Fool of a Toque
Knit-A-Long
Fool of a Toque
Knit-A-Long
Throw yourself in—to a KAL where a little innocent mischief won't get you into too much trouble. The Fool of a Took himself will be our guide as we enjoy all the fun Middle-earth has to offer. Keep reading for all the details.
Ready to get into mischief?
A guided KAL Experience
Learn to play again, in the Shire and beyond, with the ever-ready Pippin.
Whether he's throwing pebbles down wells or taking yet another swig of Ent-draught, Pippin surely knows how to have a good time. During this KAL we're taking a page out of Peregrin's book, letting our curiosity get the better of us, having a grand time with friends, and also making sure we have each others' backs.
Join me for a 6-week knit-a-long as we knit the playful Fool of a Toque. Together, we’ll explore the fields of the Shire and the Forest of Fangorn, following in the footsteps of the sometimes foolhardy but never cowardly steps of Peregrin Took.
Register for the KAL
Nov 1 - Dec 6
This is not your typical KAL;
It's basically a hobbit party.
This is not your typical KAL;
It's a hobbit party.
With read-a-louds each week that feature various antics of our titular Took, we'll enjoy the fun that Pippin brings to Middle-earth.
Weekly emails with expert tips and tricks, a dedicated Ravelry group, and live Zoom meetings will mean you're supported all the way.
Crated art and drink suggestions will pair with each week's reading. Yes, it comes in pints.
There will plenty of opportunities for good old-fashioned fun as we share our love of Middle-earth with others.
1.
2.
3.
4.
We have pints, read-a-louds, and more.
How it works
Fool around with nerdy fiber friends who love Middle-earth as much as you do.
The KAL will run over the course of five weeks and will take place through email, on Zoom, and in the Refracted Light Fiber Arts Ravelry Group.
Each week will kick off with an email that contains a link to a group Zoom call during which we can get to know our fellow travelers, get oriented to that week's project goal, and experience the wonder of Middle-earth with a read-a-loud from The Lord of the Rings. Each week will also feature Tolkien themed artwork paired with the readings as well as curated drink recommendations to enjoy while we socialize.
We can then stay connected throughout the week in the Ravelry group where we can continue chatting about our projects and generally stay up to date.
Throughout the KAL, you will be expertly guided through both the beauty of Middle-earth and the joy of knitting a fun cabled hat.
Along the way, there will be opportunities to win one of several lovely prizes, contributed from yours truly as well as a variety of talented designers and artists.
Keep reading for more information about timeline, prizes, and official rules.
Register for the KAL
A Statement Cabled Toque
With a wide, ribbed brim, all-over cable motif, and perfectly placed crown decreases, the Fool of a Toque is sure to turn heads while keeping yours nice and warm. The pattern features written and charted instructions as well as written instructions and links to video tutorials for special stitches and techniques.
The pattern
Fool of a Toque Kits
Kits
Rivendell DK is a smooth yarn perfect for the engaging cables of the Fool of a Toque. Its pure non-superwash Merino is soft yet durable, and it's high stitch definition means your cables will really pop. Or go with Erebor DK, a lighter but still warm Corriedale/Gotland blend for a more rustic feel and look. Treat yourself to either. You won't be disappointed.
On the kit page, you'll also have the option to add some fun themed goodies I've curated as well, including a "Fool of a Took" sticker, a tin of specially curated Pippin inspired tea, and a LotR stitch marker set. But kits and goodies are very limited, so don't wait to get yours.
Shop Kits
Meet Your Guide
Designer, Dyer, Tolkien Expert
Helping others make beautiful things is my passion, and I can't wait to guide you through making your very own Fool of a Toque. I've carefully planned each step of the process for you, so all you have to do is sit back and enjoy the journey.
“There must be someone with intelligence in the party.”
— Peregrin Took
Nov 1-Nov 6 - During week one we will focus on choosing the yarn we will be knitting with a swatching to make sure our projects will be to our liking.
During week two, we'll be focusing on getting started by casting on and knitting the ribbed brim. There will be guidance for those wanting to tackle the tubular CO, which makes for a fabulous looking CO edge.
Yarn Selection and Swatching
CO and Brim
week one
week two
The crown decreases for this hat are pretty fabulous, if I do say so myself, and they're our goal in week four. Since the rounds are getting shorter, they tend to go quickly, but there are some unusual cables (invented by me!) to get the tidy decreases, so guidance will be provided.
Crown Decreases
Week four
In week three, we'll be focusing on knitting the body, which is where the cables take center stage. There will be guidance for those who might be new to knitting cables without a cable needle, including a demonstration.
I'll share my favorite way to block hats as we focus on finishing, blocking, and showing off our new FOs. I can't wait to see all your lovely versions! By this point, you really will be a Fool of a Toque.
Body
Finishing and Blocking
Week Three
Week five
Here's the timeline
LET'S BREAK it DOWN
Get my guide to selecting yarn for perfect cables free when you register for the KAL!
