I have chosen to call this pattern “Habibi”… which means “beloved”, innocent love, first love. It was inspired by my 4-year-old grand-daughter who has a very special friend at day-care. The two have been looking out for each other for over 3 years and they have a beautiful innocent love.

In working on the design of this hat, I have thought about different experiences, different relationships and reflected upon how love can lose its innocence and protective nature, and can be full of pain, disappointment and disconnection.

The cables in the pattern reflect the twists of relationships and the connectedness. The panel in between represents the disconnections, the misses, and the uniqueness of individuals. Traditional cable patterns have purl stitches to separate the cables from other stitches, but I have chosen not to because we flow in and out of relationships therefore it is essential that the panel connects with the cables.

The pattern takes on average around 60 gms of 4ply yarn.