Monday, 24 January 2011

Bright Colours and Wonderful Texture: Crochet Hats Baby Boy and Baby Girl

how to crochet, crochet patterns, free crochet patterns, baby hats, sun hats,

Enjoying Winter Crochet

In the midst of winter's gloomy greys, it is delightful to be working with bright colours - makes me think of sunny days and blooming spring flowers, even though here in the UK spring is a few months away - it is so nice to be sitting in a warm room crocheting away and dreaming of things to come.


Pattern Writing and Testing

I have been re-crocheting and re-checking my written patterns - a scarf pattern and more hat patterns - this usually means I am madly trying to decipher the handwritten scribblings which pass for my pattern notes - of course I must admit I am nowhere as organized as I thought I was. I made so many different hats, mittens and scarves last year, it is only when I peruse my photos I realize I haven't written up the patterns for some.

Photo below includes some of my creations:
1. LACY Scarf (no pattern); 
2. BREEZY Sun Hat (no pattern); 
3. VALENTINA Crochet Hat (pattern available from my shops)
4. FEDORA Hat (no pattern)
5. HALF MOONS Scarf (no pattern)


crochet patterns, how to crochet, hats, cloche, beanies, scarves,

Creative Juices Flow

It is always so much easier for me to just grab a ball of yarn and just start crocheting. Sometimes just to try the new yarn and sometimes I have an idea for something which inevitably can turn out to be crocheted into something else altogether.  So the question put to me often by my husband is: "So what you making now?" and my answer could be:  "Don't know yet... just trying out the yarn!"


Crochet Stitch Fascination

Right now I am fascinated (addicted) with double crochet and FPdc and how many different ways I can use them. So far the experimenting is full of promise with a couple of new patterns resulting in some new crochet baby hats as you can see in photo below.

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New Baby Hat Patterns

The photo above is showing two (2) new baby hats:

1. FREE Crochet Hat NEWBORN PATTERN - this newborn baby hat pattern has a simple rib-like texture. Perfect for everyday wear or that special day out. Basic stitches double crochet and Front Post double crochet. Made with King Cole “Bamboo Cotton” and a 4mm hook. This pattern can be adapted to other yarns.

2. Crochet Hat LITTLE BOY BLUE PATTERN - simply perfect textured hat pattern complemented with bands of colour. Perfect for little boys everyday wear or that special day out. Basic stitches single crochet, double crochet, Front Post double crochet. Made with Rowan “Belle Organic” DK and a 4mm hook. This pattern is adaptable to other yarns.  PATTERN AVAILABLE FROM MY ONLINE SHOPS

Natural Yarns and Beautiful Colours

I have been using my favourite yarn Rowan "Belle Organic" and Rowan "Wool Cotton" both very easy yarns to crochet with and have a nice feel and drape; and of course some fantastic bright and luscious colours.  You can check the colour chart on their website here. This has definitely been my favourite yarn all last year.  

Of course I am always finding some new yarns on my travels and here is one I found in a small shop in Sandwich, Kent, UK and I just love it too. King Cole "Bamboo Cotton". just perfect for crochet baby hats.  You can check their colour chart here.

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Sunday, 16 January 2011

JANUARY CLEAN UP

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Out with the old, in with the new: may you be happy the whole year through. 

Happy New Year 2011

It's a New Year and I think January is always a great month for cleaning up, clearing out and deleting junk/trash emails, unwanted photos, videos and documents. A time to simply declutter wherever it may be necessary.


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Usually, it brings me to total exasperation, everywhere I look there is something else in need of reorganizing and its ever so frustrating.

I am de-cluttering my space/spaces and making way for new energy to propagate. 

I am really getting into this clearing out, I started with my yarn stash and have filled three (3) garbage bags of yarn which will go to the charity shop.


decluttering, cleanup your home, letting go, new year new you,

I am disengaging from the emotional attachment I have to the objects I possess and I must admit this is hard.

I am making an assessment about the objects in my space and the emotional strain it is having on the flow of my life which is currently stagnant.

I am looking at everything and assessing whether these things are adding value to my life or keeping me physically and emotionally stuck.

Did you know you really need to understand that every part of the human life experience is encapsulated within our home through design, images, symbols, sounds, and smells?




If you understand this, then you can assess whether these objects add value to your life or keep you physically and emotionally stuck.


decluttering, cleanup your home, letting go, new year new you,


Wow, I am feeling energized already,  must keep moving, heaps more clearing to go.

Please don't ask me for something I have thrown away!

