Vickie and Eliza show off the perfect hat for the stylin' baby-about-town.

Motherhood frequently supplies the motivation for learning to knit. Whether you're a mom, a mom-to-be or simply someone with a youngster in your heart, you'll love designer Candi Jensen's techniques for knitting these adorable baby boots and their matching hat.

But wait -- there's more! You'll also love the yarns Jensen uses for this project: one, a faux suede, and the other, a "furry" type that (especially when worked in garter stitch) mimics shearling lamb. And both yarns are 100 percent nylon, for wearability and launderability!

Size: One size (fits infant to 1 year).

Materials
Yarn: Suede by Berroco (100 percent nylon, 1-3/4 oz/50g ball, 120 yds) 1 ball #3714 Hopalong Cassidy (main color)
Plush by Berroco, 100 percent nylon, 1-3/4 oz/50g ball, 90 yds) 1 ball #1901 Crema (finishing)
One pair straight needles: size 6 (or size to obtain gauge)
Other supplies: large-eye yarn needle, stitch holder or large safety pin, row counter (optional)

Gauge: 20 stitches = 4" (10cm) in st st using size 6 needles and suede yarn

Knit-O-Meter Rating: Intermediate

	Knitting in yarn ends (to see a step-by-step demo, click on the video link below) ...
	Media Watch the Video
	This is how the body of the hat looks after all the decreases have been worked.

Stitches Used in This Pattern
K – knit
P – purl
St st – stockinette stitch, knit 1 row, purl the next row
K2tog – knit 2 stitches together (decrease)
SKP – slip 1 stitch, knit 1 stitch, pass slip stitch over knit stitch

To Begin
With Plush cast on 84 st and work 2 rows knit (this will give you a garter stitch edge). Change to Hopalong Cassidy and st st until piece measures 3-3/4".

Decrease Rows
Row 1: *k10, k 2 tog* repeat between * across.
Row 2, and all even number rows: purl.
Row 3: *k9, k 2 tog * repeat between * across.
Row 5: *k8, k 2 tog * repeat between * across.
Row 7: *k7, k 2 tog * repeat between * across.
Row 9: *k6, k 2 tog * repeat between * across.
Row 11: *k5, k 2 tog * repeat between * across.
Row 13: *k4, k 2 tog * repeat between * across.
Row 15: *k3, k 2 tog * repeat between * across.
Row 17: *k2, k 2 tog * repeat between * across.
Row 19: *k1, k 2 tog * repeat between * across.
Row 21: *k 2 tog * repeat between * across.

Place stitches on holder and put aside.

Earflaps

Earflaps
With Hopalong Cassidy cast on 22 sts and work in st st for 1-1/4".
Row 1: k1, SKP, k16, k 2 tog, k1.
Row 2,4,6,8,10, 12,14: purl.
Row 3: k1, SKP, k14, k 2 tog, k1.
Row 5: k1, SKP, k12, k 2 tog, k1.
Row 7: k1, SKP, k10, k 2 tog, k1.
Row 9: k1, SKP, k8, k 2 tog, k1.
Row 11: k1, SKP, k6, k 2 tog, k1.
Row 13: k1, SKP, k4, k 2 tog, k1.
Row 15: k1, SKP, k 2 tog, k 2 tog, k1 (5 sts).
Row 16: p1, slip 1, k 2 tog, pass slipped stitch over the 2 sts that were k tog (3 sts).

Strap
Change to plush and work in st st until the strap measures 8".
Bind off all sts.

Note: Be sure to make two earflaps.

Figure A

Knit Bit: Need a yarn container in a hurry? Simply cut a hole in the lid of a disposable plastic food bowl (figure A), place the ball of yarn in the bowl and thread the end through the hole. Your yarn's protected -- and you're good to go!

Next: Suede Booties

RESOURCES :
"Suede" Yarn
Suggested retail price: $$8.85
3714 Hopalong Cassidy (main color)
3717 Wild Bill Hickock (soles)
Berroco Inc.
Check Website for local retailers.
Website: www.berroco.com

"Plush" Yarn
Suggested retail price: $8.50
Hat and boots accent: 1901 White
Berroco Inc.
Check Website for local retailers.
Website: www.berroco.com

Candy Tots
By Candi Jensen
2003, Sixth&Spring Books

GUESTS :

Candi Jensen
Website: www.candijensen.com

Jonelle Raffino
c/o South West Trading Company
Website: www.soysilk.com Website: www.tofubear.com