10.16.2007
Koolhaas
First - a huge thanks to all of you who've gotten your IK Holiday Gifts Issue early and e-mailed about my pattern. The hat has been worn and well-loved around Brooklyn for almost a year now, so it feels great to finally be able to share it with all of you.
Big thanks to Bea for modeling*
![Koolhaas Crown [Magazine version]](http://farm1.static.flickr.com/213/476809022_16404d38da.jpg)
![Koolhaas [Magazine Version]](http://farm1.static.flickr.com/187/476810310_7987ba4f0a.jpg)
Big thanks to Bea for modeling*
According to Interweave's website, Holiday Gifts hits the shelves today - there are a lot of great quick-to-knit patterns for all of us holiday procrastinators, so go nuts!
I knit two versions of the hit. The prototype, in electric green, and the magazine version in cranberry red. The pattern can be knit with a worsted weight yarn and behaves best with animal fibers. The green version was knit with Sundara Yarns Merino Worsted Superwash and has held up wonderfully. With the magazine version, in true IK fashion, I was able to indulge a bit with my fiber choices and knit with 100% yak. Shambala from Shokay (check out this wonderful company's story) is one of the most luxurious yarns to ever have graced my needles and I figured a small hat pattern was just the ticket to aid knitters in justifying such a luxurious treat without breaking the bank.
The Story Behind the Design: The hat takes its name from Rem Koolhaas, a Dutch Architect/Urbanist whose work I admire very much. Last winter when I was home in Washington, I spent an afternoon in the Seattle Central Library, one of my favorite places in Seattle and an incredibly inspiring space. The architecture there created a design impulse and the hat was born in the following days. The design process kind of explains itself when you view the space (photo below)
It's a quick knit - sculptural and very sproingy (did knitters invent this word?). The pattern is written for both adult woman- and adult man-heads and can be easily adapted at a smaller gauge for children. Bust stash worsteds, or treat yourself to one skein of luxury yarn and enjoy every stitch.
Thanks again for continued support of these designs. Happy Fall (and holiday) Knitting!
* I've already received a bunch of questions regarding Bea's ring in the photo at the top of the page. Unfortunately, I dont' know where she got it. Sorry!
Comments:
I was just up in Seattle this summer visiting my sister and we went through the Seattle library and it is an amazing building.
I may need to go get the IK Holiday issue.
I also have a little bowl of split ammonites waiting for me to learn how to turn them into jewelry. The artist who made Bea's ring did a nice job of enhancing the stone without overdoing.
Thank you so much and I look forward to your new creations!
I have an IK subscription but I haven't received my Holiday issue yet. Your pattern will be the first thing I turn to when I get it.
Hmmm, I have one skein of Sundara's sport merino. I wonder if I could make that work with your pattern..
:)
I have been reading and enjoying your blog for a while now and I am delighted to read that you are from Washington. Me too.
I'm glad you added that bit about Bea's ring...tell her there's one jealous knitter out here ;-)
I think this will definitely go on the Christmas gift list... for me!!!
I love your hat and will make a lot of them as gifts.
Also, I love your Hemlock Ring Blanket the most. Everything you knit is just gorgeous. You got yourself other follower.
I just finished a Cobblestone for my DH, and now, he wants this hat.
I'm glad we both like your work.
NIcely done and I cannot wait to knit one up!
FY: Although the site you linked for the yak yarn stated that www.yarnmarket.com carried the yak yarn to purchase on-line I couldn't find it on their website.
And I have a vest that I finished decades ago with the same cable pattern you used in Cap Karma. It was one of my early ill-fated efforts--I didn't know then that you were supposed to use fewer stitches in the ribbing than in the body of the vest, and so the ribbing flares out. I now know what to do when I rip the very lovely yarn (quite like that pictured in texture and color) and ressurrect for a new project. Talk about karma!
It's going to be fun to knit this hat and remember Seattle.
This truly is a fantastic hat! Nicely done!
Love your beautiful photographs of your fabulous projects.
Bere.
Unfortunately the magazine is not easily available over here, so I have to work out the pattern for myself. :(
Wish me luck; I'm working on it!
You are in inspiration! Thank you!
Wanted I adored its blog. What a pity that I don't obtain to understand much thing but I adored this burrow it is pretty would adore to have prescription, you is a genio . Congratulations
by luciana
parabens!!!seu trabalho é lindo!!!seu blog é um luxo!!!gostaria de trocar os links?o meu é *thera trico e croche*www.thethetricoecroche.blogspot.com
NAMASTE!!!
thera-so-ham...
http://www.hoberman.com/site/architecture/iris2.html
John CT
Dara
But I was wondering if you have any tips on upsizing it. 16inches will fit my 8mo (I have a 23in head). Yes, just call us the Big Head Family.
