Hirundo is a combination between a beret and a tam, with a full shape which can be styled to suit. Construction commences with traditional two-colour corrugated ribbing. As this type of ribbing has very little stretch, four brim sizes are provided in the pattern to ensure the perfect fit. Increases are worked immediately after the ribbing to create the tam-like shape and then the stranded colourwork pattern is worked by following the full colour chart provided in the pattern. Once the swallow motif section is completed the crown and crown decreases are worked over a very simple colourwork section until the hat is complete.

Hirundo is so called as the design has been inspired by the annual arrival of migrating swallows to our Lancashire farm after their arduous journey from the Southern Hemisphere. These same swallows return year after year to nest and raise their young. For several months the sky above the farm is filled with the joyous swooping of these beautiful birds, as they dive and soar in search of flies and insects to eat. I created a colourwork motif based on the outline of this distinctive bird to celebrate the arrival of Spring.

Hirundo is knitted in Wold DK an exclusive blend of British breeds spun especially for Susan Crawford Vintage and uses two shades, the natural undyed shade of Cumulus juxtaposed against the stunning hand-dyed shade of Swallows in Flight but can be knitted in any two highly contrasting shades of DK weight yarn.

Susan is shown wearing the third size tam.

The pattern contains clear written instructions and full colour chart plus a comprehensive schematic diagram and sizing chart.

Yarn
Susan Crawford Wold DK, 100% British wool; 50% Southdown, 25% Bluefaced Leicester, 25% white Shetland (197m / 215yds per 100g skein)
1 skein, shade Swallows in Flight - yarn A
1 skein, shade Cumulus - yarn B

Gauges
22 sts and 27 rows = 10cm(4in) measured over stranded colourwork knitted in the round, after blocking. We obtained this gauge using 4mm needles.

Suggested Needles
Small needles: 3.25mm (US 3) circular needle (40cm in length) or set of 3.25mm (US 3) DPNs
Large needles: 4mm (US 6) circular needle (40cm in length) and a set of 4mm (US 6) DPNs

Notions
Stitch marker