January's Knitting Pattern for Your Knitting Pleasure

I just dropped off my latest hat to it's lucky recipient.  A sweet little beret in a lovely burgandy red.  I'll have to post the pictures later, as it was too dark to take them tonight.  However, I really wanted to post this pattern quickly as it was January's pattern!  So, here's the first beret I made so you can get a general idea, although this one was knit in a cotton:

I am supremely pleased to present the first of this year's patterns!

January: Slouchy Beret

Materials:

One skein Cascade 220 (worsted weight), or if you like the hat pictured in the greyish tone, use Lion Brand Organic Cotton

Size 7 Double Pointed Needles

Size 7 circular needles 16 inch

Size 6 circular needles 16 inch

darning needle

stitch marker

Gauge:

18 stitches and 24 rows equals 4 inches square

Instructions:

- Using your size 6 circulars, cast on 88 stitches.

- Place stitch marker and join to work in the round, being careful not to twist the work.

- K2, P2 rib for one inch.

- Switch to Size 7 circular needles

- Next Row: *K2, M1 by lifting the running thread onto the left needle and knitting through the back loop,  Repeat from star to end of round.  End with 132 stitches.

- Knit next 5 rounds

- Purl 4 rounds

- Knit 6 rounds

- Purl 4 rounds

- Knit 6 rounds

Begin Decreasing as follows:

Next round: *P9, slip next two stitches as if to knit and then slide them back onto the left needle and purl them together (ssp), P2tog, P9.  Repeat from star for a total of 12 decreases and ending with 120 stitches

- Purl around

Next round: *P8, ssp, P2tog, P8. Repeat from star to end of round and end with 108 stitches

- Purl around

Next round: *K7, slip next two stitches as if to knit and then slide them back onto the left needle and knit them together (ssk), K2tog, K7. Repeat from star to end of round and end with 96 stitches

- Knit around

Next round: *K6, ssk, K2tog, K6. Repeat from star to end of round and end with 84 stitches

- Knit around

Next round: *K5,ssk,K2tog, K5.  Repeat from star to end of round and end with 72 stitches

- Knit around

Next round: *P4, ssp, P2tog, P4.  Repeat from star to end of round and end with 60 stitches.

Next round: *P3, ssp, P2tog, P3.  repeat from star to end of round and end with 48 stitches.

Next round: *P2, ssp, P2tog, P2.  Repeat from star to end of round and end with 36 stitches.

Next round: *P1, ssp, P2tog, P1.  Repeat from star to end of round and end with 24 stitches.

Next round: *ssp, P2tog.  Repeat from star to end of round and end with 12 stitches.

Next round: *P2tog.  Repeat from star to end of round and end with 6 stitches.

cut yarn and thread through remaining stitches.

Weave in ends and then enjoy your new hat!!  And please, please, please, send pictures if you make this!!