Goobalini is the term used in a very specific region of northern new jersey (Nutley, to be exact) to describe a tight stocking cap that sits above the ears and is topped by a pom-pom. it is thought to have evolved from the Italian word cupola, meaning a small dome that sits atop a building.

Snow and bitter cold weather has arrived about a month ahead of schedule where i live; these days we are all reaching for a cozy hat as we head outdoors. For the fashion conscious, a selection of easy to knit, easy to wear hats is a winter must-have. which means that your stocking stuffer quandary is now solved—caps all around.

This slouchy, medium-weight number could become the hit of the season—its soft, slumping shape and lightweight density makes it easy to wear, indoors or out in a variety of fiber options. The brim motif is derived from our very popular sign of four sock pattern.

And the name—who can resist? I came across it while doing some research about hat shapes.

Technically, our hat doesn’t quite fit the profile, but i became so smitten by the name that i had to use it. Ours is a more relaxed shape that will keep the ears a bit warmer and has a little fullness for creative shaping around the face.

It is also super-easy and quick to knit and an especially great traveling project; you still have time to knit one or two, even if you’re busy. Or maybe a beginning knitter you know is looking for a good project—this one requires VERY little supervision and will make them feel really accomplished when it’s done.

And in case you are lucky enough to live in a climate where woolens are not necessary, be assured that you can still wear this one, knit up in comfortable cotton or a cotton blend. Just one word—YUM.

The textured brim is deep rather than tight for a warm, snug feeling without the resulting “hat hair”. The top part has volume to capture air and drape well

Shown above, size medium in bare naked wools stone soup DK, color marble.

And below, size small in ecobutterfly organics pakucho cotton sport, a soft, color grown organic cotton yarn, in color rich cinnamon chocolate.

Purchase the Goobalini knitting pattern or learn more at our Bare Naked Wools website or purchase the pattern from our ravelry pattern shop.

Applause for our dear friend Cherie, who knit the wooly stone soup sample for us; i just wish you could feel it in person, it’s so soft and luscious. Thank you Cherie!