Mini Winter Hat Pattern, and Winter Wonderland Snowperson

Winter in Milwaukee has been unseasonably mild this year. We've had very little snow, and I've been channeling my winter spirit into this little snowperson for the #2023creativechallenge "Winter Wonderland" theme.

The snowperson pattern is improvised, based on Lane Drogato's "Snowman," which I made in the past but was sadly discontinued. Cute little chap. I fashioned the nose in a rounder style like the one in Raymond Brigg's The Snowman, which I really enjoyed as a kid. And kudos to A who suggested the red pom pom, which, to me, is one of the best parts.

Here is the little hat pattern (measures approx. 1.5" across brim when flat)

Materials:

• Three colors: main (A), borders (B), hearts (C)
• US 4 double pointed needles
• embroidery needle
• pompom (optional)

In color A, cast on 34 stitches, distributing them evenly across three double pointed needles.

• Note: If you are making this hat for a knitted being, I suggest casting on the same number of stitches as their head, plus 3-4 more stitches, totaling an even number.

Round 1 and 2: *k1, p1 ribbing, repeat from * to end of round

Round 3: knit all to end of round

Join color B.

Round 4: *k1 color A, k1 color B,  repeat from * to end of round

Round 5: *k1 color B, k1 color A,  repeat from * to end of round

• Note: I carried color B over to the upper border since it would not be seen inside the hat, but you can optionally break the yarn here and rejoin it for the upper border so there isn't the carry over.

Round 6: With color A, knit all to end of round

Join color C.

Round 7: *k1 color C, k1 color A,  repeat from * to end of round. Break off color C.

Round 8: With color A, knit all to end of round

Round 9: *k1 color B, k1 color A,  repeat from * to end of round

Round 10: *k1 color A, k1 color B,  repeat from * to end of round. Break off color B.

Begin decreases as follows:

Round 11: *k2tog, k2, repeat from * to end of round

Rounds 12 and 13: *k2tog, k1, repeat from * to end of round

Round 14: *k2tog, repeat to end of round

Finishing:

Cut color A so that there is ~6" tail. Thread the tail with an embroidery needle and pass the needle through the loops of the remaining stitches, removing them from the knitting needles. Pull the yarn taught so that it closes the top of the hat and knot it securely. Weave in loose ends. With a few inches of yarn and the embroidery needle, sew a pompom onto the top of the hat (optional). Add other decorations and finishing touches as desired!