Ravelympics!

This is my first Ravelympics. Since I don't have a job, I may as well participate and have some fun as well as taking advantage of the incentive supplied by the competition.

My first submission is a hat requested by my husband. Not just any hat, but a Jayne hat. Only Firefly fans will know what this is and the story behind it. I went stash diving and came up with some maroon, dark orange and gold yarn and began designing the hat to match as closely as possible the one in the series. I didn't have enough dark orange so ended up combining it with the maroon to make an interesting stripe effect.

Here is a quick 'n dirty "How I did it" for those who would like to make this hat. This hat will fit a regular sized head and a large head since it has plenty of stretch to it. Warning, it's VERY warm!

Worsted weight yarn, 2 strands together. The hat is knit throughout with 2 strands of yarn held together.I used Phentex Merit Solid in Maroon 3/4 of a ball, dark orange 1/2 a ball and gold 1/3 of a ball.

Needle: US 10 circular or 4 dpns

Darning needle

Piece of cardboard 3 inches high or Pompom maker

Gauge: approximately 16 stitches by 16 rows equal a 4x4 inch swatch in stockinette stitch

Jayne Hat

CO 72 stitches using the long tailed cast on, place a marker and join to knit in the round.

Rows 1 & 2: K1, P1

Rows 3: K1, P1 (you will be placing markers in this row) K1 P1 28 stitches, place marker, K the next 16 stitches, place marker, K1, P1 the next 28 stitches (you're back at the beginning marker.

Row 4 to 9: K1 P1 to marker, knit all stitches to next marker, K1 P1 to last marker.

Row 10 onwards: Switch one strand of the maroon for a dark orange and knit all stitches for next 3 inches.

Once you've knit the 3 inches in stockinette using the maroon and dark orange, switch the strand of maroon for the gold yarn. Knit in stockinette for another 2 inches. 

Switch the dark orange strand for a gold strand and begin to decrease.

1st decrease round: K2 tog all around.

2nd round: Knit all around

Continue knitting 2 together until you have 8 or 9 stitches left on your needles.

Cut the yarn and pass it through the remaining stitches with a darning needle. Pull tight and pull it through to the inside of the hat.

Ear Flaps

The part where you knit instead of the K1, P1 is the front of your hat. Starting on
either side of this section count back 20 stitches. Those 20 stitches will be an ear flap. Pick up and knit the 20 stitches, work in stockinette holding two strands of maroon together for 3 inches or so. Then start decreasing by knitting (or purling) 2 together after the first stitch of each row. Keep decreasing until you only have 3 stitches left. Bind off leaving a long tail (approximately 12 inches) that will be used to make the ties.

Do the same for the other ear flap. 

Yes, that is my husband with a slightly demented Jayne look on his face LOL

Once both ear flaps are done, Cut two 24 inch lengths of dark orange (if you have it) and gold. Pass one of each color through the middle stitch of the ear flap and even them up with the maroon yarn. Braid the 2 or 3 colors together and make a knot once you reach a length that you like. Leave about 1 inch of yarn after the knot. Repeat same for the other earflap with the 2nd lengths of yarn you already cut.

Using the cardboard section and holding a strand of each color together, wrap around the cardboard approximately 40 times. If you've never made a pompom, there are tons of DIY videos to watch.

Attach the pompom to the top of your hat, pull the strings inside the hat and tie off with several knots.

I hope you enjoy the pattern. Please be respectful of copyright issues. This pattern is for personal use only and is not to be sold under any circumstances. The pattern is also not to be used to knit and sell the finished item. Charity knitting is always welcome along with the use of this pattern.

PS. If you find any mistakes, or have questions, do not hesitate to let me know. Constructive criticism is always welcome.