A Knitting Project: Swirl Hat with Flikka Yarn

This post contains affiliate links. 

A quick knit.  That's what I needed.  I wasn't feeling particularly well a little bit ago and I wanted a project to keep my fingers busy, but I wasn't in the mood to work on any of my current WIPS.  The Swirl Hat was the perfect solution.

I've used this pattern before, and I really liked it for its simplicity and uniqueness.  The first time that I knitted the Swirl Hat I was very much a beginning knitter.  (You can check out that knitting project here!)

The yarn is Lion Brand's Flikka in Wading Pool.  It was a clearance find at Hobby Lobby recently.  It's a thinner yarn, a 3, I believe.  The skien has just under 200 yards, so it's perfect for small projects like a hat. The yarn is soft and I think it will be lovely to wear.  My one complaint is that my fingertips did turn a little blue, so the dye isn't quite set. It is supposed to be machine washable, but I haven't tried that yet.  I will be sure to wash with a color catcher! 

The Watermelon Hat: A Free Knitting Pattern

I received the yarn for this project in exchange for my honest opinion. This post contains affiliate links. This means that if you purchase something after clicking on one of these links I might receive a small commission. This is no way affects the price that you pay.

This gorgeous yarn is from Love Knitting.  This fun Watermelon Hat was knitted using MillaMia Naturally Soft Aran in Shocking Pink and Emerald Green.  This yarn is so soft and squishy!  It's such a fun cozy yarn.  Each ball has 87 delicious yards of yarn.  It can be machine washed, but don't put it in the dryer, it needs to dry flat!  There is lovely stitch definition and it was a pleasure to knit.  I'd absolutely love to work with it again!

(I must say though, that while I loved knitting the yarn, trying to get a good picture of the pink, was, well, shockingly difficult!)

The Free Knitting Pattern

Begin knitting this hat with size 5.5 circular knitting needles.  I knit the entire hat on circular needles using the magic loop technique.

With GREEN yarn. 
Cast on 80.  Join, being super careful not to twist.  I used the crochet hook cast on method, I really like the look and I'm super comfortable with a crochet hook!

Work a rib knit for about one inch, I had six rows.  I used a K1P1 rib knit, but you could use a K2P2 rib knit, whichever you prefer.

With white yarn.

Knit around.

Switch to size 6 circular knitting needles.

With Pink Yarn

Before knitting with the pink yarn you must add your "seeds".  When choosing your beads be sure that they will easily string onto the yarn.  I used some black beads, very much like these beads, from my craft hoard.  Use my yarn threading tip to make it easier and then thread on about 100 beads.  You will need to continually push the beads down towards the ball of yarn while you're knitting.  If you find this tiresome you could sew the beads on individually after you've finished knitting.  I randomly allowed the beads to be worked in.

Knit around.  Continue until hat reaches about four and a half inches high.  For reference, I knit 21 rows in pink before my first decrease row.

Decreases:
Round 1: *Knit 20 Stitches. Place stitch marker* four times around to end of round.
Round 2: *K1, K2tog, Knit to two stitches before next marker, SSK* four times around.
Repeat round 2 until there are 16 stitches remaining.
Round 3: K2tog around.
Break yarn and weave it through the remaining 8 stitches.  Finish off!

 

A note about the sizing of this hat.  My lovely daughter modeled this hat for me.  As you can see it fits her comfortably with just a slight amount of slouch.  The hat also fits me quite well.  Her head circumference is about 21 inches and mine is 22 inches.  

A Handmade Hat: Jack and Jill Hat with Hearts

This post contains affiliate links.

I really like hats.  When I came across the Jack and Jill Hat by Izzy & Ivy Designs I knew I'd love it.  This pattern comes with a huge variety of sizes -- baby to adult.  The size range is a huge deal to me, because I just know that I am going to make a hat or two for myself!

