The Togwotee Toque
Background
The Design Story
I originally designed this hat as a joke. I needed a White Elephant gift for a staff Christmas party at work, so I crocheted something that was completely outrageous and over the top. It was worked up using some of the worst color combinations imaginable, but it ended up being one of the most popular items of the night.
After the party was over I was swarmed with people wanting to order hats in specific colors for their loved ones. It instantly became a success as a custom order item that year and turned into a great way to use super bulky scraps left over from other projects.
I knew at that time that I wanted to publish the pattern, but it was put on the backburner for nearly four years until I discovered Lion Brand Mandala Thick and Quick. This yarn was an absolute game changer for this pattern. It gives makers the ability to have fun and random striping patterns without having to change colors or worry about palette choices.
I was able to create this pattern using two cakes of the Mandala Thick and Quick with just enough left over to make a decent sized pom. The pattern works up quickly and its whimsical nature has made it one of my top sellers.
The Name
Togwotee Pass is located at 9,655ft (2,943m) in the Shoshone National Forest between Dubois and Jackson, Wyoming. It is in the northwest region of the state under Yellowstone National Park. The area can accumulate snow up to 25ft (7.6m) or more in any given year.
The pass was named for a sub-chief under Chief Washakie of the Shoshone tribe. Togwotee Pass was an important trade route for the native people and is now a popular spot for winter enthusiasts seeking adventure through cross-country skiing or snowmobiling.
I chose to name this hat “Togwotee” (toe’-ga-tee) because of its style and function. The chunky, warm design is perfect for a trekke through a high mountain pass. The long tail provides the option to stash belongings you don’t want to lose, and the option to use vibrant colors is a useful safety feature when recreating in the snow covered wilderness.