I realize this blog post has nothing to do with my crochet creations so here is a cute crochet flower I made just for fun!


decluttering, cleanup your home, letting go, new year new you,

If you want to join me in de-cluttering here are some helpful hints:
  • Check each room of your home and record the clutter zones; 
  • How do you feel when you look at your possessions?  positive reaction or a negative one?
  • Have a system for discarding unwanted, broken or donation items.
  • Set an intention as you remove unwanted items. You are now energetically opening up to attracting new desires into your life.
  • Take breaks during the clutter-clearing session to recharge your energy.
  • Strive for a cleared, simple, natural and uncluttered feel.
I wish you a happy decluttering January!


decluttering, cleanup your home, letting go, new year new you,


BE CREATIVE

PLAY AND HAVE SOME FUN!

Enjoy!
ciao, ciao!
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Barbara Summers Hand Knit and Crochet   www.crocknit.com

Copyright © 2008 Barbara Summers Hand Knit and Crochet. All rights reserved.  All materials contained on this website, including images, are protected by the UK and International Copyright Law and may not be reproduced, distributed, transmitted, displayed, published or broadcast without the prior written permission of Barbara Summers. Please CONTACT me at crocknit@gmail.com if you wish to obtain such permission.

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Friday, 14 January 2011

Crochet Baby Girl Hat Patterns in Progress

crochet patterns, baby hats, girls, boys, newborn, hats, beanies,

CUTEST BABY GIRL HATS CROCHET


Here are my latest creations for baby girl hats:


1. WEDGES Baby Girl Hat
This is the perfect celebration hat for your newborn. A lovely decorative crochet hat pattern with crochet flower and adjustable drawstring or optional classic ribbon.

The cutest lace-like baby hat crochet pattern using DK yarn with a final row of wedges for that whimsical vintage finish.

This pattern requires patience and would suit those with intermediate crochet skills.

PATTERN DETAILS

Yarn: Rowan “Belle Organic” DK
Hook: 4mm 
Measurement: Circumference = 40.5cm (16in); will fit 35.5cm (14in) to 40.5cm (16in) head 
Size: 0-3 months PLUS (depending on head size).
Terminology: USA - American crochet terms

This pattern can be adapted to other yarns. For substitute yarns check out YARNSUB website.

The flower pattern is included. 

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WEDGES Baby Girl Hat Pattern 
is available from my online shops:



Thursday, 6 January 2011

Crochet Hats Galore !

free crochet patterns, hats, berets, how to crochet,

Into the new year and boy is time flying fast, I am crocheting my spare time away, with crochet hats, crochet berets, and crochet beanies, and writing patterns is all but slow.

1. SPRING Beret FREE Crochet Pattern

In the photo above is a simple crochet beret, which I designed for SPRING.  

This crochet beret pattern is the perfect spring accessory, and the simple V-stitch adds an intriguing rib-style pattern.

The top of the beret is shaped by increasing rows, creating a gathered appearance.

Flower pattern NOT INCLUDED.

PATTERN DETAILS:
SKILL LEVEL:  Easy - you need to know how to:  crochet in the round; single crochet, half double crochet and double crochet.
YARN:  Patons 100% Cotton DK
HOOK: 4mm 
TERMINOLOGY:  USA American crochet terms.

This pattern can be crochet using other similar yarns, just match the gauge.

Simple and quick to make, and so lovely to wear.

This FREE crochet pattern can be found HERE on RAVELRY


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Sometimes, (well maybe most of the timeI just can't help myself, I cannot sit and just do nothing, even when watching a movie (unless it's action/adventure) I have to be crocheting or knitting.

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2. PINK REMEMBRANCE Hat Crochet Pattern

This is my remembrance hat pattern dedicated to all those touched by cancer.

A textured pattern finished off with a breast cancer remembrance ribbon.

SKILL LEVEL:  Easy Intermediate 
YARN: King Cole "Bamboo Cotton" 
HOOK: 4mm 
SIZE: Ladies M
MEASUREMENTS: Head circumference 21-22.5in
TERMINOLOGY: USA American crochet terms

This pattern can be crochet using other similar yarns, just match the gauge.

Purchase this crochet pattern and help raise money for Marie Curie Cancer Care. 


This pattern can be found HERE in my ETSY store
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I know I am suppose to be also writing patterns, but sitting at the laptop keying in words, is not as exciting as the actually creating and designing of crochet hats and beanies.  I just love it!  
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3. FEDORA Hat Crochet Pattern

My attempt at a Fedora Hat, without too much fuss shaping.  

Updated note 5 Jun 2016:  I wore it a few times, and then gave up on it.  Not an easy pattern to adapt to other yarns, and I totally lost interest in it.  Pattern on the scrap pile, one of many.


