Two Cowls and a Hat

First, some Nashville pictures.

 

Pretty lights

Great music

Keith Anderson (2nd from right) and his band

Christmas tree inside the Gaylord Opry Land

The pretty sky on the way home

I'll give the full run down another day. I think Mom has the pictures needed to do it up right.

Now, let's get to some patterns. I've decided, by the way, that I am just a sporadic, dump-it-all-at-once type. As much as I'd like to be a well-paced, regular, reliable blog person, I am not. In the spirit of that ruling, here are some patterns. They're all fairly quick-make and reasonably easy.

 

Bit of Flair Infinity

-Red Heart Super Saver Black

-J Bates hook

-size 18 tapestry needle for ends

-any multiple of 2 to in/decrease

 

Round 1: chain 126. dc in back ridge of third chain from hook. dc in each remaining back ridge. connect with slip stitch to first dc of round. (124)
Round 2: chain 1, sc in same stitch. sc in each stitch around. connect with slip stitch to first sc of round. (124)
Round 3: chain 4. tr in next stitch. tr in each stitch around. connect with slip stitch to top of chain 4. (124)
Round 4: chain 1, sc in same stitch. sc in each stitch around. connect with slip stitch to first sc of round. (124)
Round 5: chain 4. tr in next stitch. tr in each stitch around. do not connect. (124)
Round 6:  sc around chain 4. chain 6. (skip one treble, sc around next, chain 6) around. connect with slip stitch to first sc of round. chain 2. connect with slip stitch to top of chain 4. (62 sc, 62 chain spaces)
Round 7: chain 1, sc in same stitch. sc in each stitch around. connect with slip stitch to first sc of round. (124)
Round 8: chain 4. tr in next stitch. tr in each stitch around. connect with slip stitch to top of chain 4.
(124)
Round 9: chain 1, sc in same stitch. sc in each stitch around. connect with slip stitch to first sc of round. (124)
Round 10: chain 2, dc in same stitch. dc in each stitch around. connect with slip stitch to first dc of round. (124)



Notes:
*Be careful about which rounds start in connecting stitch and which ones go to the next stitch.
*Be careful of how each round ends.
*Round 6 is the fiddliest. Once you get the hang of what you're supposed to be doing, it's quite easy and fast.



Modifications:
*I meant to do chains around the top and bottom rows as well, but lost interest in the project.
*If you want looser "fringe" you can simply chain more.
*You can easily add chains to each treble row if you wanted.
*Nearly any "cowl" pattern can become an infinity scarf if you simply make it longer.
*** My cousin reported that this came out smaller than what I expected, at least for her. To remedy this, simply chain more at the beginning.

The seam

Trying to show you the texture added with Round 6

 

 

~ * ~ * ~ * ~ * ~ * ~ * ~ * ~

 

 

Curved Cowl

- Red Heart Super Saver Navy

- H Bates hook

- size 18 tapestry needle for ends

- multiple is entirely irrelevant

 

Round 1: chain 121. hdc in back ridge of second chain from hook. hdc in each remaining back ridge. connect with slip stitch to first hdc of round. (120)
Round 2: chain 4. tr in next stitch. tr in each stitch around. connect with slip stitch to top of chain 4. (120)
Round 3: chain 1, sc in same stitch. sc in each stitch around. connect with slip stitch to first sc of round. (120)
Round 4: chain 5. (tr, ch 1) in each stitch around. connect with slip stitch to 4th chain. (120 tr, 120 ch 1)
Round 5: chain 4. tr in tr. tr in each tr around. (120 tr)
***You're skipping the chains and working into the stitches.
Round 6: chain 1, sc in same stitch. sc in each stitch around. (120)
Round 7: chain 4. tr in next stitch. tr in each stitch around. (120)
Round 8: chain 1, hdc in same stitch. hdc in each stitch around. (120)



Notes:
* Rounds 4 & 5 create a pouch or curve. Can be worn as a small hood or a cozy cowl.