Thanks!!
Just curious.. why the twisted knit stitch does it make the lattice 'pop' more?
Wow, fantastic design!
I was just up in Seattle this summer visiting my sister and we went through the Seattle library and it is an amazing building.
Oh my. This past summer I finaly made it to the Seattle Library just to view the architecture (and knitting books)! How wonderful that you created a hat that will have lasting memories of that wonderful building. Thank you, thank you. Now I have to run out and pickup the IK asap. Cindy
Great design and inspiration. As a former architect, student of design and lover of all things REM, I think this hat had better hit my needles.
I love this hat - maybe even more than the Cap Karma. I have told myself I have to at least finish the two pairs of socks that are currently on needles before I start another project, but this hat will be next. Granted, I also still have two sweaters I'm working, but I really like working on hats.
Well, I love the hat, but I'm positively lusting after that scarf on the model with the red hat. Do you know if there are directions/yarn source for it in the book?
I saw the magazine last week and knew you had another hit on your hands. You are so very talented. The LYS just got some great cashmere and I'm thinking of splurging on a hat for myself. Congrats on another winning design.
I haven't been to Seattle since the library was built, but just seeing pictures of it makes me proud to be a librarian.
I saw that hat and instantly thought of the light and space at the library downtown--then I read your story--wow! You conveyed the architectural design into knitting perfectly! Thanks for sharing my hometown--and our incredible library-- with the world.
Oh, I was hoping you'd tell us about the name. Brilliant work as always! This one's definitely going in my queue.
Beautiful! I love the green, it's like frost-bitten moss or autumn leaves between green and yellow.
I may need to go get the IK Holiday issue.
Your hat is wonderful! (I really like hats where the design goes all the way to the top.) I didn't realize the Holiday Gifts issue was out. Thanks for the "heads up."
This is my favorite pattern of the IK Holiday Issue - I'll definitely be knitting (at least) one. Congratulations on the publication!
I live 4 blocks from the library, so when I saw the name and pattern I knew the inspiration immediately. Very nice interpretation.
I also have a little bowl of split ammonites waiting for me to learn how to turn them into jewelry. The artist who made Bea's ring did a nice job of enhancing the stone without overdoing.
I purchased my IK about a week ago and honestly think this pattern is the best in the magazine. It has your usual, and lovely, clean lines and well thought out pattern.
Thank you so much and I look forward to your new creations!
When I saw this hat on the IK site I wondered if Rem was your inspiration. I love your design sensibility and your construction. I've been thinking that my degree in Architecture will help me in knitting...now I can see how. Thank you. This is gorgeous!
Wow. You are a very talented designer. I haven't seen anything you designed that I didn't like. I'm currently working HRB, and I can't wait to make this hat. Gorgeous!
Congrats on a wonderful looking pattern.
I have an IK subscription but I haven't received my Holiday issue yet. Your pattern will be the first thing I turn to when I get it.
Hmmm, I have one skein of Sundara's sport merino. I wonder if I could make that work with your pattern..
Thanks very much for the beautiful design. I am in the process of knitting a series of gorgeous hats for my gorgeous friend who in chemo for breast cancer. She will love this. Hmmm....cashmere I think?
Oh, gorgeous! I love the way you embrace details and don't cut any corners in the construction of your pieces. The top is just wonderful. I am casting on tonight; though it will be my 485th project going at the moment, I positively cannot resist.
:)
I LOVE this hat pattern! When I first saw the preview, I knew I was going to knit it...and had no idea that you designed it! Bravo Jared! You are my knitting hero...I will make MANY of these for gifts! thank you!
I just went to the yarn store on my lunch hour, dang!, I wish I'd checked your blog before I went, I would have bought that IK to get your hat pattern.
I have been reading and enjoying your blog for a while now and I am delighted to read that you are from Washington. Me too.
The design is simply brilliant, but I can't get over how the decreases at the crown flow so seamlessly (and perfectly!) from the hat. Bravo!
I'm glad you added that bit about Bea's ring...tell her there's one jealous knitter out here ;-)
Congrats! Such a sculptural design -- I especially like how the lattices flow into the ribbing at the bottom. V. cool.
it IS quite amazing! And it looks like a great Christmas present... esp in some luxury yarn! Congratulations on the publication!
I am in grad school right now and I don't even have time to look at my yarn anymore let alone read knitting blogs. Your blog though keeps my knitting spirit alive and this hat is just so exciting, its beautiful!
Another stunning design. And I love the inspiration behind the pattern.