For this hat, I started with a fat quarter of the cheerful hearts fabric and simply picked coordinating fabrics from my stash.  I think it turned out quite nicely!  It's so bright and cheery!

Sadly, it looks like the pattern might be retired, as I can't find it in the Izzy & Ivy Designs Etsy Shop.  It can be purchased from Whimsical Fabrics, which is where I bought my copy.  The shop owner at Whimsical Fabrics gives amazing customer service.  (I also found a listing in Etsy by another third party.  This one is a little cheaper, but I have no personal experience with the seller.)

Overall, I found the directions to be clear for this Jack and Jill hat.  I did read through them twice in their entirety before beginning.  For some reason I was nervous to start this project.  However, once I decided to just do it I had no problems.  This hat took me about an hour and a half from start to finish, and that  includes the time it took to trace the pattern pieces.  (I should note that I left out the elastic in the back on this particular hat -- it just wasn't necessary this time.)

I see many more of these hats in my future! 

Below are some of the bucket hats that I've sewn.

Granny Stripe Hat

This post contains affiliate links.

This Granny Stripe Hat is my first of the Granny-Spiration Project.  (Read more about this below, and be sure to enter the giveaway!)  This is an easy hat to crochet and works up quite quickly.

I used an H hook and Caron Simply Soft.

A note about fit and size:  This is a slouchy hat.  My lovely model has a larger than average head circumference for her age.  This hat would properly fit teens and ladies.

Chain 5. Join.

Row 1  *Two dc, chain 1*around until there are six groups of 2dc.

Row 2  Crochet 2 groups of 2dc in each chain one space of previous row, make sure to chain one between each group. (12 groups of 2dc)

Rows 3 &4 Crochet 3dc in each chain one space, keeping the chain one between each group.

Row 5 Crochet 2 dc groups of three in each chain 1 space (always have a chain one between each group)

Row 6 - 10 3 dc groups in each chain with a chain 1 between each one.

Row 11 HDC around.

Rows 12 through 15 HDC in the third loop.  Finish off.

This Month's Giveaway is sponsored by EyeLoveKnots. 

One winner will receive a $10 Etsy Card to spend in any shop on Etsy!

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Must be 18 or older to enter. Open to all countries. Gift card has been purchased in US Dollars. If recipient is outside of the US, to use gift card, must go into Etsy settings and temporarily change to US Dollars. Void where prohibited. Winner has 48 hours to respond to email notification, or another winner will be chosen. EyeLoveKnots is responsible for prize fulfillment and shipment.


New Granny-Spiration Projects will be shared from your hosts the first Saturday of each month. Post times will vary. You will be able to link up from 9am EST on the first Saturday of the month, through 11:59pm EST on the second Thursday from the start date - specific dates are on top of the Rafflecopter form - giving you almost two weeks to link up and enter the giveaway! Please share projects that are family friendly, and GRANNY INSPIRED through use of regular granny square or solid granny square, granny stitch pattern or other afghan square in the form of a free pattern, pattern review, or inspiration piece. Not limited to crochet or knit.

*Please make sure to link to your post, and not your homepage.

 *If you don't have a blog, you can still share with us by creating a Free Flickr Account - powered by Yahoo. Add your projects there, and then come back here with the link for the project.

 *Link ups cannot be to Etsy listings or Ravelry pages where patterns are sold. You can link to blog posts, Flickr or Facebook pages, Pins, etc that are directed towards it, but can't directly link to it. To be clearer though, Raverly pages of finished projects are okay to share. Sorry for the inconvenience! That's per InLinkz guidelines. Thanks!

 *Features may be chosen at the discretion of each host. By linking up, you give us permission to feature your item.

An InLinkz Link-up

The Sterling Unicorn Hat

This post contains affiliate links.  This post is sponsored.  Everything here is my own honest opinion.

This is my favorite hat right now.  I had such fun crocheting it!  This hat uses two of my favorite yarns, and I think both are stunning together.  The name of the hat is a simple mash up of the yarn colorways, but I think that it totally works!


