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
another beautiful hat! congratulations, i love it :) also, your aunt dororthy sounds like truly an amazing person! definitely someone to look up to, what a great role model.
Posted by: mai | March 18, 2009 at 10:20 AM
The hat is lovely, and I really enjoyed reading about your Aunt Dorothea! She sounded like a woman ahead of her time. I wonder how she took the news when she discovered she'd been deceived regarding the heart issue? One small lie can completely change the course of one's life.
Posted by: Renna | March 18, 2009 at 01:11 PM
That hat is great and I've added it to my queue, but more importantly I was struck by the emotion and, I think, stark, haunting beauty of her photograph. Stunning. Reading about her and seeing her photography made me wish I had had the opportunity to know Dorothea. What a remarkable woman!
Posted by: chancy | March 18, 2009 at 03:57 PM
After reading up on Dorothea--again what a remarkable woman--it is interesting to note that as recently as last May she was inducted into the California Hall of Fame. And some of her work in shown at UC Berkeley, which I will definitely have to go see since I live relatively close. I can't wait to see some of her poignant images first hand.
Posted by: chancy | March 18, 2009 at 04:09 PM
Such a beautiful beanie!
Posted by: little_lj | March 18, 2009 at 07:16 PM
Amazing pattern, such an interesting story. Dorothy was my grand-mother (my dad's mom), such a lovely old fashioned name that we never hear anymore. Needless to say,I will be buying the pattern!!
Posted by: Heather | March 18, 2009 at 09:47 PM
Wow, how wonderful to be related to such an inspiring woman.
Posted by: Oiyi | March 19, 2009 at 02:06 AM
How nice to read about your Aunt Dorothy. Your beautiful hat pattern is a lovely tribute!
Posted by: Dawn | March 20, 2009 at 06:59 AM
Great hat! Beautiful pattern in it!
The story about Aunt Dorethy is amazing. Touching.. Indeed, this hat is a great tribute to her!
Posted by: lisette | March 20, 2009 at 07:37 AM
GREAT hat with a touching story. I love it!
Posted by: Kim | March 20, 2009 at 10:33 PM
What a lovely way to honor her. It's beautiful!
Posted by: tiennie | March 22, 2009 at 02:38 PM