Contains:
- Both imperical and metric measurements
- Written instructions
- 4 sizes included
Materials you need at home:
- 100g aran or worsted yarn
- 4.5mm or US7 circular knitting needles
- 5mm circular knitting needles (US8)
- Tapestry/Knitter's Sewing Needle
- Stitch Marker
- Cable Needle
The Ballybrit Beanie takes its name from the Galway suburb which is known for hosting the famous Galway Races. As a knitter from the Aran Islands, I love adapting the Aran style to suit modern knitters. Here, I have taken a classic Aran style cable lattice pattern and adapted the motif to work it in the round, on two sizes of circular needle. The finished hat is seamless, with the cables flowing from brim to crown without interruption.
The cabling pattern is not overly complicated, but there is some adjusting of the stitch marker to ensure that the cabling pattern stays seamless throughout. I would consider this a pattern suitable for intermediate knitters.
The hat is sized for an adult, with 4 different sizes included, but instructions are given on adjusting the stitch count to create a smaller or larger hat. Any Aran or worsted weight yarn should be suitable for this pattern, 4.5mm needles/US7 and 5mm needles/US8 are recommended, but there is some leeway given that Aran yarns can vary a little in thickness. I would suggest being guided by the needle size recommended for the Aran yarn you are using. One 100g skein should be just enough for one hat. I would suggest a requirement of 140 metres/154 yards of yarn. There is an option to knit a folded brim (in which case more yarn could be needed).
The finished beanie measures from 16 inches (41 cm) in circumference (flat, unworn) to 20 inches (50 cm), depending on the size chosen, and 8 inches (20.5 cm) from brim to crown (but can be adjusted in length by working a deeper brim). The hat is seamless, as it is knit in the round, and is super soft and comfortable to wear!
AranAccessories
I'm a knitter from the Aran Islands, combining traditional elements of Aran knitting (e.g. cables, lattice work) with more modern techniques, such as seamless knitting, to create my own original designs.
I first learnt to knit when I was about 6, and, at school, we moved on to Aran knitting pretty quickly! I kept knitting over the years, as a hobby, and also started knitting some items for my cousin to sell on Inis Mor, the largest of the Aran Islands. Then came the brainwave of setting up a shop online, so people could buy original Aran knits without having to come all the way here! I loved creating my own original designs, and eventually made the step to publishing them : )
I'm always happy to hear from you if you have any queries about my shop! You can find my online shop at www.aranaccessories.net and follow me on Twitter, Instagram and Tumblr @aranaccessories ; I am on Facebook at aranaccessories.net Le gach beannacht/With best wishes, Máirín Ní Dhonncha