Gingerbread Boy & Girl

After searching the internet for ideas, I finally came up with a Gingerbread Boy & Girl that I like.  Some of it is just me, and then some of the other ideas come from about 3 other patterns that you can find online.

The Gingerbread Hats

Here are a couple pattern ideas if you want to make one of your own:

A Chick w/ Sticks
Repeat Crafter Me

If you would like to purchase one of these hats (Newborn - child sizes only), they are $25 each or two for $48.

Links to my Etsy listings:

Gingerbread Boy
Gingerbread Girl
Both Hats Together

Adult Sizes link ($28)

-Cat Pin It

So You Want to Crochet: How to Read a Pattern

This is one of the most basic things to learn.  If you don't know how to read a pattern, you will have a hard time learning how to crochet in the first place!  So lets start at the beginning.  When you first look at a pattern, it is going to tell you a few KEY things you will need to know:

Yarn Size

Here is a chart I really like that tells you all about the different sizes of yarn, what they are used for, and the suggested size of hook that you use.

Skill Level

Most patterns will tell you how difficult the pattern is.

Image from crochet-world.com

Crochet Hook Sizes:

Most patterns will tell you the size in metric AND U.S. Size Ranges.

Image from coatsandclark.com

The last and most important part about the pattern is the ability to read it!  If you are just beginning  you may want to print this post out and refer back to it as you start your first pattern!  The first time I looked at a pattern, I thought it was a foreign language!  It took me a while to really wrap my brain around around it.  Here is my BEST tip.  Take baby steps.  Just read a couple words at a time, crochet what it is asking you to, and then go to the next step.

Crocheting Abbreviations:

Click on any link for a brief explanation of each on LionBrand.com

approx = approximately beg = begin(s)(ning) bet = between BO = bind off bpdc = Back Post double crochet btwn = between care washing cleaning CC = contrasting color ch(s) = chain(s) ch-space = space previously made cn = cable needle CO = cast on cont = continu(e)(s)(ing) dbl = double dc = double crochet dec = decreas(e)(s)(ing) dpn(s) = double pointed needle(s) dtr = double treble (triple) crochet est = establish(ed) ext = extension foll = follow(s)(ing) fpdc = front post double crochet fpsc = front post single crochet fptr = front post triple crochet hdc = half double crochet inc = increas(e)(s)(ing) k = knit k1b = knit 1 in the row below k1b = knit through the back loop k2tog = knit 2 together k2togb = Knit 2 stitches together through back loop k3tog = knit 3 together k3togb = Knit 3 stitches together through back loop Kfb = knit in front and back of st lp st = loop stitch lp(s) = loop(s) M1 = make 1 M2 = make two MC = main color meas = measure(s) ndl(s) = needle(s) opp = opposite p = purl p1b = purl through the back loop p2sso = pass 2 slipped sts over p2tog = purl 2 together p2togb = purl 2 together in back p3tog = purl 3 together pat = pattern Pm = place marker psso = pass slipped stitch over PU = pick up rem = remain(s)(ing) rep = repeat(s)(ing) rev = revers(e)(ing) Rev St st = reverse stockinette stitch rf = right front RH = right hand rnd(s) = round(s) RS = right side rsc = reverse single crochet S2KP or S2KP2 = slip 2 stitches together, knit 1, pass two slip stitches over sc = single crochet sc2tog = single crochet 2 together sc3tog = single crochet 3 together sk = skip sk2p = Slip 1, k2tog, pass sl st over skp = slip 1, knit 1, pass slipped stitch over sl = slip sl st = slip stitch slip1-k1-psso = slip 1, knit 1, pass slip stitch over sm = slip marker sp(s) = space(s) sq(s) = square(s) ssk = slip, slip, knit St st = Stockinette stitch st(s) = stitch(es) t-ch = turning chain tbl = through the back loop tog = together tr = treble (triple) crochet work even WS = wrong side wyib = with yarn in back wyif = with yarn in front yo = yarn over yrh = yarn over (yarn round hook)

