With massive thanks to my pal Rachel and her superlative & speedy editorial skills, Epistropheid is published!
Just like my Epistrophy yoke, Epistropheid is knitted in TOFT Ulysses DK – a lovely British wool – and is topped with an alpaca pompom, also available from Toft.
I’ve found this hat to be quite an addictive knit — I’ve already worked up two samples, and I’m now knitting up a third, as Tom has requested one for himself (don’t worry, I’m making his in a different yarn so we won’t be insanely matchy-matchy)
The pattern is written for three sizes of hat — I’m wearing the slouchy large size in these photographs — so whatever the size of your heid you should be able to make a hat to fit it.
And one last bit of housekeeping: I am going to do a final run with my mail crates to the sorting office tomorrow morning (Saturday 20th), so if you would like a copy of Yokes posting off before Christmas, now’s the moment to order!
KDD & Co 
I’ve long been a fan of your beautiful patterns. This one is no exception – however, I admit I’m also obsessed with your vest in the photos and would love to know the maker (or if this is another creation of yours).
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Thanks Rosie and Kate for input into sources of alpaca. I regularly use Drops Alpaca as a second strand in feling projects, so will check them out soonest. Take care, robin
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It’s a beauty!
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Dear Kate
I am a big fan of yours, and marvel at your talent, strength and determination to continue your wonderful work come what may. I am going to ask something of you now, and of your followers. Would you please stop using anything containing alpaca for the time being?
I am an activist for animal rights, and there are some dreadfully cruel practises going on in the wider world, in order to provide alpaca commercially. Things that I would not dream of describing here.
But, I would ask you to look into this, purely from a compassionate and caring perspective. I know that you are a lovely person and I am sure that you would not knowlingly endorse such cruelty.
I am proud to be a spokesperson for those who can not speak for themselves.
With love, Rosey
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Hi Rosey,
thanks for your comment. I do understand your concerns. I used this particular pompom because it is supplied by TOFT, who produce the yarn for the hat (which is a blend of wools from British sheep breeds). TOFT are a well-known (and very well-regarded) breeder of UK Alpacas, as well as a respected UK yarn producer. I’ve been assured that the item is ethically produced – you can read more about it here:
http://www.thetoftalpacashop.co.uk/PD.aspx?product=extras/gifts/-Pompom_Tree_Decoration
very best
Kate
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Love the pattern and the pom-pom – I’ve already ordered two from Toft, I think they are going to be my addiction in 2015 :)
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Yes, I think hats are like sock knitting, very addictive. Love this hat!
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GOT IT!!~ Thank you as always.
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Beautiful hat. I love the fluffy pompom. And the photo is gorgeous. Those hills!!!
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Such an amusing remark about being too matchy-matchy with your loved ones. I have the same problem, especially with hats. But it’s the greatest compliment that he likes what I accomplish. I adore this pattern and the stitch definition of Toft. I still hadn’t the opportunity to lay my hands on this yarn but I very much long for it.
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