The Mount Alberta Hood was designed for Schachenmayr’s “My Mountain” design contest. It is named for a mountain in the Canadian Rockies, Mount Alberta, that was in turn named for Princess Louise, Queen Victoria’s 6th child--her full name was Louise Caroline Alberta. This very modern princess was extremely active in her support of women’s and childrens’ rights and better education, and to honour her I am designing a collection of patterns named “The Princess Louise Collection”--the Mount Alberta Hood is the first!

This design is quick to knit using superbulky or bulky weight yarns and 10mm single-point needles (8mm for the smallest size). It features a rolled edge reminiscent of Victorian hood designs, and a unique cabled-look collar. The collar stitch is derived from one found on a 19th century stocking-top pattern.

The Mount Alberta Hood can be knit with a pointed or rounded top. Transform it into a Cumberland Bear Hood by adding ears! Knit flat in one piece, there is only one short seam to sew at the top of the hood. Though it takes more than one ball of Bravo Big to make the adult size, the remaining yarn is enough to make a cowl or even the Small Child/Toddler hood. One ball is enough to make a Child size hood.

For more information and more photos, including a link to a video of the REAL “Cumberland Bears” Mama Bear & twin cubs, made by Fox&Bee, please see my blog post!

Another Cowl variation: start with a provisional cast on, and make a slip-on cowl! See the photo and notes for how I made mine are on this blog post: Mount Alberta Hood Cowl