In the far southwest of the British mainland, where the pace of life is slow, and boats sail from dawn to dusk, you will find the county of Cornwall. A coastal county steeped in legends, with shanty songs evoking perilous seas, pirates, and shipwrecks. Here, throughout history and to the present day, Cornish sea shanties have been sung by fisherfolk, local people, and choirs alike. In fact, Falmouth, a small seaside town in Cornwall, hosts the “International Sea Shanty Festival” every year to celebrate the heritage of these songs passed down through the years.

The traditional knitting of practical, iconic knitwear in Cornwall has also been passed down through families and communities, with the patterns of cables and shapes reflecting the local harbors and villages from which they originate. Inspired by those traditional patterns, we have created the “Sugar, Tea & Rum Hat.”

Inspired by the famous sea shanty lyrics from the ‘Wellerman’ song, “Soon may the Wellerman come, to bring us sugar, tea, and rum,” the hardworking fisherfolk, often deployed to remote outposts, would count the days until the “Wellerman” would come to bring them basic supplies and a few home comforts while working in such extreme conditions. It only seems appropriate to name this hat that will bring such comfort after the items in this sea shanty those hardy fishfolk so longed for.

Sizes
One size approx. head circumference 55-59cm (4-5cm negative ease).

Adjustments:
Add or subtract 16/32sts to increase or decrease circumference by approx. 5cm

Yarn : Approx. 350m 4-ply or 200m DK.

Yarn : Raw Wool Company: Rum & Raisin or an equivalent 4ply or DK yarn which achieves gauge.

Gauge : 22 sts x 28 Rows per 10cm square

Notions : 1 stitch marker, tapestry needle

Needles : 3.75mm circular needle

Fitting Guide : Approx 4-5cm negative ease