"Everybody Needs a Thneed..."

One of the highlights of my Christmas trip to visit my parents was a shopping trip with my Mom. We poked around Mardens, a great discount store that carries everything from dog leashes to couches. In their craft section, I spotted a bin of gorgeous teal yarn with flecks of white and grey. Did I mention that my winter coat is the same shade of teal? Obviously, I bought a couple of skeins of the yarn, priced at an incredible $1.25 per skein.

This winter, I've noticed that infinity scarves and cowls are very popular. I adapted Susan Davidovic's Calm Cowl pattern to fit my stature (her model must be over six feet tall!).
http://www.ravelry.com/patterns/library/calm-cowl

This was a terrific pattern, that produces a thick "fabric" that will certainly block the wind on a cold day - or just look stylish when paired with a jacket and blouse. My husband says it reminds him of a thneed, from the movie "The Lorax". Yes, the cowl can be shaped several ways, depending on your personal style. Happy crocheting!

Let there be socks!

One of the daunting tasks on my list of things to learn has been knitting socks. All you seasoned knitters out there might think it silly, but I generally consider myself a crocheter. Most of my repertoire for yarn-based projects in the past (when I'm not snowed in) are employed while washing dishes.

Nevertheless, I told my husband that I'd like to learn to knit socks, much like I also said I would like to hike the Appalachian Trail. Well, he sweetly had me pick out a sock knitting book just before Christmas this year. I nearly cried when I read the inscription, "May your feet always be as warm as your heart." I am so very blessed by my wonderful, romantic husband.

So, one week ago today, I learned how to do the convoluted Old Norwegian cast-on, and started my first pair of socks - for Joshua, since he has the smallest feet in the family. Joshua hugged the socks to his face when I gave them to him and wore them happily the day I finished them. The socks must be comfortable because he didn't ask to take them off. I'm happy that he has warm feet on such a chilly winter day!

Anyone else in the market for a well-written (and amply-illustrated) book for beginner sock knitters should look for Ann Budd's Getting Started Knitting Socks.

Meanwhile, I should start training for the hiking trip, too. Mike also got me a backpacker's pack and collapsible walking stick...

For more information on the pattern and yarn used, check out my Ravelry page: http://ravel.me/StitchingNThyme/8spis

Afghan for Emma

Four years ago, I spend a lovely after-Christmas afternoon strolling through craft stores with my Mom and lunching at the Olive Garden. I wanted to find a pattern and yarn to make an afghan for my neice Emma. That day, I found a great pattern in Red Heart's little booklt entitled "Crochet & Knit: Cozy Comfy Home". The unlikely title for this perfect pre-teen afghan pattern was "Fringed Lodge Afghan". It's amazing what a difference color choices make!

As the inspiration yarn, I chose a varigated skein that featured royal blue, lavendar, teal, and hot pink- perfect for beautiful and vibrant Emma! Then, I selected the other skeins as solid colors that matched the colors in the varigated one.

Happily, I finished the afghan in time for Christmas this year. Emma liked it and proceeded to snuggle in its vast expanse immediately. It should be large enough to cover her bed in college!

Cream Cloche Hat -- part deux

What a wonderful day! I enjoyed a lunch date with my wonderful husband, then came home to snuggle with our son on my lap to watch a great movie, Cars. Meanwhile, I finished a quick hat for myself. Ever since I made the cream-colored cloche for my sister-in-law Heather, I've wanted one! That soft white yarn matches a scarf & coat I wear on slightly warmer winter days.

This hat has a delicate, feminine pattern and feels lightweight (if you don't want to squish your hair), while keeping your head warm.

Credits:

Classy Cloche Hat Pattern to Crochet
http://www.associatedcontent.com/article/5938566/classy_cloche_hat_pattern_to_crochet.html?cat=24
This simple cloche has no brim and fits snugly to the head. The pattern is worked with two stitches in one space which makes the hat a bit thicker and warmer without being clunky.

Skill Level: Easy

Materials Needed:
Approx 2 oz worsted weight yarn
Size K crochet hook
Large needle to weave in ends

Abbreviations Used:
Ch = chain
Sp = space
St = stitch
SC = single crochet
DC = double crochet
SS = slip stitch


Round 1: Ch 4 (will count as 1st DC), work 11 DC into first ch (total 12 DC)

Round 2: Ch 2 (counts as 1st DC at start of each round), DC in same sp, 2 DC each st around, join with SS (total 24 DC)

Round 3: Ch 2, DC same sp, DC next sp, * 2 DC next sp, DC next sp, repeat from * to end, join with SS (total 36 DC)

Round 4: Ch 2, DC same sp, DC next 3 st, * 2 DC next sp, DC next 3 st, repeat from * to end, join with SS (total 45 DC)

Round 5: Ch 2, DC same sp, DC next 4 st, * 2 DC next sp, DC next 4 st, repeat from * to end, join with SS (total 54 DC)

Round 6: Ch 1, DC same sp, skip 1, * SC and DC in next st, skip 1, repeat from * to end, join with SS

Round 7 (pattern row): Ch 1, turn, DC in same sp, skip 1, * SC and DC in next st, skip 1, repeat from * to end, join with SS

Repeat pattern row, turning at end of each row, until piece measures 6.5-7" (approx 10 pattern rows) from top to bottom or desired length. Finish with SC border, bind off, weave in ends.

