knit and tonic: Lé Slouch Deux

Long story short: Lé Slouch was an old pattern that I put out years ago and I was never really happy with it. So, I removed it and redesigned it from scratch so that it is top down, easy to customize and best of all: It doesn't have wonky decreases that cause the top to bunch up. Some berets look okay with a poufy crown but I didn't want it to be so with this one.

Simple enough for someone who is a beginner who can knit circularly and complex enough for a seasoned knitter who is looking for a "day-or-two," stash-busting project, Lé Slouch Deux is one of those patterns you'll want to knit over and over again--or at least twice. It goes quickly, and it takes only a couple balls of heavy worsted weight yarn.

Shown in two different yarns, this cap is knit top down so you can try on as you go to get the perfect depth. You'll also not run out of yarn, because when you work this way you can gauge your progress and if you are running short, you can make it less slouchy. On the other hand, if you do have enough yarn, you can add an inch or two to make it even slouchier to contain a bigger hair-do, if you will.

SIZES
Youth (Adult Average)

FINISHED MEASUREMENTS
16 (17.5)" circumference at brim
25 (28.5)" at widest circumference

YARN
Mirasol Miski (100% baby llama; 83 yards / 50 grams): 2 skeins #127 Storm
Or
Elsebeth Lavold Bamboucle Designer’s Choice (45% cotton, 30% bamboo, 17% linen, 8% nylon; 87 yards / 50 grams): 2 balls #006 Soft Grey

NEEDLES
One set double-point needles (dpn) size US 8 (5mm)
One 16" long or longer circular (circ) needle US 8 (5mm)
One set double-point needles size US 7 (4.5mm), or one 16" long circular needle
Change needle size if necessary to obtain correct gauge.

NOTIONS
Stitch markers in 2 colors; tapestry needle

GAUGE
18 sts and 24 rows = 4" in Seed st, using larger needles
20 sts and 28 rows = 4" in Rib, using smaller needles