Yarns Used
Unicorn Fields DK by Kimarie's Knit Knacks
This is 246 yards of 75% Merino & 25% Nylon hand dyed loveliness.  It even has sparkles!  Can I say that again?  My unicorn yarn has sparkles! It can be machine washed.  It is very soft and works up wonderfully.  I didn't encounter any tangles or messy bits.  Overall, it's an ideal yarn.

Marshall Island Sport in Sterling by String Theory Hand Dyed Yarn 
This is the same that I used on my Cherry Twist Hat and you can read all the details about the yarn there.


Hooks Used
Clover Amour H
Clover Amour I
(My Clover Amour hooks are my favorites!)

Pattern

Please Note: This is an untested pattern.  This pattern is made from the notes that I made while crocheting the hat.  If you encounter any problems or mistakes in the pattern I would greatly appreciate if you'd let me know and I'll do my best to help and/or correct the pattern.

Using H hook:

Chain 79.
Join without twisting.
Rows 1 - 6: 78 sc across, slip stitch into first stitch.

Using I hook:

Step 1: Using grey yarn: ch 4, dc in the first st (this counts as your first V stitch). *Skip 2 sts, [dc, ch 1, dc] in the next st. Repeat from * until 2 sts remain.  (This is a fairly standard starting row of V stitches). Slip stitch together.  Pull a long loop of yarn out -- enough that your work won't unravel while you work the next row.  NOTE: You will be alternating which yarn you are working with, but you will not be finishing off each row.

Step 2: Using unicorn yarn: Chain 3 in ch sp of 1st V st of previous round 2 DC. Three DC in each ch sp around.  Join with a slip stitch.  Again, pull a long loop of yarn so that this row won't unravel while you're working the next.

Step 3: Using grey yarn: Put your hook into the long loop of grey. Chain 4 and dc between first and last V of the grey round (note, this is not in the ch sp, but between the Vs). [Dc, ch 1, dc] between the earlier grey V stitches around.  Close with a slip stitch.  Pull out long loop of yarn.  (This is the row where the magic happens for this hat.  This row is how the unicorn clusters are surrounded and made to pop.  It does take a little getting used to -- you are working this new row with the row from not the last row but the row before that one. )

Step 4: Using unicorn yarn: Chain 3 in ch sp of 1st V st of previous round 2 DC. Three DC in each ch sp around.  Join with a slip stitch.  Again, pull a long loop of yarn so that this row won't unravel while you're working the next.

Work steps 3 & 4 until you reach your desired length.

Decrease part of the crown:

Using grey yarn.  *V stitch in first space.  1 dc in next space.*  Repeat around.
Using Unicorn yarn *3 dcs in each V space.* Repeat around.
Using grey yarn. Create a faux V stitch with a (dc, ch 1, dc) around, placing a dc on either side of the single dc in the spaces of the grey row below (continuing to capture the Unicorn yarn). Repeat around.
Using Unicorn yarn. *3 dcs in each faux V space.* Repeat around.
Using grey yarn. *V stitch in space between unicorn dc group (capturing the
Using Unicon *3 dcs in each V space.* Repeat around.
Using grey yarn.  *1 dc in space of each Unicorn group from below most recent row of unicorn stitches.1
Using grey yarn. DC2TG around.
If necessary, sc2tg around.

Finish off.

This was a mash up made in yarn heaven.  Both shops were wonderful to work with -- businesslike and friendly.  I highly recommend both Kimarie's Knit Knacks and String Theory Hand Dyed Yarn, as such both can be found in my Best Little Yarn Shops Gift Guide.

I will be sharing this post at some of these awesome parties!

Knitting Loom Hat with Red Heart Boutique Twilight Yarn

This post contains affiliate links. I received this yarn from Red Heart.

