Coastal Cap

The Iknitarod and Iditarod were fun, exciting, interesting and exhilarating this year.  We are talking already about next year's fun and maybe adding a new category called Checkpoint Challenges.

Winter is still not over, we got another 1.5 inches yesterday and it never went over 20 degrees.  Sheesh.  I find I spend a lot of time in hand knitted caps as they keep the heat in really well so we don't have to spend so much money using the propane back up to out pellet stove.  The stove can keep the house at about 60 and then we need the gas for more.  This winter that has turned out to be a rather expensive option. Anyway….
For the Iknitarod I designed a cowl and a cap.  Giving out presents and prizes is such fun.  So I'm gifting you all with the cap pattern right here.

Coastal Shell Cap

A simple but interesting cap that knits up quickly and keeps your head nice and toasty

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Needles: US 4 & 6   16" circs

approx 125 yds fingering / sportweight yarn. 

Gauge: with larger needle, 5 sts/in Little Shell Ribbing B

Size:  S(M/L)  For a Medium, use M/L numbers but US 3 & 5 needles.

Notions:  markers, opt. bead or button for top of cap.

CO 90(105) sts using stretchy or long tail cast-on. Join without twisting. Place BOR marker.

Little Shell Ribbing A (5 sts x 4 rows) with smaller needle

Continue in the round as follows:

R1 & 2: *k3, p2*  [90(105) sts]

R3: *sl1-k2tog-psso, p2*  [54(63) sts]

R4: *(k1, k1tbl, k1) all in the same st, p2*  [90(105) sts]

Repeat Rounds for 1.5 - 2 inches ending with R2.

Little Shell Ribbing B (15 sts x 12 rows) with larger needle

continue in the round as follows:

R1 & 4: *p2, k3*  [90(105) sts]

R2: *p2, sl1-k2tog-psso*  [54(63) sts]

R3: *p2, [(k1, k1tbl, k1) all in the same st]*  [90(105) sts]

R5 & 8: *p1, k3, p1*

R6: *p1, sl1-k2tog-psso, p1*  [54(63) sts]

R7: *p1,  [(k1, k1tbl, k1) all in the same st]*  [90(105) sts]

R9 & 12: *k3, p2*  [90(105) sts]

R10: *sl1-k2tog-psso, p2*  [54(63) sts]

R11: *[(k1, k1tbl, k1) all in the same st], p2*  [90(105) sts]

Repeat Rounds 1- 12 for approx 5-6 inches, ending with R4, 8 or 12.

Sea Scallop Border (11 sts x 4 rows)

K 1 round reducing sts evenly by 2(6) to 88(99)sts

*p2tog twice, (M1, k1) 3 times, M1, p2tog twice*

K1 round

Purl one round.

Decreasing the top

*sl2 pwise-k1-p2sso, yo, k8* around

k1 round

*sl2 pwise-k1-p2sso, yo, k7* around

k1 round

*sl2 pwise-k1-p2sso, yo, k6* around

k1 round

*sl2 pwise-k1-p2sso, yo, k5* around

k1 round

Changing to dpns or 2 circs when sts become too tight/few on the needle.

Continue in this pattern until you have 16(18) sts remaining. *k2tog* around.

Cut off 8 inches, putting thread on embroidery needle. Then gather the remaining stitches twice, tuck yarn to inside and knot off.  Add optional button or bead. Tuck in ends and enjoy.

sarabasha@earthlink.net  ©  Susan Sarabasha 2014