Gnarly Hat

This simple knit/purl variation creates curving columns that give the fabric an almost bark-like appearance. The resulting hat has warmth and plenty of stretch, so one of the five sizes will fit whatever head it ends up on. It can be worked in any yarn from worsted to bulky, by adjusting the cast on. Gnarly was written specifically for Wool-Aid (www.wool-aid.org), and because of the amazing stretch is suitable for any charity knitting. Sizes: Baby/Toddler (Child/Small Adult, medium, large, extra large) to fit 16 (18, 20, 22, 24) inches. The hat is knitted with approximately 3 inches of negative ease, medium will fit most heads. Actual circumference of hat, unworn should be 13-14 (15-16, 17-18, 19-20, 21-22) inches. Yarn: 80 (100, 130, 145, 180, 200) yards bulky-weight yarn is suggested. Worsted, Aran or Bulky yarn will work for charity knits, just choose the size needles appropriate for your yarn, then cast on the number one (for Aran) or two (for worsted) sizes up from the size that is your goal. Any cast on with a stitch count divisible by four will work. Gauge is not important as long as you are getting a fabric you like. The overall ribbing makes this hat very forgiving regarding size Tools: US size 7 ( 4.5 mm) DPNs or circular needle for working the lower, brim section of the hat in the round. US size 9 (5.5mm) DPNs or circular needle for working the main body of the hat in the round OR use whatever size needles you are comfortable with for your yarn, that produces a pleasing fabric. Marker for beginning of rnd. With thanks to the testers in the [Wool-Aid Ravelry group][1]. you ROCK! [1]: http://www.ravelry.com/groups/wool-aid