“I was aiming for a sophisticated hat with this ‘topper’ named for the flat top hats of the past,” says Hunter. “The brim stands on its own due to its unique construction and the flowers lend an old world, feminine touch. The size has been determined with less than the normal negative ease of most hats so that the brim sits without being stretched.” She also notes that the gauge is tighter than usual for this yarn, which “gives more body and structure to the hat”. Short rows are used, and full instructions are given for the flowers and leaves, too. It’s a confident, joyful, exuberant design.