Pattern #56 in the original U.S. National Park inspired
line of beanies

by Nancy Bates

With an elevation that spans 7,600 to 14,259 feet, Rocky Mountain features a diversity of ecosystems that make this park a uniquely beautiful and adventurous place to visit. In this design, simple stranded knitting and 10 carefully chosen colors take you on a journey to four different lakes in two seasons as you gain elevation up the mountains. Your knitting adventure begins in subalpine meadows with summertime wildflowers before moving on to Bear Lake and quaking aspens as they appear in the Fall. Continue up to Nymph Lake dotted with lily pads and Dream Lake surrounded by evergreens. The final stop is lovely Emerald Lake, near the edge of the timberline with snowcapped peaks nearby.

This pattern continues Nancy Bates’ series of 63 Beanies inspired by the U.S. National Parks. It was first released in the book Knitting the National Parks.

This pattern uses 10 colors of worsted weight yarn:

20g/40yds Color A
10g/20yds Color B
10g/20yds Color C
10g/20yds Color D
10g/20yds Color E
10g/20yds Color F
10g/20yds Color G
10g/20yds Color H
10g/20yds Color I
Optional - 6-8yds for french knot flowers

Recommended Notions:

3 stitch markers - 2 of one color and 1 of another color
Tapestry needle