About once a catalog cycle I hear myself saying “Oh… I should really make this one” as I hold up one garment or another from a pattern collection during a photo shoot. That list keeps getting longer and I find myself forgetting about them once the catalog mails and some gorgeous project photo catches my eye on Pinterest or Ravelry. This time however, I managed to mentally “earmark” the Garter Ridge Hat from the Light Basics pattern collection as a project that would make a a lovely hat for my dad.

The perfect opportunity to actually cast on came when his birthday rolled around like it does every year, and once again I was surprised as I am every year and have to scramble for presents like I do every year. I’m actually getting to be quite good at whipping things up with these sorts of tight deadlines and this year was no different. I cast on and managed to finish it with about a day to spare for blocking and a quick photo before I wrapped it up and gifted it with a few other goodies.

My parents have taken up hiking in the past year and I thought that the Garter Ridge Hat would be the perfect accessory for their adventures around Oregon. The combination of springy Stroll Tweed Marine yarn and garter stitch makes this hat super stretchy, perfect for a range of head sizes (my head is 20″ and my dad’s noggin is roughly 24″ and fits both of us really well). This hat has all the characteristics that come to mind when I think about hiking: breathability, lightweight fabric, adjustable, washable, soft and it doesn’t take up much room once it’s folded away.

This pattern is simple enough to be that “first hat” project for beginning knitters and a quick project for a more experienced one. Both my mother and father could wear this on the trail without thinking twice about size and the color choice was neutral enough that neither would hesitate to pop it on in. I think this pattern would look equally wonderful in a bright pink (Stroll Glimmer Runway, anyone?) for a more feminine hat. I’m already dreaming about the beanie version of this pattern in Capretta Platinum for myself and maybe another one in Capretta Admiral for a lucky fella this Christmas.

There have been so many lovely garments in the past few pattern collections, which ones have caught your eye? Or have you already cast on your favorite? I’d love any other yarn suggestions for this hat because I’m sure I’ll be making quite a few more in the months to come!