Catherine is her mother's daughter.  One of her birthday gifts was a knitting loom set.  She was thrilled.  I was thrilled that she was thrilled.  We sorted through my yarn stash and she starting naming projects for the different hanks and skeins she was finding -- which I suppose could be trouble down the line, because I already have projects slated for many of them -- but it was glorious mother and daughter bonding.  We got her set up with the loom and some yarn, and I was excited how intuitive she was about working with the yarn. (She wants to share her project with you all later!)

Of course, I was curious about the looms too.  Since her birthday gift included a whole set of looms Catherine quickly said I should use one too.  While I've been crocheting forever, and knitting since I was pregnant with Dominic, I've never worked with a knitting loom.  It was super easy and fun!  It doesn't replace a set of needles, but it's a great introduction to the world of yarn!  Or just a different way to play with yarn.

Photo Source: Red Heart

For my first ever knitting loom hat I used some Boutique Twilight Yarn in "Romantic" that I received from Red Heart.  This soft and bulky yarn was perfect for loom knitting.  I had a tiny bit of yarn remaining after I finished my hat, so the 59 yards was plenty for my hat, despite my trepidation of running out before I was finished.  As a mom, I have to mention that I love that the yarn is machine washable -- because, let's be honest, EVERYTHING needs to be washed sooner or later when you have kids.

The touch of shimmering metallic thread that runs through this yarn gives it that something special that makes this such a fun yarn!  Check out the Red Heart website for a list of available colors, and while you're there be sure to check out the related knitting and crochet patterns.  

You can also get many of these yarns on Amazon.  Can we say "Yippee!" for Prime shipping benefits?  Have you tried Amazon Prime? Here's a 30-Day Free Trial!

Which of these colors is your favorite?  
I'm particularly fond of "Jaded" today!

What have you made using a knitting loom?  Tell me about it!  Did you like it better than using  knitting needles?  Have you used a loom but never used needles?  

I love sharing my projects around the internet.  You can find me at these parties.

Cherry Twist Knit Hat with String Theory Hand Dyed Yarn

How do you like my new hat?

The Marshall Island Sport yarn that I received from String Theory Hand Dyed Yarn was really fantastic to knit.  It worked up really well!  The stitch definition is beautiful.  This stunning colorway is Sterling.  I love the ever so slight color variations.  It really brings the 100% Merino wool alive. I absolutely love this hat!  My daughter likes it too.  This particular project was selfish knitting, but since each skein has 350 yards of yarny goodness, I do have enough remaining to make her a matching hat.

The Cherry Twist Hat by Unravel Me is actually a really simple pattern.  It cleverly uses smocking-like stitches to easily create a complicated looking texture. In essence it's a basic knit two and purl two hat.  Now, I do have to say, I completely mis-read the instructions both the first and the second time around, so I did have to do a bit of frogging.  (In my defense, I was sick.)  If you're at all confused when reading the directions just remember that it is based around knit two then purl two.  (But you probably won't be confused, because the instructions really aren't confusing; I was probably just in my own little brain fog when knitting it the first -- and second -- time.)  The yarn looks brand new despite multiple froggings.  I've worked with some lower quality yarns that looked terrible after just one frogging.

Also, just in case you were wondering, we are not visiting Antarctica.  Do you know where we were visiting?  Take a guess in the comments!

Talk to me!  Have you used this yarn?  What were your thoughts?  Have you knit this hat?  Have you had to frog something that was the result of a silly mistake recently?

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I share my projects at these parties!

Crochet Dragon Hat

Look out, it's a Dragon!  Oh wait, it's a hat.

I think that this Dragon Hat is awesomeness personified.  I had seen the pattern by BriAbby ages ago and really, I mean really, wanted it.  Since the pattern is on the more expensive side (in my humble opinion) I waited for a sale.   

I've crocheted three Dragon Hats so far. I started with my daughter's as a tester.  She loved it immediately.  The whole family loved it.  In fact, my husband even said he wouldn't mind having one -- which Santa delivered.  Eventually Dominic and I will need our own.  