Modifications:
* If you made your initial chain longer, you could make it an infinity scarf.
* If you made your initial chain shorter, you could make it a form-fitting headband.
* As usual, you can play with your stitches however you like. As long as Rounds 4 & 5 are in the middle and kept the same, it should work.
*** Oh...my gosh. I kind of think my cousin may have actually gotten this... which would explain why it fit so snugly on her! That's what I get for making things so similar so closely together. Anyway, as already noted, your chain controls what this eventually comes to be. It just depends on what you're trying to get.

Trying to show you how that middle bit curves out a bit

Also, the seam

It's a bit open, but when worn it's quite warm.

**I apologize for lack of "when worn" pictures, but my vanity got to me. In the midst of a stress breakout that is particularly attractive under fluorescent lighting. Normally not so weird about it, but it just wasn't happening today.

 

* _ * _ * _ * _ * _ * _ * _ * _ *

 

 

Wonky Posts Hat

(you come up with something clever, you are my hero)

 

- Red Heart Super Saver Navy and Carrot

- H Bates hook

- size 18 tapestry needle for ends

- modified fpdc: fpdc around stitch two (Rd 13) or three (Rd 15) rounds down (mfpdc)

 

(Basic Beanie for 12 rounds. Increase for 6 rounds. Static for 6 rounds.)

Round 13: chain 1, sc in same stitch. dc around second stitch of Round 11. (sc, mpfpdc) around. connect with slip stitch to first sc of round. (36 sc, 36 mfpdc)

Round 14: chain 1, sc in same stitch. sc in each stitch around. (72)

Round 15: dc around first stitch of Round 12, sc in next stitch. (mfpdc, sc) around. connect with slip stitch to first dc of round. (36 mfpdc, 36 sc)

**Your post stitches should "push" the Round 12 stitches forward. They'll also go between the other set of posts.

Round 16: chain 1, sc in back loop of same stitch. sc in back loop of each remaining stitch. (72)

**This round is to control some of that curl that comes from post stitches.

 

Notes:

* This isn't as complicated as it sounds. I tend to do that. It's quite easy to fiddle with things. It's quite a different matter to write them down.

* I've found I like my hats to hit me right about mid-ear. If you like yours longer, grab a different hook or do another static round.

* I messed with this a bit and do believe you need Round 16.

* The brim/band/edge bit is quite thick and thus quite warm. It's a lovely, cozy thing. :)

* Color Scheme: 5 navy - carrot - navy - carrot - navy - carrot - navy - carrot - 4 navy

 

Modifications:

* As you can see, it's just a basic beanie that's been fiddled with. Mods are all up to you.

 

 

* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *

 

That'll do for now, I think. I have two more I could (and should) do, but I'm sleepy. I'll leave you with a photo of all I've done today. Oh, and I FINALLY got that blasted monkey worked out!

 







Winter Soul Vacation

My friends, by the time this is posted, I will be out of Oklahoma and heading to Tennessee. I am so very ready!



Honestly, I meant to get you a pattern ready. I should probably even have one or two just hanging around my brain, but I didn't get any prepared for you. I presented my suicide alertness class today. It always wears me out, but I expected to do this one solo. On the one hand, I had my usual helper (my mother. well, actually, I'm her helper, but whatever), so that was nice. On the other hand, pretty much everything else went wrong. Trying to keep up and doing the class and wearing heels for 3 hours standing and dealing with such a heavy subject and racing to get to my real job after has all just beaten me up. I was so exhausted I had to slip my boots off at work and pinch myself a couple of times to stay awake.



I did play with yarn, though. I made a white Go Your Own Way hat and protoyped a chainy stitchy scarf but I didn't like it. I love the white hat, though. It's adorable, if I say so myself. I'm actually supposed to be packing for Nashville right now, but I really just needed a moment to be away from the madness.



