Some years ago, I made the acquaintance of a young girl who was going through some rough stuff. She visited often, and we became good friends. I generally knit while we visited, and she was fascinated with the process, but always declined my offer to teach her.

She loved trying on the hats I had stashed to donate, but in particular, one that fit her perfectly and was just the right shade of pink. So, I added this big ‘Girl Power’ button and gave it to her – it was like a light switch turned on! She wore that hat constantly until it no longer fit, then she gave it back to me with instructions to offer it to someone else who might need it.

For the record, this young girl has grown into a very confident and successful attorney who works to make sure other women (young or old) at risk get a fighting chance. (She’s still fascinated by the knitting process, but still prefers to let others do it.)

I have since decided that my original ‘pattern’ needed some adjustment, and have worked up several options for it – just a subtle way for someone to claim that self confidence so sorely needed. Each variation is simple – I’m not a fast knitter, but can work up one or two in an evening (to be donated – I don’t sell these, but donate them to the local women’s support program). The most difficult part is the ribbed band – the rest breezes along quickly.

All the proceeds from the sale of this versatile pattern go to a local women’s support program – fighting domestic violence and abuse.

Knowledge required: Cast on, knit, purl, YO (yarn over), K2T (knit 2 together), SSK (slip 2 stitches knit wise to the right hand needle, pass them back to the left hand needle, and knit them together through the back), knit in the round

Materials:
1 skein worsted weight yarn with some ‘bite’ (I used Lion Brand Wool-Ease)
US 7 & 8 16 inch circular needles
US 8 DPNs
Stitch markers
Yarn needle

There are 2 options for the band, 3 for the rise (body), and 3 basic versions for the crown. Mix and match however you’d like.
The band is worked with US 7 circular, switching to US 8 for the body and crown.

Happy knitting!