Here are a few others:
[] -- work instructions within brackets as many times as directed
() -- work instructions within parentheses as many times as directed
* -- repeat the instructions following the single asterisk as directed
** -- repeat instructions between asterisks as many times as directed or repeat from a given set of instructions.
" -- inches
alt -- alternate

Last but not least:

Gauge:

This is one of the most misunderstood crocheting tools.  Mainly, because people, like me, get impatient and don't check it and most of the time the hat or whatever comes out the wrong size.  Everyone crochets differently, we hold our hooks different, our stitches are different sizes, etc.  The gauge is what we check so that we are working the same size as the author of the pattern.  For example:  Say the pattern tells you that the gauge is 12 dc = 4".  Well, this means that if you did 12 double crochets and measured them, then it should be 4 inches long.  If it is shorter, you may need to use a larger hook.  If it is bigger, than use a smaller hook, and work it out again to get closest to 4 inches as you can.

Here is was Lion Brands says about gauge:

Gauge is the term that is used to define the proper tension you should work to insure that the crocheted piece you make will be the right size when it's completed. The hook size listed in the pattern is just the size used by the designer to work at the proper gauge. You may need to change hook size in order to work at the given gauge. It is especially important to work to the proper gauge when making garments -- anything that you want to fit properly!

Gauge is usually defined in the pattern by a ratio of stitches and rows to a given measurement such as 16 stitches and 14 rows in single crochet = 4". You should always work a swatch of fabric (approximately 4" x 4") in the stitch pattern of the piece you are making. Then count the number of stitches and rows in the measurement designated by the gauge given in the pattern. If you find that your swatch has more stitches and rows than the gauge, you are working too tightly so change to a larger hook and try again. If you have fewer stitches and rows in the area, you are working too loosely and should try a smaller hook. Keep changing hook size until you arrive at the proper gauge.

Now, don't look at all this and get discouraged.  ALL of this isn't going to be in a single pattern!  This is only a guide to help you read one.  Let's look at an example.

Let's say we are going to make this Santa Hat from FaveCrafts.com:

Let's take a peek at the first part of the pattern:

Hat circumference at bottom edge: 20 (22)". (This is telling you the size)
Directions are for size Small/Medium; changes for size Large are in parentheses. 

Materials:
RED HEART® “Holiday”: 1 Ball each 140 White/Silver A and 9090 Red/Red B. (This is the exact colors that they used, doesn't mean you have to.  This is also in it's way telling you the size.  Red Heart yarn is Worsted, Med, #4: so any other brands that size would do just as well)
Crochet Hook: 5mm [US H-8]. (We go by the H in the US)
Yarn needle. (A must have for weaving in loose ends)
Pompom maker. (I just use a tongue depressor or my hands)

GAUGE: 12 dc = 4”; 8 rounds = 4”. CHECK YOUR GAUGE. Use any size hook to obtain the gauge. (This is the same as the example above)

You can read the rest of the pattern here!

Then you begin!

-Cat

Stay tuned this week with more beginning lessons in crocheting.

Coming soon:
How to chain and slip stitch, and do some other things.
How to Single Crochet
How to Double Crochet
And much, MUCH more!

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10 Fabulous FREE Halloween Crochet Patterns!

I have been searching the Internet this week for inspiration and some fun projects I can do in bed while recovering from this tonsillectomy.  I just had to share what I found!

Trick or Treat Bag

 from Wonky Wonderful

How super cute is that?!  For the pattern and information check out their site here!

Candy Corn Bunting (Pendants)

from The Cozy Corner

Who doesn't love Candy Corn??  Check out this pattern here!

Happy Bat Bag

By Red Heart

I am a sucker for cute crochet bags... and Halloween stuff... put both together and I am totally in bliss!  Click here for the free pattern!

Trick or Treat Wreath

By Sugar'n Cream

This wreath is just too fun to not try!  Click here for pattern!  And here is another cute wreath:

Candy Corn Wreath

By Donna's Crochet Designs

The pattern is found here!

Witch or Wizard Hats

By Red Heart

I think these look a lot of fun!  Pattern found here.

Cute Crochet Pumpkins

By Sugar'n Cream

Pattern found here! (I think you have to have a membership to the site for this pattern.  It's free though, and easy to sign up)

Halloween Pendant

By Lion Brand Yarn

I think this would look great in my kitchen!  Pattern found here.