It's very likely I will come up with a new pattern during the hours in the car. I will try to keep habit going. I can't think of anything that would make me happier right now, really. I did my class, which I am so very passionate about. I'm heading to Nashville to see it Christmased out. I'm going with my mother, who is amazing and a great road trip buddy. We've rented a Dodge Charger, so we'll be traveling in style. We'll be catching a show, so music will be involved.

 

Thanks for dropping by!

I hope you find something to soothe your soul today.

Slightly Twisted Hat

 



"...all messed up and slightly twisted

am I sick or am I gifted?..."

-Shinedown

 



 

I'm getting a bit better at naming these things! Okay, so let me give you my excuse run down. Firstly, I made a monkey hat. See him? Isn't he adorable?

 

 

He's not perfect yet. His ears need to be closer to his face and I somehow wound up with 56 stitches in the last few rounds. How does that even happen? Should have been sixty. Came up to 56. Wait... I bet you nearly anything my beginning circle had 11. Then five rows = 55. Plus Jill being ridiculous and randomly adding a stitch and you get 56. Anyway. This was my attempt. I did mine this way for several reasons. One, I didn't want to feel like I was copying anyone, so I left off the earflaps. I also am really not a fan of the earflaps. They add to the piecework I loathe so much (adding the second one, sc around the whole thing, then the nightmare of the tassely braidy things). I like the ears being different colors and the button thread mismatching that. I'm rambling. The point is - I made the hat.

 

So why are you not seeing a monkey pattern instead of random Shinedown lyrics? Because my monkey was adopted. This is the only picture I have of him before he was whisked away. This little guy was spoken for before I could take proper pictures, perform the needed tweaks, or even really write the pattern out. If you're bummed about it, imagine my dismay. I have to make a whole new one. And we know how I LOVE the piecework.

 

As for today's pattern? I was trying to work out my fireman's helmet for Hat Week. When I did that, I screwed up. Basically, that's what happened. I screwed up. I noticed that it was eversoslightlyjustalittlebit corkscrewed. I wasn't quite sure about it, so I asked my coworker. After staring at it for nearly a full minute, she agreed. The slant wasn't noticeable, but it wasn't ignorable, either. Not if you need the straight, regimented, rigid lines of a fireman's helmet!

 

"I like it, though. It catches your eye, makes you look at it," my coworker says.

 

Since I hate red and need to preserve it for my helmet, I switched to white and made this hat.

I wrote the pattern to match what I did, but I strongly suggest you make it longer. It looks a bit abbreviated in the pictures.

 

 

Slightly Twisted Hat

- used Red Heart Super Saver White

- used "H" Bates hook

- used size 18 tapestry needle

- multiple is not important, but your beginning circle will determine how many posts you have

 

*-*-* Special Stitch *-*-*

double crochet/ front post treble: it's a combined dc and fptr, all done in the same stitch

dc/fptr: made by executing a dc, stopping one step shy of complete; then execute a fptr in the post of the stitch you just made a dc in

(if anyone actually reads this and needs help, just let me know and I'll post pictures)

 

 

Round 1: Magic Circle > chain 2, 12 dc. connect with slip stitch to first dc of round. close circle. [12 dc]

 

Round 2: chain 2, dc in same stitch, fptr around same stitch. (dc, fptr) in each stitch around. connect with slip stitch to first dc of round. [12 dc, 12 fptr; 24 stitches]

 

Round 3: chain 2, dc in same stitch. dc in fptr. fptr around fptr of previous row. (dc, dc, fptr) around. connect with slip stitch to first dc of round. [24 dc, 12 fptr; 36 stitches]

 

Round 4: chain 2, dc in same stitch. dc in next stitch. dc in fptr. fptr around fptr of previous row. (dc, dc, dc, fptr) around. connect with slip stitch to first dc of round. [36 dc, 12 fptr; 48 stitches]

 

