Leena

Leena is a relaxed-fitting hood designed to sit comfortably on the head and drape naturally at the back when not in use. The design takes its name from the soft yarn used for the sample—Leena being a Finnish variation of the name Helene, and also the name of one of the designer’s aunts. SIZES One size FINISHED MEASUREMENTS **Width:** 10" / 25 cm. **Height at Back:** 14.25" / 35.5 cm. **Height at Front:** 17.25" / 43 cm. **Neck Circumference:** 19.75" / 49.5 cm. MATERIALS **Yarn:** 2 balls of Novita Helene (60% Wool, 30% Silk, 10% Mohair, 200 m / 218 yds – 50 g), in the colourway 1781. Or approx. 426 yds / 390 m of fingering-weight yarn. Alternative yarn suggestions are for example Phil Soie Merinos by Phildar or Feelings by Schulana. **Needles:** US 3 / 3.25 mm and US 2.5 / 3 mm 32" / 80 cm circular needles. **Notions:** 4 stitch markers, 3 locking stitch markers. GAUGE 28 sts x 36 rows to 4" / 10 cm on US 3 / 3.25 mm needles in St St and double knit, after blocking. CONSTRUCTION Stitches are first cast on for the crown using Judy’s Magic Cast-On or a similar method familiar from sock knitting. The top and crown of the head is then shaped with gradual increases. After a section of straight Stockinette Stitch, the lower back is formed by decreasing stitches. Finally, increases are worked along the front neck. The hood is finished with a double-knitted edge and two buttons are placed at the front, under the jawline.