Black Cat Door Stopper

By Lion Brand Yarn

I think I would put a festive orange ribbon around his neck... pattern here!

Spider Webby Bag

By Purple Kitty Yarns

I think this has got to be one of my favorites!  I think it's fantastic!  You can check out the pattern here!

There, I hope this has given you some great ideas for the season and motivated you to dust off those hooks! I know it has for me.  If you do decided to make any of these patterns, we would LOVE for you to send us pictures of your finished product.

-Cat Pin It

Owl Hat Pattern Up and Ready!

Finally, after LOTS of trial and error and a whole filled out notebook later, I got my Owl Hat pattern finished!!!  Yay!

I have to thank my sister for her empty threats of serious butt kicking if I didn't get it finished soon, to press me to get it up.

Here it is:

Cat's Owl Hat Pattern

This pattern is 19 pages long and it includes:

* 7 different sizes ranging from Newborn to Children
* two different types of eyes
* lots of step by step pictures for some of the trickier parts
*Ideas on how to personalize your hat

Like my sock monkey hat, I am charging $8 for it.

You can buy it here!!!

This pattern is written in American English crochet terms.

Once you order this, and I receive payment, it will be emailed to you in a PDF format. (So you will need Adobe to read it, which can be downloaded for free at www.adobe.com) I will send it within 24 hours of purchase or payment going through.

All sales are final, due to the nature of the pattern. If you have any questions please feel free to email me or send me a message.

© Copyright Notice: You have permission to sell the finished product for this pattern; I only ask you give credit to me, Catherine Lang, for the pattern. If you sell them online, I ask that you provide a link to the shop (http://theworstedcrochetblog.blogspot.com orhttp://www.etsy.com/shop/MamaCatsHats) for the pattern. Rewriting, reselling, distributing, or copying this pattern itself is prohibited. Thank you for so much for your support, understanding and cooperation. -Cat Pin It

Cat's Sock Monkey Hat Pattern for Children and Adults

I am really pleased to announce the release of my child/adult size pattern for the sock monkey hat.  It has taken me a while to get this finished, mainly because I have been so busy this holiday season.  So here it is:

Cat's Sock Monkey Hat Pattern

For Children and Adults

***This is a listing for the pattern ONLY. Not a finished product*****

This is my beloved sock monkey hat pattern for Children and Adults. It took me about a year to perfect this pattern just the way I wanted it (and I have a stack of reject hats to prove it!)

Now, I get some complaints about the price. A lot of thought went into this price. Let me tell you ALL that this pattern includes:

*3 different sizes of hats, 
*2 sizes options for the ear flaps plus a no ear flap option,
*2 different sizes of ears,
*2 different mouth patterns, and 
*other options and tips to make your sock monkey hat more personal
*This pattern is 13 pages long, and includes step by step pictures to help illustrate some of the trickier parts.

I felt that my pattern offered more than some of the $6 ones... so there it is!

This is a crochet pattern for the following sizes: 
Child size
Teen/ Women's size
Men's size

Baby and toddler sizes will be sold separately. (See my listing here:http://www.etsy.com/listing/85993567/cats-sock-monkey-hat-pattern

This pattern is written in American English crochet terms.

Once you order this, and I receive payment, it will be emailed to you in a PDF format. (So you will need Adobe to read it, which can be downloaded for free at www.adobe.com) I will send it within 24 hours of purchase or payment going through.

All sales are final, due to the nature of the pattern. If you have any questions please feel free to email me or send me a message.

© Copyright Notice: You have permission to sell the finished product for this pattern; I only ask you give credit to me, Catherine Lang, for the pattern. If you sell them online, I ask that you provide a link to the shop (http://theworstedcrochetblog.blogspot.com orhttp://www.etsy.com/shop/MamaCatsHats) for the pattern. Rewriting, reselling, distributing, or copying this pattern itself is prohibited. Thank you for so much for your support, understanding and cooperation. -Cat

You can purchase this hat here!!

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Something to Motivate You!

