Marian (the dyer behind Marianated Yarns) and I share a love of pop culture and 80s kitsch. When she told me that she wanted to put together a colorway with the working title of “Ode to John Cusack,” I knew I wanted in. Together, we developed a mixed gradient set with both a strong callback to the 80s and a contemporary appeal — I love the vibrant result. We paired it with two shades of dusty blue in this hat as a loving nod to the era’s stonewashed denim. The slip-stitch patterning is both easy and enjoyable.

(The yardage in the two full skeins and gradient set is enough for both the Say Anything Hat and Say Anything Cowl, which is available as a set (last pic) for a discounted price. All yardages include a 10% cushion for gauge differences.)

This pattern contains both fully charted and written instructions.

Recommended Yarn:
Marianated Yarns Jujubee DK Minis, one set — 100% superwash merino — 300 yds (274 m) total per 120 g set. Each Jujubee is 50 yds (46 m) per 20 g. Shown in colorway Say Anything.

Marianated Yarns Playtime DK — 100% superwash merino — 274 yds (251 m) per 100 g, one skein each of both colors. Shown in colorways Moon Rock (ribbing, darker blue) and Stone Basin (hat body, lighter blue).

Yardage per size —
S/M:
Each Jujubee - 11 yds (10 m) or 4 g
Moon Rock (ribbing) - 40 yds (37 m) or 15 g
Stone Basin (hat body) - 80 yds (73 m) or 29 g

L:
Each Jujubee: 12 yds (11 m) or 4 g
Moon Rock (ribbing): 45 yds (41 m) or 16 g
Stone Basin (hat body): 85 yds (78 m) or 31 g

Sizing (unstretched):
15” (38 cm) around base and 17” (43 cm) around body, 8.5” (22 cm) high, to fit head sizes 21-22” (53.5-56 cm).

L: 18.5” (47 cm) around body of hat and 9” (23 cm) high, to fit head sizes 23-24” (58.5-61 cm).

Blocked Gauge:
28 sts and 48 rounds to 4” (10 cm) in Ribbing Pattern on smaller needles and 26 sts and 38 rounds to 4” (10 cm) in Body Pattern on larger needles, both knit in the round.

PLEASE NOTE: Changes in gauge will affect finished size, look of motifs, and amount of yarn used. To meet these dimensions and to ensure enough yarn, be sure to use needle size that gives gauge.

Needles:
US 3 (3.25 mm) and US 4 (3.5 mm) circular needles, both 16” (40 cm) length, plus US 4 (3.5 mm) DPNs for crown.
I knit the sample with US 4 (3.5 mm) and US 5 (3.75 mm) needles, but I knit somewhat tightly. To meet given dimensions and ensure enough yarn, use needle size that gives gauge. Changes in gauge will affect finished size, look of motifs, and yardage used.

Other Materials:
Six stitch markers (one distinct to mark beginning of round), tapestry needle.

Many thanks to Marianated Yarns for her support! This pattern was professionally tech edited by the excellent Lisa Beth Houchins (Meanest Mommy Knits).