MOUNTAIN LAUREL EAR WARMER
From Winsome Knits Pattern Collection
Knitpicks.com
ebook (includes 6 patterns) $9.99
individual pattern (pdf download) $4.99

Somewhere between earmuffs and a hat, this beautiful vintage looking ear warmer works great with hairstyles like buns and ponytails. It was inspired by the mountain laurel shrubs that keep their handsome leafy foliage year round, even on the coldest winter day.
The pattern includes a base headband in two widths and additional instructions for the knitted embellishments. The embellishments can also be knitted in a contrasting color for a bolder look.
The ear-warmer is begun at one end with a length of i-cord, from which stitches are increased to form an ear-flap, then decreased down to form the other ear-flap and three-stitch i-cord tie. This is a great project for beginners to learn how to increase/decrease and how to make an i-cord.

FINISHED MEASUREMENTS
16” from tip to tip of ear-flaps, 5.5 (7)” wide

YARN
This pattern is highly adaptable and though bulky yarn is used here, a range of yarn weights are suitable (worsted to super chunky). Select a needle 1 or 2 sizes smaller than the yarn label suggests or whatever you need for a dense enough fabric to keep the wind out of your ears. 50g of worsted to 100g of super bulky.

Samples shown:
Small size- Knit Picks Biggo (50% Superwash Merino Wool, 50% Nylon;110 yards/100g): Sapphire Heather, 1 skein
Large size- Knit Picks Biggo (50% Superwash Merino Wool, 50% Nylon;110 yards/100g): Dove Heather, 1 skein

NEEDLES
US 10 (6 mm) DPNs, or size to obtain gauge

GAUGE
14 sts and 28 rows =4” in garter stitch.