This pattern was originally published as Knitting Bee’s contribution to the 2020 Rose City Yarn Crawl in Portland, Oregon. The pattern is also part of the 2020 Pattern Collection: Birds of the Pacific Northwest.

During the month of September, in the evening just before sunset, thousands of graceful Vaux’s Swifts swirl overhead at Chapman Elementary School as they prepare to roost for the night. The stranded colorwork motif on this hat was inspired by these aerial acrobats.

Yarn
(2) skeins Malabrigo Yarn Rios (100% Superwash Merino Wool, 210 yards/100g), shown in Bobby Blue (MC) and Frank Ochre (CC)

Needles
US 3 (3.25mm) 16” circular needle
US 5 (3.75mm) 16” circular needle
US 5 (3.75mm) DPNs
~or size to obtain gauge

Notions
Stitch marker
Darning needle

Skill Level
Confident Beginner - Intermediate

Gauge
23 sts = 4” in stranded colorwork on larger needles, after blocking

Finished Measurements
20” around, 9” tall