Turkey Hat Listing Up!

I finally put a listing on my Etsy page for this little guy (hat, not baby):

$23.00 -- Newborn, Baby and Toddler Sizes

You can check out my listing here!

I reviewed this pattern in an old post found here.

Original design and Pattern are by Chelsea @ A Chick w/ Sticks. Pin It

Rudolph the Red Nosed Reindeer and Clarice the Doe Hats

Last year, my crochet friend, Chelsea over at A Chick w/ Sticks, sent me a few of her patterns to go over and look for typos, and maybe make a few to try it out.  You may remember the post I wrote about her fabulous Turkey Hat.  Well, one of the patterns she sent me was for Rudolph the Red Nosed Reindeer and Clarice the Doe.  It has taken me a while to go over them, and for this I feel really badly.  But recently, I have been making some newborn hats for some of my friends who are having Christmas babies and I instantly thought of Chelsea's pattern.

I feel in love with this pattern!  (Which you can find here!) And I cranked out a couple of the hats just the way she designed them.  When I first get a pattern, I like to do it just so as to get a feeling for the design and to learn new techniques and get ideas.  Then I decided that I was going to change it up a little to make it look a little more like the characters in the movie I love so much.  This is what I came up with:

If you crochet and are interested head over to her site and get these patterns!  Here are a few of the changes that I made:

Rudolph the Red Nosed Reindeer

For Rudolph, I changed the nose.  Instead of having it just the red nose, I put the white background behind it.  I also made his antlers little stubs since I made this for a newborn, I thought the reindeer should look like a baby too.

Clarice the Doe

For Clarice, I also changed the nose like I did for Rudolph.  As well as I didn't use the Clarice ears that were in the pattern, I used the Rudolph ears for her too because I thought they were just so dang cute!

Anyway, I didn't do too many changes.  I just wanted it to have a little of my personal touch, I guess.

If you are interested in buying a Rudolph or Clarice Hat, here are my Etsy listings:

Rudolph the Red Nosed Reindeer $25
Clarice the Doe $25
Both Hats in a Package Deal! $48

Happy Crocheting!

-Cat Pin It

Chaining, Slip Stitching, and Other Crochet Basics

We should have probably posted this earlier, but we got so excited that we skipped ahead a bit.  I didn't realize until this morning, that a beginner wouldn't be able to even start the Single Crochet Stitch without learning to Chain first... duh, on my part.

So here is a quick guide to a few basics of crocheting:

The Chain Stitch (ch):

Just about every project I have ever done starts out with chaining.  When I taught my crochet class, I thought it would take me the first 5 minutes to get everyone to master the chain... I was wrong, it took the whole hour of class to get everyone on the same page.  So don't worry if it takes you a bit to master the chain... there are LOTS of people that find it a bit tricky.  But the key is practice and soon it will be second nature!

For pictures and written instructions, please see this site here!  (Left-handers click here!)

Here's the video:



The Slip Stitch (ss):

It is embarrassing to admit, but when I first started crocheting I thought the slip stitch was the single crochet.  I actually made a whole headband in nothing but slip stitches!!  I felt like such a dork!

There are way better websites to explain the slip stitch than I can.  But I will point you in the right direction!

Here is a really good video on how to slip stitch:



Finishing off:

At the end of the pattern you are doing, it will say "finish off".  This is how you do that:




Working in Rounds:

You will need to know this if you are going to make a hat or anything rounded.  The beginning of the pattern will sometimes say: "Ch 4, ss in first ch to form loop"  This means, you will chain 4 times, then you will slip stitch into the first chain hole and it will form a loop.

Here is a great video that explains all about working in rounds:



I hope that helps you get off to a great start!!

Note:  If you are a book learner, and videos don't help, Lion Brand Yarn has a fantastic illustrated guide you should check out!  You can see it here!

Happy Crocheting!

-Cat

You can also check out these beginner crochet posts:
So you want to Crochet: Starting Out
So you want to Crochet: How to Read a Pattern
How to do the Single Crochet Stitch
8 Free Patterns to Practice Single Crochet Pin It

8 Free Patterns to Practice Single Crochet

Amy posted a quick post this morning about the Single Crochet Stitch.  I thought it would be great to post a few free patterns for you to try out!

Striped Draft Stopper from Lion Brand Yarn

Level: Easy

Note: I think you might have to be a member of the site to see the pattern, BUT the membership is FREE and well worth it!

Patchwork Bag from Lion Brand Yarn

Level: Easy

Aaron's Hat Trick #5 from Lion Brand Yarn

Level: Beginner

Dishcloth or Washcloth By Amy Solovay, About.com Guide

Baby Beanie by Crochet Mania

Easy Basic Crochet Scarf Pattern for Beginners by Amy Solovay, About.com Guide

Simple Crochet Fingerless Gloves  by Amy Solovay, About.com Guide

Simple Crochet Headband  by Amy Solovay, About.com Guide

These are all great ones to get you started and on your way to mastering the single crochet stitch!

Happy Crocheting!

-Cat Pin It

So You Want to Crochet: Single Crochet Stitch (sc)

The single crochet stitch (sc) is one of the most basic stitches in crocheting.  It is also very easy to master.  After failing to get good photos of me stitching one, I turned to the internet.  After looking over several sites, I finally found one that was easy to understand and had good views of the stitch and how to do it.

This video is very good and shows very clearly how to make the stitch.

You can also find clear written instructions with pictures here!

I often use this stitch on hats when I do edging or the ear flaps.  The stitches are smaller and closer together, which means smaller holes.. which means.. warmer ears!  I found a good beginner scarf pattern that is very basic and uses the single stitch almost exclusively, so you get really good practice.. and a scarf as well.  It is found here: Beginner's Free Crochet Scarf Pattern.

If you have any questions ask away! We are here to help :)

-Amy 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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Winner of the cute Newborn Cable Hat!!

And the winner of this super cute cable hat is (thanks to random.org for determining the winner):

Bobbi Hinton!!! 

Congrats on winning this great hat!!

Please send me your contact info at kebbuk@yahoo(dot)com and I'll get this sent off to you asap. Thanks everyone for entering and giving us such great feedback! Stay tuned for more great posts and I know we'll be doing more giveaways in the future.

If you missed out on this and really wanted one you can order one through my Etsy page.

~Heidi

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