Bracile Hat

Description

“The inhabitants of Arranmore are still persuaded that, in a clear day, they can see from this coast…the Enchanted Island, the Paradise of the Pagan Irish, and concerning which they relate a number of romantic stories.” — Beaufort’s Ancient Topography of Ireland.

Mysterious, romantic, and lost in the mists of time, the phantom island of Bracile appeared on maps as far back as 1325. For those who lived on the wild Atlantic coast of Ireland, this island represented an escape from crushing everyday cares.

The Bracile Hat, designed for the second Curious Handmade Country House Retreat, is inspired by that idea of a mythical respite from work and strife. This is a fitted, beanie style hat to shelter your head against even the most bitter seaside wind. A distinctive cable accent brings to mind a solitary island out to sea, while warm ribbing offers even more cosiness and texture to the design.

The sample is knit from the luxurious Arranmore yarn from The Fibre Company, which combines cashmere, silk, and fine merino wool. Rugged in character and soft to the touch, this aran weight yarn draws from the colours of wild Irish coastlands and the homespun tweed industry of 19th century Donegal.

This pattern is written in the Curious Handmade percentage checklist™ style and includes a chart for the cable motif.

Finished Measurements
Approximately 46cm (18”) circumference at ribbing to fit
head size 56cm–61cm (22”–24”) circumference

Yarn
The Fibre Co. Arranmore 80% Wool, 10% silk,
10% cashmere; 160m/175yds per 100g skein,
1 x 100g skein, Colourway: Kinnego Bay

Sample used approximately 80m/88yds and 50g of
Arranmore

Needles
4mm (US 6) 40cm (16”) long circular needles for brim
5mm (US 8) 40cm (16”) long circular needles
+ 5mm (US 8) DPNs for crown shaping or 5mm (US 8)
100cm (40”) long circular needles for magic loop method

Notions
3 locking/removable stitch markers
Cable needle
Tapestry needle