So, my New Year's resolution, is to commit to making myself write down and key in my crochet patterns each day, take photos and catalogue all my crochet patterns, catch up with writing out the instructions for crochet garments I have made in the past, and generally getting more organised.

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4.  SWEET DUDE Man Hat Pattern

BEST EVER CROCHET HAT FOR YOUR MAN - perfect winter warmer beanie. Chunky style with a super easy texture stitch. 

Simply PERFECT FOR BALD HEADS with an optional soft and comfy lining. Make two (2) hat styles with this one pattern.

SKILL LEVEL: Easy Intermediate
YARN: Patons Wool Blend Aran OR any other similar yarn.
HOOK: 5mm
SIZE: Adult Male LARGE
MEASUREMENTS: Circumference 23in (58.4cm)
TERMINOLOGY: USA American crochet terms

This pattern can be crochet using other similar yarns, just match the gauge.

This pattern can be found HERE in my ETSY store

crochet patterns, how to crochet, man hats, beanies, hats,




Enjoy!
Ciao, ciao!


Copyright © 2008
Barbara Summers Hand Knit and Crochet.
All rights reserved.


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Wednesday, 22 December 2010

MERRY CHRISTMAS TO ALL!

crochet patterns, hats, beanies, winter hats, men, women,

Pre-Christmas Crochet Madness


Once again it is pre-Christmas time and every year it seems to get busier and busier.  I am running out of time to get things done, and all those great ideas for new crochet and knit projects running around in my head keep getting pushed to the back burner, because I am trying to keep on top of the last minute crochet and knit orders for Christmas.  

So many beanies to make for Christmas gift giving, as well as the normal realization that I also need a new hat to keep my head warm, especially since we are having quite a bit of snow and freezing temperatures this winter. 


Here are some of the hats I have made so far, starting with the Christmas theme for this year, my darling and I have decided we will be wearing red hats for the festive season.  


1.  CHRISTMAS Knit Hat for Men  


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For my darling this lovely warm, basketweave KNIT hat, which I knit on straight needles, then joined the seam and finished the crown with crochet, and I also crocheted a cotton lining, so it won't itch his bald head.


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This man hat (beanie) was knit from one ball of yarn purchased from the Charity Shop, no label, so I had no idea what brand it was, what the ratio of wool/acrylic, or what needle size to use.  Anyway I decided to knit the hat instead of crocheting, to make sure there was enough yarn and then finished off the crown with crochet.

2.  CHRISTMAS Crochet Hat for Women


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For myself, I crocheted the Christmas hat from one ball of thick yarn, which I also purchased from the Charity shop.  I started off by making a headband, then decided to turn it into this cute little thing.
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Here I am wearing my red Christmas Hat, it was the perfect day for photos down by the seafront with all the snow and sun.

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Well OK maybe it's not a perfect photo of the hat, but my husband took the photo, without his glasses and he was obviously more interested in the whole view, scenery and all, not just the red hat on my head.  LOL

3.  CAMOUFLAGE Crochet Beanies for Men

These two (2) Crochet Beanies (Hats) were ordered by my neighbour, one for himself and one for his mate.  Camouflage was the requested colour, because they were going to be worn whilst they were fishing.  Yarn used was Sirdar "Escape" Wool Rich DK.

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I loved the way the yarn created an amazing camouflage beanie, that I decided to make a third beanie for a family member who also loves camouflage. 

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However this time I crocheted a cotton lining for the hat, yarn used for cotton lining Patons 100% Cotton DK.  


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If you would like to make a cotton lined beanie for your man check out my crochet pattern for the SWEET DUDE Man Hat here. 


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4. BASKETWEAVE Crochet Hat for Women and Men


I have also crocheted this lovely basketweave hat in navy blue, I think it will be for me, although it may just end up as a Christmas gift!  You never know.

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So I have been crocheting non-stop and because I really enjoyed making the crochet basketweave hat, I decided to also crochet one for my darling, in a lovely charcoal with a white fleck. Yarn used Patons Aran Wool Blend.  Naturally it will be lined with Patons 100% Cotton DK, not just for extra warmth but to prevent itchy bald head.


Hopely you have enjoyed my crochet hats sharing, and when all the crocheting and Christmas partying is over I hope to get the patterns down into the computer and up on my website, probably in the New Year.

But for now it's Christmas drinks tonight with the neighbours and I think we are having a six year old bit of Sloe gin. Woo hoo!


crochet patterns, hats, beanies, winter hats, men, women,

Ciao, Ciao remember to check out my online shops for loads more crochet patterns

 Ravelry,       Etsy     and      Craftsy 

Hope you enjoy your time here
and remember to browse my FREE PATTERNS as well!

