The Stela hat was created when preparing for my travel to see my new born grandson. I live in Romania where the winters are harsh, so my hat had to be thick and warm. I wanted to make it also a bit special because here, in Romania, we take pride in our skill to make beautiful and practical things.

The Stela hat is worked first with one thread, and then the work continues with the thread held double. It has a snug fit and a tight fabric in order to keep away the biting cold wind. It comes in 2 sizes – child (approx. 46 cm head circumference) and adult (approx. 55 cm head circumference). The pattern provides written instructions.

Gauge information:
22 stitches and 40 rows / 10 cm with the smaller size needle and with one thread of yarn, stockinette stitch, after blocking
16.5 stitches and 25 rows / 10 cm with the larger size needle and with 2 strands of yarn together in pattern stitch, after blocking

This pattern requires you to be familiar with working in the round, either using double pointed needles (DPNs) or circular needles, as well as a basic experience with working cables. A special technique used is the provisional cast-on.

The pattern is written specially for Moeke Yarns Romanian Merino base because I am the mother of the two brother and sister who started this yarn company. You can read more about the story behind the yarns on their website www.moeke-yarns.com