The colors in this cap are inspired by the winter sky, ocean, tide pools, mussel shells and golden-brown rockweed here on the Maine coast. One of the best places to explore tide pools is the expansive intertidal area at Seawall in Acadia National Park. While the cap calls for 6 colors in all, only 2 are used in any given row. If you carry each color for a few sts both before and after it is needed, there will be very little finishing required when complete.

SIZES: The cap is sized for adults in two circumferences and 2 lengths. Each circumference is available in both beanie and slouch length. The average size fits heads 20-22 inches in circumference, and the large size fits heads 22-24 inches in circumference. There are 3 charts included in the pattern to accommodate all available sizes.

FINISHED MEASUREMENTS: The average cap has a 19-inch circumference and is 9 or 10 inches in length. The large cap has a 21-inch circumference and is 10 or 11 inches in length. Changes to gauge or yarn weight, or adding length, may require extra yarn.

GAUGE for all sizes is 25 sts and 30 rnds = 4 inches/10 cm, measured over blocked colorwork pattern.

NEEDLES: Choose needles based on your preferred method of working small circumferences in the round. I used the magic-loop method and a 32-inch circular needle, but a combination of a 16-inch needle with DPNs for finishing the top, or 2 circular needles, are also options. Suggested needle size is US4 (3.5mm) for the gauge needle, and US3 (3.25mm) for the smaller needle. Use whatever size you need to obtain gauge, and then 1 size smaller for the ribbed edge.

YARN: 1 skein of each of the following colors will be sufficient for any of the caps—the actual yardage range is given in parentheses: Russet (40-50 yards), Raw (40-50 yards), Mallard (30-50 yards), Eau de Nil ( 15-30 yards), Mulberry (20-35 yards) and Rose (15-25 yards).

SKILLS USED: working in the round, decreasing (k2tog), using a chart, working 2-color colorwork.