Death Valley Beanie

**Pattern #6 in the original U.S. National Park inspired line of beanies by Nancy Bates** At first glance, the saltwater flats of Badwater Basin (282 feet below sea level) look like miles of flat nothingness. But, venture off the beaten path a while and you’ll find a surreal and almost otherworldly landscape of salt crystals pushing through the crust to form chaotic and beautiful patterns. Knit in the round from the bottom up, this beanie uses single-stitch traveling cables along with strategically placed increases and decreases to recreate the “triple junctions” that naturally occur as the salt crystals expand. The purposeful asymmetry of the formations gives this hat an organic look and feel. Note: I used 2 strands of the Queensland Rustic Tweed (light DK) held together simply because I liked the color. But a single strand of worsted weight yarn will give the proper gauge as well. Pattern is available for personal use only and may not be copied or resold.