Beginning with the most basic model -- the solid-color watch cap -- she moves on to designs with fancy textures or striking color combinations. Several of the hats use clever methods of creating double- triple- and even quadruplethick fabric to make the hats super warm and windproof.

Andean, Turkish, Scandinavian, and British traditions all appear in this treasury of beautiful headgear. You'll find hats with car flaps, ornamented cuffs, no cuffs at all; caps with stripes, stars, knitted- in initials; children's and adult's sizes; a fez, a tasseled jester's cap -- even tiny hats for Christmas ornaments.

Charlene Schurch is a Knitting Guild of America Certified Master Knitter. Her articles have appeared in Piecework and other knitting magazines, she is also the author of a forthcoming book on Russian Mittens.