On August 11, 2018, my small town lost one of our rural firefighters, 32-year-old Deputy Chief Jeff Holden, who had been with the department since he was a teenage junior firefighter. He left behind a wife and 4-month-old son. A scholarship account has been established for his son with the NC State Employees Credit Union. Between now and September 15, I will donate $1 for every pattern sold to the Scholarship Fund for Miller. If you’re local and would like to make an additional donation, you can do so at any SECU location by referencing the Scholarship Fund for Miller account.

To celebrate the launch of Olivia Twisted, save 20% off the pattern price with coupon code Olivia20 at checkout. Promo expires on Sunday, August 19 at 11:59pm EDT. Not valid on previous purchases or other patterns.

Designed to show off the lovely heather in Scout’s colors, Olivia Twisted consists of sections of stockinette and reverse stockinette stitch highlighted by shifting knit and purl twists at the edges of each section. The shifting ends once the crown shaping begins, and slipped sts in the crown give the impression of 8 decrease points, when there are actually only 4. This is a quick and fun unisex hat pattern that you’ll want to make over and over again!

Sizes: Adult M (L); approximately 20” (21.5”) circumference, blocked. length is adjustable for a close-fitting beanie or a taller slouchy hat, depending on your preference.

Gauge: 20 sts and 28 rnds=4” in Stockinette stitch, knit in the round on larger needle and blocked.

Materials: US sizes 6 and 7 (4.0 and 4.5 mm) 16” circular needles and or DPNs, or size needed to make gauge plus one size smaller for ribbing. Locking stitch marker, tapestry needle for weaving in ends.

Yarn: Samples used 1 skein each of Kelbourne Woolens Scout. Size M was knit in color Blue Heather. Size L was knit in color Charcoal Heather. If using a different yarn, you will need approximately 220-240 yards of DK weight yarn, preferably wool or a wool blend.

As I was twisting my stitches and trying to think of a name for this pattern, I immediately thought of Oliver Twist. I figured he has enough named after him already, so I decided to play on the name. I like the name Olivia, and I figure if girls can wear unisex hats with male names, guys can wear unisex hats with girl names, so Olivia Twisted stuck!