Round 5: chain 2, dc in same stitch. dc in next 2 stitches. dc in fptr. fptr around fptr of previous row. (dc, dc, dc, dc, fptr) around. connect with slip stitch to first dc of round. [48 dc, 12 fptr; 60 stitches]

 

Round 6: chain 2, dc in same stitch. dc in next 3 stitches. dc in fptr. fptr around fptr of previous row. (dc, dc, dc, dc, dc, fptr) around. connect with slip stitch to first dc of round. [60 dc, 12 fptr; 72 stitches]

 

Round 7 - 14: chain 2, dc in same stitch. dc in next 3 stitches. dc/fptr in fptr. (dc, dc, dc, dc, dc/fptr) around. connect with slip stitch to first dc of round. [60 dc, 12 dc/fptr].

 

Round 15 - 16: chain 1, sc in same stitch. sc in each stitch around. [72 sc]

 

Notes:

~ The weird stitch is to keep the pattern steady. Without it, a gap forms.

~ Most patterns call for you to do the normal 2dc in one stitch to evenly increase. Instead, I did a dc and a fptr. That's all it is. You're just substituting the second dc for a fptr.

~ This is one of the few patterns where I don't have an alternative to the weird stitch for you. If you can't wrap your head around it (or, rather, my explanation of it) feel free to either skip this pattern or ask me for further clarity.

 

Modifications:

~ Sadly, this one is rather static. If you change much, you'll lose the slight curve. It's not that big of a deal - go for it and make your own pattern. It just won't wind up like this one.

~ Oh! If I were you, I WOULD go down a hook size for the last few rounds, even a round or two of the pattern and not just the sc rounds. The trebles make this a little looser than usual, so you'll have to bring it in a bit to make it fit snugly.

 

 

 

 

I have no idea which pattern you'll get next.

I bet it's not a monkey.

Or a fireman's helmet.

Ugh.

 

 

Thinking about doing a "Mad Dash Week" next.

The headband is pretty nice and multi-use.

The cowl/collar/scarf thing took no time at all and has a bit of rustic appeal to it.

Plus, you know I'll make more as more scarves as ideas come to me.

It'd be all about quick, easy, and simple patterns for the next two weeks of gifty madness.

 

edited to add:

I was going to look up my own pattern for that gray scarf right there.

Imagine my dismay at NOT HAVING IT WRITTEN UP YET.

Seeing as how I managed to LOSE this one, I will have to study the picture and recreate it.

Yes.

That's right.

I'm going to have to hijack my own pattern.

Because Jill's a genius.

 

 

 

Thanks for dropping by! Here's to hoping you find time for a nap as cozy as Little Miss M's seems to be!

 

 





Go Your Own Way Hat ( A Choose Your Own Ending Adventure)

I saw a picture of a cloche and challenged myself to make one all on my own. I knew I'd never understand how they worked if I didn't manage it with my hands and my head. I couldn't believe it when I came out with something so very easy, so very simple, and so very striking in my first try. I wrote down the pattern as I went. Then I grabbed my yarn and tried it again. It worked!!

I really like this hat because it's like getting SIX hat patterns at once. I'm not exaggerating. It's not even something that changes in the modifications - it's all a matter of when you stop. It'll be clearer in the instructions.

This hat, as pictured, is merely 20 rounds. Even stopping to take pictures and model, I made this in less than an hour and half. If you can chain, double, single, and treble, you're good to go!

For the sake of clarity, I'm going to do my original pattern first and then I'll break down the "endings" after. I do hope someone else tries and loves this pattern. I really do.

 

Go Your Own Way Hat

- used Red Heart Super Saver Light Gray; Black

- used "H" Bates hook

- used size 18 tapestry needle for ends

- used Walmart 5/8" ribbon

- multiples of 4* to in/decrease

*as long as you can evenly place post stitches, count is really up to you

- special stitch: front post treble (frptr): make a treble AROUND stitch in 4th row from work.

