Ruataniwha Beanie - cable knit hat

Welcome to my knitting adventure inspired by the stunning Lake Ruataniwha in the beautiful Mackenzie region of New Zealand! This delightful cable beanie is designed for both beginners and those looking to enhance their knitting skills. The unique cable design, featuring twin cables, symbolizes two intertwined serpents from M?ori mythology—where "rua" means two and "taniwha" refers to water monster. In the local legend, the name Ruataniwha reflects the breathtaking hills and mountains that encircle the serene lake.

This cable beanie is not only a quick knit but also serves as a fantastic introduction to the world of cabled knitting. It’s perfect for knitters looking to dive into new techniques, and I’ve included helpful links to video tutorials for each cable stitch introduced in the pattern, ensuring you can follow along easily.

**Method:** Knit in the round, bottom up.

**Skill Level:** Beginner+ – an excellent choice for those wanting to learn the art of cabled knitting.

**Sizes Available:** This versatile pattern accommodates a range of sizes: 3-6 months, 6-12 months, 1-3 years, small, medium, and large. So you can create matching hats for little ones and grown-ups alike!

**Materials Needed:** For this project, you will require super bulky / super chunky yarn (weight 6), 8mm (US 11, UK 0) circular knitting needles, and 9mm (US 13, UK 00) circular knitting needles. You'll also need stitch marker(s), a yarn needle, scissors, and an optional faux fur pom pom for that extra touch of style.

Thank you for joining me on this rewarding knitting journey! Start your project today, and embrace the joy of creating beautiful, hand-knit items inspired by New Zealand’s natural beauty. Whether you’re making this beanie for yourself or as a thoughtful gift, you’ll surely love the process and the final result!