More Crocheted items

In November and December, I crocheted 6 hats and an infinity scarf for my co-worker.

So of course I'd love to share them :)

These first two hats were kind of trial and error.  I used this pattern to figure out the edge, but I had to keep redoing them because they would either be too big or too small…but I finally got it just right :)  The first hat, I did a double crochet (not the stitch in the pattern at all).

This second hat, unlike the pattern, I used an alternating single crochet and double crochet to get the look.

Then I made my first infinity scarf (this was before my scarf turned infinity).  This was also a trial and error.  I first made it too short, then I made it too long…finally I got it just right :D (I totally need to stick to patterns).  It is supposed to go with the hat above, so I did the alternating single crochet, double crochet stitch throughout the scarf.

Then I made these easy double crochet hats for 2 boys and 1 guy.

And finally, I made this hat.  It was requested by my co-worker, but I seriously wasn't happy with the outcome…I guess I just didn't like the look.  But my daughter said she totally liked it (I think that is a big plus) and my co-worker said she loved it--but she wanted it so would she say she hated it?  This one I did use a pattern from Red Heart.

Thank you for looking!

Secret Santa Score

This year, at work, we decided to do a Secret Santa via Elfster.  The great thing about Elfter is you can add a wish list to let your Secret Santa know what you like.  Only a few people added to their wish list and I am pretty sure I had the most on my list :D  I just wanted to give my Santa choices.

I think I got the best Santa of the bunch.  Here is what I got (the limit was $25--but I think she spent a little more!)

My Secret Santa happened to be the co-worker I made the minion hats for in October (and I also made 5 other hats and an infinity scarf for her before Christmas).  I think she spent a little more than the budgeted amount because I only charge her for supplies and not my time :D

I have been wanting the Page Maps 2 book (yes, I still scrapbook) since it came out in 2010, but never pulled the trigger to buy it.  I seen the Crochet Boutique book in a review by Gleeful Things and I had actually checked the book out of the library, but again I didn't buy it because I have a hard time buying myself books…but if others buy them, I love them! :D

I already made the Cuddle Cowl from the Crochet Boutique book for my Goddaughter.

Previously, when I had checked it out of the library, I had made the Bonnie Beret and 2 Headwraps.

I rarely made anything for myself, but the headbands were for me :)  The orange one is worn to San Francisco Giants games and I scaled back on the number of rows :D  I plan on making another in black.

I really think this will be my go to book for a long while :D

I am a crochet Minion :)

Early in October, my co-worker told me her daughter wanted them to all dress up as Minions from the movie Despicable Me (and Despicable Me 2).  I told her to look on Pinterest for all the cool ideas.  As we were browsing, I mentioned I could totally make the crochet hats we seen.  So I was "hired" to do the job (hired as in I only charge for materials--hey I am already just sitting there watching tv, might as well be crocheting something :D then she surprised me with a Starbucks gift card and lunch--woo hoo!).

I made 2 children's hats with detachable goggles (patterns are linked).  I only use the goggles pattern as a guide though.  I actually used pipecleaners as the base of the eye part to make it a bit sturdier.  Also, I used elastic in the back so that they would be a little less prone to fall off their heads.

They looked exactly the same--so I won't post them both :)

Then I made this adult hat with arms for my co-worker.  When I showed my son the pattern, he told me that I would not be able to do it--Challenged Accepted (totally got that phrase from How I Met Your Mother).  In the end she opted to not have the mouth, but still wanted the arms.

Then I made a men's hat and small teen hat out of the same pattern.  I used a combination of patterns to put this one together.

And finally, I made a slouchy hats for the teen.  I used a pattern I found via Ravelry.  

Edited to add:  But then she wanted it a bit more slouchier and the eyes connected, so I changed the above to this

My co-worker wanted me to make the eyes to be "rolled" eyes like most teens do on a daily basis :)

All the "hair" is made from black pipecleaners.  I could have used yarn, but my co-worker gave me this better alternative idea.

They were a hit!  They got compliments all night and both of the kids teachers wanted one.  Since I had extra yellow yarn, I made her two more hats for the teachers :D  (A total of 8 minion hats!--that is more than 1/2 the kids that came to my house for candy this year--ha ha ha...we got 13 trick-or-treaters.)

I have only watched the first movie...maybe when I am not tired of looking at minions anymore I will watch the second movie :)

Chunky Slouchy Beanie

Last week, I found this cute crochet hat pattern on Ravelry by Polkdot Squirrel.  I asked my daughter if she thought my niece would wear it and she said yeah (my daughter doesn't wear crocheted hats :/ ).  So I bought the pattern at Etsy.

Since I liked the look of the hat on Ravelry, I used the same yarn from Michaels called Loops and Threads Charisma in Off-White.

I usually crochet very tightly, so I used a bigger hook than the pattern called for, but it was way too big.  Then I used the size the pattern called for and it was still a bit big, so I went with a smaller hook.  I thought it was pretty cute--a bit big, but cute.  My daughter thinks it is way too big still--I am not sure if I will pull it back a couple of rows or not.  

