Note from Mom:
“I am thinking positive and in the future but do you think you could make this…
I am thinking for when he graduates from NICU”
This was accompanied by a photo and how could I say no?!
A motarboard and diploma. Basically a couple of
squares; a white one rolled up as diploma and a black one folded around a cardboard square with an added tassel and base to fit around the head.
I am right on it.
11-02-2024
14” circumference head =4.45” diameter
Plus 1” all around= 6.45 square
To wrap around the cardboard with triangles meeting in the center ( where the tassel will be placed) =9.13 inch square. 
11-03-2024
Ran out of black yarn for the mortarboard top, but did finish the diploma.
11-04-2024
Finished the black square and hubby cut a piece of cardboard.
11-05-2024
Seamed the mortar board with the piece of thick cardboard inside ( see pictures).
I also sewed a button in the center and made a white tassel.
Hubby helped twisting the cord for the tassel; it is a team effort.
11-06-2024
Using the softer Caron yarn for the next to skin part.
Started on the base under the mortar board.
Used German Twisted Cast on 76 sts in 1x1 ribbing for 5 inches, then some decreases before I bind off and attach it to the underside of the board.
11-07-2024
The base is loosely based on the Danny Boy Hat pattern ( really just for the number of sts to cast on). I am working a size between Newborn and Baby , only do a 1x1 ribbing and threw in a few short rows in the back. I kept second guessing myself on the length. I want it long enough that the brim can be folded over, but not too long. Total should be ear to ear .
Started decreases at just under 4” .
1st decrease round : k2, k2tog
Then 1 round knit
2nd decrease round : k 2tog , k1 (38 sts left)
Then 1 round knit and bind off.
Now washing and then I can attach it.
11-08-2024
While baby was being tested that the surgery was successful, I finished the graduation cap as follows ( see pictures, too.
- I cut out a circle the size of the opening after binding off the base.
- I centered the circle to the center of the underside of the mortar board.
- I traced the edge of the circle with a contrast color yarn.
- I seamed the hat-base to the mortar board following the outline.
Finished.
And the results are in: surgery was a success!
He may be able to graduate from the NICU soon!
11-9-2024
Gave it to Mom this morning and she is thrilled. Hopefully baby can leave the hospital soon.
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