Newborn Crochet Hats and Mittens

BABY LOVE

The best time in anyone's life - the birth of a child!

What a miracle! so tiny, so cute, so soft and so much in need of protection.

If I could only relive those wonderful baby days, (sigh), definitely the best days of my life (this year 2011 - my babies are 31 and 36 yrs old).  Wow, that was a long time ago!  

So, today I create little hats and mittens for someone else's darlings.

Are you looking for a simply perfect crochet pattern for newborn hat and mittens? 
Then look no further because here it is
Ever so easy, ever so soft and comfortable for baby.

PATTER DETAILS:

Skill Level:  EASY
Yarn:  Bendigo Cotton 8ply OR any other similar yarn
Hook: 4mm
Stitches:  sc, hdc, reverse sc (crab stitch)
Size:  Newborn to 3M+
Terminology:  USA American crochet terms

Pattern Description

This baby hat and mittens crochet pattern will give you the basics to creating your own baby hats, starting with basic single crochet. 

You can introduce simple colour changes, creating a contrast edge, or stripes or blocks of colour, ever so simple and yet so versatile.

You can easily create a variety of hats just with one pattern.

AND, once you have mastered this simple crochet hat pattern, you can progress your crochet hat skills and get more adventurous by changing the stitches in the body of the hat. 

So many possibilities from one simple pattern.  

You will be able to make crochet hats in all sizes, from newborn to adult (there is no limit).  Adjusting the size is very easy and I give you hints on size adjustment in the pattern.

SIMPLICITY Newborn Hat and Mittens PATTERN

is available from my online stores

CRAFTSY 

ETSY

RAVELRY

I do hope you enjoy making your hats and mittens, 

and remember 

all my patterns come with FREE online assistance.

Enjoy!

ciao, ciao!

Barbara Summers Hand Knit and Crochet   www.crocknit.com
(C) Copyright - All rights reserved.

YOU MAY ALSO LIKE:

-----------------------------------------------

PATTERN Crochet Hat "STRIPES"

Re-organizing, Re-arranging and Re-grouping

It's that time of year again, autumn, and just like spring, I always feel a need to sort stuff out - whether it be in my mind, in my kitchen cupboards or with my crochet patterns, there is always room for improvement.

So, on that note here is the first of many more to come, a re-grouping of favourite STRIPES patterns - including summertime sun hats and winter beanie hat with turn-up brim.  They are simply the perfect combination.

Included in this combo:

1. Crochet Hat "Bucket Stripes"
2. Crochet Hat "Simple Stripes"
3. Crochet Hat "Persimmon Stripes"

A few little tweeks in the crochet patterns, to keep them up-to-date with my latest styles and formats, and you now have a great beginners crochet pattern collection for your baby, toddler, child or even yourself.  

These crochet patterns can be easily adapted to other yarns and hat sizes can be adjusted for larger or smaller heads.  

If you are unable to work it out yourself just contact me, all my patterns come with FREE online assistance.

STRIPES Crochet Hats Pattern

is available from my online stores

Ravelry          Etsy

Enjoy!
Ciao, ciao!

Copyright © 2008

Barbara Summers Hand Knit and Crochet.

All rights reserved.

YOU MAY ALSO LIKE:
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Autumn Babies!

All babies need a hat

a handmade crochet hat, of course

and made by you!

It is a fact we humans lose a lot of heat through our heads and hats help to keep the warmth in our bodies.

In autumn and winter babies especially,  need to wear hats whilst outside, they just cannot regulate their body temperatures until about 6 months old.

So, I've come up with a new crochet hat design for your babies head and I have added a cute pair of mittens to match.

Autumn Time!

I love autumn here in the UK, the cooler days and the fresh breeze and the autumnal colours are just starting but the one thing you see a lot of at this time of year in home gardens, along the roadside and amongst the hedgerows are the colourful berries. 

Berries, berries everywhere, there are rowan berries, blackberries, rose hips, hawthorn berries, sloe berries, elderberries and many others. The abundance of berries this year is amazing, yellows, reds, blacks, blues, orange and white such a beautiful sight along the way and some are good enough to eat!

