#WIDN: Custom Hat in Malabrigo Rios

One of my recent commissions was a request for a special winter hat, and after being deep in Turkey Hat orders for the last two months I couldn’t think of anything better than taking a break from stuffing and seaming legs than to refresh my brain with some beautiful yarn and a quick new project. 

I went to pick out yarn at one of my local yarn stores, The Altered Stitch. It was my first time visiting despite driving by all the time, and I’m so grateful for the commission that sent me there seeking yarn...they have the most amazing selection of indie-dyed yarn from a large range of makers and it was hard not to desperately covet all the sock yarn (Hedgehog Fibres Typewriter was particularly calling to me!) 

I ended up choosing two skeins of Malabrigo Rios, an incredibly beautiful 4-ply superwash merino. My client particularly wanted something very fun and bright, and these colors jumped out at me almost immediately.

I chose two skeins of color 093 Fucsia (a solid color with some very, very subtle variances that make it very rich and interesting) and one skein of 057 English Rose, just a mind-blowing variegated in all the colors that make me drool.

In true Elise fashion, I didn’t reference or use any patterns…I just kind of jumped right in. I’ve made so many hats at this point in my life that I have a pretty good idea of how many stitches to cast on depending on the yarn weight. Using two strands of Rios at the same time felt to me similar to worsted weight. So I grabbed some US 6 (4.0 mm) double-pointed needles and got right to work!

I held two strands of Fucsia together and knit a simple 1x1 rib for the brim. I just love a 1x1 rib...I love how it looks, and I love that it helps the brim keep from getting too stretched out. 

For the body of the hat I originally wanted to do a fun stitch pattern like seed/moss stitch or skinny cables, but after I did a quick swatch that all went out the window. The yarn is so pretty and the colors are so vibrant that I thought it looked best showcased in simple stockinette. I finished the body of the hat holding one strand of Fucsia and one strand of English Rose together. I knit the body to make a slouchy fit, long enough so it could also be worn with the brim flipped up for some extra warmth.

And then of course I finished it off with a large pompom, made with a mix of both colors. It’s seriously the best part. 

I love how it turned out! The Malabrigo Rios was such a dream to knit with, I’m already scoping out other colorways. 

What do you think?  Have you knit with this yarn before?

introducing: elisemade knit wool hats for everyone in basic, two-tone colors

my new winter hat line is now available in the shop! 

i wanted to design a great basic hat for any person needing a hardworking winter wardrobe staple. the double-knit 100% wool makes these hats super warm and snuggly, and they can be worn a little slouchy or with the ribbed brim folded up for a tighter fit. the two-tone colors are unique and interesting but still neutral to match all your winter gear.  

charcoal/gray in adult size

sizes for the whole family

navy/denim in baby size

brown/tan in kids size

available in three sizes: unisex adult, kids (fits approx. ages 3-10), and baby (newborns to age 3). 

check them out in the shop here.

black/white 

charcoal/gray

brown/tan

navy/denim

wear the brim folded or straight

if you like your winter hats with pompoms (i sure do!) you can add one on in a matching color for only $5 more.

you can also request a basic hat in any two color combinations of your choice. contact me at elisemade@gmail.com to discuss color options!  

here are some custom colorways:

to make your hat more personal and unique, i am also offering custom embroidery in a variety of designs. choose a letter or monogram in a variety of font styles, a team logo, or another design. embroidery pricing starts at $1/square inch. contact me at elisemade@gmail.com to discuss your design ideas!

baby hat in custom two-tone teal colorway with embroidered 'm' monogram

baby size in black/white with custom pink bow

whether you choose a basic neutral color or want to customize every element, this will surely be the cozy hat you reach for all winter long!

which color hat is your favorite?