This is not and will never be a political blog. But it is a personal blog, and I personally care deeply about women's rights. I believe that we all deserve respect, equal pay for equal work, freedom from fear, access to healthcare, and autonomy in the choices we make about our bodies. Women's rights are human rights and I want them for everyone, including my republican sisters. I want my sons to grow up in a world where boys will NOT be boys, where "like a girl" is a compliment, where "manning up" means standing up for what is right. It is for all these reasons that my family and I will be marching locally on January 21st.
It is also why I have been knitting pink pussyhats like a mad woman. The pussyhat movement is a way for makers to reclaim a phrase designed to hurt and shame. It's not about being cute, although we will look fab, it's about the power of handmade and the power of femininity. You can read all about the movement and find many great patterns here: pussyhatproject.com. I also encourage you to make a donation to the Women's March on Washington.
Need to make a hat or ten quickly? The best option for yarn that I could find was Red Heart Grande in Nectar and Apricot. There wasn't a specific pattern for this weight so I made my own, inspired by the beautiful Super Cat Hat by Destiny Meyer. This hat comes together in about an hour start to finish, which means you can make one in the time it takes to watch an episode of The Crown, or better yet, listen to an episode of Who Are We Kidding? (#sorrynotsorry). As always I've included links to helpful youtube videos. If you can knit and purl, you can make this hat!
Jumbo Pussycat Hat
Needles: US size 19 (15 mm) 16" circular
Yarn: Red Heart Grande in Nectar or Apricot, or other Jumbo weight yarn (1 ball, 46 yards)
Notions: Tapestry needle
Gauge: 7 stitches and 9 rounds = 4in/10cm in stockinette
Pattern:
Using a simple single strand cast on (CO), CO 33 stitches.
Join the round by slipping the first stitch from left to right (working yarn on the right) and pulling what is now the second stitch on the right needle over and off the needle, 32 stitches, joined in the round.
Knit 1, Purl 1 for 6 rounds to create a 1x1 ribbed brim.
Work stockinette stitch (knit every round) until the piece measures 8 inches from the cast on edge (about 14 rounds).
Kitchener stitch the top of the hat closed. Divide the work in half and pull the cable so that you have 16 stitches on each needle. Cut yarn, leaving a really long tail. Thread tail on tapestry needle and work kitchener stitch across the entire row. Weave in ends and wear with pride.
Note: Your finished hat will look like a square, but when filled by your beautiful head, pussycat ears will magically appear!
I'm a maker, hear me rawr!!!
