In 1981, Russell Hoban published “Riddley Walker”, a post-apocalyptic novel following the coming-of-age transformation of the 12 year old hero of the title, who lives near the remains of Canterbury (“Cambry”), England in a primitive society that tries to understand our civilization before the 1 Big 1, the nuclear holocaust that occurred in 1997. It’s a novel that has a cult-like following, and enthusiasts especially love Hoban’s use of an invented and fractured language that survived. Drawing from tapestry relics depicting the legend of St. Eustace (“Eusa”) found at Cambry, an ersatz ruling class weaves a creation and destruction myth, the Eusa Story, told to groups as a traveling puppet show featuring the Hart of the Wud (a stag) and the Littl Shynin Man the Addom. The people live in fear of mythological dogs Folleree and Folleroo, as well as the Bernt Arse Pack of dogs that attack the vulnerable . Riddley and another mystic seek discovery of just what gave our civilization its power on an odyssey around 9 ancient towns surrounding Cambry, a path they memorized as young children chanting the playground rhyme “Fools Circel 9wys”. Riddley finds an ancient Mr. Punch figure, which he eventually uses to perform a different kind of Eusa story at the journey’s end. The designs on this tam reflect the themes of the novel, with the 1 Big 1 appearing as mushroom clouds around the ribbed opening, followed by the Hart of the Wud (with the Littl Shynin Man between the antlers), followed by Folleree/Folleroo (or the Bernt Arse Pack, depending on one’s preference), followed by Mr. Punch. The very top of the tam is a complicated gear with 9 sections, to represent the Fools Circel 9wys quest, as well as the labor of many of the men in the novel digging up old pieces of technology and trying to piece together just what these were .

SIZE
One size fits most adult heads.
FINISHED MEASUREMENTS
Brim circumference: 20 inches
Length: 10 inches
Diameter of top, after blocking: 10 inches

Materials: 9 skeins of Jamieson’s Shetland Spindrift (25g/105m) although except for MC, will only use about ¼ skein of each CC. 1 pair 3.25 (or size needed for gauge) circular needles, 32 inches. 1 stitch marker. 1 tapestry needle for weaving in ends. 10-inch dinner plate for blocking.
Gauge: In St st stranded knitting, using 3.25mm (US 3) circular needles, 10cm = 32 stitches and 28 rows after blocking. Adjust needle size to get correct gauge.