Whale Watch Hat, aka Kate’s ode to New England

When Kate was asked by Melissa LaBarre last year to design a hat using Canopy Fingering (two of her most favorite things ever) for her and Cecily Glowik MacDonald‘s book, New England Knits, she didn’t hesitate for one second. (And now that the book is on the precipice of coming out — and is AWESOME — she is even more excited to be involved!)

Using New England as inspiration – especially the (ridiculous) uber preppy whale themed summer beachwear of her polo shirt and khaki filled youth  – Kate designed a Fair Isle beret, the Whale Watch Hat, (rav link) in rich blues, sea green + white with whales as the main focus.

© Interweave Press. Photo by Sadie Dayton

The beret starts with a contrast color cast on and solid ribbing that turns into gradating chevron Fair Isle stripes that simulate the waves on the ocean.

© Interweave Press. Photo by Sadie Dayton

Then, in a certifiable whale-explosion, there are three stripes of the aquatic mammals, with the third proudly spouting water at the top.

The beret is finished with a repeat of the waves at the top and symmetrical decreases.

Sizes 18″ brim circumference, un-stretched, 10.25″ diameter at widest point

Yarn The Fibre Company Canopy Fingering (50% baby alpaca, 30% merino, 20% viscose from bamboo; 200 yd/50 g): orchid (white), macaw (navy), blue quandons (bright blue), fern (mint green), 1 skein each.

Gauge 28 stitches and 32 rows = 4 inches in whale pattern on larger needles

Tools
• Size 0 (2.0 mm) needles
• Size 2 (2.75 mm) needles
• Markers (m)

Ravel It!

Be sure to check out the many other fabulous patterns included in the book, including the gorgeous Mystic Pullover designed in Organik by Melissa LaBarre!

Next up, an interview with the lovely ladies of New England Knits – and a surprise you will NOT want to miss!