©2008 Natalie Larson. All rights reserved. http:strandsofme.blogspot.com

Spring Beret

Perfect for Springing into Summer, this slouchy beret is worked in the round using an easy to memorize lace pattern. Easy and quick, you can whip this up in the car on the way to the beach for the weekend! Two versions are provided for an extra slouchy and a less slouchy look (Do you just lounge on the beach, or do you get up and move? Either way, très chic!).

Size: To fit an average size adult head Gauge: 18 stitches and 24 rows = 4 inches in Lace Stitch Pattern A note on gauge: An intentionally loose gauge was used to make this hat’s breezy style. Materials:

• 180 yards of worsted weight cotton (Good options: Blue Sky Organic Cotton, Malabrigo Cotton, Kona Bay Cotton, Sugar ‘n Cream Solid – what I used)

• US Size 8/9 Circular Needle, 24 inches (interchangeable works well here!).

• Tapestry Needle

• Stitch Marker Difficulty: This pattern is recommended for a beginner to an intermediate knitter (come on, you can do it!). Abbreviations K – Knit P - Purl M1 – Make One (Make a tight backward loop using your thumb, as if to cast on the right needle) YO - Yarn over K2tog – Knit two together Sl – Slip stitch to right needle (unworked) PSSO – Pass slipped stitch over (slipping over just worked stitches for a double decrease) Lace Pattern: Rounds 1 & 3: Knit all stitches Round 2: *yo, k3, sl 1 – k2tog – psso, k3, yo, k1* repeat from * to end. Round 4: *k1, yo, k2, sl 1 – k2tog – psso, k2, yo, k1, p1* repeat from * to end. Round 5 and 7: *k9, p1* repeat from * to end. Round 6: *k2, yo, k1, sl 1 – k2tog – psso, k1, yo, k2, p1* repeat from * to end. Round 8: *k3, yo, sl 1 – k2tog – psso, yo, k3, p1* repeat from * to end.

©2008 Natalie Larson. All rights reserved. http:strandsofme.blogspot.com

Directions – More Slouchy Version – The Lounger CO 74 sts via long tail cast-on onto smaller circular. Join and place an EOR (end of round) marker at the end of the round. Work in 1x1 rib (k1, P1) for nine rounds. Switch to larger needles. Next round (increase round): *K2, M1, repeat from * to the last two stitches, k2 (110 stitches). Work rounds 1-8 of the lace pattern four times, then work rows 1-6 one time. Knit one round plain. Next round, begin the following decrease: Round One: *K2tog* repeat from * across (55)

RoundTwo: *K2tog* repeat from * across to last stitch, k1 (28) Round Three: *K2tog* repeat from * across (14) Round Four: *K2tog* repeat from * across (7) Round Five: *K2tog* repeat from * across to last stitch, k1 (4) Note: When the decreases become difficult using the circular needle, divide in half, pull the excess cable to one side, employing a bit of a magic loop method…

Break yarn leaving a five inch tail. Using tapestry needle, thread the yarn tightly through the remaining stitches (pull it really tight before weaving it in). Weave in any additional loose ends. Wear it with pride – you know you look good!

Directions – Less Slouchy Version – Ms. Active CO 70 sts via long tail cast-on onto smaller circular. Join and place an EOR (end of round) marker at the end of the round. Work in 1x1 rib (k1, P1) for nine rounds. Switch to larger needles. Next round (increase round): *K2, M1, K2, M1, K3, M1 repeat from * to end (100 stitches).

Work rounds 1-8 of the lace pattern four times, then work rows 1-6 one time. Knit one round plain.

Next round, begin the following decrease: Round One: *K2tog* repeat from * across (50) Round Two: *K2tog* repeat from * across (25) Round Three: *K2tog* repeat from * across to last stitch, k1 (13) Round Four: *K2tog* repeat from * across last stitch, k1 (7) Round Five: *K2tog* repeat from * across to last stitch, k1 (4) Note: When the decreases become difficult using the circular needle, divide them in half, pull the excess cable to one side, employing a bit of a magic loop method…

Break yarn leaving a five inch tail. Using tapestry needle, thread the yarn tightly through the remaining stitches (pull it really tight before weaving it in). Weave in any additional loose ends. Wear it with pride – you know you look good too, you active thing!

Natalie is the mother of two small children ages 2 and 4 and is very proud of her recent transition into exclusive motherhood. She and her family just moved from the dry desert of Arizona, to the even drier desert of Nevada. She has been knitting for just over one year.