La Mongolfiera (Italian for hot air balloon) is a project that I created while knitting a hat as a gift for a balloon pilot. I never thought, that handicraft would be a space to meet such interesting people and to discover the diversity of the world! But it is!

The La Mongolfiera pattern is intended for intermediate knitters, who have already created both: a hat and a simple colourwork. The hat is worked in the round with circular needles or double-pointed needles.

Size:
One size, which fits 54-58 cm/21.5-23” head circuit
Finished height with a double ribbing (unfolded and without pompom) – about 32 cm/12.5”
Finished height with a single ribbing – about 25 cm/10”

Yarn:
Garnstudio Drops Merino Extra Fine:
– 2 skeins of Drops Merino Extra Fine: main colour (ribbing, balloon and the crown of the hat) – A
– 1 skein of Drops Merino Extra Fine: contrast colour 1 (background for balloons) – B
– 1 skein of Drops Merino Extra Fine: contrast colour 2 (balloon basket) – C

Needles and accessories:
3.0 mm for rib (US #2 or #2 1/2)
3.5 mm for colourwork (US #4)
1 stitch marker
tapestry needle
tape measure
pompom maker
scissors