I was going to give it to my niece for Christmas, but since she is coming over on Thanksgiving, maybe I will see what she thinks about the size.

Gift making

I wish I was more organized and would think of gifts in plenty of time to make all my Christmas gifts, but I am not.

This past week, I came across the cutest slouchy pattern via Ravelry.  It was by Julie King at Gleeful Things.  She was generous enough to share her Waffle Cone Slouchy Hat Pattern for FREE!!

I have searched for the perfect slouchy beret type pattern forever and even came up with a pattern last year, but this one is much better.  The only person I knew that might enjoy it was my niece.  I went to Joann's with my 50% coupon and came home with the same yarn the awesome pattern maker used.  This was the first time I used Lion Brand Yarn's Hometown USA...and I love it!!!!!

Here is the hat that only took less than 2 hours to make while waiting for my son at the dentist! :D

One Christmas present down...too many to go.

I am thinking about offering to make anyone a hat for free on my Facebook page.

Minnie Mouse hats

Back at the beginning of May, my SIL called me to describe to me a hat she had seen on a baby.  From her description, I made my 3 nieces this hat.  (My SIL is my biggest client.)

(toddler size)

 

(child's size)

(teen size)

The hat is a basic dc (double crochet) hat with flaps & braids.  I added pompoms to the top for the ears and to the bottom of the braids.  I am sure I am attaching the pompoms to the bottom incorrectly, but I cannot find any help on YouTube or anything on the internet that makes any sense to me--most patterns just say "attach the pompoms"--yes, but how???

It did take me a while to find the red w/white polka dot ribbon.  I had made my toddler and 8 year-old nieces their hats, then my teenage niece asked for one sans the ribbon.

Pompom Hat

I got a request from my godson to make a striped red/black/white hat with a pompom on top and on the side braids.


It took me about a week to complete because of this

I really don't change colors so often because of the weaving that has to be done afterward.  I even decided on a double crochet instead of a single crochet so it would be about 1/2 the rows to switch.  But the outcome was worth it (even though I was injured--ha ha ha).

My mannequin also got a "head" and some hair--ha ha ha.

My Favorite Hat Pattern

I usually go through phases where I have a favorite pattern which I will make over and over. 

Currently, it is this Blossom Cap pattern created by Brittany Jackson.  I was searching through the Ravelry website (a username & password are required but are free), when I came across her amazing pattern.

Since I have read concerns about using other people's patterns for items to sale, I contacted her through Facebook...gotta love the internet.  She graciously allowed me to use her pattern as long as I give her credit.

Here are my creations (so far!)

All the hats use my favorite yarn by Lion Brand Yarn in Wool-Ease Thick & Quick.

This is the first hat I completed in Linen

As you can tell from the top picture, it is pretty small.  I am hoping it will actually fit a baby--hahaha.  I have to measure it still before I place it for sale.

My second try was for an adult in Fisherman (off-white)

super cozy for cold winters (I might actually keep this one for myself--shhh!).

Then I got inspiration to make one for Halloween. 

I was totally going to make it look like a pumpkin and place leaves on the top, but after looking on Etsy, I notice a huge supply of pumpkin hats for infants.  Instead, I placed a green flower on the side.  That way, it is more of a fall hat than just a halloween hat for a small child.  The flower can also be removed, if need be.

I love crocheting :D

"Now that's a Hook"

If Crocodile Dundee crocheted, he would totally use an S-hook.  That thing is huge!  I didn't even know I needed a hook that big!  I received an email for a Double-Take Helmet free pattern from Leisure Arts. (you have to sign up to see the pattern), but here is a picture from the website

It is cute except it fits like a helmet (think Little House on the Praire bonnet) and not a beanie, so I improvised and I finally made a slouchy beret!!

I am so happy...I have tried a few times to make a slouchy beret, but it just doesn't turn out right.  Here is another failure--before I found my S-hook!

(it totally looks like a toilet seat cover--you know from the old school days when that was cool to have--ha ha ha)

Finally a hat that...

doesn't suck--ha ha ha.  I have been trying to make a hat that actually fits.  I have had some troubles in the hat department, but I finally made one this weekend that the family all agreed was pretty cool--YAY!!

I found this pattern in the January/February issue of Crochet Today.  I wasn't too thrilled with the colors, so I changed them around.  I first made it with black & burgundy Red Heart Super Saver yarn.  Since I am still learning about yarn, I didn't realize that this stuff we a lot stiffer than what the patterned called for.  Ultimately, the hat was not only stiff, but it was also too tight on the kids heads--oops.  I really need to learn how to gauge the yarn--something that I have been avoiding to learn to do, but I guess that is why they have it in the patterns.

Here is the aftermath of me frogging that project:

(the yarn looks brown & pink, but it is burgundy & black--I hate the lighting!)

I went back to the store and bought some Red Heart Designer Sport in Cocoa & Ivory which is the type of yarn the pattern called for.  This yarn was much softer.  It did take me 2 tries on this hat, but it finally worked out and the kids thought it was cool and it fit them! 

I may not avoid hat making afterall.