
I had worked about 5 rows of my prototype, when I fortunately realised that using 4 ply yarn was a bad idea. A more thoughtful search of my stash turned up 3x200gm balls of Bendigo 10 ply Aran - in cream. It immediately occurred to me that not only was this quicker and easier to knit, but if the team all had hats with this base creamy-white it would be unifying. I liked the idea of knitting white hats for justice. The idea now had a life of its own and I was up and running. I found 3 contrasting colours in very solid 8ply for the emblem and set to work.


The Authorities (my granddaughters) said yes to pompoms, so I made 20 of those and attached them.
I also made one in another colourway for a family member from a different workplace, walking as an individual.

Such intensive knitting was hard on my hands, especially the thumb joint on my left hand, which is largely stationary. Exercises and a brace helped, and I really enjoyed doing it. In the end it took 4-5 hours per beanie. I varied the size slightly. I began using 5mm needles with the wool, varied it up to 6.5 and ended using 5.5. I also varied the number of rows before beginning the pattern and in the crown reduction. There should be a fit for most people.
The 10 ply cotton is not as thick as the wool, and the contrasting colour shows through a little but it works well enough. Reducing needle size reduced the shadow, but required stitch adjustment.

In the end, 34 of the work team registered for the walk. I used all the Bendigo wool and cotton, and found, at the last ditch, a skein of cream alpaca yarn my brother had bought me back from Peru.
I couldn’t find my swift to wind it into a ball, so did it by hooking the skein over my arm. This ended in a tangle that took me the best part of two hours to sort out, but resulted, 10 minutes before my handover deadline, in the last 2 beanies!
As I wasn't sure that I'd have enough yarn to finish the last one, I began knitting it with a narrow band, planning to make it a headband if I ran out. There turned out to be plenty of yarn, so I finished the crown. The result was a skull cap, so I added to the band- as you can see!
Just as well I did. It was 6C when the team assembled at 7.30am this morning, so ears needed covering and the beanies were useful.
The team raised over $14,000 - a remarkable achievement. They also won the best-dressed team prize!
I'm delighted to have helped along the way. This is the first time I have designed a knitting pattern. I enjoyed the design process and learned a lot. I intend to document the pattern for others to use. I'd like, however, the basic colour scales of justice on white/cream background to be reserved for this team. This year's participants will hopefully walk again next year in their beanies and I'm up to add extras for new recruits.
I also enjoyed the knitting. It was somewhat rushed: 36 beanies in 40 days is not a record I'm looking to break! While it wasn't a stash-buster, I did end up with about 700gm of wool less than I started. Interestingly, while my arthritis gave me trouble along the way, in the last 10 days it was well under control. Worth knowing.
It's been a privilege and a lot of fun to be involved. Many thanks to my family for encouragement and help.
And hats off to all the walkers!
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