I think this will definitely go on the Christmas gift list... for me!!!
gorgeous -- I read this post at work and immediately called my LYS to see if they have Holiday Gifts in -- apparently, I called just in time and they're holding the last copy for me. I'm really looking forward to knitting this hat -- looks like some great stash-busting.
I've been checking in on your blog for about a month now, and wanted to let you know how much I enjoy every bit of it. Your knitting is perfection, and the way you photograph it is amazing! Thank you for sharing your work/talent with the rest of us! And congratulations on your published pattern!
I didn't know you were from washington. I live up in bellingham and the seattle central library is an amazing building. This hat may force me to pick up the magazine, I was just thinking to myself that I wanted to make a textured single color hat.
I'm a bit of a lurker, but wanted to pipe in to say congratulations on getting your pattern published. I just got my Holiday IK yesterday, and your hat pattern alone makes it worth every penny. You make such beautiful, inspiring things - thank you for taking the time to share them!
Awesome!!! This has to be one of the best designs I have ever seen for a guys hat. Also, these pictures are one million times better than the ones in the mag.
Today!!?? Oh wait, this is from yesterday. I'm leaving my office right now to go get the mag. The hat is beautiful.
When we were in Seattle for vacation we HAD to go to the library and take pictures (my husband is an architect.) Needless to say, as soon as I saw the hat I knew I would be knitting one for him. I can't wait to begin - especially since I splurged and bought the Shokay!
Deborah said..
I love your hat and will make a lot of them as gifts.
Also, I love your Hemlock Ring Blanket the most. Everything you knit is just gorgeous. You got yourself other follower.
Beautiful! I didn't pick up that issue (and didn't get one in the mail!), because in the past it's been recycled projects I already have. I'll pick it up now!
Cool pattern and fabulous inspiration!
I just finished a Cobblestone for my DH, and now, he wants this hat.
I'm glad we both like your work.
I fell in love with this hat the second I spied it! It is gorgeous!
NIcely done and I cannot wait to knit one up!
OH yes, thanks for more indepth photos on your site. It helps considerably those of us who are challenged in the finishing department to see how decreases come together by a pro.
The pattern is absolutely beautiful. I love the connection to the gorgeous roof structure. It makes the hat even more special.
Jared!!! Another inspired and inspiring design and since I just did a Shedir, I feel like I'm capable of tackling this project. And it's a great excuse to treat myself to some MORE Sundara or maybe some Shamabla Yak. Whooo Hoooo. Oh, and I have a question: your profile says that you've been published in a BOOK. What's that? Did I miss this book or is it something coming soon??
Oops, i just e-mailed IK's subscription office today to complain that my Holiday issue was late and they replied that the IK subscription didn't include the Holiday issue. I guess I need to make an emergency trip to Barnes & Noble.
FY: Although the site you linked for the yak yarn stated that www.yarnmarket.com carried the yak yarn to purchase on-line I couldn't find it on their website.
Wow, that hat is gorgeous. I've tended not to get the IK Holiday Gifts issue because it just repeats patterns from the regular issues, but I'll buy this one just for your hat.
And I have a vest that I finished decades ago with the same cable pattern you used in Cap Karma. It was one of my early ill-fated efforts--I didn't know then that you were supposed to use fewer stitches in the ribbing than in the body of the vest, and so the ribbing flares out. I now know what to do when I rip the very lovely yarn (quite like that pictured in texture and color) and ressurrect for a new project. Talk about karma!
I love the story behind this hat. The Seattle library is one of my 5 favorite places in the world (even worth it to go to the reading area at the top and just stare at the rain).
It's going to be fun to knit this hat and remember Seattle.
I bought my IK Holiday issue specifically for the Koolhaus. I now have a fantastic hank of malabrig worsted in Cactus Flower Pink awaiting cast on!
This truly is a fantastic hat! Nicely done!
ohhhh... it's fantastic!! love koolhaas, and love this knitterly interpretation of architecture... so so good jared!
I actually started knitting this pattern for myself after picking up the magazine the other day. It's a lot of fun to knit; you do beautiful work!
I'm delurking to tell you that I saw the hat on your site and it made me go out and buy IK Holiday so I could get the pattern. Its very beautiful.
Every time I read this post title, I mis-read it as Kool-Ass, which I interpret as a complimentary version of "kick-ass." Just thought thaty was funny.
Love your beautiful photographs of your fabulous projects.
I am in the 4th pattern repeat on this in Cascade 220 Heathers in Amethyst Heather - the same color I just finished my Tilted Duster in - so I will have a cute cute cute hat to match my duster. I love it - it really is a quick knit (once I learned to actually read) and since I cable without a cable needle it is going gloriously! I actually memorized the pattern repeats pretty quickly and adore it! GREAT DESIGN!!
