The chance to design an extra-long stocking cap was too fun to pass up. The real challenge came with deciding what sort of patterning to use. Since the aurora borealis has been in the news a lot the past few months, I thought it would be fun to explore a stranded colorwork pattern using colors based on the aurora in the night sky (okay, I know there are not a lot of yellows or oranges in the aurora, but they certainly make a great counterpoint to the dark purple of the background color).

While researching some color options online, I came across a number of explanations that ancient and aboriginal peoples have had for this phenomenon. The Scots called the lights “merry dancers,” and some First Nations peoples in eastern Canada and southeastern Alaska saw dancing souls; hence, the name for this cap—Sky Dancers.

The charted patterns, while based on traditional Nordic motifs, can be found in similar form throughout most of the world. The painted colors I chose reflect both the shifting nature of the aurora as well as the night sky where clouds can drift by, making even a dark night sky interesting to look at.

Finished Measurements:
Brim Circumference: 18 1/2” / 47 cm
Length from Fold line, not including tassel: 58” / 147.5 cm
Yarn Needed:
Main Color, Beggar’s Tomb: 3 skeins or 696 yds / 636 m
Contrast Color, Sunset Rose: 1 skein or 96 yds / 88 m