This eared beanie is an homage to the rarely-glimpsed gray fox of Arizona’s Sonoran desert (Urocyon cinereoargenteus scottii). With a face and ears in intarsia with occasional stranded colorwork, and whiskers embroidered on afterwards, this unique unisex hat is knit flat and then seamed. It will keep your knitting hands interested and then your head warm and foxy as part of a costume or for every chilly day.

Difficulty: Advanced beginner (stranding and intarsia colorwork). (Up to 2 glasses of wine: you do have to pay some attention.)

Materials: 109-150 yds. (100-137m) worsted weight yarn, depending on gauge: 80-100 yds. (73-91.5m) dark gray, 18-25 yds. (16.5-23m) orange, 8-15 yds. (7-14m) white or ivory, and 3-10 yds. (3-9m) black. Buy a bit extra in case.

Tools: tapestry needle, tape measure, and scissors.