Published in issue 6 of Knit Edge magazine, the Proserpine Hat and Proserpine Cowl are now available as crochet patterns! Knit Edge is available as PDF download for $6.99 via Ravelry.com.

This hat and cowl set makes use of a stitch pattern that resembles pomegranate seeds, using a simple technique in which stitches straddle spaces.

Pomegranates, along with the goddesses Proserpine and Ceres are featured in an ancient Roman myth of springtime, explaining the changing of the seasons. Proserpine, while picking flowers in Sicily, is abducted by Pluto, god of the underworld, and forced to marry him. While in the underworld, Proserpine eats pomegranate seeds (the myths vary; sometimes she eats three, sometimes she eats four, in some she finds them in her pocket and eats them because she is hungry and lonely, in others, Pluto forces her to eat them, knowing that by eating them she would be forced to return to the underworld). For each seed eaten, Proserpine must remain in the underworld with Pluto for a month, during which time Ceres mourns the loss of her daughter and the world is cold and barren. When Proserpine returns to her mother in springtime, Ceres welcomes her with fruit and flowers, and then in the autumn, changes the leaves to Proserpine’s favorite colors as one last gift before she must return to the underworld.

The hat is worked from the bottom, starting with a row of foundation single crochet (fdsc), worked in a cluster loop stitch for the body, and then hemmed on the bottom with tweed stitch. The hem is worked into the underside of the foundation single crochet row.

Suggested Yarns:
Blue Moon Fiber Arts, Socks That Rock Mediumweight
Hazel Knits, Lively DK
Lorna’s Laces, Shepherd Sport

Hook Sizes:
US G/6 4.0 mm (or size needed to get gauge)
US D/3 3.25 mm (or size needed to get gauge)

Gauge:
Gauge in cluster loop: 13 sts/16 rows = 4” NOTE: row gauge is provided but is not crucial. Test crocheters had varying results for row gauge and found it easier to get the stitch gauge and work from measurements rather than row count.
Gauge in tweed stitch: 28 sts/24 rows = 4”

Finished Measurements:
HAT: Toddler (Child, Small Adult, Large Adult, X-Large Adult)
X-small: 16” circumference x 9” length
Small: 17” circumference x 10” length
Medium: 19” circumference x 10” length
Large: 21” circumference x 11” length
X-Large: 23” circumference x 11” length

Sized to fit head circumferences 16 (17, 19, 21, 23) inches.
Intended to be worn with approximately zero ease.

Notions:
tapestry needle
removable stitch markers

Skill Level: Intermediate

Notes on sizing:
To check the fit, try the hat on the intended wearer after the first few rounds. If it’s uncomfortably tight, start the hem and after at least three rounds, try on again (the hem will stretch out the first round). To be really sure, wash a swatch and check to see how much it may stretch or shrink - or wash the hat in progress and try on again after it has dried completely.

For minor sizing changes, the first two rounds of the hem are a good place to hide an increase of two stitches or a decrease of 2 stitches. You can also try working the hem flat, working back and forth in rows, and then overlapping the ends a bit (or putting in a small insert) to get a perfect custom fit.