Gnome Drop, with its pointy top, bobbles, and hat band shaped with German short rows to cover the ears, is really a perfect knit for the intermediate beginner knitter ready for a few new techniques and a fun challenge. It is written in 5 sizes for baby and children, newborn through 3-8 years old.

Materials used in the pattern are:

• Yarn: Wool of the Andes Tweed in Worsted Weight by Knitpicks 1¾oz/50g ball, each 110yd (80% Peruvian Highland Wool/ 20% Donegal Tweed) 1-2 balls

• Needles (circular and/or dp): size US6(4mm) & US8(5mm)

• Tapestry needle

• Stitch markers

The hat band is worked in rib stitch on needles 2 sizes smaller than the main needles. The main hat is worked in stockinette stitch in the round. The hat band has some negative ease, the main hat had little to some positive ease.

Bobbles are staggered on the hat, and require some judgement from the knitter for placement after decreases begin on the sides and front of the hat.

Pattern includes instructions and a tutorial link for German short rows, instructions for bobble construction, and a schematic with labels.