What a Hoot! Bobble Hat

I saw a lovely jumper on Ravelry that had been designed with a row of owls around the neckline. I could see that the owls had been created with a simple bit of cabling that was incredibly effective! I couldn't wait to use the same technique to create a bobble hat. I particularly like the buttons for eyes, which you could also substitute for those wiggly craft eyes, though I do prefer the buttons.

You will need:
4mm 16" Circular needle
4mm Cable needle
Dk yarn
22 small buttons for the owl eyes

Explanation of terms:
K- knit
P - purl
sts - stitches
K2tog - Knit 2 together
C4B - Slip 2 sts to a cable needle, hold to back. knit next 2 sts, then knit sts from cable needle.
C4F - Slip 2 sts to a cable needle, hold to front. knit next 2 sts, then knit sts from cable needle.

Cast on 112 and join in the round
Row 1-10) K2, P2 rib for 10 rows
Row 11) K1 row, decreasing by 2 sts - (110)
Row 12-27) follow owl chart x 11 times around

Row 28-30) *P2, K8* 3 for rows

Row 31-60) K 30 rows
Round 61) K3, K2tog to end - (88)
Round 62) K2, K2tog to end - (66)
Round 63) K1, K2tog to end - (44)
Round 64) K2tog around - (22)
Round 65) K2tog around - (11)

Cut yarn, thread through remaining sts and pull tight. Sew in ends and make a bobble for the top!
You can then either sew a button over the purled area for each owl's eyes, or you can cheat like me and use a glue gun... I was feeling a bit lazy!

And that's it - what a hoot!!

Enjoy :) Kat x