I’ve recently discovered the joys of running in all seasons. Whether Mother Nature delivers a wet spring morning, a sweltering mid-summer day, a crisp cool fall afternoon, or a frigid snowy evening, the key to an enjoyable run is being well prepared. Mother Nature can often deliver all types of weather in one day. The secret to safe and comfortable running is layers and accessories that help protect runners from the elements.

Winter running on the prairies requires a few more layers. Knit woollen garments are the perfect accessory to help keep me warm and cozy as I tour my city on foot. This hat offers both style and function.

This pattern is the perfect solution for running in the cold. It keeps me from losing heat through my head, keeps my ears and forehead well covered, and provides the perfect escape for my long pony tail. Conventional hats cover the entire head and often don’t provide enough room to accommodate the bulk of long hair tied in pony tails or buns.

The hat stops short of closing the top to provide a hole to allow a bun or pony tail to be free of the restrictive fabric. The bulk of long hair will often affect the fit of a hat so that it doesn’t always cover what we want it to. This pattern is the perfect solution for cooler days and managing our long hair. I love it!

Alterations and Changes

The only changes I would make to this toque are:

1. Add a few more rounds of decreases to the top so the hole is a bit more closed. I added a bit of elastic to this one and it works perfectly.

2. I always stitch a test project using something from my stash. I don’t mind acrylic for a lot of things, including this hat. I will stitch another in wool as it is a lot warmer.

3. I will line this hat with some polar fleece to make it warmer. This will help cut the wind and keep the heat in.

4. I plan to stitch a few more with different cable patterns. This is the type of project that lends itself nicely to playing around with a new stitch or cable pattern.