Cape Carnival

Cape Carnival, or also called “Tweede Nuwe Jaar” (2nd New Year) is a day that is unique to Cape Town and stems from practices associated with the slavery. In the mid-nineteenth century, the Cape slaves were given a day off from their duties on 2 January every year.

It illustrates the continuity between its past, present and future. It is a day when the local working-class community which survived slavery, segregation and Apartheid celebrates its existence and perseverance.

The hat is worked bottom-up with a stretchy cast-on. It’s is worked in garter stitch and in rounds. Shortly before the crown is closed, the braid stitches are worked.

The pattern is made for highly variegated yarn. Since the braid stitch is produced by dropped stitches, I recommend a smooth yarn that does not get caught so easily.