Pattern: Fantastic Mr Fox

February is a hard month, and this one's been especially hard on a lot of people here in the US. Sometimes you just need a little pick-me-up, something to make you feel fierce inside. Something to throw on and cheer you up and remind you that you're fantastic! This little fox hat is ready to add that touch of whimsy to your winter wardrobe, and keep you warm all the while.

This is a pretty quick knit, but do be aware that you'll need to do pick up some stitches and sew some seams, 'cause that's what gives the ears their foxy fox shape. If you're an advanced beginner and ready to try it out--I say go for it! Just be ready and have some chocolate handy. I really hate seaming, so that's my solution! 

Keep smiling, loves. Spring is almost here...

...But, until then it's pattern time!

Needle size: US 10, 4 DPNs

Yarns: Lion Brand Homespun for MC and CC, Sensations Dolcetto for ear lining 

(You'll need less than one skein of each!)

Gauge: 6 stitches & 8 rows in 2 sq inches of stockinette in LB Homespun

Notions: Yarn needle

Body:

Cast on 74 stitches with MC.
Divide onto three DPNs and join in the round.
-Round 1 & 2: *Knit 2, purl 2.* Repeat around.
-Rounds 3 & 5: *Skip first stitch, knit second stitch and leave it on your needle, knit skipped stitch and push both stitches off needle. Purl 2.* Repeat around.
-Rounds 4 & 6: *Knit 2, purl 2.* Repeat around.
Knit in the round until piece measures 6 inches total.


Begin working decreases as follows:
Round 1: *Knit 3, k2tog.* Repeat around.
Round 2: Knit all stitches.
Round 3: *Knit 2, k2tog.* Repeat around.
Round 4: Knit.
Round 5: *Knit 1, k2tog.* Repeat around.
Round 6: Knit.
Round 7: K2tog around.
Clip yarn, thread tail through remaining stitches, and pull tight.


Ear Flaps:
Find the little tail on the bottom of the ribbed band. Skip 8 stitches to the right, and pick up 17 stitches.
Starting on wrong side, attach MC and purl one row. Turn.
-Row 1: Knit all.
-Row 2: Purl 1, SSP, purl to last 3 stitches, p2tog, purl one.
Repeat Rows 1 & 2 until 7 stitches remain.
Bind off all stitches knitwise.
Work left flap as above, reversing placement on hat.


Ears: (Make 2)
Using MC, cast on 18 stitches.
-Row 1: Knit all.
-Row 2: Purl all.
-Row 3: Knit 1, SSK, knit across to last 3 stitches, k2tog, knit 1.
Work next three rows in stockinette.
Repeat Row 3.
Repeat last four rows until 6 stitches remain.
Switch to CC.
Repeat last four rows once more.
Row 4: Purl all.
Row 5: SSK, k2tog.
Bind off last two stitches.


Repeat with Sensations Dolcetto.


Seam the two pieces together with right sides facing.
Turn right side out, and lightly steam block.
Stuff lightly with a little polyfill, paying attention to the shape!


Finishing:
Sew ears to top of hat.
Cut 12 inch lengths of CC to form tassels and attach to ear flaps.
Using CC, sew around the edge of hat & ear flaps, using mattress or whip stitch.
Weave in all ends.
Wear with lots of foxy pride!

♥ You can find more photos & fun on the Ravelry page! ♥