Spring Hat Fever! Simply Burst Beret

 I'm am making the transition from making a bunch of scarves and beanies to leaping into spring with some cute colorful berets and shrugs.

Check out those colors! I love the different shades of green and pink. It just screams spring!

I really wish I had a better camera so you could see this hat better!!! I am in love with this pattern, it's so light and airy and it looks awesome with this multicolored yarn. I used Caron (my favorite brand) Simply Soft Paints in the color "Rose Garden". I love this yarn, it is the same one I used for the puff stitches on my Pretty Puffs hat and scarf. It is the perfect yarn to use because it has so much stretch to it which you want for this hat.

This is a free pattern that is offered on Ravelry, it is not my pattern.

Simply Burst Beret



I suggest trying this pattern out with some light and flexible yarn for optimum "slouchyness" (my new word). This hat works up very very quickly. It took me only 1 1/2 episodes of Grey's Anatomy and I was done!

So get to it hookers!

Spider Web Slouchy Hat

When life gives you lemons, you make lemonade right? Well I've been feeling a little sick this week so while I was letting my body rest I kept my mind and hands busy. I made 3 hats and 2 of them are my own creations. I will take some pictures of the other ones and post them asap. They came out really awesome, luckily when I'm just messing around I usually write down the steps just in case.

Pretend that the ring is closed, I tried on the hat and took this before I finished off and it ended up being the best picture of it with my crappy camera.

This hat would be good for a spring or summer hat. Who says hats are supposed to be "warm"? I recently was making Red Hearts free pattern for the Lighthearted top (It's hibernating right now) and a friend said that it looked like a spider web and that it looked really cool. I got to thinking that it would be cool to make a light airy beret with a web type pattern...and this hat was born!

Crochetpatterncentral.com picked up this pattern and added it to their library :)


The band measures 22 inches around. If that is too small for you than you than in the "decrease round" work 16 sc between each sc2tog instead of 13.

It is a very flexible pattern and you can easily see how you could add more rows onto the pattern before you work the decrease rounds.


Spider Web Slouch

Add this hat to your Ravelry library!


G Hook
Worsted weight yarn

Stitches used:
ch - chain
slst - Slip stitch
sc - single crochet
sc2tog - single crochet 2 together (decrease)
dc - double crochet
dc2tog - dc 2 together (decrease)
** Repeat around

You need to know how to make an adjustable ("magic") ring.

Note: You will need to go into the top of the dc's from the previous round.
Do not work the chains too tightly, your piece will end up smaller than the intended size. You want the hat to have stretch and flow to it so don't make stiff tight chains. Since chains  form most of the hat if you are a  tight crocheter than you might want to go up a hook size!!

I cannot stress enough that how tight you make your chains will determine the size. If it is too small keep increasing stitches before you start the decrease! Each yarn will be slightly different so please be prepared to improvise steps if your is too tight/loose. Unfortunately because of the variables I cannot be held responsible for some hat coming out smaller/larger. Please use your best judgement. 

- Make an adjustable ring
- ch 3, work 11 dc into the ring, join with a sl st
- Ch 4 (for 3 chains will count as first dc here and throughout), *dc into the top of the next dc, ch 1, dc into same st, ch 1, dc into the top of next dc, ch 1.*  Slst into the 3rd chain of starting chain (you will do this at the end of every round here and throughout)
- Ch 5, *dc into top of dc from previous round, ch 2.* Slst into the 3rd chain.
- Ch 6, *dc into top of dc from previous round, ch 3.* Slst into the 3rd chain.
- Ch 7, *dc into top of dc from previous round, ch 4.* Slst into the 3rd chain.
- Ch 8, *dc into top of dc from previous round, ch 5.* Slst into the 3rd chain.
- Ch 9, *dc into top of dc from previous round, ch 6.* Slst into the 3rd chain.
- Ch 10, *dc into top of dc from previous round, ch 7.* Slst into the 3rd chain.
- Ch 11, *dc into top of dc from previous round, ch 8.* Slst into the 3rd chain.
- Ch 12, *dc into top of dc from previous round, ch 9.* Slst into the 3rd chain.

This is where you will start decreasing. If it seems a little too small still just keep increasing! Theres no major rhyme or reason to the pattern of decreasing back down so don't get intimidated that there wont be exact steps. Use the information at hand to guide you. This pattern was designed to be something you can easily adjust to size.