Variations:
Make a striped band by doing two rows in a contrasting color several rows before finishing, then pick up the main color again to complete the hat, or do the last few rows in the contrasting color as trim.

Add a crocheted flower, coordinating button, clip earring or brooch for a classy, vintage look.

The Hat Parade Begins

OK, so when you make a hat for one person, you get inspired to make hats for other people, too... Next, I made a hat for Joshua, using some of the leftover yarn from Meghan's hat and leftover yarn from that sleep sack. I used that same pattern as the original pompom hat, just a bigger size.








Next, I made a lavender beret for my other niece, Emma. She travels around the world with her Dad & brother, so I thought a beret would be perfect for her.








Then, I made a cloche hat for my sister-in-law, Heather. She's a pretty blond who often wears beige or brown coats, so I though cream would be the perfect color. (I'm modeling the hat until I get a picture of her wearing it.)





Next, I made a black Alaska Beret for myself, but it didn't feel like it was my hat when I finished it. Weird, huh? It turns out, it was the perfect size and style for my friend Sara. She's a makeup artist & the dramatic style really suits her.





My latest creation is a purple slouch hat for my niece Meghan's friend. This hat was the biggest challenge. Most of the slouchy ski hats that teen & college boys wear these days are knitted. I crochet much faster, so I tried a couple of patterns until I found one I could adapt for the shape I wanted to create for him. I hope it fits!



Credits:
Joshua's Hat- Leisure Arts Crocheting for baby book #3524

Emma's Hat Pattern- http://www.coatsandclark.com/Crafts/Crochet/Projects/Accessories/WR1030%20Crochet%20Beret.htm
I used a 5mm hook to make the hat teen girl sized (original pattern used 5.5mm hook)
Ch 5; join with a sl st to form a ring.
Rnd 1: Ch 3, 2 dc in ring, ch 1, [3 dc in ring, ch 1] 4 times; join with a sl st to top of ch-3.
Rnd 2: (Sl st, ch 3, 2 dc) all in next dc, * ch 1, 3 dc in next sp **, ch 1, skip next dc, 3 dc in next dc; rep from * around, end at **; sc in top of ch-3 to join and form last ch-1 sp – ten 3-dc groups.
Rnd 3: Ch 3, 2 dc over sc; [ch 1, 3 dc] twice all in next ch-1 sp – inc made; * ch 1, 3 dc in next sp, inc in next sp; rep from * around; sc in top of ch-3 to join – 15 3-dc groups.
Rnd 4: Ch 3, 2 dc over sc, * ch 1, 3 dc in next sp; rep from * around; sc in top of ch-3 to join.
Rnd 5: Ch 3, 2 dc over sc, * ch 1, 3 dc in next sp, inc in next sp **, ch 1, 3 dc in next sp; rep from * around, end at **; sc in top of ch-3 to join – twenty 3-dc groups.
Rnd 6: Rep Rnd 3 – thirty 3-dc groups.
Rnds 7-10: Rep Rnd 4.
Rnd 11: Rep Rnd 4 EXCEPT end with "ch 1, sl st in top of ch-3" instead of "sc in top of ch-3" to join.
Rnd 12: Ch 3, dc in next dc and in each dc around skipping all ch-1 sps; join with a sl st in top of ch-3 – 90 sts.
Rnd 13: Ch 1, sc in same st as joining and in next 6 dc; draw up a lp in next 2 dc, yo and through all 3 lps on hook – dec made; * sc in next 7 dc, dec over next 2 dc; rep from * around; join to first sc – 80 sc.
Rnds 14-21: Ch 1, sc in each st around; join to first sc. Fasten off after Rnd 21 leaving a long (30") end.
Fold sc band in half to wrong side and sl st in place to wrong side of Rnd 13. Weave in ends.


Alaska Beret Pattern
http://www.garnstudio.com/lang/en/visoppskrift.php?d_nr=103&d_id=24&lang=en
I translated the pattern from British English to American English terminology.
Materials: 200 g colour no. 05, dark grey
Crochet hook size 5 mm - or the size needed to obtain 14 dc x 8 rounds on 10 x 10 cm.

