The design inspiration behind this collection of patterns came from my Aunt Maryam, who sadly passed away a few years ago due to complications associated with Early Onset Alzheimer’s. Growing up I always knew of her as the knitter in my Mum’s family, even though many of my other Aunts also knit I have more hand knits from my Aunt Maryam than the rest put together. So I always associated her with knitting. The other thing I associate with her are braids, she was the person who taught me how to do French braids when I was 8 years old and so every time I do a braid in my hair I find myself thinking of her. Ever since I started knitting and designing patterns I’d had this idea in my mind to design a collection of patterns incorporating braided cables in memory of my Aunt Maryam, and so here they are.

What you will need:

• Yarn – 80-100g Worsted weight Yarn (approx. 160m/175yds - 200m/220 yds); Yarn used in sample – The Yarns of Rhichard Devrieze in the Sonora Colourway (160m/175yds per 80g approx). Sample shown used 70g/140m.

• Needles – 5mm (US8) 16” circular for knitting in the round or a longer cable for magic loop, and double pointed needles (DPNs) or magic loop for crown ; Second circular needle 5mm or smaller for working the brim (see notes below)

• Notions
1 Stitch Marker for marking the beginning of the round and additional markers for crown decreases.
A tapestry needle for weaving in ends.
Waste yarn for a provisional crochet cast on (only if you decide to use this method for the brim – see notes in the pattern for further details on the options for this section).
Cable needle (the smaller Cables can be done using the Cabling without a Cable needle method, however the larger cables will need a cable needle).

• Gauge – Approximately 5 sts/inch in the main body pattern, un-stretched and un-blocked

• Size – One Size finished hat circumference approximately 40cm /16 inches, please note finished size is measured unblocked.