by Ellen Graves

This pattern came about when I decided to knit up this yarn in a colorway nobody (including me) seemed to like. I was pleasantly surprised when it started self-striping when I worked straight, so I had to try it as a hat, which led to this beautiful tam. I still can't believe how different the yarn is than I expected it to be. Isn't it great to be surprised some times?

Materials
Cascade Eco Duo (70% Alpaca, 30% Wool) 1 hank
US #5 16” circular needle & 5 DPNs
Tapestry needle

Gauge 17 sts/3” Save time, take time to check gauge!

Abbreviations:
Kfb - knit into the front & back of the same st (increase)
pm - place marker
sm - slip marker
k2tog - knit 2 sts together (decrease)

This tam is worked from the center to the brim. Adjusting the length after the increases changes the diameter of the tam.

Cast on 8 sts (Emily Ocher’s Crochet Cast-on is great to use).
Distribute the sts evenly on 4 DPNs, join to work in the round, being careful not to twist.

R1: *Kfb, pm, Kfb; repeat from * on each needle.
R2: *Kfb, K1, sm, Kfb, K1; repeat from * on each needle.
R3: K
R4: *Kfb, K to marker; repeat from * around.
R5: *Kfb, K to marker; repeat from * around.
R6: K

Continue increasing for 2 rounds, then working 1 round plain until there are 24 sts between each marker (change to 16” circular when necessary). Attach a marker to the work at this point to designate the last increase round.
Work 2” straight, measuring from marker. (This is the area to adjust for a different diameter)

Decrease Shaping:
*K10, k2tog, pm; repeat from * around.
R1: K
R2: *K to 2 sts before marker, k2tog; repeat around.
Continue with R1 & R2 until 5 sts remain between markers.
Work K2, P2 rib for 1”.
Bind off LOOSELY (SSK bind-off works very well).
Weave in tails.