- Ch 11, *dc into top of dc from previous round, ch 8.* Slst into the 3rd chain.
- Ch 10, *dc into top of dc from previous round, ch 7.* Slst into the 3rd chain.
- Ch 8, *dc into top of dc from previous round, ch 5.* Slst into the 3rd chain.
- Ch 7, *dc into top of dc from previous round, ch 4.* Slst into the 3rd chain.
- Ch 4, dc in same stitch, *ch 2, dc in next dc from previous round, ch 1 dc in the top of same dc* at end of round ch 2 and sl st into the 3rd chain
- Ch 1, sc in next 13 stitches (chains count as stitches), *sc2tog, sc in next 13 stitches* sc in remaining sts, sl st in first sc to join
- Ch 1, sc in each stitch around, sl st in first sc to join
- Repeat last round 3 more times. (you can work less or more rounds depending on how wide you want the band to be)
Make sure your ring is pulled tight. Weave in the ends

I am so amazed by the feedback and attention this hat got, quite a confidence boost for a newbie :) Thank you guys so much and I'm really glad that so many of you enjoy this pattern!

Simple Stripes Scarf

 

 

On mine Color A is black  B is grey  C is white

 
This is a super simple scarf that I made for my Mom. She wanted me to use black, grey and white. I knew I didn't want to use equal rows, I wanted more of an abstract look to the lines. Some skinny, some thick all mixed up. I tried to find a pattern like that and I did find some but that were similar to what I was looking for but not what I wanted. So.....like I typically do when I can't find a pattern... I made my own.

For this scarf you mix rows of sc and hdc. You can use this "formula" (if you want to call it that) to mix any number of colors. I used 3 for the scarf, so for these instructions I will use 3. Basically what you do is in every "set" one color will be sc and the others colors will be hdc. Rotate which color is worked in sc in each set. Work until each color has a row of sc.You can use just 3 colors or however many you would like. If you are using 6 or more different colors work 2 colors in sc in each set instead of just 1.

Here's the Ravelry page for this scarf - Add it to your library!

I used a J hook, but you can use any size hook depending on how tight and snug you want your scarf.


Color A
Color B
Color C

Chain desired length for scarf in Color A    (mine was about 80 inches long) After making the chain with Color A start your first row with Color A as seen below in the "formula"

First set:
A - HDC
B - HDC
C - SC

Second set:
A - HDC
B - SC  
C - HDC

Third set:
A - SC
B - HDC
C - HDC

Repeat the sets until desired width is achieved.
After all sets are completed work a row of hdc with Color A, ch 1. Turn.
Work a row of sc (still with Color A)
Tie off. The extra row is to help it look more even with the foundation row size wise. If you want to skip that step you can.

I suggest adding fringe, I think it makes it look nice. Plus then you don't have to weave in the ends! Add the fringe in the appropriate spots to match the colors. I your unsure how to properly add fringe there are plenty of tutorials out there to help.

If you need any help just let me know :)

Enjoy!!!

Bolero / Shrug to Match the "Perfect Purse by Lion Brand Yarn"

FLASH! Sorry for the crappy quality, I had to do a mirror shot.

What it looks like from behind

This super simple bolero shrug is designed to match the "Perfect Purse" pattern that is offered free by Lion Brand Yarn here. I made the clutch purse a couple weeks ago and knew I would want something to match it (I'm very into matching items) so I figured might as well make a shrug to match it. It would be perfect to pair together with a dress for a lunch date or wedding. You could also pair them with jeans and a tank for a cute casual spring/summer outfit. It helps if you have already made the purse because you will be familiar with working with the shells in the pattern. Also if you have already made the purse you know that you do rows of SC and the work the shell pattern. For this you do the same thing except you add rows of sc at the end also. This shrug is super easy to make because it is just a big rectangle that is sewn together at the ends.

A shot of the shells on my arm

To start you need to figure out how big your rectangle needs to be. Measure the size of your arm circumference about halfway between your shoulder and your elbow. This will be the width of your rectangle. (I added an inch just to make sure it's not to tight around the arm) Now, measure the length between that space on your left arm and the same spot on your right arm. This will be your length.

Add this shrug to your Ravelry library!


Shrug: 

Use a G/4.25Hook
You need to chain multiples of 5 +3 (just like the purse pattern)
Row 1: Sc in 2nd ch from hook and each ch across.
Row 2: Ch 1, turn. Sc in each st across.  
Row 3: Ch 3 (counts as 1st dc), sk next sc, work 1 dc in next sc, *sk 4 sc, (dc, ch 1, dc, ch 1, dc, ch 1, dc) in next st – Shell made; rep from * across, end last rep sk 4 sc, 2 dc in last sc.
Next Row: Ch 3, turn. Sk next dc, dc in next dc, *work Shell in center ch-1 space of Shell; rep from * across, end 2 dc in last dc.
Rep last row until piece measures the length you need
Next Row: Ch 1, turn. Sc in next 3 stitches, Sc2tog in 4th stitch, repeat across
Next Row: Repeat the last row
Fasten off.

