I found an awesome pattern for a Bomber Hat over at Juli's blog. It was written for a righty knitter (knitting from the left needle to the right needle). Normally, this isn't a huge problem for me, but in this particular case, I wasn't sure if it mattered and in one spot, it sure made my head hurt trying to get all the stitches cast on!

So, with Juli's permission, I've re-written the pattern for Sinister Knitters (knitting from right needle to left needle). I've also "shortened" them by writing them for 2 circulars---so instead of having to write out a full round, I only write out one needle and you do it on both needles.

Bomber Hat (mirrored style)

Tools: US 8 DPN and 16” Circular

Earflaps: With two DPNs, CO 11st

Row 1: k1, purl to last st, k1

Row 2: k1, kfb, knit to last two sts, kfb, k1

Repeat rows 1 and 2 until there are 23sts on the needle

Row 13: k1, purl to last st, k1

Row 14: knit across

Repeat Rows 13-14 until piece measures 3.5in from cast-on edge. Leaving earflap on needle, cut a 12 tail of yarn. Repeat for second earflap, but don’t cut yarn. Move this earflap to circular needle.

Hat: With one earflap on circular, CO 29sts, knit the 23sts of the 2nd earflap onto the circular. CO 29sts and then (without twisting!) knit the 23sts of the 1st earflap. Knit 15 more stitches, place marker. (104 sts)

Divide the stitches between the two needles, such that the marker would be between one needle and the next. To prevent losing the marker, you can put the marker in one stitch---this helps keep track of which needle ends a round.

Row 1: p1, k6, p1, k6, p2tog, k21, p2tog, k6, p1, k6 both needles (100sts)

Row 2: p1, k6, p1, k21, p1, k6, p1, k6, p1, k6 both needles

Repeat Row 2 until piece measures 7 inches from cast-on edge (10.5 inches from earflap base) or desired length. Begin decreases:

Dec row 1: p1, k2tog, k2, ssk, p1, k6, p1, ssk, k17, k2tog, p1, k6, p1, ssk, k2, k2tog both needles (88 sts)

Dec row 2: p1, k4, p1, k6, p1, k7, ssk, k1, k2tog, k7, p1, k6, p1, k4 both needles (84 sts)

Dec row 3: p1, k4, p1, k2tog, k2, ssk, p1, ssk, k13, k2tog, p1, ssk, k2, k2tog, p1, k4 both needles (72 sts)

Dec row 4: p1, k4, p1, k4, p1, k5, ssk, k1, k2tog, k5, p1, k4, p1, k4 both needles (68 sts)

Dec row 5: p1, k2tog, ssk, p1, k4, p1, ssk, k9, k2tog, p1, k4, p1, ssk, k2tog both needles (56 sts)

Dec row 6: p1, k2, p1, k4, p1, k3, ssk, k1, k2tog, k3, p1, k4, p1, k2 both needles (52 sts)

Dec row 7: p1, k2, p1, k2tog, ssk, p1, ssk, k5, k2tog, p1, ssk, k2tog, p1, k2 both needles (40 sts)

Dec row 8: p1, k2tog, p1, k2, p1, k1, ssk, k1, k2tog, k1, p1, k2, p1, ssk both needles (32 sts)

Dec row 9: cut yarn and pull through rem stitches. Draw up tightly to fasten. Weave in ends.

Make flaps: While holding hat upside down, pick up 29 sts along bottom edge between earflaps. Knitting first stitch of every row, knit in stockinette until flap measures desired length. BO knitwise on the WS. Weave in ends. Repeat for second flap.

I-Cords: Pick up middle three stitches on one earflap. Knit a 10 I-cord. BO loosely and weave in ends. Repeat for second earflap.