Hats for the Homeless

Tam and I are making hats for the homeless. I am going to give mine to a women's shelter downtown. So far I have made 8 hats, with one more almost done - some of them are so cool - I especially like the red and gray one - it reminds me of a who from Dr. Seuss. Once I have ten done I am going to give them away, so really there is only one more to make - now I just need to get some new yarn, since I am almost out (which explains why the green hat with blue stripes I am making now is going to be all blue at the top - no more green yarn!).


The basic hat pattern:
with circular or straight needles, US size 10
Chunky weight yarn
CO 76 sts
K2P2 rib for about 1 1/2 inches
Knit in stockinette stitch until piece measures 41/2 - 5 inches total
Begin decrease - decrease in knit rows
1) K8, K2tog* repeat from star to end of row
2) work as normal
3) same as 1
4) same as 2
5) K6, K2tog* repeat from star to end of row
6) same as 2
7) same as 5
8) K4, K2 tog* repeat from star to end of row
9) same as 2
10) same as 8
11) same as 2
To finish: cut yarn, leaving a decent tail. Using a yarn needle, thread the yarn through the stitches remaining on the needles. For circular work, draw top together and tie off. For straight work, draw top together and sew up the seam. Wear your hat!