Hi, wonderful its caps in trico the hand, pretty, perfeitos.Vi its archives and I was surprised at practical its in tricôt, am Brazilian and for Brazilian other blog I found yours, I ask for permission to you to place it in mine blogs favourite.
Bere.
I simply love this hat!
Unfortunately the magazine is not easily available over here, so I have to work out the pattern for myself. :(
Wish me luck; I'm working on it!
Gorgeous toque! I cast on over the weekend and am already at the decreases. It goes really quickly if you can cable without a cable needle. Thanks for a great design and congrats on publishing!
Another inspiration Jared! After seeing it on your blog, I went to the yarn shop to buy the magazine. I am planning on making it (along with a scarf) for my son's girlfriend (whom I have not met yet!) for xmas. Thank you for sharing the pattern.
Wonderful! I now know what to do with my Shokay. The added plus is I live in Seattle (work a block from the library) and the Shokay yarn I have is in a teal/turquoise blue(looks like they no longer have this color), similar to the color in the library photo!
You are in inspiration! Thank you!
I finished mine last night and I LOVE it! There are at least 2 more in the works already. Thanks for another great pattern. (Would you mind just putting out a book of your patterns for us?) :)
this it truly a thing of beauty! i picked up my copy and will be casting on shortly! lovely simply lovely!
I'm really enjoying knitting the Koolhaas hat - at first the pattern looked complicated, but once you do a few rows it becomes intuitive. I love that it "makes sense" as you knit it. The cobblestone pullover is next on my list - keep the great designs coming!
Querido adorei seu blog que pena que eu não consigo entender muita coisa mas eu adorei essa toca ela é linda adoraria ter receita , vc é um genio parabens luciana
Wanted I adored its blog. What a pity that I don't obtain to understand much thing but I adored this burrow it is pretty would adore to have prescription, you is a genio . Congratulations
by luciana
Great hat. Love the idea of the architectural inspiration (I have a photo - on my blog somewhere -of a screen panel in an old theatre that ought to make a great stitch pattern someday). And the scarf that creeps into the photos is awesome - love that colors!
olá,querido amigo...
parabens!!!seu trabalho é lindo!!!seu blog é um luxo!!!gostaria de trocar os links?o meu é *thera trico e croche*www.thethetricoecroche.blogspot.com
NAMASTE!!!
thera-so-ham...
Gorgeous! The design also reminds me of expanded metal (like that used in "headache bars" behind the cab of pick up trucks). I sound like such a hick! I live near Seattle, and am also awed and inspired by the Seattle Library. I also have a friend whose last name is Koolhaus, so it's extra special!
Are you freakin' kidding me?! My cousin is from Holland AND an architect! I'm printing out this blog entry and knitting up the hat for him for Christmas - thank you, thank you, until now I didn't know what to knit for him for this Christmas. Your background story will make this gift special.
Nice job, Koolhaas haas done some exceptionally Kool work, too. My wife showed me your cap and I say you have to check out the Chuck Hoberman stuff a few years back.
http://www.hoberman.com/site/architecture/iris2.html
John CT
What a fun knit and it looks so beautiful. I'm making mine in Mission Falls Superwash. It's perfect thanks. I agree whn=en you read the pattern you think ahhh can I do this... but once you do it, it just makes sense.
Dara
I was immediately drawn to your hat when I first got the IK Holiday Issue. It really caught my eye! I am making mine out of Rowan Calmer. I love the softness of the yarn, having used it to make Shedir. I love that it is nice and stretchy, but I'm sad that the Calmer tones down the definition of the stitch pattern. I'm sure I will be making more with other yarns! So gorgeous, keep up the wonderful work! You are so talented.
From an architect/knitter, I am about to cry from the beauty. I knew exactly what you were referencing when I saw the hat. The links between architecture and knitting are constantly overlooked, and I am glad someone is bringing attention to it.
I love your Noro scarf. At first I was worried about not finding the same colours, but I risked the few balls on sale and I couldn't be happier. Except that now I have to give it to my stylish nephew instead of wearing it to match my new purse.
I also bought the mag just for this pattern. It is gorgeous!!
But I was wondering if you have any tips on upsizing it. 16inches will fit my 8mo (I have a 23in head). Yes, just call us the Big Head Family.
Thanks!!
The hat is Beautiful.. I cast on last night using it for a guild contest but I have enough yarn I am going to brave a pair of matching mittens!
Just curious.. why the twisted knit stitch does it make the lattice 'pop' more?