For my new pattern, to match this scarf, inspired by beautiful autumn pears and the delicate beauty of Japanese-style stitch patterns.

I knit this design up 6 times in several different yarns, and generally preferred the definition from a smooth yarn for ‘stitchiness’ and fuzzy yarns for ‘coziness’. In the end I went with the smooth, but still earthy, look and feel of this yarn for the pattern. It gives the stitches definition but has enough loft spun in it to make for a light, soft hat with just a touch of rusticity, which I love.

That being said, the appeal of a soft, cozy yarn is there for me as well! I am dreaming of knitting one in a wool/ cashmere yarn… ;)

I knit 2 gold versions - one in each size - and with my 21” head being right on the size border, I can wear both, but prefer the 18” size a bit better as the edging does not have to stretch as much for my noggin. :)

More details on my blog.

A huge THANK YOU to my testers: Porsu, luvs2sing, theknottymommy, knittingma, sims, kyorei, snookiesoz, yarnella, and creativespirit - you were a fantastic help!