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!

Crochet "Just for Men"

CROCHET PATTERNS for MEN

Here it is my latest pattern for THE MAN in my life! This crochet pattern is totally a man thing! Robust with a sensual earthy style.  

These crochet mittens were made with Patons Wool Blend Aran, a classic autumn/winter yarn and it is ever so worthwhile to go and check out the lovely yarn colour palette. Yarn shades range from creams to browns and from blues to greys.  Perfect colours for manly crochet garments and accessories.

I simply love crocheting with this yarn, it's a great wool blend aran with 63% wool and 27% acrylic, ball weight 100g and recommended hook 4.5mm. However, I have written this pattern using a 5mm hook, because using a 4.5mm hook with the FPdc stitch pattern will make the finished material too tight and rigid with a limited stretch factor.  

These crochet fingerless mittens are a huge hit with my man!  He loves the textured design and has already asked for another pair in a dark blue colour. 

Here are the PATTERN DETAILS:  

COUNTRY Man Mittens Crochet Pattern

This mittens pattern is easy and quick, with a double rib texture for the cuff and single rib texture over the palm.  Trimmed with contrast colour at cuff edge and palm edge.   Crochet in the round, with optional thumb section.  No seams to sew.  Wear the mittens on either hand.  The pattern is the same for both left and right mittens.

One Size:  Adult Man = Medium to Extra Large
Basic Stitches:  single, double, front post double crochet.
Yarn:  Patons Wool Blend Aran 63% Wool 27% Acrylic
Hook:  5mm
Terminology:  USA AMERICAN crochet terms

This pattern can be adapted to other yarns.

COUNTRY Man Mittens Crochet Pattern is available from my online stores:  Ravelry      Craftsy       LOVECROCHET

I hope you enjoy my latest crochet pattern, I am off to relax a bit, and then tomorrow is another day!  I am working my way through my "Crochet To Do" list.

COUNTRY Man Mittens Crochet Pattern 

is available from my online stores:

  Ravelry         Craftsy         LOVECROCHET

Enjoy!

ciao, ciao!

Copyright © 2008

Barbara Summers Hand Knit and Crochet.

All rights reserved.

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CHARITY HAT PATTERN

PATTERN Crochet Hat PINK REMEMBRANCE

A celebration and remembrance hat pattern dedicated to all those touched by cancer.  A textured pattern finished off with a simple breast cancer remembrance ribbon.

This pattern written in USA American crochet terms.

Basic Stitches:  single, half double and double crochet.

Yarn:  King Cole "Bamboo Cotton" 

Hook:  4mm 

Size: Ladies M

Measurement:  Head circumference 21-22.5in

This pattern can be adapted to other yarns.

I’m raising money for Marie Curie Cancer Care using JustGiving and I'd really appreciate your support.

ALL proceeds from the sale of this pattern will go to Marie Curie Cancer Care  http://www.mariecurie.org.uk

You can help support this cause HERE in two ways:

1. You can purchase PINK REMEMBRANCE Crochet Hat Pattern from one of my ONLINE shops RAVELRY or CRAFTSY and I will donate the proceeds.

also

2. You can make a donation (NO minimum) direct to "Justgiving" via my page: http://www.justgiving.com/Barbara-Summers.

It's easy, fast and totally secure. It will be much appreciated.

You’re making a big difference -

Every £20 will fund a Marie Curie Nurse for one hour to care for a terminally ill patient in their own home.

£160 will pay for a whole shift for a Marie Curie Nurse to be there to support a patient and their carer for a whole day or night.

£12,000 needs to be raised every hour of every day to fund their work.

Only a quarter of all terminally ill cancer patients in the UK currently die at home. Marie Curie Nurses care for half of them - but they want to reach more. 

Your donation will help make this a reality for ALL. 

Thanks for taking the time to visit my JustGiving page.

Donating through JustGiving is simple, fast and totally secure. Your details are safe with JustGiving – they’ll never sell them on or send unwanted emails. Once you donate, they’ll send your money directly to the charity and make sure Gift Aid is reclaimed on every eligible donation by a UK taxpayer. So it’s the most efficient way to donate - I raise more, whilst saving time and cutting costs for the charity. 

So please dig deep and donate now. It will be much appreciated.

YOU HAVE PERMISSION TO SELL what you make from Barbara Summers' PATTERNS. Please read "NEW POLICY CHANGE"

Patterns available from my online stores

CRAFTSY        RAVELRY 

Enjoy!

ciao, ciao!

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

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Simple, quick, easy crochet mittens

Autumnal equinox is coming!

Here in the northern hemisphere the sun will soon cross the celestial equator and move south, taking the warmth and long daylight hours with it!

However, before the coming of the winter darkness, the autumnal equinox which occurs about 22/23rd September also heralds the time of the harvest moon, which is the full moon closest to this date, and that is happening right now, today is Sept 12 and it's a full moon!

OMG, I am going out right now to see if the night is clear of clouds to get a photo.

Harvest Moon, Sept 12, 2011

Oh yes here it is a photo of the harvest moon, shame I didn't think of it before now (it is 9.30pm) anyway I have a photo for you.  I also took a photo yesterday as well it was taken a bit earlier in the evening but today is the moon that counts.

Harvest Moon, Sept 11, 2011

Wow, how exciting! you would not believe how often the full moon is obscured by clouds here. Of course, I get very excited when I can actually get to view the full moon. WOW, I seem to have gone right off track here, where is the crochet stuff?

