Berries Blast Beanie with Red Heart Medley Yarn

This is a sponsored post.  I received this yarn from Red Heart. 

This Medley Yarn in Volcano from Red Heart is just so squishy and soft!  I was very happy that it came in the mail with my other goodies courtesy of Red Heart.

I did have some indecision on what to make with the yarn.  I have that a lot with yarn that I really love, don't you?  I wanted something that would only need one skein, so I did feel somewhat limited since 86 yards of yarn will only go so far.  I finally settled on one of Red Hear's patterns, Berries Blast Beanie.

The pattern is listed as an intermediate skill level, but I found it quite simple.  (I still think of myself as a beginner.)  The hat is worked in two parts, first the cable brim is knitted, and then you pick up stitches along the side and make the crown.  Everything is worked on straight needles and then sewn with a seam in the back.

While this pattern specifically calls for this yarn I can't quite decide if it truly highlights the yarn's vibrant personality.  Honestly, I think the beautiful cable detail gets lost in the color.  I think that the cable might be more prominent with a solid colored yarn.  What do you think?

The hat is my size, but it also fits my daughter's above average head quite nicely.  (Plus, she's a pretty cute model, right?)

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WIPS: Beanie using Red Heart's Medley Yarn

This yarn was provided by Red Heart. 

I'm knitting a Beanie using Red Heart's Medley yarn.  The yarn is super soft and squishy, I think it should make a very comfortable hat.  My biggest complaint with the yarn and pattern so far is that the cable doesn't really pop. I'm hoping that the completed project won't be underwhelming.

Just in case you are wondering, yes, this picture is from today.  Yes, we still have our Christmas tree up.  And yes, it is intentional.  

If you crochet, knit, or have blogged about any projects that use yarn, please come link up at this week's Yarn Fanatic Party!  I'd love to see your projects!  (While you're there, be sure to enter the pattern giveaway!)

Frontier Dreams with Nicole

Yarn Along with Ginny

Free Crochet Beanie Pattern

This post includes affiliate links. 

I'm pretty excited to share this beanie hat crochet pattern with you today.  AND there's an awesome giveaway for you too! (It ends October 31, 2014.)  I'd like to say a big thank you to Red Heart for making this post possible!  They provided me with the scrumptious yarn I used to crochet this hat and they are sponsoring today's giveaway.

Like I said, the yarn is from Red Heart.  It's Heads Up in Bright Coral.  This line of yarn is a 80% Acrylic 20% Wool blend.  It's super soft and squishy and cuddly.  It's a great yarn to use for hats!

The recommended hook size is a K, but I used a J hook to make this hat.  I wanted a nice tight stitch.

The yardage for this yarn is a little over 100 yards (106 to be exact) and I was able to finish the hat with just the teeniest bit of leftover yarn.  (I would not have been able to complete another row.)  It fits me perfectly.  (I'd say I have an average sized head.)

Here's how to make this hat:

Row 1: 8 hdc in magic loop (or preferred method). Slip stitch to join.  [8 stitches]
Row 2: 2 hdc in each st around.  Slip stitch to join. [16 stitches]
Row 3: *2 hdc in 1st st, 1 hdc in the next st* repeat around.  Slip stitch to join.  Chain two and turn. [24 stitches]
Row 4: *2 hdc in 1st st, 1 hdc in each of the next 2 sts* repeat around.  Slip stitch to join. Chain two and turn. [32 stitches]
Row 5: *2 hdc in 1st st, 1 hdc in each of the next 3 sts* repeat around.  Slip stitch to join.  Chain two and turn. [40 stitches]
Row 6: *2 hdc in 1st st, 1 hdc in each of the next 4 sts* repeat around.  Slip stitch to join.  Chain two and turn. [48 stitches]
Row 7: *2 hdc in 1st st, 1 hdc in each of the next 5 sts* repeat around.  Slip stitch to join.  Chain two and turn. [56 stitches]
Row 8: *2 hdc in 1st st, 1 hdc in each of the next 6 sts* repeat around. Slip stitch to join.  Chain two and turn. [64 stitches]
Row 9: 2 hdc in 1st st, 1 hdc in each of the next 32 sts, 2 hdc in one stitch.  Hdc to end.  Slip stitch to join.  Chain two and turn.  [66 stitches]
Rows 10 - ?: Hdc in each stitch. (How many rows you make will depend on where you want the beanie to hit: at the ear, in the middle of the ear, below the ear?  For my hat I did seven rows of hdc in each stitch.)
Brim: Sc in each stitch.  Do this for two rows.

I really love how comfortable this yarn makes the hat!  And the bright color is a great way to bring a little cheerfulness to those dreary winter days.

This Giveaway has ended. 

Check out this awesome prize pack being sponsored by Red Heart.  Just look at all those yarn goodies!  

One lucky reader will win it.  

Details and Fine Print: Must be a US resident 18+ to enter.  This giveaway is not affiliated with Facebook or any other social media.  Red Heart is responsible for prize fulfillment and shipment.  Winner will be notified via email and will have 48 hours to respond in order to claim prize.  After 48 hours a new winner will be chosen.  Void where prohibited.  Entries will be verified.  Giveaway ends October 31, 2014.

Don't forget to check out the other craft themed giveaways that are a part of my October Celebration!

$25 Credit to Zipper Island (Ends 10/23)

$50 Gift Certificate to Happy Mango Beads Giveaway (Ends 10/31) US

And there are lots of crafty giveaways over at The Philosopher's Wife: Giveaways Galore.

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