Sea Turtle for Amaya

I thought it was time my granddaughter had a new toy, so I made this sea turtle for her.  It's about 4½ inches across.  The FREE Pattern is available here

Crochet Pattern finished for Unisex Ribbed Fedora

After seemingly unending modifications, I've finally finished the pattern for my Unisex Ribbed Fedora.  Sizes available for Toddler/Youth (18-19 inches), Small Adult (20-21 inches, and Large Adult (22-23 inches).

As many of you know, I'd rather crochet than write patterns, but I've had so many requests for this pattern, I felt I'd better get something out there or I'd lose some credibility.

This hat is now the hat I wear everyday.  I've had many nice comments from people I meet.   

The shape of the brim and crown shape is maintained by nylon line - you know, the kind that is used in lawn edge trimmers. 

Knooking Hook

Knooking L Hook

I recently discovered "Knooking". It's a combination of crochet (or "hooking) and knitting and uses a hook with a cable or line at the end.

The term knooking is used in a Ravelry group of the same name. Check out the blog http://knooking.wordpress.com/ for more info

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).

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...

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.

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. 

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