Okay, it is kind of exciting to announce that we are half way to our follower goal!  Yay!  We are still going for 50 by the end of the year!  And I really think we can do it... especially if we have everyone's help.

Now, we have tried to bribe you all with a giveaway when we reach 50... (You can see one of the posts here). And it worked for a like a day.  BUT now to motivate you, and maybe reach a greater audience, I am going to throw in a free pattern -- not for a giveaway, but for EVERYONE.  What kind of pattern you ask?  I am going to share my flower headband pattern, FOR FREE!  AND I will include all sorts of sizes AND widths!!  Here is one of my wider ones:

The flower pattern will also be included in the free downloadable pattern.

BUT it will ONLY be available for free IF we reach our goal of 50 or more followers by 11:59 pm on Dec 31st.... so spread the word!! (Giveaway will still happen as well). Pin It

Cat's Puppy Hat Pattern

Puppy Hat pattern finally ready to sell! YAY!!!

$5.00

This pattern includes:

• sizes: Newborn - Child
• Step by Step pictures for some of the detailing.
• options and ideas on how to customize your hat

This is a crochet pattern for the following sizes:
Newborn (0-3 mo): 11.5-13 in
Baby:
3-6 mo: 14-17 in
6-12 mo: 16-19 in
Toddler (12 mo to 3yrs): 18-20 in
Child (3 and up): 19.5-21.5 in)

Pattern is written in American crochet terms.

Once you order this, and I receive payment, it will be emailed to you in a PDF format. (So you will need Adobe to read it, which can be downloaded for free at www.adobe.com) I will send it within 24 hours of purchase or payment going through.

All sales are final, due to the nature of the pattern. If you have any questions please feel free to email me or send me a message.

© Copyright Notice: You have permission to sell the finished product for this pattern; I only ask you give credit to me, Catherine Lang, for the pattern. If you sell them online, I ask that you provide a link to the shop (http://theworstedcrochetblog.blogspot.com or http://www.etsy.com/shop/MamaCatsHats) for the pattern. Rewriting, reselling, distributing, or copying this pattern itself is prohibited. Thank you for so much for your support, understanding and cooperation. -Cat

Important note:  When ordering, make sure you tell me in the "notes" what you are ordering (ex. "Puppy Hat Pattern).  Paypal does NOT give me that information.

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Turkey Hat

My friend Chelsea, over at A Click w/ Sticks, sent me this fun pattern to try out and look over.  We have a pattern exchange going to help find each other's typos.  These are her hats:

Click here if you are interested in purchasing this pattern for yourself.

Anyway, I had to make my little guy one to wear for the big day.  I made a few minor changes, not because I didn't like how she did it, because I DO!  But I didn't have any yellow yarn on hand, and I hate making puff balls... so I went for some funky turkey feather look instead:

I also ended up tacking the red gobbler (or whatever it's called) down because it kept flipping up on us.

Cutest little turkey ever, I think!!

I hope everyone had a fabulous Thanksgiving!!

-Cat

You can now purchase this hat here!

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Cat's Sock Monkey Hat Pattern

I feel in love with the whole "sock monkey" hat idea last winter when I saw a few of them floating around campus.  But my issue was, that I couldn't seem to find one that I really, truly liked.  Sure there were things about all of them I did like, but always something that bothered me... not to mention the fact that several styles are just a little bit creepy too.

So after looking at lots of pictures of different hats and the original sock monkey dolls, I came up with my own design and have fallen in love with this little guy.  I sell a lot of these hats and have had them requested at several craft fairs or farmer's markets -- I just can't get enough of them done to do something like that.

I have to say, I have become very attached to this design.  I know it may seem silly, but when something is truly YOURS it's hard to share in some ways.  I didn't have any problem making and selling them, but any time someone requested a pattern, I shut down.  I just couldn't give away my little design secrets!

But we grow, thankfully, and we learn.  And I have finally decided to sell my pattern, so that others can enjoy making this little guy as much as I do.

I am selling the pattern in a PDF file that I will email you once the transaction goes through paypal.  The pattern is $8.  Now, before you go on and tell me that there are cheaper Sock Monkeys out there, I want you do two things:  First, if you want a cheaper one, go for it.  Second, this pattern includes 2 different sizes of ear flaps, 6 different mouths, and few other ideas so that you are able to customize your hat just the way you want it!

