Intro
The Hill of Tara hat is a fun, easy quick project for a striking hat in child and adult sizes that is suitable for all crocheters including beginners. It is worked using back loop stitches to create a super stretchy rib for a cosy fit.

It is worked up in straight rows and tied at the top, creating the puff. Also available are matching mittens and neck warmer.

It is designed for Aran weight wool and a 6mm crochet hook - or size needed to get required tension. I used an Aran weight merino which came out super soft. Any pure wool will be extra warm.

Acknowledgments: This pattern set has been Tech Edited by Louise Plumridge, and the set has been tested by Sarah Hart, Winternightmare, and Helga76. I am grateful for the help from this wonderful team, any errors that remain are my own.

Accessibility: The pattern is available in UK and US terms, and a screen reader friendly version is available in 24 font for easy reading, without using abbreviations.

Copyright and fair usage: As with all patterns the purchase of this pattern gives you personal use of my intellectual property. This pattern is perfect for making gifts and also for market makes or craft fairs, and you may sell any items you make personally. Purchasing the pattern does not give the right to sell copies of the pattern, to distribute the pattern in any way, free or paid, or to use for large scale sales, employing others to make items.

Environment and sustainability: A problem I tried to solve with this design was the need for polyester pom-poms on hats which are not kind to our beautiful planet. By adding a puff to the top of the hat (an otherwise simple and traditional beanie) there is no need for a Pom Pom. The cowl and mittens were then designed to match, and create a full set.
The sample items were all made in pure wool, which has best properties for warm outdoor wear. Locally sourced wool is also probably the most eco friendly choice. In drier areas, cotton and other plant based yarns also work well. It is up to you what yarn you use once the pattern is purchased. It will work up in any worsted weight yarn.