I've Been Knitting Up A Storm

I've had the knitting needles out making hats and head band/ear warmers and I've been having so much fun with it, especially when I can combine knit and crochet together.

Here are some pictures of my recent knitting and crochet adventures.

Cindy above and her Mum Casey-Jo below

 Certainly a favorite of mine, a set I made for my daughter and my grand daughter, the hat is knit and the neck warmer is a crochet pattern of mine

Quick and Easy Polo Style Crochet Neck Warmer

 I have been playing with stitches and colors with these knitted hats

 I knitted a tree into this none

 You can decide what this is, but I see a house

 I've even got the yarn bobbins out I bought for braiding, so I'm using craft supplies that have been unused for a while.

 Another favorite of mine, crochet and knit together once again, head bands/ear warmers, I have the crochet flower patterns here on my blog.

 One of my flower patterns

 Another Free Flower Pattern

Flower Pattern At the Bottom Of The Page

 A little bit of fun with yarn varieties and knit stitches

This was the first one that I made, I've never knitted an adult hat before this one :)

I figured out how to make the cable owls and got my gauge correct too

Thanks for stopping by

A Piece Of Pie Crochet Hat

This is a fun little crochet project for a hat, almost as much fun as playing with mud pies!
I have been toying with this idea for some time now, I had some left over yarn from recent projects sitting in front of me on my work bench and decided to start making the triangles from the yarn scraps.

The information I am giving you are instructions for making the hat rather than an exact pattern as there are so many variables to cover in making this style of hat for all sizes, I will try and be as clear as mud. I was making the the hat to fit a 2 to 3 yr old, but this can be made in any size by taking your head measurements and divide that by 6.

For this project, 8 to 10 ply yarn and a 4 to 5 mm hook
US terms used
sc and hdc st's are used
some crochet knowledge is needed
Once I had made a few triangles, I soon realized that there was more to making the hat this way than what I had originally  planned.

The triangles would form the crown of the hat and every crown needs measurements.
The triangles I had made were 4 inches wide, I was making a hat for a 2 to 3 year old, so my 6 triangles at 4 inches wide measured 24 inches around, a size 2 to 3 hat is approx 20 inches around, this was going to be too large for the size 2 hat in a beanie style, but I knew it would be a great size for a beret.

I have made 2 sizes with this design now, the 3 inch triangles have given me a beanie style hat for a 2 to 3 yr old.

The triangles are made with the sc stitch, beginning at the peak of the triangle with gradual increases on the sides of alternate rows see's a well formed triangle.
Each triangle once finished is crocheted around with an alternate color with the sc stitch and using 2 sc's in each corner as you turn to work the next side.

The 6 triangles are then sewn together to form a circle for the crown of the hat, there may be a small opening where the peaks of the triangle are joined, leaving a tail from joining the triangles you can pick up and crochet st's in a sl st to close this hole, or sew it closed.

Make 6 triangles:
Making the triangle, after row 3 you will increase at each end on every 2nd row
Row 1, Ch 2 and turn, work 1 sc in 2nd ch from hook, ch 1 and turn (1 sc)
Row 2, work 3 sc in the sc, ch 1 and turn (3 sc)
Row 3, work 1 sc in each sc, ch 1 and turn (3 sc)
Row 4, work 2 sc in 1st sc, work 1 sc in next sc, work 2 sc in next sc, ch 1 and turn (5 sc)
Row 5, work 1 sc in each sc, ch 1 and turn (5 sc)
Row 6, work 2 sc in 1st sc, work 1 sc in each sc to the last sc and work 2 sc in the last sc, ch 1 and turn (7 sc)
Row 7, work 1 sc in each sc, ch 1 and turn (7 sc)
Row 8, work 2 sc in 1st sc, work 1 sc in each sc to the last sc and work 2 sc in the last sc, ch 1 and turn (9 sc)
Row 9, work 1 sc in each sc, ch 1 and turn (9 sc)
Row 10, work 2 sc in 1st sc, work 1 sc in each sc to the last sc and work 2 sc in the last sc, ch 1 and turn (11 sc)
Row 11, work 1 sc in each sc, ch 1 and turn (11 sc)
Row 12, work 2 sc in 1st sc, work 1 sc in each sc to the last sc and work 2 sc in the last sc, ch 1 and turn (13 sc)
Row 13, work 1 sc in each sc, ch 1 and turn (13 sc) approx 3 inches
Row 14, work 2 sc in 1st sc, work 1 sc in each sc to the last sc and work 2 sc in the last sc, ch 1 and turn (15 sc)
Row 15, work 1 sc in each sc, ch 1 and turn (15 sc)
Row 16, work 2 sc in 1st sc, work 1 sc in each sc to the last sc and work 2 sc in the last sc, ch 1 and turn (17 sc)
Row 17, work 1 sc in each sc, ch 1 and turn (17 sc) approx 4 inches
Keep working this way and increasing every alternate row for a larger triangle, measure as you go to get your size
For an adult size beret I would make the triangles approx, 5 inches, for an adult size beanie, I would make the triangles 4 inches.

