The Kelpie is the Scots name given to a mythical water horse that was said to haunt Scotland’s lochs and lonely rivers. It is said that it appeared as a horse but was able to adopt human form. The Kelpie would appear to its victims as a lost dark grey or white pony but could be identified by its constantly dripping mane. It would entice people to ride on its back, before taking them down to a watery grave. It was a story told to children to warn them against approaching wild horses and water when they were out and about.
This design…The Kelpies Kep (or cap), is named after these mythical creatures of scary Scottish stories. My two Kelpies are rising out of the water, their manes dripping, as they come ashore amongst the thistles and the bracken. On the cover of the pattern, I have set them against the background of Ardvreck Castle, once the stronghold of the MacLeod Clan, on the shores of Loch Assynt in the north-west Highlands.
The colour work front layer and the plain-coloured stocking-stitch lining inside this kep are knitted separately, then joined whilst knitting the pattern. The kep is edged using an I-cord smooth corded border. It is light as a feather, yet incredibly warm because of the double thickness. It features two borders of rolling waves, which frame the two Kelpies. The Kelpies have thistles by their sides and the crown of the kep is covered in bracken fronds (or ferns). There are 2 double-sided bracken frond tassels suspended from knitted I-cords to finish the kep off. Both layers of the kep are knitted in the round, so there are no seams and only knit stitches are required. The pattern requires only 2 colours to be used at one time. There are long floats to the rear of the patterned front, but these become trapped inside the lining, so do not need to be caught up.
Some experience of fair isle or stranded colour work is needed for this pattern, although full instructions are given for the construction methods used.

Materials:

4ply Shetland wool or equivalent:

Actual amounts used are listed below, but please use this as a rough guide only, given that different brands may differ slightly. The yardage of the yarn used: 215m/236yds per 50g.

Black: 61g White: 39g

Knitting Needles:

One set of double-pointed 3.25mm (US 3) knitting needles are suggested for knitting the kep. Alternatively, you may use a circular knitting needle, if preferred, but double-pointed needles will be needed for the crown shaping and the tassels.

Measurements (unstretched):

One size: Circumference 21 inches (53cm) by length 14 inches (36cm)

Tension:

Approximately 28 stitches and 36 rows to 4 inches (10cm) over the pattern.
Approximately 26 stitches and 42 rows to 4 inches (10cm) over the lining

I do hope you enjoy knitting The Kelpies Kep and watching your Kelpies come to life