January 2018

It’s late January, which means that Winter (and the knitting season) are in full swing. So what better time to make yourself a new hat? Especially if it’s a cashmere hat? Meet my newest design: the Delancey Hat!

If you’ve ever heard of “potato chip” knitting, then this pattern is exactly that: a project so fun, quick, and addicting that you can’t knit just one!

In broader terms, this hat, and this design, epitomize much of what matters to me in my knitting life: a simple and speedy unisex pattern that includes sizes for everyone in the family, the unmistakeable and quintessential textures of garter stitch and super-squishy fisherman rib, and even a dash of whimsy (thank you, massive faux fur pom-pom).

It also thrills me to have the chance to collaborate with a small, woman-owned business like Clinton Hill Cashmere, whose aran-weight Bespoke Cashmere yarn is featured in this design. With its neutral solid-colored palette of 100% cashmere yarns spun in Italy, CHC is bringing such an impeccable product to the knitting world. Their aesthetic and vision is an inspiration to me both as a designer of modern, wearable pieces and an everyday knitter. I think that a classic design like the Delancey Hat is the perfect opportunity to let this exquisite yarn take center stage.

For you detail-oriented knitters out there, Delancey is worked in one piece in the round from the brim upward. CHC’s Bespoke Cashmere yarn, shown here in their “Graphite” colorway, ensures that this hat is heavenly to wear, but any aran-weight yarn will work nicely. Most of the sizes in the pattern require only 2 skeins, and the baby size can be made with just one skein for an especially lovely gift! I’m also pleased that this hat is a great project for beginners, not only because the project knits up so fast, but also because it introduces the skills of knitting and purling into the row below.