The pattern is well written and includes multiple sizes -- toddler to large adult.  I found that there were plenty of pictures to help with anything unusual.  The one negative is that these hats did take me awhile to put together.  There are a fair number of pieces to the dragon and then sewing everything in place does take a bit of time.  I will be making more of these though, it such a great hat!

Talk to me!  Have you crocheted a Dragon Hat?  Would you wear one?  Have you made a BriAbby pattern? 

I love sharing my projects around the web, here are some places where I party.

Pattern: BriAbby
Hooks I used: Clover Amour
Yarns: Various, including: Red Heart Soft  Caron Simply Soft,

Crochet Hat Patterns for Women Using Lightweight Yarn

I love yarn. If you've read more than one of my blog posts you've probably already figured that out.  I also really like hats.  I've been on the hunt for some nice crochet hat patterns for women to use with lighter weight yarns, especially now that I live in a warmer climate. I've been sadly disappointed with how few I've been able to find. (I'm putting together a crochet hat pattern using sock yarn this week! I can't wait to show it to you when it's finished!)

These hat patterns all use lighter weight yarn.

1. The Yenni Slouch Hat 

I can't tell you how much I love the look of this hat by Little Monkeys Crochet. When the pattern came out in October I was drooling. I did promise myself that I would finish my current project list of time sensitive projects before I would crochet this hat for myself.  Did I mention that it's free?

2. Lace Hat

This easy (free) pattern uses Red Heart's Heart & Sole yarn.  (Get it? Sole?)

3.  Linda Permann Petal Beret 

This one is a paid pattern, but just look at how gorgeous that design is!  Wow!

4. Pizzelle Beret

Here's another one by Linda.  This one also calls for lace weight yarn.  Again, a paid pattern.

5. Turquoise Mandala Slouchie Beanie

I have yet to crochet a Mandala of any kind.  It's certainly on my crochet bucket list.  This hat is a pretty awesome way to showcase this form of stitchery.  Kim is such a talented designer, and she generously offers this pattern for free.

Also worth mentioning, Cream of the Crop Crochet has a great (free) Short Slouchy Pattern.  It's a very basic crochet pattern using fine yarn.

How about you?  Have you crocheted a hat using lightweight yarn?  What patterns have you used?  Please tell me!

*Be sure to check out November's Yarn Giveaway!*

A Sewing Project: The Fox Hat

Dominic needed a pool hat.  I happily decided to sew him one.  I have been very happy with the hat that I made for Catherine a while ago.  I had some adorable fox fabric in my stash.  While technically the hat is reversible, the other side is just plain boring grey.

I used the same free pattern from Oliver + S that I used before as well as the same method of construction by Jessica.  (Her method eliminates hand sewing.  I appreciate hand sewing as a skill  . . . but it takes so much time!)  This hat needed to be practical, not perfect.  

My handsome little model wouldn't stay still for more than .0009 seconds, so these are the best shots that I got.  Of course, he (and his sister) were eager to get to the pool, so I guess that I can't really blame him, can I?

Just curious, did any of you notice my "big" mistake with this hat?  

I was kicking myself for not paying closer attention to what I was doing.  The foxes on the back of the crown are standing on their heads.  (Yes, I realize that now EVERYONE will notice my mistake.)  When I was first laying out the pattern to be cut I remember thinking, "OK, Rachel, just be careful that you get the foxes straight."  Whoops. 

I love sharing my projects around the blogosphere.  

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?)

I love sharing my projects around the web, you might find me at any of these places!

Another Crochet Project: Polar Bear Hat

I love how this crocheted Polar Bear hat turned out!  I was heavily inspired by Repeat Crafter Me's free pattern.

I made this particular hat with the intention of selling it, so if you're interested feel free to drop me a line.  Catherine wants to buy it, but I think she needs to learn that she doesn't get all the hats.  (Besides, she already has about a dozen and there's many more in my project queue that are for her!)