The winter of 2013-2014….what can I say? I think we’re all ready for it to end!

In my neck of the woods (Central IL, USA), I believe we have had the sixth snowiest winter on record, and the snowiest one since the late 70s. Between the constant snowfall and the arctic temps, we never know whether the kids will have school tomorrow or whether we’ll even be able to make it out of the driveway. Spring just can’t come quickly enough!

As long as we’re snowed in a little longer, we might as well keep on knitting. Snowy is a slouch hat with a simple color work pattern. The pattern itself has written instructions, but the color work portion is presented as a chart. If reading charts or color work is new to you, this might be the perfect introductory project. Both are very basic in this pattern.

Finished hat circumferences are 16.75” (18.75”, 21”), which translates to approximately: 2-5 yrs (6 yrs - Adult S, Adult M/L). For best fit, measure the actual head circumference then choose the size that is just smaller than the actual head size. For example, a 20” head would need the size Medium (18.75”). Hats should fit with 1-2” of negative ease.

Yardage requirements are 170 (200, 225) total yds of dk weight yarn in contrasting colors:
Color A: 60 (80, 90) yds / Color B: 110 (120, 135) yds
(Sample shown was made form Tosh DK yarn in the Thyme and Calligraphy colorways 100% Merino, 225 yds per 100g skein)

Tips for Color Work (included in the pattern):

• When working rows with infrequent color changes, (like rows 1 & 3 of the chart), make sure to always pick up the new yarn from
underneath the yarn just used.
• When working rows with frequent color changes (like rows 9-12 of the chart), try holding Color A in your left hand and Color B in your right. Color A can be knit “continental style” while Color B can be knit “English Style”.
• Make sure to give the “floats” enough slack on the WS of the project that they won’t cause the hat to pucker.
• All charted rows should be read from R to L.

A million thank yous to Elin76, Bridy, Kybosh, and Jonel0206 for testing this pattern and giving me valuable feedback!