Two more hats

Ignore the colour of the hat on the left. It is actually the lovely deep rich purple which I used to edge my Lizard Ridge blanket but the camera was being very strange this morning. As part of my stash-reduction plan, I decided to use the last of this yarn to make myself a hat.

I'd pretty much given up on trying to knit hats for my husband - every hat I've made him to date has been too big, too small or somehow not quite right. But Goldilocks decided that my purple hat was just the right size and style for him, so I relented and did a black version.

Here is the really simple pattern for anyone else who has a Goldilocks in their life (and so I don't forget it myself). While all the ribbing is mind-numbingly boring, it solves a lot of sizing issues as it can expand and contract. And it is the sort of knitting you can do to justify watching Babylon 5 or Midsomer Murder episodes on TV or DVD.

2 X 50g balls of 8ply wool (any brand) - you'll only use about half of the second ball

3.75mm 40cm circular needle (optional)

set of 3.75mm DPNs (Double Pointed Needles)

(Tighter knitters may need to use 4mm needles - just use whatever size you normally use for 8ply knitting; the ribbing is very forgiving if your guage is a little out.)

Cast on 120 stitches onto the ciruclar needle (or DPNS, 40 stitches per needle if you have a set of 4; 30 stitches per needle if you have a set of 4). Join ends, being careful not to twist stitches.

(The most difficult part of the hat is now complete).

Put on a dialogue-heavy DVD or BBC radio play (Lord of the Rings or the Hitchhiker's Guide to the Galaxy are good)

*k2, p2 (repeat from *) until you have a ribbed tube measuring 25cm in length.

*k2, p2-tog (repeat from *) for one round.

*k2-tog, p1(repeat from *) for one round.

Change to DPNS

Knit one round (placing 20 stitchers on each needle)

*k8, k2-tog (repeat from *) for one round. (54 stitches remaining)

*k7, k2-tog (repeat from *) for one round. (48 stitches remaining)

*k6, k2-tog (repeat from *) for one round. (42 stitches remaining)

*k5, k2-tog (repeat from *) for one round. (36 stitches remaining)

*k4, k2-tog (repeat from *) for one round. (30 stitches remaining)

*k3, k2-tog (repeat from *) for one round. (24 stitches remaining)

*k2, k2-tog (repeat from *) for one round. (18 stitches remaining)

*k1, k2-tog (repeat from *) for one round. (12 stitches remaining)

*k2-tog (repeat from *) for one round. (6 stitches remaining)

Cut yarn, leaving a 15 cm tail. Thread the end onto a wool needle and draw through the remaining 6 stitches. Pull tightly and sew end neatly into the wrong side of the hat. Sew in the starting end. Roll up brim to desired height.