#WIDN: Mawson Hat by Jared Flood
one of my big goals for 2019 is to knit a bunch of other designer’s patterns. when i first started knitting, i was filled with so many ideas and was very headstrong about trying to figure things out for myself. Now, i see the extreme value in trying others’ written patterns. not only do i want (need) to make some of these beautiful designs for myself (another 2019 goal), but i am excited to learn new skills and techniques to expand my own design process.
so, when i was thinking about what to make my dad for his birthday this past december, i settled on a mochimochiland starter gnome and the mawson hat by jared flood, the esteemed designer behind brooklyn tweed. mawson is a simple 1x1 ribbed beanie or folded-brim watchcap with some really cool decreases that make the hat completely reversible. i love that the pattern includes instructions for both styles, and it is written so you can make one in either worsted or dk weight yarn. Basically, this is a great go-to hat pattern for men or women that you can make with almost anything from your stash.
i typically let my dad pick out his own hat yarn, so while i was home in the bay area for the thanksgiving holiday we visited my favorite yarn store in the area, uncommon threads. he sprang almost immediately for a luxurious string yarns Dolcetto cashmere/merino in color 200741/dark khaki. it’s so incredibly soft!
i was excited to learn a new cast-on technique for this pattern, the 1x1 ribbed cable cast on. Though it gave me some trouble at first, once i got the hang of it it was cool to see the ribbing start right from the get go. then, the body of the hat is all 1x1 ribbing. some knitters may really hate endless 1x1 ribbing, but even though it slows me down a bit i find it very soothing.
guys, the decreases for this pattern threw me for a loop! i generally like to listen to podcasts while i knit, and i figured out very quickly that i really needed to focus on this part of the pattern. the technique was not difficult but definitely required all of my attention! but wow, i’m really impressed with the crown shaping on this pattern and the fact that the decreases render the hat completely reversible. so so cool!
even if you’re experienced with the cast on and decrease techniques, i still highly recommend this excellent pattern. first of all, it’s incredibly well written. and, the finished hat came out so great and is the perfect fit for my dad. now that i have it down pat, i’m looking forward to making the watchcap version, most likely for myself :)