CIAO, CIAO...... Enjoy!



Friday, 3 December 2010

BABY HATS, BABY MITTENS and more

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Baby, Baby, Baby

UPDATE: Crochet baby hats, baby mittens, baby booties, baby scarves and baby sun hats, all these wonderful little crochet creations were once available as a "Made to Order" purchase from me.  

I no longer crochet items for sale, however you can now buy the crochet patterns from my online stores:
CRAFTSY          ETSY          RAVELRY

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PATTERNS AVAILABLE:

1. PIXIE BABE Hat

"Simply perfect" little pixie elf hat. Pattern includes instructions for embellishments: heart, flower and star/starfish. 

PIXIE BABE Hat Crochet Pattern available from my online stores:
CRAFTSY          ETSY          RAVELRY

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2. TODDLER Scarf

Very simple scarf pattern, with contrast edge and simple fan stitch trim on the ends. Perfect scarf for toddlers, short, neat and safe. A scarf which stays in place. 

TODDLER Scarf Crochet Pattern available from my online stores:
CRAFTSY          ETSY          RAVELRY


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3. RAINBOW TREASURES 

RAINBOW TREASURES Crochet EBook (PDF) has a collection of colourful patterns for mum and daughter. Baby, toddler, child, teen and adult. 
Includes: BLOSSOM Sun Hat; ROZINA Flower; TROPO Hat; RAINBOW Baby Mittens; RAINBOW Keyhole Scarf; HENRIETTA Fingerless Mittens.

RAINBOW TREASURES Crochet EBook available from my online stores:
CRAFTSY          ETSY          RAVELRY


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4. SUNSHINE Sun hat


Simple crochet sun hat pattern - perfect sun protection. Adjustable drawstring gives you a perfect fit every time.

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

crochet patterns, how to crochet, baby hats, beanies, mittens, booties, scarves, sun hats,

5. SIMPLICITY Newborn Hat and Mittens

An easy newborn baby hat and mittens pattern. Very simple to adjust size for smaller or larger head circumference. With or without colour change.
This crochet hat and mittens pattern will give you the basics to creating your own baby hats, starting with basic single crochet. 

SIMPLICITY Newborn Hat and Mittens Crochet Pattern available from my online stores:
CRAFTSY          ETSY          RAVELRY


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AND there are lots MORE crochet patterns in my online stores:
CRAFTSY          ETSY          RAVELRY

Enjoy!
Ciao, ciao!

Copyright © 2008
Barbara Summers Hand Knit and Crochet.
All rights reserved.


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Wednesday, 10 November 2010

Vacation over... back to work...

At long last... we have returned from a whirl-wind trip by train to Florence... it was fantastic...
Florence, Firenze, Italia, Barbara Summers
Ponte Vecchio, Firenze and me....
and having spent two weeks recouping I am now keen to get back into my handcrafts... but somehow there are so many other things happening as well...


Here are a few projects I finished before travelling... just had no time to post previously...

crochet hats vintage flapper
Barbara Summers design - Fan Cloche with Flower Brooch
Made with Rowan Wool Cotton - yes my favourite yarn just now... and delightful to work with...
you can find the PATTERN for this stunning vintage flapper style hat named VALENTINA here


then this... my red mohair spiralling beret.... 
with contrast spiral... the contrast is in the different yarn I used instead of mohair ...

SPIRALS Beret PATTERN is NOT available for now.... 
however you can check out this 


which will give you some idea how to make it.

crochet hats berets spirals
Barbara Summers design - Mohair Spiral Beret


and this basket weave beanie for my man....

still waiting to be finished... made with 100% aran wool...  you can find the PATTERN for SWEET DUDE here includes two (2) crochet hat styles for men, with optional lining for bald heads.

crochet hats patterns man men
Barbara Summers design - Basket Weave Beanie

so will need to line it with cotton... my man can't handle wool next to the skin...

and bald heads are even more sensitive....  you can find the PATTERN for SWEET DUDE here includes two (2) crochet hat styles for men, with optional lining for bald heads.

crochet hats patterns man men
Basket Weave Beanie - close-up
made a 100% Aran Wool Spiralling Beanie as well.... liked the outcome of the red mohair... so much....

crochet hats berets spirals
Barbara Summers design - 100% Aran Wool Spiral Beanie


again the contrast spiral was crochet with a different yarn...


SPIRALS Beret PATTERN is NOT available for now....
however you can check out this

FREE PATTERN for a spirals HAT/BEANIE 

which will give you some idea HOW to make it.

now on with the pattern writing.... 
work, work, work....







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