This hat is design based on a beaded bracelet I bought from a Maasai clan while visiting Kenya. It was a life-changing experience to tour the Maasai Mara National Reserve and I wanted to honor the talent of these beautiful, friendly people who live in one of the most amazing places on Earth.

In the winter months, it can be cool enough in the morning to need a hat while driving around looking for the animals. At night the guards will walk you to and from your room to protect you from any roaming animals. It gets cold enough for them to wear knit hats when the temperatures drop.

Proceeds from pattern sales will go to the Maasai Wilderness Conservation Trust which supports conservation efforts of the land and the animals, as well as provides education and healthcare for the Maasai people

Pattern notes:
This hat is knit in the round with fair isle colorwork. Skills needed: knitting in the round, chart reading, color changes using fair isle techniques.

Size: One size to fit average adult head.
If you want a larger hat, go up one size in the needle size. If you like a tighter ribbing, go down two needle sizes from needles with gauge.

Finished measurement: 8 inches (20.32 cm) from cast on row to top

Gauge
5 stitches per inch in stockinette stitch with larger needles.

Materials:
Yarn used: Quince Lark (Worsted weight, 134yd 123m / 50g)
Colors used:
1 skein of main color (A): Crow (black)
Small amounts of accent colors: Delft (B - light blue), Peaks Ferry (C - red), Goldfinch (D - yellow), Frank’s Plum (E - purple), River (F - royal blue), Poppy (G - orange)

Or worsted weight yarn of your choice. This is a great stash buster!

Needles:
Size US 6 (4.00mm) 16 inch circular (or set of 5 DPN)
Size US 7 (4.50 mm) 16 inch circular and/or set of 5 DPNs
or size needed to obtain gauge (You better swatch!)
Tapestry needle