After joining all of your triangles to make the circle, the next stage of the hat is to join your yarn in any sc space at the bottom edge of the crown.
Work 1 sc in each sc around the hat and sl st to join. Make a note of how many sc's you have made from this round and measure the circumference of the hat.

This size chart above is a guide for a beanie size hat, it is also the size you will need for the beret hat once you need to decrease for the brim of the hat.

The remaining instructions are for any size Piece Of Pie Crochet Hat you are making:
For a beret style hat a count of approx 100 st's or more is great, make several rows with this count using the hdc st, for the depth of your beret style that you are pleased with, then follow the next set of instructions to decrease for your hat edge.

For a beanie style hat and the beret hat edge, you will need to make decreases, using the hdc st decrease in every 6th stitch around (dec stitch 6 and 7 together), it's more than likely that your st count will not be accurate, but we just need it close enough.
Using the size chart for your measurements, you may need to further decrease to get your size, the next row you can decrease every 5th and 6th st's together, the next round can be decrease every 4th and 5th st's together until you get your size.

Once you have the size you need,continue working the hdc st in each st round until you have reached the length of your hat. Refer to the size chart or try your hat on.
It's a nice little touch to work your hdc's into the back loops only for the hat edge.
Then you will finish off and sew in your ends.

Some Tips:

You want your triangles the same size, the green triangles below are too small, a difference with yarn brand or ply may cause this.

 This is the side of the triangle you need to measure to get your hat size

Crocheting For My Grandchildren

I thought it may be nice to show you some crochet items I have been making for my grandchildren recently, links provided where possible.

 This set is for Cindy who is almost 3

You can grab the free pattern for the vest at this site

 This set is for Savannah who is almost 2

For the boys, Cooper and Bradyn

 For Savannah

For the hat above and below, I used my beanie babe hat pattern and increased to 60 hdc.
 This is Cindy and a new hat I made for her

 A circular vest I made inspired with Minnie Mouse in mind, I used the idea from the crochet schema at this site, this turned out to be a small size 6 to 12 months and I gifted it to a lovely young woman who is having a baby girls in August

 

I used the information from this page to get the crochet look in the beret below

Instructions For This Beret Coming Soon!

Oh and here are a pair of slippers I made for myself

Quick and Easy Polo Style Crochet Neck Warmer

Quick and Easy Polo Scarf

I first made this polo style neck warmer to match Robyn's Beret.

It is very quick to make up and uses a small amount of yarn, you can make several of these to match your favorite outfits. They look great with or without a decorative touch, perfect for a broach placement, but most of all perfect for keeping out the cold.

US crochet terms used
Hook 5 mm, yarn 10 to 12 ply, approx 50 gm's
Stitches used:
ch
sc
back loop
hdc
dc
Time approx 1 hour
Experience, beginner
All sizes, follow instructions below.
To begin, you need to measure the circumference of your head, make a chain length, or a single crochet foundation row, that will fit  around your head.

I used 12 ply yarn with a 5 mm hook and my head measured 22 inches around, my stitch count was 50, the pattern will work with any number of st's.