You now have a rectangle piece. Fold it in half so that you have a long, skinny rectangle now. Start at one short end and stitch inward the same length as it takes to get from the part of your arm that you measured to your armpit. Now cut your yarn and weave in that end and repeat on the other side. Your rectangle now has two sewn ends, making tubes on either side for the sleeves. Put it on to test the fit. Now you will want to add more of a "rim" to the shrug, it makes it look more polished and also help hide the awkward point where the armpit is and it was sewn together.

Rim:
Row 1: To do this you want to start with a slipknot on your hook and slip stitch into the stitch in the armpit area, work sc in each st. across, slip st to join.
For the 3-5 stitches that are directly in the armpit area that goes to a "point" (where it was sewn together) you will want to do HDC in those for the next 2 rows
Row 2: Ch 1, Sc in each st. across (except for hdc in armpit)
Row 3:  Repeat last row
Row 4: SC in each st. across (you do not need to hdc in armpit)
You can fasten off OR continue to repeat the rows until the rim is as wide as you would like

Finished Shrug

 Now you have an awesome little shrug to match your clutch purse!

Effortless outfit :)

Basketweave Stitch Infinity Scarf

This is a very simple and very cozy scarf. The basketweave stitch comes out pretty thick so this scarf is perfect for a chilly winter day. If you are not familiar with basketweave stitch don't be intimidated, it is sets of front and back post stitches done in a way that makes it look "weaved" (like a basket). There are many tutorials on Youtube of how to do the basketweave stitch but this is the one I used and I found it very easy to follow.

For mine I did 5 sets of  4 posts (post=fpdc or bpdc), each set is about 1 inch wide. To make the scarf pick how many "sets of posts" you want (width) and work it up until you have your desired length. Stitch the ends together with a needle and voila! You have a nice thick scarf!


I made mine in black so in the pictures it's a little difficult to see how cool the weave looks. I used Caron Simply Soft which is my favorite brand for scarves since it's super soft.

Perfect Little Purse

My yellow "wristlet" one, you can also tuck in the strap if you don't want to use it.

This pattern is the "Perfect Purse" offered by Lion Brand Yarn. It is the perfect little size so it could be used as a clutch purse, makeup bag or even use it like I did as a place to keep my hooks. You can make different sizes by switching the length of the chain, you can ch. 28 instead of 38 to get a smaller clutch.

The picture on their website

My smaller purple one

Free Pattern

To get the pattern you must sign up for Lion Brand Yarn's website. Which is very simple and free, you will want to do this because than you can surf their site and they have some really awesome patterns for free on there.


I suggest sewing in a liner if your going to be keeping small items in there, you can also add a strap if you would like. To add a strap like the one I did (in the picture above) I attached some yarn to the top left side and made a tight chain long enough to slip on my wrist and slip stitched it into the stitch where the chain started from. The ravelry page for this item has some great picture to give you some ideas.
Ravelry Page

Here's one I made for a friend of mine

If you need any help with how to sew a liner into a purse there are many great Youtube videos and tutorials. For a purse this size you can use an old t-shirt if you don't have any extra fabric. I found that bandanas work great!

 

 I'm working on a matching bolero shrug (in yellow) so I can pair them with a sundress... I think it will be a perfect effortless summer outfit :) I can't wait for the sunshine, this rain has me daydreaming about summer outfits.

Bangle Bracelet

Take those old bangles and turn them into a cute crochet bracelet

I decided to make a bracelet with some old bangles I had laying around, it came out awesome so I thought I would share how I did it.

You need:

2 Metal bangle bracelets
Yarn
Small crochet hook (I used G/4.25 mm)
Tapestry needle





 You are going to want to SC around the bangle. Here's a few pictures to help:







Start by making a slipknot.
Pull the yarn through the bangle

 You will have 2 loops on your hook 
Yarn over and pull through both loops



 











* SC around the bangle until it is covered, slip stitch to join
* Ch 2. DC in each stitch around, slip stitch to the top of the first DC
    (Here's where it starts to get a little tricky)
* SC onto the 2nd bangle. When you SC you must do it a little differently than before, you need to go through the front loop of the DC then pull the yarn through the bangle. Basically you put your hook into the front loop then pull the yarn through the bangle (you will have 3 loops on your hook) yarn over and pull through all 3 loops. Join.
* HDC in each stitch around. Fasten off but leave a very long tail
*Now push the "flap" (row of HDC) into the interior of the bracelet.
* Take the long tail and your needle to attach the "flap" to the inside using the top loops of your work and loops on the inside.

I'm sorry I don't have more step by step pictures to share. I am going to make another one soon so when I do I will update this with some extra pictures. :)