Steel is an alloy of iron and carbon and when exposed to the elements it develops rust which can have both interesting patterns and a beautiful range of colors.

Steel is also a verb which means to prepare yourself for a difficult or unpleasant task.

Both of these things were on my mind while I was designing this hat. The colors and geometry were inspired by the material and the many complex structures that are built out of steel. The repetitive motifs were an acknowledgment of the meditative component that many of us who knit find to be beneficial when dealing with challenging situations.

If you’ve been wanting to try an allover colorwork pattern but not sure you are up for a sweater, then this is just the opportunity you’ve been looking for.

Materials:
Jamieson’s Shetland Spindrift (2ply/fingering - 105m per 25g ball)

Yarn A: Shade Peat; 1 x 25g ball (18g)
Yarn B: Shade Paprika; 1 x 25g ball (15g)
Yarn C: Shade Flame; 1 x 25g ball (7g)
Yarn D: Shade Granite; 1 x 25g ball (12g)
Yarn E: Shade Sky; 1 x 25g ball (14g)
Yarn F: Shade Blue Lovat; 1 x 25g ball (7g)

Adult Small - US size 2 (2.75mm) 16”/40cm circular needles and same size dpns for working the hat crown
Adult Med/Lg - US size 2.5 (3 mm) 16”/40cm circular needles and same size dpns for working the hat crown
or size needed to obtain gauge.

Stitch markers; yarn needle

Sizes:
Adult small - finished height 7.5”/19.5cm, circumference 20”/51cm
Adult medium/large - finished height 8”/20cm, circumference 21.5”/54.6cm

Gauge:
Adult Small - 33 stitches and 36 rounds to 4 inches/10 cm after washing and blocking.
Adult Med/Lg - 31 stitches and 33 rounds to 4 inches/10 cm after washing and blocking.
Note: You may need different sized needles to obtain correct gauge. If you know you are a tight knitter I recommend that you go up a needle size.