Wallace: Pattern & Notes

Wallace
MindofWinter QuickKnits
Knit with 2 skeins (98 yards/skein) of Karabella Camissimo (50%Merino/32%Baby Camel/18%Polymide), in Camel (18109) on Addi Turbo Circulars in size US10 (6.0 mm), in a guage of 14.25 sts per 4 inches over pattern.

Finished Dimensions:
Approximately 20 inches wide and 10 inches high.

The Pattern:
As a preliminary matter, I don't recommend that you substitute yarns for this version of the pattern. If you're up to charting decreases, then cool, go for it. If not, please stick to Camissimo or at the very least to something equally fluffy and fuzzy.

This hat is knit flat, so you can either use circs, like I did, or go with straight needles. The 20" size here fits my 22" head. If your head is a different size, knock off or add three sts for every inch of difference and adjust the shaping accordingly.

Stitch Pattern:
Row 1: k1, *sl1 wyfwd, k3, sl1 wyfwd* to last stitch, k1
Row 2: *k3, sl1 wyfwd* to last 3 sts, k3

CO 72 sts and work in patt for 8 inches. On the next right side row begin decreasing.

**Note: If you follow this method of decreasing, at some point you'll have to give up working in pattern and revert to garter stitch. This is what I did and it looks perfectly fine with this fuzzy, fluffy yarn. However, if you are a perfectionist or if you substitute yarns, I would highly recommend taking the time to chart out the decreases so that they fall in the "troughs" of the ribbed pattern.**

First Decrease Row: *k8, k2tog* to last st, k1
Work one row in patt.
Second Decrease Row: *k7, k2tog* to last st, k1
Work one row in patt.
Third Decrease Row: *k6, k2tog* to last st, k1
Work one row in patt.
Fourth Decrease Row: *k5, k2tog* to last st, k1
Work one row in patt.
Fifth Decrease Row: *k4, k2tog* to last st, k1
Work one row in patt.
Sixth Decrease Row: *k3, k2tog* to last st, k1
Seventh Decrease Row: *k2, k2tog* to last st, k1
Eighth Decrease Row: *k1, k2tog* to last st, k1
From here k2tog all sts on every row until you have about 6-8 sts left.

At this point, cut the yarn leaving a six inch tail, then weave the tail through the remaining live sts and secure. Seam up the side of the hat. If you'd like, make yourself an outrageously big pom pom. If that is not your thing, Wallace looks great as a watch cap as well.

COPYRIGHT 2005, Julia P. Trice This pattern is protected by copyright and available for personal use only. It is not available for sale or distribution without the author's express permission.

Impressions of Karabella Camissimo:
I detest working with this yarn. It is one of those fluffy novelty-esque monstrosities with a threadlike yarn for a base and tons of puffs surrounding it. It gets matted up in itself easily and is hell on the hands. BUT. And this is a big but, requiring full caps - it gives a great result. It is interesting to me that the Chevron Scarf, which I so loved making and which I think is very, very beautiful gets accidentally left behind every few days, but Wallace, which was not nearly as enjoyable during the "creative process" is taken out daily and worn with great relish. I really love this hat and consequently, I have to give props to the yarn that made it possible. Because honestly, this hat is very little more than great feeling fluffy fabric, a cool stitch pattern and a helluva pom pom.

Other things to like about the yarn? It is very soft and much less itchy than most wools, so it makes an excellent hat. It's also made with camel hair, which I think is pretty neat. I have quite a bit of my second skein left and will probably pick these leftovers up next year to make a coordinating cowl. It's a yarn I'd use again, just in small quantities, spaced out over time. This is probably for the best anyway, as Camissimo does not come cheap.

Possible substitute yarns:
I'm sure that there are yarns out there that will give a similar fluffy effect, but I haven't seen one with the cool camel content in it around. Let me know if you have, particularly if it isn't as pricey!

More Photos:

Naturally, I had to go outside the second that it snowed and take some goofy pictures in the yard.

Tips for Making Wallace:
The fit on this hat is pretty exact, because it doesn't have the elasticity of a "normal" rib. Make sure you do your head measurement properly, check guage, and then take it off the needles and see if it fits a few inches into the process. It's worth the trouble!