All these wonderful and colourful berries and the onset of cooler days, has inspired me to design a super special little Berry Hat with matching Mittens.

AUTUMN BERRIES Baby Hat and Mittens

I designed a cute little berry top hat with a small twig of berries in each panel around the body of the hat and then added a smaller version of the berries to the mittens.

Yarn Used

This hat and mittens are made using James C. Brett "Pure Merino" DK and crocheted with a 4.5mm hook.  

The hat will fit up to 16in (40.5cm) plus head circumference. 

Hints on making a smaller/larger size are included in the pattern. 

Skill level for this pattern is:  Intermediate

The pattern is now available from my online shop Ravelry

As always all my patterns come with FREE online pattern assistance.

May you enjoy this simply perfect pattern as much as I have enjoyed making it.

Ciao, ciao!

Summer Crochet !

Temperature reliant handcrafts

Here in the UK crocheting during summer is easy, the summer temperatures are variable and this summer, it has been generally dry (OK so today and next few days looking wet) but generally it has been DRY and not very hot or warm for that matter, so sitting back and crocheting is not encumbered with sweaty hands or dripping brow and if it is warm on the odd day then rest assured I am out in the sunshine enjoying it and getting as much Vit D out of the day as I can.

Heaven (and God) only know when the sun is going to come out again and grace us with it's blessings!

Writers Block... and whinge!

Writing about the crochet on the other hand has been (in my case) constipated. Oh the reluctance to write about what I do, I'd rather be doing it. Then there are the photos to sort through and edit, the ho hum drudgery, and then trying to keep you all informed.  Did you know I am a "dot point" type of person?  You know -

• take yarn and hook
• make a hat
• gift to friend
• start next project

It's so easy, right?  not having to count stitches, explain every step, make sure it's understood, check and re-check, hours at the computer, so I can share with others!  who said this crochet life was easy?

Give me a map, a camera and I am off into the world exploring. And if my crochet hook travels with me, it may not see daylight for weeks.  So basically if I had the means, my first choice would always be "travel" and "adventure" and "the great outdoors".

Everyday Delights and Rewards

On the other hand the delight in receiving compliments and the rewards of sales is all worth it and I do like to share what little crochet knowledge I have with others, especially when people are interested enough to ask me about it, I recoil from forcing it down people's throats. 

Anyway here now I am going to share my latest crochet projects and patterns, so you will know I have not been too idle!  

Distraction project

In the midst of creating more summer hats with brims, like this lovely bucket-style (fisherman-style) hat called ZIGGY and which is available from my online store RAVELRY

I decided to break away from my mindless hat making and try a bit of "filet" crochet. I had this very old pattern hanging around for a while, so now was the perfect opportunity, having just spent five (5) weeks of whirlwind travelling around the UK with my daughter (from Oz).

I really felt the need to explore the unknown (for me anyway) world of filet crochet.

Crochet Rose Bag

The pattern is a small crochet bag with a rose design and dates back to the early 1910-1920's, I think.

Crochet Rose Bag - both sides done - ready to be joined.

So with my white cotton and metallic gold yarn and a 2.5mm hook (not the recommended size for the project) however I wanted my bag to be bigger than the original pattern, the original is made with Crochet Cotton No. 10 and crochet hook No. 8 (I think it's old UK steel hook size).

At first it was interesting to read the instructions and to ponder over how simple instructions were back in those days, here is an example:-

Ch105, Work three rows of 33 space each. 

Row 4, 5sp, 4blk, 5sp, 1blk, 3sp, 1blk, 5sp, 4blk, 5sp, 

and so on....  

Obviously every young girl knew how to crochet back then, so there was no need for too much explanation in the pattern, just the basics.  Which I think is simply perfect, basic instructions, a bit like what and how I like to scribble my crochet notes, dot point. LOL

Filet crochet is really quite simple, all about spaces and blocks, just fill in the blocks and you have a design, even simpler follow the few basic instructions and then follow the chart. Quite an enjoyable little project, now all I have to do is line my bag, I must source a nice bit of material for it, still not sure on the colour, do I go dark to show up the pattern?  or go with a gold ? decisions, decisions.

