Introducing the Dorothea Beanie. Embellished with leaves and twisted stitches it is named jointly in honor of one of my favorite Aunts, and Dorothea Lange.
My Aunt Dorothy was the youngest of 8 children, born in 1916 to my great grandparents, successful Austrian immigrants. She was a woman who was unafraid to try new things and challenge convention. Defying her father, a man of his era who believed that women didn't need a college education, she left home and enrolled in Wellsley. (Her older sister Mary managed the family finances in those days and quietly paid for her tuition.) Later Dorothy tried to enlist as a nurse during World War Two, this time her defiance of her father's wishes were thwarted by the family doctor who declared her to have heart issues that would prevent her from serving. It was years later that she discovered the lie.
Aunt Dorothy was only 12 years older than my mom and more like an older sister to her than an Aunt. My mother spent as much time as she could with Dorothy and her sisters. Their home was filled with creativity. They were skilled weavers, knitters, crocheters, seamstresses, gardeners and flower arrangers. My childhood memories of going to "the farm", the antique filled home of Dorothy and her two sisters, are full of joy and excitement. There was always something interesting to explore and the conversation was never dull.
Dorothea Lange was an inspiring photographer whose moving photos from the American West during the depression are as relevant today as they were 75 years ago. She is probably best known for her photograph "Migrant Mother". Durring WW2 she cronicled the plight of Japanese Americans and their relocation to interment camps. The faces of her subjects help us to understand the human side of these very difficult times.
DOROTHEA
Finished Measurements:
Circumference 17” relaxed, will stretch to accommodate up to a 23” head. For a larger hat adjust the gauge.
Brim to the top of the crown 7.5”. Instructions are given for making a longer hat.
Needles: US 4 (3.5mm) or size to obtain gauge. You may use DPN’s or Circulars whichever is your preference for working in the round.
Gauge: 26 stitches and 38 rounds = 4”/10cm
Yarn: Artyarns Supermerino, 100% Superwash Merino, 104 yds/95m per 50 gram skein. Color # 234 – 2 skeins. (I used about 1/4 of the second skein.)
Additional Materials:
Cable Needle
Tapestry needle
9 Place markers
Price: $6.00 US
