The designing frenzy continues here at TTL. I have been lucky enough to have some beautiful yarns sent my way. It's pretty hard to keep my hands off these temping hanks. When Laura from Schaefer sent me a package that included the decadent Helene (50/50 Merino/Silk) I knew it had to be made into something meant to be worn close to the head, neck or face. I considered scarves, cowls, berets & shawls, but nothing seemed right. I finally decided it was time for a little whimsy in the form of a hat and so Empire was born.
Empire is a little bit fun and a little bit fancy. Swing your head and the tassel makes you want to dance. The lusturousness of the Helene gives the hat subtle sophisitcation and adds definition to the herringbone stitch pattern.
Thanks to Mai and Julia for volunteering to test knit. They both look adorable in their Empires.
Empire
Size: One Size
Finished Measurements: 16” around at brim and 14.5” long, blocked to slightly open pattern. The hat will stretch to fit a 21” head. Adjust gauge to fit a larger head.
Materials
Yarn: Schaefer Yarns Helene; 50% Merino/ 50% Cultivated Silk; 218 yards per 3.5 oz. skein. 1 Skein.
Needles: US 7/4.5mm you may use DPN’s or magic looped circulars depending on your preference.
Tapestry Needle
5 Place Markers
A piece of cardboard or small notebook 3.5”x 5.5”
Gauge: 22.5 sts=4”(10cm) in Empire pattern, blocked to slightly open pattern.
Price: $6.00 US
Love it! I was just thinking that the next logical step to berets and elongated beanies with some flop was something like this, but of course you put your wonderful touch on it to make it fun & sophisticated, both.
Posted by: gale (she shoots sheep shots) | January 23, 2009 at 12:18 PM
What a lovely hat. Well done! I love that there's no worry about the hat being long enough with this pattern. Must get some of that yarn now.
Posted by: Cookie | January 23, 2009 at 12:28 PM
Ohhhh that is LOVELY. I adore the color and the style is killer cool. Thanks!!
Posted by: brianna marchaj | January 23, 2009 at 12:45 PM
That's so cute!
Posted by: Carole | January 23, 2009 at 12:45 PM
Very creative! The yarn is lovely. I love the color!
Posted by: Debbie | January 23, 2009 at 01:12 PM
I really love the long floppy look. The other day a friend and I were talking about knitting a hat that goes on and on and on...like you can wrap yourself in it..
How cool!
Posted by: knithoundbrooklyn | January 23, 2009 at 01:54 PM
It's so cute and perfectly named!
Posted by: tiennie | January 23, 2009 at 02:09 PM
This is just the thing I was looking for for my hank of cognac Mal! Cast-on commences tonight. You are a rock star.
Posted by: Lauren | January 23, 2009 at 02:15 PM
kirsten, you are so talented! i love this hat, and wow that chair is just so beautiful.
Posted by: mai | January 23, 2009 at 03:41 PM
I love this hat, it's very Sans Culottes-esque!
Posted by: Heather | January 24, 2009 at 12:16 AM
What a fun hat!
Posted by: whitney | January 24, 2009 at 08:17 AM
GORGEOUS hat and even more gorgeous yarn!
Posted by: Leslie in FL | January 24, 2009 at 09:57 AM
I can definitely testify to this hat's awesomeness. I wear mine every day and it makes me SO HAPPY!
Posted by: JulieFrick | January 24, 2009 at 12:44 PM
Cute! I love the stitch patterns you chose for this.
Posted by: Leslie | January 25, 2009 at 10:19 AM
You have totally out done yourself with this one! I love it!
Posted by: deborah | January 26, 2009 at 01:49 PM
wow that is fabulous; however, I think there may be something wrong with your pattern to buy system as I keep getting a shopping cart with all your patterns listed with amounts from 3 to 11 to 17 items in the Quantity list and when I click paypal link I get a message saying 'you cant do that'. I will try to purchase via Ravelry.
Posted by: hookie UK | January 26, 2009 at 02:46 PM
All your hats are awesome. I am so in trouble. I only have one head.
Posted by: Carol | January 27, 2009 at 06:48 PM