JubJub is the next installment for my upcoming book Through the Knitting Glass! It’s a classic beanie with the perfect amount of slouch and a traditional spiral crown closure. It features an eagle and arrow motif in stranded knitting, with a geometric medallion on the back, so it can be worn two different ways!

Up until this design, all of the patterns for this book have shared the same singular inspiration, and while the characters of Wonderland are also at the forefront for this one, there is another source responsible for its ultimate creation. I study all kinds of folk magic and incorporate many different rituals into my practice. I like to say that I believe in everything, because if I’m wrong about all religions and faiths there’s no harm done, but if I’m right about even one of them, I am COVERED in the afterlife. All jokes aside, they hold a special place in my heart for a variety of reasons. Amongst these beautiful and diverse beliefs is Native American mythology. Stories of mystery and wonder are in no short supply, particularly that of the Thunderbird, a creature of such strength that the beating of its wings summon rainstorms, and of such power that lightning flashes from its beak. Many believe it is even responsible for helping crops grow by watering the earth.

The Thunderbird is such a prolific figure that it not only appears in imagery across many different indigenous tribes of North America, but down into Mexico and South America as well. I have longed to represent my love for these cultures in my work, but needed to do so in a way that honored them without being directly appropriative. I looked at hundreds of reference materials, then branched out to other parts of the world so that I could create an independent motif. What I found was that a similar theme kept popping up like the phoenix in Celtic lore, the eagle in Viking tales, and the crane in Japanese symbolism. Almost every part of the world has its version of the almighty Thunderbird, including the strange and unusual alternate reality created by Lewis Carroll. JubJub is heavily influenced by Southwestern styles but is also an amalgamation of many other legends from many other places. I hope I’ve done them all justice.

Yarn
Weight: Fingering
Yardage: 350
(250 for the MC and 100 for the CC)

Needles (Size Small)
Loose Knitters:
US 0 (2MM)
US 1.5 (2.5MM)
Tight Knitters:
US 2 (2.75MM)
US 3 (3.25MM)

Needles (Size Large)
Loose Knitters:
US 1.5 (2.5MM)
US 2.5 (3MM)
Tight Knitters:
US 3 (3.25 MM)
US 5 (3.75MM)

Gauge (Size Small)
4x4 inches = 26 stitchs and 34 rows
Knit flat, in stockinette, after blocking

Gauge (Size Large)
4x4 inches = 24 stitches and 32 rows
Knit flat, in stockinette, after blocking

Finished Measurements (Unstretched)
Size Small:
16 inch circumference and 10 inch length
Size Large:
18 inch circumference and 11 inch length

Notions:
Stitch Markers
Tapestry Needle
Tape Measure