Do you identify as a Reluctant Swatcher? I am… When I’m fired up about a project and a color scheme or texture, it’s tough to put the brakes on and make a swatch. In her book, Knitters Almanac, Elizabeth Zimmermann recommends making what she calls “Experimental Caps.”

I designed this hat to be a swatch project for the Liska Sweater. Grab a couple of fingering weight colors that you’ve been curious about and cast on an experimental cap. If after blocking, you find that your gauge is off, you can forge on and in Zimmerman’s wise words, this one “is sure to fit somebody.” Cast on a second time, using a different needle size to see if your next experimental cap will get that gauge just right. This one is a blast to knit in a variety of color schemes. Ritual Dyes yarns are deeply saturated; giving you all kinds of bright options to work with.

Yarn Recommendations
The yarn recommendations listed below are a result of my best estimation. They are approximate. Gauge and substitutions will affect the amount you’ll need.

Yarn A (MC): Ritual Dyes Maven (2 ply fingering weight, climate beneficial, US grown and milled, naturally dyed 100% Rambouillet Wool, 265 yards / 242 meters) 1 Skein Quartzite (light pink)

Yarn B (CC): Ritual Dyes Maven (2 ply fingering weight, climate beneficial, US grown and milled, naturally dyed 100% Rambouillet Wool, 265 yards / 242 meters) 1 Skein Heartwood (maroon)

Or Approximately

Yarn A: 155 yards / 142 meters

Yarn B: 50 yards / 46 meters

Gauge
26 stitches and 30 rounds = 4” / 10 cm in Colorwork Pattern on larger needles.

Suggested Needles*
- US Size 3 / 3.25 mm circular needle, 16” / 40 cm / length for the ribbing

• US Size 4 / 3.5 mm circular needle, 16” / 40 cm / length plus your preferred needle length for small circumference knitting to use for the crown shaping (Magic Loop or Double Pointed Needles).

Sizes
One Size - Approximately 18.5”/ 47 cm circumference and 10.5” / 26.75 cm tall, unstretched. Recommended 2-2.5” / 5-6.5 cm negative ease for a snug fit.