This 9-page guide includes information on how yarn construction, number of plies, and amount of twist affects cable texture, how color interacts with cables, and suggestions for 5 of my favorite yarns to knit cables with.
Register now
Static Freeze Cowl Kit
I've teamed up with Crystal of Factory Girl Design to offering you a kit for this amazing cowl pattern! Knit a cozy cowl with naturally-dyed DK minis.
Runner up
Knitting Pattern from Crystal Hiatt and Yarn from RLFA
Mines of Moria Embroidered Patch
Beautifully embroidered design with an adhesive for easy application to your favorite bag or article of clothing. 4" Iron On Patch, 100% Embroidery.
Week 2 prize
Embroidered Patch From The Midnight Society
Tree Herder Shawl Pattern
Inspired by Treebeard from Tolkien’s The Two Towers and Return of the King, this shawl is a half-pie, worsted weight, overall textured shawl.
Week 3 prize
Knitting Pattern by Nicole Larkin-York
Fool of a Toque Stitch Marker Set
It's very unfortunate that Gandalf couldn't distract Pippin with these Practical Stitchcraft stitchmarkers containing 5 Lothlórien leaves and his very own Palantír.
Week 4 prize
Stitch Marker Set from Practical Stitchcraft
Notions Tin with Divider
Small Tin size: approximately 2.5″ x 2″. Holds 6 stitch marker sets, row counters, and more. Shuts securely and won’t accidentally open in your bag. Keeps those tiny tools all in one place so you can always find them.
Week 6 prize
Notions Tin from Twice Sheared Sheep
ready to get started?
Your journey begins here.
Registration is required to be eligible for prizes and to get the invitation link to the group Zoom sessions. After registering, you will receive a welcome email with all the information you need to join in each aspect of the KAL.
Register now
Official Rules
So everyone knows what to expect, here are the official rules.
Entries will be counted from 12:00AM (CST) on October 1, 2025, through 11:59PM (CST) on October 30, 2025.
Grand Prize
1 winner will receive the Grand Prize Bundle (approximately $134 value). Winner will be chosen via random drawing from among participants who came to at least one Zoom meeting or posted in the Ravelry group at least once.
Bundle Includes:
Static Freeze Cowl Kit
8 mini skeins of Rivendell DK from Refracted Light Fiber Arts
1 copy of the Static Freeze Cowl Knitting Pattern from Crystal Hiatt
Candle from Mythologie Candles
Tea Blend 2oz Sample From The Teafling
Mines of Moria Enamel Pin from The Midnight Society
Lord of the Rings Stitch Marker Set from Practical Stitchcraft
Runner-up Prize
1 winner will receive a Static Freeze Cowl Kit (approximately $63 value). Winner will be chosen via random drawing from among participants who came to at least one Zoom meeting or posted in the Ravelry group at least once.
Kit Includes
8 mini skeins of Rivendell DK from Refracted Light Fiber Arts
1 copy of the Static Freeze Cowl Knitting Pattern from Crystal Hiatt
Weekly prizes - 1 each week
Week 1 - 1 winner will receive a copy of the Bywater Cowl pattern by Ethan Pyle ($6.00 value).
Week 2 - 1 winner will receive the Mines of Moria Embroidered Patch by The Midnight Society (approximately $12 value).
Week 3 - 1 winner will receive a co[py of the Tree Herder shawl knitting pattern by Nicole Larkin York ($7.00 value).
Week 4 - 1 winner will receive the Fool of a Took stitch marker set (approximately $12 value).
Week 5 - 1 winner will receive a notions tin and dividers from Twice Sheared Sheep (approximately $27.00 value).
Winners for the weekly prizes will be chosen via random drawing from among participants who either came to that week’s Zoom meeting or posted in the Ravelry group at least once that week.
Prizes are non-transferable and limited to one per participant. Prizes must be claimed by 11:59PM (CST) December 13, 2025.
Giveaway is limited to registered KAL participants who are United States residents over the age of 18. Registration for the KAL closes at 11:59PM (CST) October 30, 2025.
The giveaway can be entered via the online registration form. To enter, fill out the registration form provided. Please email ethanpyle@refractedlightfiberarts.com if you encounter any difficulties with the registration process. Each participant may register for the KAL only once.
Within 5 days of the end of the giveaway the winners will be informed via email. Notified winners will have 1 week from this notification to accept the prize and, for physical prizes, provide a mailing address. Failure to respond to this notification within 1 week or provide a mailing address will be considered a rejection of the prize. A list of winners can be obtained 1 week after the end of the giveaway by emailing info@refractedlightfiberart.com.
Pattern prizes will be delivered via an email and include a Ravelry download code good for one copy of designated pattern. Physical prizes will be delivered via USPS.
No purchase necessary. Void where prohibited by law. The number of eligible entries received determines the odds of winning. This giveaway is sponsored by Refracted Light Fiber Arts, LLC. Copyright in any comments left by entrant remains with the entrant. Entrant grants Refracted Light Fiber Arts, LLC a non-exclusive, perpetual, non-transferrable, worldwide license to use the comments for marketing purposes related to the KAL.