CrochetDad Ramblings

2010-01-05

Final Version of Fedora

I think I'm satisfied with this version of my Fedora. Next comes documenting the pattern. The hat band will be different (this version was done hastily so I could wear the hat to my grandson's soccer game - team colors are Maroon and White).

2009-12-28

White Fedora with stiff brim

I've had many requests for this hat, which I've crocheted before, so I've decided to develop the pattern. I also wanted the brim to have some stiffness, so I'm experimenting with the nylon "string" that is used in my lawn edge trimmer. It's available at most hardware stores. Here is my first attempt...

2009-12-07

Fedora made with crochet thread

I've been neglecting my blog - but not my crochet, so I thought I'd update you on my latest project - a hat made from crochet thread. I know, you're saying "What?" Let me explain: I wanted something a little different, which may not surprise some of you.

I went to my yarn stash, (which my wife makes me keep in the garage, now) and picked out several colors of #10 crochet thread (red, orange, yellow, purple, and pale blue), a G crochet hook and started crocheting. I'm very pleased with the result. I had to block the brim (steam only, no starch or stiffeners used) to get the look I wanted.

2009-08-29

CrochetDad's Wheel Stitch Block Tutorial - Foundation Round

How to crochet a Wheel Stitch Block.

This block will be made in two colors. I'm using Caron Worsted in One Pound skein using Lace (A) and Taupe (B) with a K crochet hook. Crochet notations are U.S.

Foundation Rnd

Using A, let's start with a ring - pick your favorite method:

Method 1: ch 5 (counts as trc plus ch 1), [trc, ch 1] 11 times, in first ch, join to 4th ch with sl st, cut yarn, finish off.
Method 2: ch 4, join to first ch with sl st, ch 5 in ring (counts as trc plus ch 1), [trc, ch 1] 11 times in ring join to 4th ch of beginning ch 5 with sl st, cut yarn, finish off, weave in ends.
Method 3: (this is my favorite) Adjustable starting ring (a.k.a. Magic Ring) ch 5 in ring (counts as trc plus ch 1), [trc, ch 1] 11 times in ring, join to 4th ch of beginning ch 5 with sl st, cut yarn, finish off, weave in end. Pull ring closed as tight as you like, weave in end of yarn.

Here's what mine looks like:

Note: When joining in the round, I use the method described in Sarah London's blog. You can replace this method when I say "cut yarn and finish off" instead of the sl st method.

CrochetDad's Wheel Stitch Block Tutorial - Second Round

Rnd 2: Join B in the top loops of any trc, ch 3:

trc cluster in next 3 ch 1 spaces

trc cluster = [trc in next ch 1 sp reserving last loop on hook] 3 times (4 loops on hook)

yo and pull through all loops on hook, ch 1 - trc cluster complete

Note: the ch 1 at the top of the cluster will be referred to as the shell anchor

ch 3, join with sl st in top loops of next trc.

CornerCluster complete

Recap: CornerCluster = [ch 3, trc cluster over next 3 ch 1 sp, ch 3, join with sl st in next trc]

CornerCluster over next 3 ch 1 spaces

continue around ring in like manner, doing two more CornerClusters

Rnd 2 complete

CrochetDad's Wheel Stitch Block Tutorial - Third Round

Rnd 3: ch 1, [trc, ch 1] 8 times in next shell anchor, ( remember - the shell anchor is the ch 1 at the top of the trc cluster) join to next sl st of previous rnd with sl st.