So, I’ve found my fade…and then freed it. Then I felt ‘so faded’ and so a ‘faded hat’ was almost inevitable. This pattern (surprisingly) isn’t a DreaKnits design but a rather wonderful free version by Savannah Owens. The concept is pretty simple : take a load of leftovers and scarps and start knitting in the round. When you desire to change yarn, simply alternate between current yarn and new, for a few rows and ta-dah! you’ve faded. Continue on in this manner until you’ve a hat!

I found the pattern sort of recipe-like as opposed to fully comprehensive (note it is a freebie). Though, all the instructions are there to create your own hat and really, the concept is so unbelievably simple and familiar, you could create your own without instruction, I think.

I’ve made a few mods as follows:

1) 21” circumference and so I’ve cast on 128 stitches using gauge.

2) I’ve opted not to knit a fold-over brim and instead, gone with what I’m comfortable with, which is your bobby-standard, ribbing. And so, I’ve knitted 2” of 1 x 1 ribbing.

Yarn: My faded beanie is pretty much knitted to match my So Faded Sweater - it is in fact, constructed entirely with its leftovers (only I’ve gone from dark (brim) to light (crown).

Yarn A) Beehive Yarns ‘nutmeg’
Yarn B) Dusty Dimples ‘Rose Garden’
Yarn C) Dusty Dimples ‘Strumfrei’

I can’t possibly guess the yardage used for this hat, but all leftover skeins, w with not huge amounts to spare.

What I’ve done specifically:

2” of 1 x 1 ribbing with yarn A
1” plain knit with Yarn A
Fade (A) with colour B for 1”
2” plain knit in B
1” fade (B) with C
Crown: 1.5” in yarn C

Added: a faux fur pompom. It’s hard to get a nice (neat) fluffy pompom online. I’ve a few ‘stray animal’ versions, that I’ve since replaced. I’ve found Etsy to be better than eBay - especially opting for those that are handmade as opposed to mass produced in China (no disrespect meant, but the difference in quality is HUGE). I pay about £4-5 for a pompom, which again reflects the quality. Avoid those 99p ones that arrive rather bedraggled and with odd scent…

Overall: light and airy and perfect for Spring. I’ve only recently embraced double-denim, though my so called “friends” dedicated an entire whatsapp conversion to my fashion faux pas - apparently, double-denim is still a big NO-NO to my fashion-forward friends! Pah, what do they know, eh?! Anyhow, not quite sure they or Lincolnshire are ready for my double-fade ensemble (fade sweater and matching hat…What’s the problem?! )

Photos: also in these pics is my Arwen pullover by Isabell Kraemer - another fabulous pattern!