Emphasized Stripe Hat (inspired by Gap)

I was out shopping this past weekend and saw a really cute hat at Gap Kids (http://www.gap.com/browse/product.do?searchCID=25781&pid=688433&scid=688433002&vid=1). Of course, I realized how easy it would be to make, so I decided to make it :-) A new hat is really the last thing on Earth that I need right now, but I just couldn't resist...

This hat would also be a very cute accessory to FawnPea's sweater and my matching pants if made in a baby size (http://fpea.blogspot.com/2007/07/free-pattern-fridays-super-natural.html and http://straayersscribbles.blogspot.com/2009/07/pants-to-match-super-natrual-stripes-by.html).

This pattern is written for a small adult female. It could be easily modified to accomodate any yarn type (the inspiration was actually a super bulky weight) or size though. Just check your guage and adjust your cast on!

Approximate finished circumference:
20 inches

Gauge:
16 sts to 4 inches, 20 rows to 4 inches in stockinette

Materials:

• Nashua Handknits Snowbird (Aran) in Blue, Sky Blue, and Spring Green: less than one skein of each (probably about 1/2 a skein of the Blue, and much less of the other two. less than 50 g/73 yards total)
• US 10 (6.0mm) circular (16 inch) and double pointed needles
• Tapestry needle to weave in ends

Techniques:
Knit, purl, decrease, knitting in the round, bind off

Terms:
K2tog: knit two stitches together as one

Pattern:

With circular needles, cast on 70 stitches of Main Color (MC - blue in model).
Join in the round, being careful that stitches are not twisted.
(1-8) Work 8 rows garter stitch (since we are working in the round this means K one row P one row...last row should be a P row)
Change to Contrast Color A (CCA - sky blue in model).

(9-13) Knit 5 rows in stockinette.

Change to MC.

(14) Purl one row.

(15-18) Knit 4 rows in stockinette.

Change to Contrast Color B (CCB - spring green in model).

(19) Purl one row.

(20-23) Knit 4 rows in stockinette.
Change to MC.
(24) Purl one row.

(25-28) Knit 4 rows in stockinette.
Change to CCA.

(29) Purl one row.

Begin decreases:

(30) *K5, K2tog. Repeat from * to end.

(31) Knit.

(32) *K4, K2tog. Repeat from * to end.

(33) Knit.

(34) *K3, K2tog. Repeat from * to end.

Change to MC.

(35) Purl.

(36) *K2, K2tog. Repeat from * to end.

(37) Knit.

(38) *K1, K2tog. Repeat from * to end.

(39) Knit.

(40) K2tog to end.

(41) K2tog to end.

Cut yarn, thread tail through the remaining loops and secure.

Weave in all ends. Make a pom using CCA and CCB and attach to top. (optional)

enjoy!