Another item I cannot seem to keep as all my friends want them. It has also turned bitterly cold and ear coverings are an absolute necessity.

Wool or wool blend worsted yarn
Size 7 US needles, or any size you are comfortable with.
Crochet a chain with two strands of yarn until I get the length for the tie. 8-12"
Then increase two stitches every RS row at the center mark. You will knit the beginning and ending stitches on every row. This keeps the band edge nice and flat. When you get to 22 stitches, you can start your pattern. I usually do a K1, P1 pattern on the sides and a 6-8 stitch cable in the center. Two of the pictured bands have a beautiful10 stitch wide leaf pattern in the center. This is a great place to practice cables and patterns.
Stop your pattern when approx 1.5 from the end, then decrease two stitches in every RS row at the center mark until you have two stitches
Crochet a chain ending tie to match the beginning tie.