This is a simple rib-knit beanie. The only fancy thing about it, is that the yarn is made from twisting together scraps from my stash to create a “bag of rags” look. This is called a “Russian yarn ball.” And yes, they do frequently come apart as we are unwinding the Russian yarn ball, and have to be put back together again.

You could create a Russian yarn ball that was more Court Jester and less Bag of Rags, but I like this darker, duller look. I have a bonnet made this way, and I love it, but it turns out there are more opportunities to wear a beanie.

The beanie pattern is one a I photocopied from a library book years ago, and the idea for the Russian yarn ball is out of another knitting book from the library.