Latest Designs

Feast your eyes on my latest summer designs, actually it's a bit of a revamp of one of my previous patterns.

The pattern is very close to completion, and will be released next week, do keep an eye open for it!  and yes, it will be available from on my RAVELRY online store.

Never Idle

Oh and just in case you thought I am or have been a bit lazy, check out today's walk, 7.5 miles along the Crab & Winkle Way from Whitstable to Canterbury.  Of course we took the bus back home, we were a bit soggy from the downpour which we walked through half way there.

Enjoy!
Ciao, ciao!

Copyright © 2008

Barbara Summers Hand Knit and Crochet.

All rights reserved.

YOU MAY ALSO LIKE:

------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Midsummer Super Special Offer!

Grab "Any 5 Patterns" for a very low midsummer Super Special Offer of £8

Offer is available from today Monday July 11 until Friday July 15 ....

so hurry along and grab your 5 now....  

this is a once only super summer special! 

available here...

Etsy...   OR   Barbara Summers Hand Knit and Crochet...

cut off time will be London, UK midday Saturday

SPRING Sun Hats!

Sunny Days

After a long grey winter the sun is here - and also the need for protection from harmful UV rays!

Funny really, we long for the sun and then when it is here we need protection!  And the best solution is to wear a hat - and for total comfort and breathability make it cotton!

Of course, we also have sun protection lotions, sunglasses, umbrellas, and the rest - but what about your little bundle of joy sitting in the stroller or sitting in that sling (baby carrier)?

A lovely cotton sun hat is the best answer, and for many years I have had requests from mums wanting cotton sun hats for their babies from as young as three (3) months, because even though they are not sitting yet, they are being carried by mum or dad in a sling/carrier on chest or back.  So obviously sun protection in the form of a soft cotton hat is the perfect solution!

Favourite Sun Hat Patterns

Here are the most favourited and most popular sun hats from my collection of crochet sun hat patterns.  

All sun hat patterns are available from my online stores:  CRAFTSY   RAVELRY 

1.  SPRING Sun Hat Crochet Pattern

A perfectly simple crochet sun hat pattern comprised of just three (3) simple stitch rows to achieve the decorative little pattern.  Adjustable drawstring gives you a perfect fit every time.

SKILL LEVEL: Easy Intermediate - need to know colour change, and working in rounds.

Yarn: Bendigo Cotton 8ply (or similar cotton yarn)

Hook: 4.5mm

Measurements: One size: Three (3) months PLUS (depending on head size).

Terminology: US crochet terms

This pattern can be adapted to other yarns.

SPRING Sun Hat Pattern is available from my online stores:  CRAFTSY   RAVELRY 

2. SUNSHINE Sun Hat Crochet Pattern

Simple crochet sun hat pattern for your baby. Perfect sun protection. Adjustable drawstring gives you a perfect fit every time.

You can have a play with this pattern, choose your colours and make it striped, plain or use blocks of colour.  

Pattern instructions also include hints on up-sizing. 

FLOWER PATTERN NOT INCLUDED.

SKILL LEVEL: Easy - need to know working in rounds.

Yarn:  Bendigo Cotton 8ply (or similar yarn)

Hook:  4.5mm

Measurements:  One size: Three (3) months PLUS 

Terminology:  US crochet terms

This pattern can be adapted to other yarns.

SUNSHINE Sun Hat Pattern is available from my online stores:  CRAFTSY   RAVELRY  

3.  STRIPES Sun Hat Crochet Pattern

Simply Perfect STRIPES - Perfect sun hat (bucket style) for summer, and a perfect beanie hat with turn-up brim for winter. Adjustable drawstring gives you a perfect fit every time.

Pattern includes full-instructions for each hat.

Three (3) motifs included: Starfish, Heart and Flower.

