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Brynja beret Pattern

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Category:

Knitting

Type:

Accessory

Fit:

Women, Girls, Infant/Baby

Item:

Hat

Skill Level:

Beginner

Basic Skills Necessary:

German twisted cast on
stranded knitting
jogless join

Pattern Description:

This lovely beret is a quick knit to match Brynja, your favourite lopi sweater and a perfect last minute gift. Knitted tight with the Icelandic lopi, a unique wool that is both light, warm and water-repellent, it will protect you well against the cold, the snow and the rain. The pattern is rhythmic and enjoyable with little details that will keep you busy.

A beret is called alpahfa in Icelandic meaning "Alpine cap": the beret has been indeed part of the costume of the Chasseurs Alpins (literally Alpine Hunters, the elite mountain infantry of the French Army) since 1891. But the beret has its origins in the Middle Age in Bearn, France. It is seen for example sculpted in the church of Bellocq dated from the 13th century. The shepherds knitted it in the round in the natural colours of the sheep and it's the constant exposure to wind and rain that made it felt. It became very popular especially in the Basque country and quickly spread to Spain, then South America, Mexico, Louisiana, California and Canada through emigration.

Gauge:

4"x 4" / 10x10 cm = 20 sts and 28 rows in stocking st

Sizing / Finished Measurements:

Sizes: S(M,L) S is suitable for toddlers, M for children and L for adults. Finished measurements 21(24,26.5) cm / 8.25(9.5,10.5)" diameter across to fit head circumference up to 40.5(48,53.5) cm / 16(19,21)". Note than the beret can be blocked to bigger dimensions or knitted on slightly bigger needles.

Materials:

Needles: size 4 mm/US 6 DPNs or circular (using the Magic loop technique)
Lttlopi from stex, 100% pure Icelandic wool, light spun, medium weight, 50g/skein, 50g = ca.100m/109 ydsMC: 1 skein; CC1: 1/2 skein; CC2: scrapsGrey beret: shades 0056 (grey), 0051 (white), 1409 (red)Blue beret: shades 1404 (turquoise), 1409 (red)Purple beret: shades 1414 (dark purple), 1411(yellow),1413 (light purple)

You Will Also Need:

marker
dish plate or piece of cardboard with plastic wrap for blocking

Suggested yarn:

109 yards of Worsted weight

Preferred Brand/Yarn:

Lettlopi from Istex

Colorway:

3 colors