Skull and Stormy Hat

I designed this hat for my son this October. He requested a wool hat with skulls on it to wear at his cross country meets. He also asked that I add in some lightning bolts in honor of his team’s name the “North Shore Storm.” I love this season of harvest, of darkness and of letting go with the new year on our horizon. I get kind of an expecting-mama’s burst of energy this time of year, scurrying around cooking, cleaning and making all the things, so I was happy to oblige his request for this speedy, spooky knit - just in time for Halloween! **Yarn** Harrisville Designs (100% Merino Wool 210 yards/192 meters) - Main Color - Nightshades, Dashboard 1 skein. - Contrast Color - Daylights, Chirp 1 skein. OR Approximately 93 (100, 108, 117) yards / 85 (91, 99, 107) meters in Main Color. Approximately 23 (25, 27, 29) yards / 21 (23, 25, 27) meters in Contrast Color. **Gauge** 20 stitches and 26 rounds= 4” / 10 cm in both Stockinette Stitch & Colorwork Pattern on larger needles. **Suggested Needles*** US Size 5 / 3.75 mm circular needle, 16” / 40 cm length for the ribbing. US Size 6 / 4 mm 16” / 40 cm length for the hat body. Double pointed needles of the same sizes suitable for small circumference knitting for the crown decreases. *Always choose the needle size that you need in order to obtain the pattern’s gauge. **Sizes** One Size - Approximately 19”/ 48.25 cm circumference and 9” / 23 cm tall, unstretched. Recommended 2-2.5” / 5-6.5 cm negative ease for a snug fit. **Notions** - 1 Stitch marker to mark BOR - Highlighter Tape (optional - to keep your place in the pattern) - Measuring Tape - Tapestry Needle - Pompom maker - Wool Wash and Blocking Mat **Techniques Used** - Long Tail Cast On Method - Knitting in the Round on a Circular Needle - K2TOG Decreasing - Small Circumference Knitting in the Round - Stranded Colorwork Knitting