I can't decide what to call this pattern. I'm leaning toward "Poinsettia," because it reminds me of the star-like bracts of a poinsettia. I can't call it "snowflake," because there are eight sections, not six (I'm picky that way)-- plus there are already lots of snowflake-related pattern names out there. As well as flower petals, the lace motifs also remind me of cascading water, which is why I'm also considering "Carlotta," after Villa Carlotta in Tremezzo, Italy, which has an abundance of both fountains and flowers.
If anyone has any other ideas for names, let me know; if I decide to use yours, I'll email you the pattern pdf free of charge (when it's finished!)-- and if I really love the name, I'll also send you the yarn to make it (Rowan Purelife Organic Wool*).
*Rowan Purelife Cotton knits up at the same gauge, and could be substituted for non-wool wearers.
How about Stellaria? It's the genus for a type of wildflower, sometimes white with eight petals -- see http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Stellaria -- but also references the idea of a star.
Posted by: SaraJoan | October 15, 2008 at 04:40 PM
Your beret is absolutely beautiful ! I would quickly use the Villa Carlotta name because it is unique and after reading your post, someone else may take the name. Whatever name you choose will work for me.
Posted by: Carolyn | October 15, 2008 at 04:40 PM
What about Ice Capades? It made me think of ice skating.
Posted by: lanarossa | October 15, 2008 at 05:17 PM
I am terrible at naming things, but just had to tell you that I love this beret!! I will be watching for the pattern!
Posted by: MrsMK | October 15, 2008 at 05:24 PM
Hello! How about "Azalee"? When I was a kid, I had always wanted to have that name. It means "she who sings", and there is a villa in Florence called Albergo Villa Azalee. :-)
Posted by: Jeanie | October 15, 2008 at 05:46 PM
I think it's lovely.. I would suggest "eightfold path" as a name...
Posted by: Becky | October 15, 2008 at 06:11 PM
How about La Fiorentina? The flowery/fountainy shapes remind me a bit of the fleur-de-lis symbol of Florence, and it's a pretty name.
Posted by: orata | October 15, 2008 at 06:18 PM
Gorgeous beret! How about calling it 'the secret garden beret'?
Posted by: Kerry P. | October 15, 2008 at 06:46 PM
In the top photo, the lace reminds me of umbrellas. How about Raining Stars?
Posted by: Dawn | October 15, 2008 at 08:01 PM
I think that the hat is magnificent and graceful. To me, it reveals great skill but a beret often conveys a certain nonchalance. Given all that and its Italian heritage, I suggest Sprezzatura.
Posted by: Svati | October 15, 2008 at 08:20 PM
Gorgeous beret! It reminds me of a star (the kind in children's Christmas picture books). What about Estrella?
Posted by: Kimberley | October 16, 2008 at 05:49 AM
Splendid beret, I love it !!! You look as Snow White... and If this fairy tale had taken place in winter she would have worn this hat... so why not... "Snow White Beret" :-)
Posted by: Guylaine | October 16, 2008 at 08:55 AM
Very nice! When I first saw the hat, before I read anything, I actually thought of a poinsettia! The second two thoughts that came to my mind were Super Nova and Starburst. Lovely hat!
Posted by: Debbie | October 16, 2008 at 09:31 AM
Interludio invernale?
In qualsiasi modo lo chiamerai, sappi che il tuo cappello รจ bellissimo!!!
Buona giornata
Posted by: Cinzia | October 16, 2008 at 09:51 AM
I haven't read the other comments, but "Parapluies" is my suggestion. I see umbrellas in this beret.
Posted by: Janet Daniels | October 16, 2008 at 10:40 AM
My first thought was of the flower commonly known as "shooting star," but then I also thought the design reminded me of a flying bird, particularly the sandhill cranes that I often see around here (Wyoming). Their long legs are extended back when they fly. It's a beautiful design!
Posted by: Aimee Nemeth | October 16, 2008 at 12:09 PM
My Italian is rusty - I really need to bone up on it before our Christmas trip out to visit my in-laws. I think they must think I'm very dim since my Italian has been stagnant, if not regressed in the past 3 years!
Anyway, lovely beret. I might suggest Cappello Cascata? I'm always amazed by your versatility and your equal skill in pulling off children's garments, women's garments, and accessories. Brava e complimenti!
Posted by: Connie | October 16, 2008 at 12:23 PM
What about Carota? Your design (so pretty and dainty) reminds me of Queen Anne's Lace. The latin name is daucus carota.
Posted by: Krysten | October 16, 2008 at 02:45 PM
Poinsettia in Italian is commonly known as stella di Natale (Cristmas star). Sponds fitting, IMHO.
Also, a group of knitters is planning to start a Stitch 'n' Bitch in Como, more details here: http://tinyurl.com/3kmjh4
Posted by: Typesetter | October 16, 2008 at 03:46 PM
I like the star theme here - so I'm suggesting Stella, Starlight or Starlet.
Posted by: Lori | October 16, 2008 at 04:20 PM