Foraois (pronounced FUR-eesh) is the Irish Gaelic word for forest, the inspiration for the Foraois Beanie set.

The bare branches of a deciduous tree, the plush foliage of a conifer, and the soft round shrubs growing beneath the canopy are suggested by the repeating cable motif, creating ‘trees’ similar to that found in traditional Irish woodland.

The beanie works up quickly, as the cabling becomes easier as the ‘trees’ grow; and the crown is worked in soothing reverse stockinette. The companion neckwarmer (in a separate file) is even quicker to knit up – and one 100g skein should provide enough yarn for both knits (but please check the yardage!).

The unisex design is ideal for gift knitting, or for using up that special skein of worsted or Aran weight yarn.