Note:  As of today, 11/12/11, only the newborn/baby/toddler pattern is available to buy.  I am still working on the children/ Adult sized one.  The reason they are not all bundled together in one pattern is because they are, in fact, totally different hats and so I will sell them as such.

Cat's Sock Monkey Hat Pattern

Pattern is $8.00

I am still selling these hats online here as well already made for those of you who just want to buy one.  No problem!

My hats are made of super soft wool, except for the red and black accents.  This is my little guy's favorite hat of all the ones I have made him.

Sizes/ Prices

Newborn (0-3) $25.00 USD Baby (3-6) $25.00 USD Baby (6-12) $25.00 USD Toddler (12-24) $28.00 USD Child (s) $30.00 USD Child (L) $30.00 USD Adult $33.00 USD

Important note:  When ordering, make sure you tell me in the "notes" what you are ordering and what size you want.  Paypal does NOT give me that information.

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Cat's Basic Hat Pattern

In honor of starting this blog, I wanted to giveaway one of my basic styles.  There is one basic hat pattern I like to use for woman's and girls hats.  It's pretty easy and it's one of my first patterns I pieced together with basic stitches.  Here are some of the hats I have made with this basic design:

 This pattern does NOT include the fancy edging that I used above though OR the flowers... those patterns I will share at a later time when I have time to write them down.  Most of my work is in my head.  I made this thinking I wanted something fast, cute and not too hot!  Hat's in general tend to make my head sweat and I wanted something with a little ventilation, if you know what I mean!

(And on a side note, I would like to thank that random person who wrote that ancient book I dusted off at the library who taught me the beauty of the chain and V stitches.)

Cat’s Basic Hat

Pattern by Catherine Lang

Materials:

·         Yarn.  Color of your choice.  Medium/ Worsted weight

·         Crochet Hook size H and I

Gauge:

After round one, the diameter of the circle should be 2in (5cm).

Special Stiches:

V-Stitch – (double crochet, chain 1, double crochet) in same stitch.

Body:

With size I crochet hook ch 5, ss in first chain to form a ring.

Rnd 1: ch 4 (counts as 1^st dc and ch 1 throughout pattern) *dc in ring, ch 1.  Repeat from * 10 more times.  Ss in 3rd ch of ch 4 at the beginning to join.  (12 dc)

Rnd2: ss in 1^st ch 1 space.  Ch 4, dc in same space as ss. *ch 1, v-stitch (dc, ch 1, dc in same space) in next ch 1 sp. Repeat from * all the way around and end with a ch 1. Ss in 3rd ch of ch 4 at the beginning to join.  (24 dc)

Rnd 3: ss in 1^st ch 1 space. Ch 4. *dc in next ch 1 space, ch 1.  Repeat from * all the way around. Ss in 3rd ch of ch 4 at the beginning to join. (24 dc)

Rnd 4:  ss in 1^st ch 1 space. Ch 4. Dc in same ch 1 sp. *(ch 1, dc in next ch 1 sp.) 3 times, ch 1, v-stitch in next ch 1 sp.  Repeat from * around ending with ch 1, ss in 3rd ch of ch 4 at the beginning to join rnd.  (30 dc)

Girl’s Hat:

Rnd 5-9: repeat round 3.

Rnd 10-12: Ch 1. With size H hook, sc in each dc and ch 1 space around.  Ss in ch 1 to join.  After rnd 12 fasten off.

Woman’s Hat:

Rnd 5-11: repeat round 3.

Rnd 11-13: Ch 1. With size H hook, sc in each dc and ch 1 space around.  Ss in ch 1 to join.  After rnd 13 fasten off.

Note:  If you would like it a little longer to cover your ears better, repeat rnd 3 a few more times before you move on to other rnds.

It looks a little stretched out because I tried it on and I have a super big head!

Disclaimer:  This hat came from putting together some basic stitches, if someone has posted another pattern similar to this one, it is purely coincidence.

Here I am wearing the hat... although I am thinking it needs a flower...

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