Capturing the spirit of the Lost in Translation theme, inspired by Japanese anime films, Cheryl has created a delectably sweet hat and scarf set called Spirits and Sprites. Inspired by the magical spirits and sprites of My Neighbour Totoro and Spirited Away, this colourful, cosy set is perfect for exploring woodlands or wandering through city streets.

Colourwork motifs from the two films weave their way throughout the hat and the cowl. The semi solid hand-dyed yarns make the colours shimmer and move, bringing each motif to life. Can you spot which character influenced each one?

FINISHED MEASUREMENTS (approx.):

Hat:
20” (50 cm) circumference
9.5” (23.5 cm) from brim to crown,
with brim folded

Cowl:
8” (20 cm) high
62” (158 cm) circumference

YARN:
The Yarn Collective Bloomsbury DK (100% merino wool; 240 m/ 263 yds/ per 100g/ 3½ oz):

Hat:

• 1 skein Sand 110 (MC)
• 1 skein Soot 101 (CC1)
• 1 skein Fuchsia 102 (CC2)
• 1 skein Moss 107 (CC3)
• 1 skein Violet 103 (CC4)

Cowl:

• 3 skeins Sand 110 (MC)
• 1 skein Soot 101 (CC1)
• 1 skein Fuchsia 102 (CC2)
• 1 skein Moss 107 (CC3)
• 1 skein Violet 103 (CC4)

NEEDLES:
3.5 mm (US 4) needles for working in the round
4 mm (US 6) needles for working in the round (2 sets needed for cowl)
Or size needed to obtain gauge

GAUGE:
23 sts & 28 rows = 4 inches (10 cm) in stranded colourwork pattern worked in the round (after blocking)

NOTIONS:
Stitch marker, tapestry needle, pom-pom maker (optional), waste yarn or spare circular needle (for provisional cast-on)

Techniques to try:
Knitting in the round
Stranded colourwork
Long tail cast on (for the hat)
Provisional cast on (for the cowl)
Kitchener stitch