SKILL LEVEL: Easy - working in the round and knowledge of colour change needed.

Yarn: Bendigo Cotton 8ply; OR King Cole Bamboo Cotton; OR Rowan Belle Organic DK; or similar yarn.

Hook: 4.5mm

Measurements: One size: Twelve (12) months PLUS (hat size can be adjusted)

Terminology: US crochet terms

This pattern can be adapted to other yarns.

STRIPES Sun Hat Pattern is available from my online stores:  CRAFTSY   RAVELRY   

4.  BLOSSOM Sun Hat Crochet Pattern

A beautiful and colourful crochet sun hat pattern which includes three (3) sizes, baby, toddler and child, with a lovely wide brim.

This pattern is available in USA AMERICAN crochet terms and UK BRITISH crochet terms. 

PLEASE SELECT THE CORRECT PATTERN TERMINOLOGY prior to purchase.

SKILL LEVEL: Intermediate - need to know colour change, working in rounds.

YARN: Bendigo Woollen Mills; Heirloom Cotton 8ply; OR any other similar cotton yarn

HOOK: 4.5mm (7)

SIZES: Three (3) sizes - Baby/Toddler/Child

TERMINOLOGY: USA crochet terms OR UK crochet terms.

This pattern can be adapted to other yarns.

BLOSSOM Sun Hat Pattern is available from my online stores:  CRAFTSY   RAVELRY   

Patterns are available from my online stores

CRAFTSY        RAVELRY   

Enjoy!

ciao, ciao!

Barbara Summers Hand Knit and Crochet   www.crocknit.com
(C) Copyright - All rights reserved.

My Life is Sunshine, Lollipops and Rainbows!

Heavenly sunshine days!

How fantastic has the weather been lately?

Here in Kent the sun is shining, the wind has died down and it's just glorious, not only feels like those long summer days but it's even starting to smell like them. Well, maybe I exaggerate a bit, just a little bit. But it is wonderful to be able to get out and walk along the seafront without a wind chill factor freezing my face off!

Concerted Effort!

Which brings me to the patterns I am working on right now. I have finally knuckled down and I am working conscientiously on writing up, checking and re-making those colourful crochet hat patterns which I worked on, oh so many weeks ago!

Three (3) Crochet Patterns for Spring and Summer Hats

All three crochet hat patterns are crocheted with King Cole “Bamboo Cotton” 50% bamboo 50% cotton, in beautiful vibrant spring/summer colours.

Crochet Hat No. 1 is the  TROPO Hat

TROPO Hat is a colourful, springtime crochet hat pattern with a lovely stitch design pattern involving colour changes, and some tricky stitch work and is definitely NOT for the beginner!  Sorry folks.

Crochet Hat No. 2 is the GREEN SHRIMP Hat

GREEN SHRIMP is a simpler crochet hat pattern, which any confident beginner can tackle.  The pattern includes instructions for the Flower Brooch.

Crochet Hat No. 3 is the  VIOLET Hat

VIOLET Hat is a super little cloche hat just perfect for the spring months.  Flower Brooch pattern is included.

Of course, if you like plain colours and don't want to do colour changes, all of these crochet hat patterns can always be crocheted in one (1) colour, resulting in a very interesting and beautiful texture to the finished project.

So do keep your eye open for these wonderful, colourful fresh springtime crochet hat patterns, which will be appearing soon, in my online stores.   Available from RAVELRY, and CRAFTSY.

Hope you are enjoying the sunshine!  I am.  Ciao, for now!

Enjoy!
Ciao, ciao!

Copyright © 2008

Barbara Summers Hand Knit and Crochet.

All rights reserved.

YOU MAY ALSO LIKE:

------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Patterns, Crochet and me!

WIP - Tick. Done. 
Crochet Hearts Doily now done and dusted.  Must say for the time I spent on this piece, I could have made a number of baby hats, mittens, bootees, etc.  However I appreciate the experience and I will file away the knowledge of this exercise for future reference. Here is a photo of the finished doily, just before cutting thread and prior to blocking.

