Texture Striping

At present, I am experimenting with texture. It has been a great way to highlight the beauty of natural fibers. For example:

This yarn is an alpaca and wool blend from Ice Yarns - Philip Alpaca Fine Beige. I used 1x1 ribbing post stitches and the 'basic background' stitch in between.

And here's the completed hat...

I'm in love with this design! It works for a man and a woman and the fabric feels so light, yet, warm and comforting. I think I will try it in a secondary color. Maybe dark gray.