Habitat is a warm, textural hat that's great for both newbie and seasoned cablers alike. The pattern is written for worsted weight wool and includes two adult sizes. The cable motifs are integrated into the hats shaping and the crown decreases come together to form a root-like star motif atop the head.
As I said above, two sizes are offered in the pattern - one for Small to Medium adult head sizes and one for Medium to Larger noggins. The smaller size is approximately .5" shallower and suited for folks who like hats to come just over the tops of their ears. The larger, deeper hat will also fit average adult small heads, but cover your ears to the lobes - in my experience, ear-coverage preferences vary from hat wearer to hat wearer, so both options are included for an optimal fit for everyone.
Any worsted weight yarn will work, although wools are recommended most highly. Tweeds, heathers and subtly variegated yarns all look wonderful with the cables (one of each of these yarn types is shown here in the photos.) Pattern gauge is given in Stockinette stitch for ease in swatching and is a standard 4.5 sts per inch for worsted weight yarns. Suggested needle sizes are US7 and US8 - keep in mind, though - this is only a suggestion! Use whatever needles give you accurate gauge for best results.
Samples shown in these photos show both sizes - the Green version is the smaller, shallower size. Blue and burgundy versions are the larger, deeper size. Again, which size to knit is wholly preferential and depends on how you like your handknit hats to sit on your head.
Yarns shown in the samples include: Sundara Yarns Worsted Merino in "Green over Gold" (Green), Rowan Yorkshire Tweed Aran in "Bramble" (Burgundy) and Jamieson's Shetland Heather in "North Sea" (Blue).
More photos of the pattern can be found here in my Habitat Gallery. The pattern has also been test knit in various yarns including Debble Bliss Donegal Aran Tweed, and the ever popular Malabrigo. There are a whole lot of worsted weight yarns out there, so creativity is encouraged!
The pattern is available as a downloadable PDF and priced at $4.75. You can obtain this pattern in one of two ways - if you are a Ravelry member, Habitat is available in my Pattern Store as a Ravelry Download. The pattern is also available directly through PayPal for non-ravelry members, or those who prefer to go that route. A preview of the PDF layout can be seen below, with buttons to both methods of download following. Pattern instructions for cables are charted.
A short disclaimer: As a self-publishing designer, I strongly feel that it is my responsibility to you to present a quality product free of errors that is pleasing both from an aesthetic and practical point of view. All patterns that are self-published here at Brooklyn Tweed have been test knit by multiple knitters using various manufactured yarns to ensure the most pleasurable and intuitive knitting experience. I have personally prepared all diagrams and charts as well as knit shown samples, photographed and designed pattern layouts - soliciting the opinions of knitters prior to publication in an effort to streamline this product. I have done my very best to bring you a pattern that I am proud to stand behind fully. As always, thank you for your support and encouragement - and happy knitting.
-Jared
