Stay safe, stay cozy, and stay optimistic all while paying tribute to everyone’s favorite immunologist and public health expert, Dr. Anthony Fauci, with the Fauci Slouchy Hat and Mittens. Worked holding two strands of worsted weight yarn together in 3 different combinations, the blends of cheerful color are sure to bring a smile to anyone’s face—even if you can’t see it under their mask! Optional buttons sewn to the sides of the hat will hold the ear loops of a standard face mask, taking pressure off of ears while running essential errands. It’s the perfect project to “knitflix and chill” while quarantining, and the finished project is a beautiful, cozy accessory for yourself, or a lovely gift for your favorite essential worker. Bid 2020 adieu in comfort and style!

The pattern includes instruction for adult size M and adult size L for both hat and mittens. Pictured are the hat and mittens in the adult L.

With a 16” circular size 10 needle, the gauge was approximately 15 stitches and 18 rows to 4” for the hat. I achieved a gauge just slightly tighter using size 10 DPNs for the mittens, at approximately 16 stitches and 19.5 rows to 4”. The ribbed cuff of the mittens requires a set of size 8 DPNs.

Throughout this pattern, you will be working with two strands of yarn held together—first, two strands of color A (A/A), then one strand of color A and one strand of color B (A/B), then two strands of color B (B/B), followed by one strand of B together with one strand of C (B/C), and finally two strands of color C (C/C). The marling color changes lead to a gradual transition of color that is well worth the added winding in the finished hat and mittens. Each garment is knit as traditional stranded color work, according to the provided charts.

Consequently, you will need to separate your skeins of yarn into 3 separate balls each in order to work efficiently—each approximately 33g.

Any 3 skeins of worsted weight yarn totaling a minimum of 630 yards will work for this pattern. Project kits are available exclusively from Common Thread Saratoga in Saratoga Springs, NY and are available for shipping. The kits include 3 full skeins of Whole Knit and Caboodle Woo Worsted yarn (100% super wash merino in vibrant, hand-dyed colors), a handmade mask in colors coordinating with the yarn by me, LooseEndsKnitting, two coordinating buttons (for sewing to the sides of the finished hat, to hold ear loops of mask), a Common Thread logo zippered accessory pouch holding 2 small gifts. Contact commonthreadsaratoga@gmail.com or call 518-583-2583 for information on placing an order.