Round 1, join your chain to form a ring, ch 1, work 1 sc in each ch to end sl st to join/or sl st to join your sc foundation row. Be careful not to twist when joining to form a circle
Rounds, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7 and 8 ch 1, work 1 sc in the back loop of each st to end, sl st to join
Round 10, ch 1 work 1 hdc in the back loop of ach st around, sl st to join
Round, 11, ch 1, working in both loops, work 1 hdc in each st to end, sl st to join
Round 12, ch 1, increase by 10 st's evenly around while working 1 hdc in each st to end, sl st to join
Round 13, ch 1, work 1 hdc in each st around, sl st to join
Round 14, decoartive row, *ch 3, work 2 dc in same place as ch 3, skip 1 st, sl st into next st* repeat from *to* to end, sl st to join, finish off and sew in ends

Free Crochet Patterns, Courtesy Of Cathy Wood
Aka, Cats-Rockin-Crochet.
2014.

You can sell your items made from this free crochet pattern
I’d love to see this pattern used for charity use
Please link back to this pattern if you use it

Latest Free Crochet eBooks from AllFreeCrochet

I have given my permission to AllFreeCrochet to use my free pattern for the Shy Butterfly Baby Sweater in their soon to be released, free crochet patterns ebook.

This is an honor for me, All Free Crochet is not only trustworthy, it is the leading free crochet pattern directory. The free pattern directory is easy to navigate, has a pictured pattern directory with a short description of the free pattern which includes experience levels,  they also have a what is hot list in every category. 
As a pattern writer, the rewards for having your patterns available for listing on their site is on going, a steady flow of traffic to your free crochet patterns, acknowledgement and what I like to call trophies when your pattern does very well with the pattern users such as this icon you are given.

I have enjoyed reading about the crochet designers on AllFreeCrochet, it's nice to know a little bit about the designers who supply their designs for free and who are willing to share so much of their time for others they do not even know, thank you to you all.

Crochet Neck and Chest Warmer

 

This was born out of necessity, I have a chest cold and my chest is feeling very cold, no matter what I do I cannot not warm myself up in the chest area. Knowing what I needed I decided to make a neck and chest warmer in one, something I could just pop over my head, easy on and easy off, as my temperature fluctuates, going from cold to hot the easy on and off was the perfect solution.
I needed a circular shape for my neck and a V shape for my chest, I just had to figure out how to make it all come together in a one piece item.
The circular part was easy, which uses small st's to keep the warmth in, the V shape construction forms by making a row of chains, turning and making st's into the chains and sl st back into the circular neck piece, continuing this process then adding extra chains and st's, the V shape is formed, the other side of the V is continued by decreasing ch's and st's. The neck and chest warmer is finished off with a simple decorative edging of ch's, dc's, and sl st's.
So here goes with my pattern instructions, writing it under the influence of the flu and medication, hope it is as clear as rain for you to use.

US crochet terms used
Hook and yarn of your choice, approx 25 to 50 gm's
Stitches used:
ch
sc
back loop
hdc
dc
Time approx 2 hours
Experience, beginner +
All sizes, follow instructions below.
To begin, you need to measure the circumference of your head, make a chain length, or a single crochet foundation row, that will fit loosely around your head.
I used 8 ply yarn with a 4mm hook and my head measured 22 inches around, my stitch count was 70, the pattern will work with any number of st's.

Round 1, join your chain to form a ring, ch 1, work 1 sc in each ch to end sl st to join/or sl st to join your sc foundation row. Be careful not to twist when joining to form a circle
Rounds, 2, 3, 4, 5 and 6, ch 1, work 1 sc in the back loop of each st to end, sl st to join
Rounds, 7, 8 and 9, ch 1, work 1 hdc in each st to end, sl st to join

This is where we will be working the V shape
Take a stitch marker and place it in the center st of your collar, ie: if you have 70 st's place the marker on stitch 35.
All rows are worked into the back loop of the stitch.

