Leeanne's Eyelet Beret

This particular beret was made for my dear friend Leeanne. I've been aiming to make a little gift for each of my friends, and I was positively delighted when she requested an oversized, slouchy beret, because she's one of the cutest people ever; probably because she's Asian. Darn Asians, you guys are so much cuter than other ethnicities!

Anyway, I had difficulty finding a good beret pattern, mostly because of my intense hatred for DPNs and circulars, and also because I just couldn't find one that suited Leeanne. Ultimately I decided to just make one up as I went along. That way, the gift would be even more personal, and, at the same time, I could help out all of my flat-knitting friends.

I'm going to warn you now: This beret appears to be rather small. You have no idea how agitated I was when I sewed up the seam and saw how tiny the band was. Then my knitting instinct kicked in and I realized that the ribbing merely made it look small -- it actually stretches up to 22 inches (about 56 cm) quite comfortably.

Materials
Size 8US/5mm straight knitting needles
Size 11US/8mm straight knitting needles

1 skein worsted weight yarn (I used Red Heard SuperSaver in white)

Yarn needle 

Pattern
Cast on 72 stitches with the smaller needles.


Band
Work in k2, p2 rib until your piece measures 1 inch (about 2.5cm).

Eyelet Pattern
Switch to US11/8mm needles.
Row 1: k1, *yo, k2tog* to last stitch, k1
Row 2: Knit across.
Row 3: k2, *yo, k2to* to last two stitches, k2
Row 4: Knit across.

Repeat these four rows until your entire piece measures 4 inches (about 10.5cm), ending in Row 1 (meaning knit Row 1 and then stop, just to make that super clear).
Note: The more you repeat the eyelet pattern, the slouchier your beret will be. It's really up to you! The measurements given will result in reasonable slouch, but if you'd like it to be more fitted or even slouchier, go for it!

Decreases
Row 1: *k7, k2tog* across
Row 2: k2, *yo, k2tog* to last two stitches, k2
Row 3: *k6, k2tog* across
Row 4: k1, *yo, k2tog* to last stitch, k1
Row 5: *k5, k2tog* across
Row 6: k2, *yo, k2tog* to last two stitches, k2
Row 7: *k4, k2tog* across
Row 8: k1, *yo, k2tog* to last stitch, k1
Row 9: *k3, k2tog* across
Row 10: k2, *yo, k2tog* to last two stitches, k2
Row 11: *k2, k2tog* across
Row 12: k1, *yo, k2tog* to last stitch, k1
Row 13: *k1, k2tog* across
Row 14: k2, *yo, k2tog* to last two stitches, k2
Row 15: k2tog across

Break off your yarn, leaving a nice, long tail. Draw the tail through the remaining 8 stitches and pull tight.

Putting It All Together
Turn your piece inside-out and sew the edges together using the tail. Again, it may look small, but I promise that's just the ribbing. Weave in the ends. Place on your head and enjoy.

Please note: If you have any questions about this pattern, please email me at hannahbearup@gmail.com instead of writing it in the comments section. I'll reply much faster!