 

~~~ If you like seeing the individual stages, check out the pics in the "endings" at the bottom. ~~~

 

Round 1: Magic Circle > chain 2, 12 dc. connect with slip stitch to first dc of round. (12 dc)

 

Round 2: chain 2, 2dc in same stitch. 2dc in each stitch around. connect with slip stitch to first dc of round. (24 dc)

 

Round 3: chain 2, 2dc in same stitch. dc in next stitch. (2dc, dc) around. connect with slip stitch to first dc of round. (36 dc)

 

Round 4: chain 2, 2dc in same stitch. dc in next 2 stitches. (2dc, dc, dc) around. connect with slip stitch to first dc of round. (48 dc)

 

Round 5: chain 2, 2dc in same stitch. dc in next 3 stitches. (2dc, dc, dc, dc) around. connect with slip stitch to first dc of round. (60 dc)

 

Round 6: chain 2, 2dc in same stitch. dc in next 4 stitches. (2dc, dc, dc, dc, dc) around. connect with slip stitch to first dc of round (72 dc)

 

Round 7 - 12: chain 2, 2dc in same stitch. dc in next 5 stitches. (2dc, dc, dc, dc, dc, dc) around. connect with slip stitch to first dc of round. (72 dc) [+]

 

Round 13 - 15: chain 1, sc in same stitch. sc in each stitch around. connect with slip stitch to first sc of round. (72 sc) [++]

 

 Round 16: chain 1, sc in same stitch.frptr around second dc in Round 12. (sk 1, sc, sc, sc, frptr) around until you have two stitches remaining. sc in each. connect with slip stitch to first sc of round. (18 frptr, 54 sc; 72 stitches) [+++]

 

Round 17: chain 1, 2sc in same stitch. sc in next stitch. (2sc, sc) around. connect with slip stitch to first sc of round. (108 sc) [++++]

 

Round 18 - 19: chain 2, dc in same stitch. dc in each stitch around. connect with slip stitch to first dc of round. (108 dc) [+++++]

 

Round 20: chain 1, sc in same stitch. sc in each stitch around. connect with slip stitch to first sc of round. (108 sc)

 

 

Notes:

~ Round 16 is the ONLY finicky part of the whole thing. Please don't let the weird abbreviation scare you. It's just a treble. You're just wrapping it around a post instead of into the stitch.

 

Modifications:

**Keeping this strictly to the hat as an end product. Will do all the various mods in a bit.**

~ Layer ribbons to coordinate outfits or to show support of a sports team. For instance, the black hat could have white ribbon and thinner orange ribbon. For my area, it'd be an OSU hat or a Tigers hat for a local college AND a local high school. Use white yarn and silver and blue ribbon for Dallas Cowboys, etc.

~ For me, this sits just above my ears. I can easily pull it to cover just the tops of my ears. If you like your hats to cover your ears, add another Round 7 or two.

~ The ribbon allows you to tighten the hat really easily, so if you're wavering on how big to make it, go with slightly too big and use the ribbon to adjust.

~ The ribbon can easily make the hat too snug. Be careful you don't tie yourself right out of it.

 

Without the ribbon.

I must've pulled the hat wonky because it isn't crooked normally.

If you like, you can roll the brim.

The brim is easily shaped.

Hahaha, my nose looks massive from this angle.

My poor little round nose.

It's not seamless, but it's also not obtrusive.

In the very first picture up top, you can see the seam on the left side of the picture.

I didn't plan that photo very well.

The black version, which I rather love since it was the first I made.

 

 

And now, the "Endings"

Pictures, then instructions.

Just so you know the order.

[+ Ending One +]

 

The bodies of these, at least, are basic beanies.

My gray one won't load for some reason.

The first six rounds.

Don't panic if you have a flat round - that's supposed to happen!

The slope won't come in until you start Round 7.

A view of the stitches up to Round 12.

[+ Ending One +]

This is the pattern for a basic beanie. If you continue on with Round 7 and nothing more, you'll have what I refer to as a basic beanie. Nearly all of my hats start with this formula. I might add some pizzazz along the way, but at its base, this is it. Starting with 12, evenly increasing. I've found 15 (barely hitting the ears) - 18 (just covers the ears) to be ideal for me and my family.

 