Row 1, ch 6, work 1 sc in the 2nd ch from the hook, work 1 sc in each of the next 4 ch, ignore the st the ch's came out of, sl st into each of the next 2 st's, turn your work (5 sc)
Row 2, ignore the 2 sl st's, work 1 sc in the back loop only of the next 5 sc, ch 1, turn (5 sc)
Row 3, work 1 sc in the back loop of the next 5 sc, sl st into the next 2 st's of the collar, turn (5 sc)
Row 4, ignore the 2 sl st's, work 1 sc in the back loop only of the next 5 sc, ch 1, turn (5 sc)
Row 5,  repeat row 3

Increases begin
Row 6, ignore the 2 sl st's, work 1 sc in the back loop only of the next 5 sc, ch 2, turn,
Row 7, work 1 sc in 2nd ch from hook, work 1 sc in the back loop of the next 5 sc, sl st into the next 2 st's of the collar, turn (6 sc)
Row 8,  ignore the 2 sl st's, work 1 sc in the back loop only of the next 6 sc, ch 2, turn,
Row 9, work 1 sc in 2nd ch from hook, work 1 sc in the back loop of the next 6 sc, sl st into the next 2 st's of the collar, turn (7 sc)
Continue working the increases in every row until you reach the center stitch where you placed the stitch marker
Decreases Begin
Row 1,  ignore the 2 sl st's, work 1 sc in the back loop only of each sc, leave the last sc of the row un worked (decrease made), ch 1, turn
Row 2, work 1 sc in the back loop of each sc, sl st into the next 2 st's of the collar, turn
repeat rows 1 and 2 until 5 sc's remain
Stop decreases
Row 1,  work 1 sc in the back loop of the next 5 sc, sl st into the next 2 st's of the collar, turn (5 sc)
Row  2, ignore the 2 sl st's, work 1 sc in the back loop only of the next 5 sc, ch 1, turn (5 sc), repeat the above 2 rows until you meet the beginning of the rows, sl st to join seam, do not break off yarn, continue on to decorative edge instructions

You will be working the decorative edge into the end rows of the V shape, if you do not have your yarn when you joined the seam, attach yarn to the join and follow the instructions
Round 1, ch 3, work 2 dc in same space as ch 3, sl st into next row end, sl st into next row end, *ch 3, work 2 dc in same space as ch 3, sl st into next row end, sl st into next row end* repeat from *to* to end of round sl st to join finish off and sew in ends

Free Crochet  Patterns, Courtesy Of  Cathy Wood
Aka, Cats-Rockin-Crochet.
2014.
You can sell your items made from this free crochet pattern
I’d love to see this pattern used for charity use
Please link back to this pattern if you use it

Quick and Easy Crocheted Coffee Cup Cozey

The quick and easy coffee cup cozey is made with 9 rounds of crochet. The pattern begins at the bottom of the cup with 4 rows of dc, then to allow for the widening of the coffee cup and allowing for a firm fit, the next row is increased with 5 extra st's for the widening and uses the hdc stitch for firmness. The most popular size coffee cup used is a medium size cup, this crocheted cup cozey pattern is a medium size.

Once we have mastered the easy coffee cup cozey, we can decorate the cozey in many ways. Crochet shapes, buttons, felt etc can all be used. If it helps you, do a crochet coffee cup cozey image search for inspiration. I like to use crochet appliqués too. We can get real fancy and add a decorative crochet edge, or keep it simple and play around with color combinations.

Coffee cozey is worked in the round
Size medium: circumference measures approx 9 inches to 9.3/4 inches
Stitches used:
Ch = chain
Sl st = slip stitch
Hdc = half double crochet
Dc = double crochet
Hook Size: 4 mm
Yarn: small amounts, great scrap buster

The beginning ch 2 of the round is not counted as a stitch

To Begin: ch 25, sl st into beginning ch to form a ring, (25 ch)
Round 1, ch 2, work 1 dc in each ch to end, to join sl st into the 1st dc of this round (25 dc)
Round 2,3 and 4 are worked the same, ch 2, work 1 dc in each dc to end sl st to join
(Increase in every 5th stitch, 4 times)
Round 5, ch 1 *work 1 hdc in each of the next 4 st's, work 2 hdc in the next st* repeat from *to* to end (30 hdc) sl st to join
Round 6, 7, 8 and 9 are worked the same, ch 1, work 1 hdc in each st of the round, sl st to join.
finish off and sew in ends, decorate with your favourite theme