Our first European adventure from our new home in the UK was to Gay Paree.. Paris is a fantastic place in any season, but that July it was hot and green and full of tourists. Since we were visiting with two small kids, we managed to get to the typical sightseeing spots of Notre Dame and the Eiffel Tower (in between trips to the playground), and the stitch pattern in this hat reminds me of the incredible metalwork of the Tower when viewed from directly below: arcs of metal forming an intricate and delicate-looking lace network that hold up a towering needle thrusting into the sky. A true accomplishment.

A word to the wise: this is true lace knitting, with patterning on every row. And a fairly non-intuitive pattern at that, so it may be tough to memorize the repeat. Have no fear! Take a deep breath, print out a copy of the chart to keep close at hand, and forge ahead – in no time at all you’ll have a magnificent beret to cock at a jaunty angle, and all your admirers will marvel at your skill.

SKILLS NEEDED
Casting on, knitting in the round, knit, purl, lace knitting (increases and decreases).

SIZES
Baby (Toddler, Child, Adult Small, Adult Medium, Adult Large), to fit head circumference 14 (16, 18, 20, 22, 24) in/36 (41, 46, 51, 56, 61) cm at ribbing band.
Finished size (ribbing): 12.5 (13.5, 16, 18, 20, 21.5) in/32 (34, 41, 46, 51, 55) cm unstretched.

MATERIALS
Yarn: approximately 85-140 yds worsted weight wool.