Hilda Ogden

Who doesn't love Jean Alexander's Hilda Ogden? Even Lord Larry Olivier was a member of her fan club. In fact, he founded the Hilda Ogden Appreciation Society. Her iconic scarf and rollers make me swoon with all the ignorance of post-war youth. Somewhere between Rosie the Riveter and Joan Crawford comes this modern take on a 1940s headscarf, modernized into an easy to wear headband. It is very quick and easy to knit.

The expansive rib is worked in Brioche Stitch, a great yardage extender and a very warm knit.

You may omit the provisional cast on by gathering the cast on edge with the tail when finishing. Do try the provisional cast on though; it's important to 'start as you mean to go on'!

Materials:
1 skein Jill Eaton Minnow Merino yarn (Available at The Loop, Halifax)
6mm Knitting Needles
Large eye Darning Needle or 3.5mm Crochet Hook

Yarn Substitution:

Minnow Merino is an aran weight yarn. It is a soft bouncy one ply. One 50g skein contains 70 metres. This project takes less than one skein. A heavy worsted weight yarn may be substituted.

Pattern:

With 6mm needle work
Provisional Crochet cast on with slippery, contrasting, dk or lighter weight scrap yarn.
Cast on 14 stitches.
Note: the original headband, shown in photos was worked with a cast on of 12 stitches. Over time it's width didn't hold up. A cast on of 14 provides a more utilitarian headband for Northern climbs and oceanside cities like mine.

Knit one row with main yarn leaving a 8" tail .
With Main Yarn, begin Brioche Stitch.

Brioche Stitch:
Row 1 (Foundation Row): *yo, sl1pw, k1* Repeat from *to* to the end of the row.
Row 2: *yo, sl1pw, k2tog* Rep *to* to the end of the row.
Repeat Row 2 for pattern.

Continue Brioche Stitch until headband measures 19" from cast on, or until the headband fits around head, slightly stretched.
Final Row: *K1, P1, drop yarn over of previous row* Repeat from *to* to the end of the row.
Leave stitches on needle and cut yarn leaving 8" tail

Rip out provisional cast on

Note: If you have substituted a dissimilar yarn, or a an acrylic yarn, the stitches may not remain pert and ready for pickup once exposed (as in the photo below). If you have floppy stitches prone to unraveling, you may choose to rip out the provisional cast on 'as you go' or to catch up the live, exposed stitches on the needle.

Thread cast on tail through cast on stitches
Thread cast on tail through cast off stitches and pull fairly taut
Thread cast on tail back through cast on stitches, keeping taut.

Thread cast off tail through cast on stitches and cast off stitches, keeping taut.

Weave cast on tail through a few of the cast off stitches and then hide end in the ribbing.
Weave cast off tail through a few of the cast on stitches and then hide end in the ribbing.
Admire.
Blocking is optional but may help to exaggerate the drawn-in effect