A few weeks ago, the Dude eschewed his typical high-tech outdoor garments and donned some handknit woolens for a day on the snow. Check out Horno and Going Stag being put to good use:
While I grew up swaddled in wool, the Dude is a more recent convert to the amazing temperature regulating and self rejuvenating qualities of animal fibers. As a matter of fact, he’s become such a strong convert, he keeps trying to convince me I should knit all his outdoor garments. . . .
After a rather unfortunately long hiatus, I’m back at B8 knit-design with a new pattern. Horno has been knocking around for a while. I originally developed this hat design for a squishy hank of Manos del Uruguay Maxima picked out by The Dude. Now, bald guys, they take their hats very, very seriously, so I was quite pleased when this hat became the favorite go-to winter hat. In fact, this hat became so essential, a second one was requested in a different color. I think what has won Horno top honors in the hat wardrobe is the versatility. The extra tall ribbed cuff can be folded up for an extra layer of ear warmth, or on a warmer day, the cuff can be extended to create a slouchy toque. Although, I think I see Horno being worn in an inbetween mode the most – the back cuff extended and pulled way down for a little more neck coverage with the front folded up halfway:
This hat is a very quick knit – about three evening’s worth for me, which is almost instant gratification. There’s a tricky bit at the beginning to create the k1 p1 tubular cast on, but after that it’s easy going. The textured slip stitch pattern has an uncomplicated 4 stitch repeat and in a fun hand dyed yarn it’s one of those addictive projects that’s hard to put down. In fact, although I’ve already knit 4 of these, I want to cast on for another one right now.
