Thank you to Chandi at Expression Fiber Arts for providing the yarn for this sample!
This season has been all about stepping out of my comfort zone with my yarn choices. One thing I’ve never done, until now, is get my hands on hand-dyed yarn. But when Expression Fiber Arts showed up on my Facebook feed one day, I was captivated by the gorgeousness of the yarn. I knew I had to try it! Chandi was gracious enough to send me some Superwash Merino Silk Pearlescent Worsted to play with, and there are a few things I noticed right away when I held it in my hands:
1. “Pearlescent” is a perfect description for this yarn. I wondered, when I saw the photos on the web site, if it really would look as shiny in real life. It does! And while cheaper yarns tend to sacrifice stitch definition for sheen, this yarn doesn’t at all.
2. It’s soft! Like, super soft. But sturdy.
3. The colors are incredible. I chose a colorway that isn’t available anymore (I think I grabbed the last one, sorry!) that is a mixture of the palest pink and icy blue, but if you look on the web site, you’ll see that there are plenty of totally gorgeous colorways to choose from!
Now, you know me; I love my big box store yarns, and they’re what I typically use; because not only am I on a budget, but I know many of you are, too. But, I also know that there is a whole world of absolutely stunning yarns out there that are worth exploring, especially for those super special projects. Don’t be afraid to branch out; you might just discover something beautiful!
After I finished the pattern for this hat, I felt like it needed a little contrast. So, I added a pom pom with some white unlabeled yarn from my stash. The pom pom is totally optional and is not included in the yardage count.
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ANNABELLE SLOUCH HAT
Difficulty: Easy
Finished Size: 9″ tall x 9.5″ wide (when laid flat)
Hook: I (5.50mm) and G (4.25mm)
Yarn: Approximately 185 yards (not including optional pom pom) of Superwash Merino Silk Pearlescent Worsted, a #4 weight medium yarn by Expression Fiber Arts.
Gauge: With larger hook, 16 rows of 8 (skip 1 ST, SC+HDC in next ST) combos = 4″ square
You’ll also need: Yarn needle, stitch marker
Abbreviations Used:
MC (magic circle – view tutorial here)
ST (stitch)
SL ST (slip stitch)
SK (skip)
CH (chain)
SC (single crochet)
HDC (half double crochet)
SC+HDC (this just means to put 1 SC and 1 HDC in the same ST)
BLO (back loop only)
Notes:
(1) This pattern is written in American Standard Terms.
(2) Pattern is worked in a continuous, seamless round until the band. Use a stitch marker to mark the beginning of rounds and do not join or turn unless instructed to do so.
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THE PATTERN
To begin: With larger hook, make a magic circle; CH1 (does not count as a stitch).
Round 1: 10 HDC in MC. (10)
Round 2: 2 HDC in each ST around. (20)
Round 3: 2 HDC in each ST around. (40)
Round 4: 2 HDC in each ST around. (80)
Round 5: (SC+HDC in next ST, SK next ST) around. (80)
Rounds 6-26: Repeat Round 5.
Round 27: (SC+HDC in next ST, SK next ST) 39 times; 2 STS remain. SC in next ST; SL ST next (final) ST. (80)
Round 28: CH1. SC in each ST around. Join with a SL ST to the top of the first SC. (80)
Next we’re going to make the band of the hat, and we will be working in vertical rows, attaching it to the final round of the hat with SL STS as we go.
Switch to G Hook.
Row 1: CH7. SC in 2nd CH from hook. SC in remaining 5 CHS. SL ST in next 2 SCs of Round 28. (6, plus the 2 SL STS at the base of the hat)
Row 2: CH1, turn. Skipping over the 2 SL STS, SC in BLO of each of the next 5 STS. SC in both loops of the last ST. (6)
Row 3: CH1, turn. SC in first ST. SC in BLO of each of the next 5 STS. SL ST in next 2 SCs of Round 28. (6, plus the 2 SL STS at the base of the hat)
Repeat Rows 2-3 all the way around the hat (80 rows). Fasten off and use your tail to whip stitch the first and last rows together. Weave in all ends.
Attach pom pom (optional).