Crochet Hearts Doily 

Heart Thoughts!
I am glad to have chosen two heart doilies to trial.  I personally prefer pattern No. 1 from Coats and Clarke "Hearts Desire".... simple, easy beginners heart doily, and a very easy pattern to remember.  I really like the ease of crochet, the quickness and versatility .... use it with any yarn and hook size.  I think I will definitely use this pattern again ... maybe not as a doily but for use in making a beret or summer hat!  Will see!

Crochet Hearts Desire Doily

Today is free day!
I am now ploughing through my handwritten scribbles, which I decipher and turn into patterns which make sense.... I hope.... and of course this is not my favourite part of crocheting.  However it needs to be done if my intention nowadays is to crochet for pleasure and for sharing... and opposed to crocheting madly for hours each day just to reach my quota by the end of the week .... so I can have stock for my market stall!  Those days are now gone, by choice, and I am now stress free!

I am going to share a few patterns with you soon, which will be free!  Simple and quick patterns.

So stay tuned.... there will be ...  NEWBORN Baby Hat FREE PATTERN

Crochet Hat Newborn

This "Perfect Wrist and Headband" pattern is so simple to make.  

A perfect little accessory for the coming summer months.

PLEASE NOTE:  HEART MOTIF - IS NOT included in this FREE PATTERN

PATTERN FOR HEART MOTIF IS AVAILABLE HERE:  

Wristband/Headband Measurements: 

will vary depending on yarn and hook size. 

Aim for easy fit, this stitch will stretch and cotton yarn does relax with wear.

Crochet Wristband Pattern

Enjoy!

ciao, ciao!

Barbara Summers Hand Knit and Crochet   www.crocknit.com
Copyright (C) 2008-2015 Barbara Summers - All rights reserved.

Tropical Fruits - good enough to eat!

Nature's Colours!

Nature provides us with amazing spectacular colours present in the beauty of fruits, vegetables and flowers. There is colour all around us, and I just love the variety and vibrancy of colours on show.

I love roaming around farmers' markets and admiring all the wonderful colours of fruits and vegetables - greens, oranges, reds, purples, yellows - and my favourite colours can be found amongst the amazing tropical fruits: mango; passionfruit; pawpaw (papaya); kiwi to name a few. All these vibrant coloured fruits and vegetables just for us to eat and enjoy. Yummy!

Fruity Inspiration!

While doing a bit of travelling around historical Kent, I came across some amazing vibrant yarn colours which made me think about tropical fruits and also inspired my design for the next crochet hat for your baby/toddler.

Probably the one thing I really miss, here in the UK, is the abundance of fresh tropical fruits which were available in my hometown of Byron Bay, Australia. I used to love just stepping out the back door and picking a papaya off the tree or a passionfruit off the vine!  So fresh and so delicious!

OK so I apologize I am getting a bit sidetracked, I will return to talking about crochet and vibrant yarn colours.

Yarn and Pattern Stitch!

The yarn is King Cole Bamboo Cotton DK and they have some amazing colours, beautifully deep, warm shades or pastels, you can check out the colour chart here. 

King Cole Bamboo Cotton DK is a naturally special 50/50 bamboo and cotton blend. It is soft and smooth on the skin and will create garments with an elegant, fluid drape. 

I found this bamboo cotton yarn is just perfect for crochet hats for baby, toddler, teen or adult, and with spring around the corner, I am convinced these colours are just begging to be displayed. 

Shrimp, Green and Violet, are the colours I used for my new hat design, which reminds me of tropical fruits.  Doesn't it look delicious?

Harlequin or Catherine Wheel?

The pattern stitch I used is Harlequin stitch, which is very similar to the Catherine Wheel stitch and I think it is just the perfect stitch for a multi-coloured project.

Crochet Hat TROPO is available from my online stores:

RAVELRY        CRAFTSY 

Enjoy!

ciao, ciao!

Barbara Summers Hand Knit and Crochet   www.crocknit.com
(C) Copyright - All rights reserved.

------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

YOU MAY ALSO LIKE: