In a whirl

Post By // Sara M

• L-R //
• vortex
• vortex close-up

The next garment on our Shibui Heichi preview list is my own Vortex slouch hat. Originally a design-on-the-fly project to test the first round of our new yarn, Heichi, I cast on the hat from the top and made up the pattern as I went. The final design was so popular we decided to include it in the book.

The best thing about Vortex (IMHO) is that it can be adapted to suit a knitter's needs. Being knit from the top-down, knitters can shorten the final length (making a beanie) if they only have one skein or even lengthen it for a more Rastafarian look.

The swirling pattern around the crown is achieved using elongated slip stitches and mini cables. Such a sleek and understated design makes this pattern ideal for a variety of wearers - male and female, young and old - which is a decided bonus when considering one- and two-skein projects for friends and family.

For more information about this pattern (or our upcoming booklet, Shibui Heichi), see our patterns on ravelry or preview Shibui Heichi on our website. Until next time, stay dry!