All measurements in charts are in cm.
Crochet tension: 14 dc x 8 rounds = 10 x 10 cm

Crochet info: Substitute first dc on round with 3 ch. Rounds ends with 1 sl st in 3rd ch in the beg of row. Substitute first sc on round with 1 ch. Round ends with 1 sl st in 1st ch in the beg of row.
Decrease tip: Dec 1 dc like this: Crochet 1 dc, but wait with last “pull through” (= 2 loops on hook), crochet another dc but on the last pull through pull the yarn through all loops on hook.

Beret:
Check your crochet tension! The beret is crocheted from top and down. Crochet 10 ch with hook size 5 mm and Alaska and form a ring with 1 sl st in first ch.
1st round: Read Crochet info! Crochet 20 dc on ring.
2nd round: * 1 dc in first dc, 2 dc in next dc *, repeat *-* = 30 dc.
3rd round: * 1 dc in first 2 dc, 2 dc in next dc *, repeat *-* = 40 dc.
4th round: * 1 dc in first 3 dc, 2 dc in next dc *, repeat *-* = 50 dc.
5th -9th round: Continue the same way but with 1 more dc between every inc (i.e. inc 10 dc per round) = 100 dc.
10th-16th round: Crochet 1 dc in every dc without inc.
Then put 10 marking threads in piece with 10 dc in between.
Continue to crochet in the round with dc, at the same time dec 1 dc on left side of every marking thread on every round – read Dec. tip! Crochet a total of 3 rounds with dec = 70 dc. Continue crocheting the beret to finished measurement with double thread. Crochet 1 round with 1 sc in every dc, then crochet 7 rounds with 1 sc in every sc. Cut and fasten the thread.

Pompon: Make a pompon with a diameter of approx 5 cm. Attach the pompon on top of the beret. (I didn;t attach a pompom, but the original pattern had this detail.)


Purple Hat Pattern
I mofified the following pattern posted at http://crochet-mania.blogspot.com/2009/03/mens-large-crochet-beanie-cap.html
Materials
Size I or 5.5mm Crochet Hook
4-ply yarn

Gauge
12 Stitches - 4"
16 Rows - 4"

Abbreviations
EA - Each
ST - Stitch
SC - Single Crochet
SL ST - Slip Stitch

Chain 4, join
Round 1: Work 10 SC through the loop. Do not join. This cap will be worked in a spiral/continual round.
Round 2: Work 2 SC in ea SC around. This is where you will want to use a yarn marker to mark the first stitch of a round, so you have an idea where the beginning of your round starts.(20Single Crochet Total)
Round 3: 1 SC in ea SC around. (20Single Crochet Total)
Round 4: 2 SC in ea SC around (40 Single Crochet Total)
Round 5: 1 SC in ea SC around (40 Single Crochet Total)
Round 6: *1 SC in next ST, 2 SC in next ST, repeat from * around. (60 Single Crochet Total)
Round 7: *1 SC in next ST, 2 SC in next ST, repeat from * around.
Round 8: 1 SC in ea SC around
Continue until the hat is 1/2 inch from the desired finished length, then slipstitch all the way around for three more rows. Cut sew in the tails and trim the yarn.

Snowbound in Boston

We had a wonderful trip to Boston to visit my family- and unexpectedly long visit, too. The snowstorm a couple of days after Christmas rearranged our plans, so we could stay an extra three days. It was an auspicious event, though. I hadn't crocheted in over a year until that trip. By the fifth day, I asked if my niece had any yarn for a project. She asked her mom to pick up a skein of heather grey yarn and a hook. I made a beautiful slouch hat for her that evening, followed quickly by a matching scarf.

Credits:

Hat- http://jessicasuzanne.com/craftypants/2007/09/13/pretty-puffs-slouchy-hat-with-pattern/

Scarf- my design, intended to match the puffs pattern of the hat

An Outfit to Welcome our Son

I remember that my mom taught me how to knit (a little) and crochet when I was younger. I made the proverbial crooked scarf, countless dish clothes, and one miraculous afghan over the years, but rarely picked up a hook and yarn unless I was on a car trip. Then, I got pregnant...

Apparently the urge to crochet is part of the nesting phenomenon. I had a super-charged need to make things for the son I was carrying. The first project was a lacy little white afghan. Then I made a simple hat with pompom. Then, I tackled the most difficult crochet project I ever tried: an adorable sleep sack with matching hat.

Joshua, our infant son, HATED that crocheted sleep sack & hat. He was a very hot baby & placing him in that thick outfit was instantly sweltering. So, the only pictures we have of him wearing the outfit have sad faces. I'm keeping it for him to put on his own child someday. The white afghan, in contrast, is a favorite item for him. He sleeps with it every night, wadding it up as a little pillow or just snuggling with it. Joshua quickly outgrew the light blue hat with pompom, but it was very cute for a couple of months.

Credits:
Pompom Hat- Leisure Arts Crocheting for Baby book # 3524
Sleep Sack with Matching Hat- Leisure Arts Crocheting for Baby book # 3524
White Afghan- Leisure Arts Absolutely Gourgeous Baby Afghans book #3015