The Not Too-Too Beret Pattern

Going to vote and getting an "I Voted!" sticker reminded me of a woman I used to work with. Whenever she'd vote, she'd wear her "I Voted!" sticker for at least two days. It could be that it was because she only wore black or white at any given time and she was just happening to repeat a black cashmere sweater or something, but my guess is she was far too picky to ever wear the same thing two days in a row. Come to think of it, she only allowed white flowers in her apartment, or so she said. She also claimed she had a third eye.

But that is beside the point, except to say I hope that what follows will be precise enough. I know I said I'd write out the beret pattern, but I am too busy to make a special pdf version with all the bells and whistles. So if I write out "sm" just know I mean "slip marker." Also, please know that when I write out "pm," I mean "place marker." I can't tell you how many emails I get from people asking me what those abbreviations mean. Sometimes I want to shout: "TRY GOOGLE!" but I don't have the guts. So there you go. Know what I mean when I say "sm" or "pm."

The Not Too-Too Beret

You'll need:

1 16-inch US Size 11 circular needle

1 set Size 11 double-point needles

1 ball Rowan Spray

6 stitch markers

The gauge is approximately 2.5 sts per inch

CO 44 sts. Pm for beginning of rnd, knowing what I mean about "pm." Work in 1x1 rib for 4 rnds. Next rnd, *k2, m1; rep from * around. (66 sts). Work in St st (knit all rnds) until beret measures 4.5" from CO edge to needles (if you have a big hairdo, work another half inch or so). Count sts and place 5 add'l markers evenly spaced so that there are 10 sts between each marker. Begin decreasing: *K2tog, work to 2 sts before next marker, ssk, sm (knowing what I mean by "sm"); rep from * to end. (54 sts remain). Continue decreasing 12 sts every other rnd, changing to double-points when needed, until you have 12 sts left (or just throw caution to the wind and if you have a few more or less, take a deep breath and forget about it. That's what I do), then K2tog around. You should have about 6 sts left, give or take. Leave a 10" tail and thread it through the remaining sts, pull tight and fasten down to the inside of the beret. The finished brim circumference is around 16" but it'll fit a medium sized female head. (My head measures about 21-22" at its widest circumference, but these berets sit lower, so no worries.)

Comments

[tina]

thanks for posting the pattern--- it is really cute! Not too exaggerated, I like that and think it should be quite wearable!

[carole]

She also claimed she had a third eye.
haaaaahahaha!! At least she's memorable.
Cute beret!

[wheat]

Thanks for the pattern! Can't wait to try it, maybe this weekend. It's very cute and understated, which I like. Hope the one I make comes out as nicely as yours.

[Isabella]

it's so cute. thanks.

[Scrapper]

Don't you love the Helpless Knitter Syndrome! I remember having someone scream and yell that a pattern didn't make any sense and must be wong because it had p2tog in it....now this woman was familiar with k2tog being "knit 2 together" but figuring out that the "p" stood for purl was beyond her and she drove all the way to the LYS I worked at in a PANIC over it.

[Vicki]

I like this, I am definetly making one.
Vicki

[Debbie]

So, what does sm mean?

(I know..shut up...I'm annoying...but I just couldn't help it :-)

[Dianne]

Go voter, go voter...good for you from a first time caucus-er in IOwa!

[Jennifer]

Stickers? What Stickers? Thanks for the pattern, I've been thinking a beret would be a more flattering hat for me this winter....

[Ruth]

Was that a third eye or a third nipple? You wrote third eye, but that is not what my mind's eye read. I am still laughing. Just where does she keep her third eye? Must have been an awfully long shift for me. Thanks for the pattern. I'm definitely going to make this one. And thanks for the tutorial on pm and sm.

[Vanessa]

I think I'll try the beret! It looks so cute on you every time I see the picture and I don't know if I look good in berets... Looks like it'll knit up fairly quickly so I can know quickly if I can pull off a beret! thanks for the pattern!!!

[elizabeth m]

Um, Wendy, That's not a 2 X 2 rib on that hat. But it sure looks great on you!

[Bev]

I will definately be making this hat. I made your garter beret that was on ravelry and that turned out absolutely beautiful!
Thank you for the pattern, and I understand pm and sm :)
Bev

[Wendy]

ugh. Elizabeth M. is right. Not a 2x2. I'll change the pattern.

[Karen B.]

Um, "sm" is service mark? "pm" is prime minister? Oh, yeah. That's right. Context! Go ahead and shout, "Google!"

Thanks for the super pattern, Wendy!

[Renna]

Thank you so much for sharing the pattern, and for not making us wait until you had time to do it proper!

sm, pm, got it! ;-)

[Emily]

Thanks for the pattern. It's adorable.

[Terra]

I think of it as rather the helpless person syndrome. It happens to me outside of knitting (work and personal) all the time. Like when someone emails me asking if I have info on something. I google it, then cut/paste the response. Something that most people could have done themselves easy peasy.

GOOGLE IT FIRST. It takes 30 seconds and usually works.

Love the beret.

[Janet]

Good lord, I agree with the helpless person sydrome.

I probably shouldn't complain because I ask questions sometimes that I should have been able to find the answer to (particularly as a new knitter), but.... oy.

[Mrs MJW]

Hey...come play a game on my blog and pass the word around...would ya? Smiles.

[Kelly]

Delurking to say thank you for the pattern! I can't wait to make it up! FYI- Herschners has Rowan Spray on sale for $2.97 a ball right now.

[Boo]

Thanks so much for the pattern! I have two balls of that Rowan Spray sitting around, and I've been wondering what to do with it! I can make one for me, and one for my daughter! :)

[Beatriz]

I really like reading your blog, and I love this beret pattern. Thanks for sharing!

[Patti]

thanks for sharing the pattern for the beret. I do enjoy reading your blog.

[Right Out Loud]

I was just thinking I needed a quicky hat to knit for my trip to colder climes - Thanks! You just made my day.