I was inspired to create the Mycelium hat after watching the Magic School Bus Rides Again with my son.  In “Tim and the Talking Trees” I learned that trees and other plant roots are linked to each other despite distances, and they communicate to each other through fungal root systems, called mycelium. In this knit project, the mohair simulates the deep fungal root fibers that carry the underground electrochemical reactions between plants. Bobbles at the top of the band simulate fungus while the knit/brioche panels at the crown of the hat are trees.  Functionally, the mohair provides lightweight warmth.  If the length is increased, the band can be folded to double the thickness. 

The hat is knitted with two strands of mohair held together and stranded with sport weight wool.  In my picture, I used stash yarn Dalegarn for the wool and Squirrel Mountain indie dyed mohair.  Both are discontinued, but yarn suggestions are given. 

The construction of the hat begins with Italian cast-on, then leading into two color-brioche rib. Brioche is known to be loose, however, the thinness of the mohair yarn gives the ribbing elasticity even after blocking. On the ”surface” of the brim, bobbles are knitted to create “fungal detail.” Into the crown, a few rows of the brioche rib are then carried on to represent tall trees.  Although I didn’t include it in this picture, the hat can be topped off with a pompom or with some knitted/crocheted “leaves.”

SIZES: 1 (2, 3, 4)
FINISHED CIRCUMFERENCE (after blocking): 40.6 (45.7, 51, 56) cm / 16 (18, 20, 22) inches

YARN
Yarn A:  Discontinued Dalegarn; 100% washable wool; 106 meters per 50 gram ball.
            1 skein of any color needed for project. Two colors may be used if desired.
            Approximately 80 to 110 yards of wool was used for the project.

Other yarn suggestions (will need to adjust needle size; please take time to swatch)
            Harrisville Shetland yarn; fingering weight; 100% virgin wool; 217 yard per 50g.
            Harrisville Highland yarn; worsted weight; 100% virgin wool; 200 yards per 100g.
            Donegal Fine Tweed yarn; fingering weight; 70% Irish wool and 30% mohair;
218 yards per 100 grams.  
             
Yarn B:  Discontinued Squirrel Mountain Mohair; 72% kid mohair, 28% mulberry silk;
230 yards per 25 grams. 1 skein of Natural
Approximately 50 yards is used for this project.
Other yarn suggestions
            Rowan Kidsilk Haze; 70% kid mohair and 30% silk; 225 yards for 25 grams
            Valley Yarns Southampton; 72% mohair, 28% mulberry silk; 230 yards for
25 grams
             ` GAUGE: 16 sts and 24 rows = 10 cm / 4 inches square in brioche rib (brim).             24 sts and 32 rows = 10 cm / 4 inches square in brioche/knit panels (crown). 

NEEDLES: US 4 knitting needles suitable for working small circumferences in the round. 
Always use a needle size that will result in the correct gauge after blocking.