Web-Letter, Issue 71 – Ariosa Pom-Pom Hat Happy New Year from Classic Elite Yarns! We’re back with a new pattern and more for you each week of 2009. We’re starting off with Cecily Glowik MacDonald’s review of Closely Knit (North Light Books, 2008), a book of lovely gift ideas by designer Hannah Fettig. We know that post-holiday you’ve probably exhausted all your urges for gift knitting, but it’s never too early to think about birthdays, special occasions—and heaven forbid—next year’s holiday knitting. You might start with Hannah’s pom-pom hat designed for us in CEY’s Ariosa. Ariosa is a lighter-than-air soft-as-down chunky yarn. Notice how it fills out the marvelous pom-pom that tops the cap. We hope that if you decide to make this hat—for a friend, or for yourself?—that you’ll seek out Ariosa. You won’t be disappointed—it’s soft on the skin, warm on the ears, and, well, pretty as can be.
The Story: Hannah Fettig’s book, Closely Knit, is a thoughtful collection of knitted projects meant for giving, and it’s one of the best that I’ve seen in some time. Although I usually need to love at least three projects in a book before I’ll order it, I was ready to buy this one after seeing only one pattern, the Bird’s Nest Pincushion. The lovely stitch used in the nest and the darling blue eggs just stuck with me.  I had to have the pattern. But my impulse was worth it; I was thrilled when I received my copy. There’s a project in here for everyone close to me: wonderful really-something-that–my-husband-would–wear men’s garments, adorable baby projects, socks, items for the home, and accessories—all with something that makes them unique. The Kangaroo Vest, Cap-Sleeved Eyelet Top, and Multi-Directional Scarf and Hat are some of my favorites. And how could you not want to knit a Cuddle Bear for every child you know!  Closely Knit also offers wonderful tips and advice on color, yarn, and how to decide on the perfect gift to knit for those you love. Hannah was kind enough to offer—and model for us—this cozy pom-pom hat for this week’s web-letter pattern. As are all the projects in her book, it is a wonderful, fanciful design. Take a look at Hannah's blog: www.knitbot.com The Yarns: Ariosa — 90% extra fine merino, 10% cashmere Ariosa is a gently-spun blend of 90% extra-fine merino and 10% cashmere. Because it’s barely twisted, Ariosa is a chunky yarn that’s super soft, lightweight, buoyant, and warm. It knits up between 3½ sts to 4 sts per inch, and because of its airy structure, its stitches lie flat and smooth. It’s hard not to gush about Ariosa: In Cecily’s words, “Ariosa is soft and warm and squishy—I don’t want to knit with anything but Ariosa, Ariosa, Ariosa!" The Stitches: Knit it flat, or knit it in the round? Opinions differ as to whether a project, such as a hat, should be knitted flat or in the round. While I understand the pros of knitting in the round, when given the choice, I will always knit flat.  I have no fear of the purl stitch—I rather enjoy the shifting of hand movement between rows—and seams are my friends. I like the stability and strength that I think seams add, and I like to know exactly where the back of the piece is! If you would prefer to knit Hannah’s hat flat (as I’m doing), here is what to do: Cast on 2 more stitches than are called for in the pattern and do NOT join to work in the round. The two extra stitches are edge stitches (one on either end of piece) they will be taken up in the seam.  Don’t count these stitches when working the rest of the pattern.  To make it easier to keep track of the two extra stitches, work the two edge stitches in garter stitch throughout.  Here's how to work from knitting -in-the-round instructions: After the rib, the pattern reads, "Work 13 sts, pm..." To knit the piece flat, k1 (edge stitch), then follow the instructions beginning, "Work 13 sts, pm..." and end k1 (edge stitch). Remember that the Circular 1 X1 Rib and Circular Stockinette Stitch Patterns will need to be worked flat, as will the Cable Panel.  The cable crossing takes place on an odd numbered row, so the RS rows of the piece will have to be odd numbered rows, i.e. end the 1 X 1 rib after a WS row.  The decrease rounds will also be worked while keeping the edge stitches in garter stitch. On the final row, the yarn is pulled through the remaining stitches. Block the piece (so much easier on a flat piece) and work the seam in mattress stitch—you’ll never know it’s there!	more photos The Pattern: Here is the free downloadable Ariosa Pom-Pom pattern. If you have difficulty downloading or printing the PDF pattern above, try this: page 1
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If you like the design above, you'll like this too:
	Duchess Cabled Hat Pattern available in 9084 Uptown Knitting. Ravel it
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