depth of hat body. All hats are approx. 9 inches deep.