Seattle Seahawks colors in a snuggly hat!

I made this hat during Seattle's last game of the playoffs.  My counter-part grandmother lives near Seattle and is a rabid fan.  Her son (my DSIL) is also a fan, so I get to watch the football games every so often at his and my DSD's house. He and I both like to scream and get excited!!

I sent it to her and she said it arrived in good order and it fit! It is made from Vanna's Choice with a K hook.

I started out with four chains to make a loop, and then 12 hdc in the loop. I increased to 24 (2hdc in ea hdc) on the next row (always hdc), then 36 (1 dc first hdc, 2 dc in next around). On any increase row I start out with the chain and end with a hdc in that same stitch making the very last stitch an increase.  I think it hides the yucky bottom of the chain 3 a lot better that way.

 The next row I may or may not increase another 12, according to whose head will be wearing it.  You can try the circle on your own head to see how it is fitting and do accordingly as far as increases for the next row or two. Then just do hdc until it is as long as you want. 

As I change colors I, of course, use the Air-Crochet to avoid any additional chains going up the back, and I also move the change of color to another stitch in the row…always starting on the first hdc of an increased hdc stitch.  That way even the changes are harder to find.

When it is large enough I change to a smaller hook size, generally one hook size.  I will dc around one row, making sure the count is even, and on the next row after I chain 3, I make on fpdc in the next stitch, one bpdc in the next one around.  The very first chain 3 is counted like a bpdc.  I continue making the band until it is the length I want, or the next owner wants, then on the very last row I do a sc around … generally in the K hook so it isn't too tight.  Again, according to the recipient.

The pompom is made with one of those specialty pom makers in the large size, but had to trim it o much I think the medium size would have been just fine.

Enjoy…and don't forget to change colors using the Air-Crochet to make it look more finished!

An excellent and lovely afghan pattern

I am starting an afghan pattern for a new niece/nephew that is due in June of 2015.  As they are not going to find out which gender, I am making an afghan for either.  Using Waverly yarns since they are discontinued.  I might as well use up what I have here.  

So far in a minty green and a silvery medium blue.  I have a pink, a white, and a yellow.  Will see if I can add a darker hue of each color, too, like the one below…or not!  Am not exactly sure as to how the placement of colors will be, but as I have lots of time to work on this, it will be fun to figure it out as I go along.

This is the Twilight Shells Throw #LW4502 below.

This is the Twilight Shells Throw in another pattern on Red Heart. It's a little different.

It is a simple shell stitch and works up into something quite lovely!  The color choices and placements are endless!!  This also works very well with the air-crochet when you change colors.  Spectacular!

The pattern is free so give it a try!

"Crochet Ever After" by Brenda K.B. Anderson

I got it, I got it, I got it!!!!!

I'm soooo excited!  I sent off for the new fun crochet book that has all sort of wonderful patterns. Fun patterns!

Originally I purchased it because of the cowl shown on the back…it is exactly what I wanted, and looks knit.  The other "cute" things were not in my radar at all.  HOWEVER after reading through it I can see possibilities for nearly ever single pattern…fun and different gifts for family and friends.

This is the front of the book from Amazon.

And this is the back of the book

Inside you will find a shawl, mittens, a doll, purses, and hats…and other goodies!

After I make a cowl for myself I plan on making the cupcake purse as a box for my granddaughter who is enamored with boxes. Fun!