Iz's Firefly Hat
So, I've been a little AWOL lately, but that doesn't mean I haven't been busy making stuff, though my focus has been primarily on knitting. I've been working in a yarn shop. If you're a crazy knitter like me, that is like crack to an addict. I've been busy.
We recently got in a yarn that would normally have left me uninspired. Schachenmayr's Lumio Fine is a bulky acrylic blend in vibrant (ie. some neon) colors that aren't normally my cup of tea. Some of them actually hurt my eyes. I want to look at them because that pain is weirdly exquisite. Anyway, they've done something really brilliant - they added a reflective thread, which is why the MiMBY Girl's head is lighting up like a Christmas tree in the picture above. What parent doesn't want their kid to stand out in the dark winter hours?
On Ravelry I found a pattern with potential, but the measurements didn't come close to working out for me so I started fiddling with the pattern. Here is my version of the Iz Firefly Hat:
Needle size needed: 16” size US 11 circular needle OR double pointed needles.
Cast on 61 sts. Join in the round by sliding the last cast on stitch from the right needle to the left needle. Knit the first two stitches together, * purl 1, knit 1, repeat from *. Purl last stitch. Place a marker. This is the set up for your rib stitch.
Continue with 5 more rounds of the knit, purl rib. 6 rounds of ribbing total.
At the start of the next round, switch to mock cable stitch pattern:
Row 1: Knit 3, purl 1
Row 2: Knit 3, purl 1
Row 3: Slip stitch as if to knit, knit 2, PSSO (pass slipped stitch over 2 knit stitches), purl 1
Row 4: Knit 1, YO (yarn over), knit 1, purl 1
Continue with the mock cable pattern, knitting rows 1-4 five more times. For adults, you might want to add one more repeat of pattern. Our family members have big heads. Check fit before beginning decrease.
Decrease:
Knit rows 1, 2, 3 of mock cable stitch as written. For Row 4: knit 2, purl 1 (no yarn over increase).
Switch to double point needles as you knit the next round.
Knit rows 1 & 2 again, for Row 3: slip 1, k 1, PSSO, p 1.
Knit one round of k 1, p 1.
Next round; K2tog all the way around. Break off yarn and using an embroidery needle, thread yarn through remaining stitches, drawing the circle tight. Sew in ends.
You should have some yarn left over for wrist warmers, dog collars, biker anklet thingies, whatever strikes your fancy. Make some safety gear for your loved ones. I keep driving by crazy people walking around in the dark wearing black. Come on, people.