You can add any of the following steps to this if you'd like. It's a very forgiving pattern. If you find you don't like, pull it out, end it off, and you have a basic beanie.

 

This is also the base pattern for bowls or baskets.

 

[++ Ending Two ++]

Basic Beanie with SC Border

So you can see the progress.

If you did more Round 7 and jumped to the sc rounds, you'd have a complete hat.

 

So you can see the difference in stitches.

I love this camera! You can clearly see the last three rounds are different.

[++ Ending Two ++]

This is a basic beanie with a bit of edging. Sometimes you want your hats to have a more finished look or for them to have a little visual interest to differentiate the end. Single crocheting around is also a great way to add length to a hat that's just a bit too short. Just this week, I made my dad a hat. He put it on, immediately said it was too short, and took it off. A few rows of sc later and he loves it.

Because sc naturally uses tighter tension, it's a nice way to bring in a brim that's a little loose. It also tends to fit the head a little more snugly, if that's what you're looking for. Just be sure you don't get it too tight because it'll dig into your forehead unpleasantly. A great many hat patterns will end this way (sc two rounds, finish off). It's not my favorite, but to each their own.

 

 

[+++ Ending Three +++]

Beanie with Post Border

Where my thumb is? That's where you'll work your treble.

I found it to be easier to count three from the last treble instead of trying to count down the rounds.

Do whatever works for you. Just be sure you don't work in the stitch "behind" the treble.

Can you see the 3 rows of sc?

You just hop right over those and hook under the posts of the last round of dc.

If you stop here, this is what you'd have.

Again, if you PLAN to stop here, I would add a few more rounds of 7 to lengthen the hat.

As you can see, you get a wee bit of flare here.

That's due to the trebles "pushing" the edge just a bit.

If you want to stop on this row and want to control the flare, do a round of sc to pull it back a bit. 

 

[+++ Ending Three +++]

You now have a hat with a border. This is the point where you can start to get creative with your hat. If you like the look of posts, do one every other stitch or every third stitch. If you don't, just do one every twelve stitches. If you like the look of the hat overall but don't want the posts, simply don't do them and you'll have a clean hat. If you want thicker posts, do a 2trpuff (it's like 2trtog or dec2tr except that it's done in one stitch).

 

 

[++++ Ending Four ++++]

Beanie with a Hint of a Flare

It flares just a bit.

It's not much, but it's a bit of pop.

Some people like subtle but different.

This works for that.

Again, a shot of the stitches and how it looks.

[++++ Ending Four ++++]

This is a little bitty brim. It flares out a bit, adds just a hint of interest. If you're looking for a hat with just a smidge of "oomph" then you can stop here and be done.

 

 [+++++ Ending Five +++++]

Beanie with Bendy Brim

With just one round of dc.

It's a shallow, short brim.

I give you options because I DON'T KNOW WHAT YOU WANT!

Or need. Or can use. Whatever.

With two rounds but no sc border

You can see, even from just how I posed it, that it's much more malleable than the sc version.

 

[+++++ Ending Five +++++]

You now have a brim. You can do one round or two. I like the added depth of having two rounds, but that's just me. I tried to end after one, but it looked stumpy to me. If you stopped here, you wouldn't really be missing out on anything. The brim would be slightly looser and slightly floppier than if you did the next step. I prefer the look and feel the last round of sc gives the hat, but it's totally optional.

Ta-da!!

 

So, there you have it. Six different hats: the original, the basic beanie, the basic with sc, the front post border, the slightly flared, and the bendy brim. And of course you can do so much with the different options.

YAY!!!

You made it!!!

 

Please excuse the gratuitous use of Keith Urban pictures.