Well, all this moon stuff started with thinking about the coming of cooler autumn days, and how it is now a good time to start those projects for some simple and quick fingerless mittens. I also have a collection of new patterns coming soon,  just need to tear myself away from the actual crocheting and set myself down and put the words into the computer, so I can release the patterns.

Here is the list of new patterns coming soon!

Crochet Mobius "Country Tracks"

It's a man thing! Long crochet Mobius with a country tracks texture pattern, designed to roll. Keep it simple - worked in the round, no seams to sew. Made with Jarol Pure British Wool Aran. View details.

Crochet Fingerless Mittens "Lilac"

This lovely pair of mittens with accompanying headband can be made with Bendigo 8ply Cotton or any similar 8ply or DK yarn. The pattern has a ribbed texture and complimented with a simple contrast edge and two buttons. The crochet headband is worked using the famous Mobius style with some surprise features. View details.

Crochet Fingerless Mittens "Country"

Another It's a man thing! pattern. My husband will be the first recipient of these fingerless mittens. Robust and manly, made with Patons Wool Blend Aran.

View details.

Crochet Headband and Fingerless Mittens "Loopy"

This is a simple crochet pattern for a headband (neckwarmer) and fingerless mittens with optional thumb section and made with James C. Brett Pure Merino DK. Perfect for spring/autumn wear.

View details.

Crochet Fingerless Mittens "Shells"

This is a revised version of my very early pattern Crochet Mittens Aran (NO longer available).  I have totally rewritten the pattern and improved the instructions and thrown out some bits. So basically you could say it's a brand new pattern.  Made with Sirdar Balmoral, this yarn is now discontinued, so before I release the pattern I will find a substitute yarn.  View details.

For your information: all my fingerless mitten patterns are crochet in the round, starting at the cuff, no seams to sew and some have an optional thumb section.  You can wear the mittens on either hand, the pattern is the same for both left and right mittens.

That's all for now, folks!

Ciao, Ciao!

GIVE ME A HAND! and I will give you a MITTEN!

Fingerless mittens - my favourite clothing accessory - I love being able to use my fingers even though I have gloves on - and that is what fingerless mittens are all about.  The freedom to do!

This is a fingerless mittens design which I worked on last winter. I made a pair of fingerless mittens in this lattice pattern (a nice olive green with purple trim) - do you remember? You can read about it HERE. 

So, it has taken me HOW LONG? to finally get this pattern into the computer?  Sometimes that's just how it is, and sometimes it is worth waiting, it has turned out to be quite fruitful, with minor adjustments to the original pattern, and simplified pattern instructions.  I am happy with the end product.  All worth the wait!

YARN TALK:  

James C Brett - Who is this man, you say?

Well, I don't know WHO he is!  but the yarn is fabulous, it is my latest yarn find and I am in love with this Pure Merino DK

and yes, can you see on the label - it is machine washable... not that I ever wash my handknits in the machine... but maybe you do?

This yarn is so incredibly soft and there is a fantastic range of colours.  It is ever so luxuriously delicate to the touch (well, yes I pinched the words from the yarn description on Deramores, oops!)

It is absolutely the perfect yarn for these mittens and I dare say for any garment!  By the way, if you're wondering which shade is this pink, it is Shade No. 15.

Do you think I am addicted to fingerless mittens?  YES? you may be right.

LATTICE Fingerless Mittens Crochet Pattern

is available from my online stores:

RAVELRY     ETSY      CRAFTSY

Enjoy!
Ciao, ciao!

Copyright © 2008

Barbara Summers Hand Knit and Crochet.

All rights reserved.

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Crochet for Men!

CROCHET for MEN on Father's Day!

For those down-under  (Australia, New Zealand, Papua New Guinea and Fiji) - today is Father's Day.

Although my father is no longer on this earth, I still remember him on this day.  Happy Father's Day Dad!

And I am sure he would have loved this latest pattern for a Crochet Mobius neckwarmer called "SHADOW".

Pattern is written using Patons "Shadow Tweed" yarn and 7mm hook.  

This crochet mobius neckwarmer fits comfortably snug around the neck and is wide enough to pull up and cover ears, mouth and nose for those freezing wintry mornings.  I have also included hints on how to up-size the pattern.

This pattern is available from my online stores:
  

ETSY

CRAFTSY

RAVELRY

Enjoy

Ciao, ciao!

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Another one bites the dust!

Don't stop me now, I'm having a ball ........  
writing up my crochet patterns!

Don't stop me now, I don't want to stop at all!

Ok, for those who can't guess, it's a song by "Queen". And for those who don't give a fig about "Queen", here is my latest FREE crochet pattern called SEASIDE, may you enjoy.

SEASIDE Doily Crochet Pattern

Description: Simple crochet doily pattern – colourful and festive - to match the Crochet Coasters SEASIDE pattern.

PATTERN DETAILS

Stitches: single, double, treble crochet

Yarn: Patons 100% Cotton DK
Yarn Substitute:  Any mercerised cotton

Hook: 4.5mm
Gauge: not critical
Measurements: 11.5ins (29cms) diameter
Terminology: USA American crochet terms

Special Abbreviations: V-st = V-stitch = (1dc, 1ch, 1dc) in same stitch

USA - American Crochet Terms		UK - British Crochet Terms
[ ] = work instructions within brackets as many times as directed
( ) = work instructions within parenthesis as directed, different sizes, total stitches
* = 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
Ch = chain
ch-sp/s = chain space/s
sc = single crochet		dc =double crochet
hdc = half double crochet		htr = half treble crochet
dc = double crochet		tr = treble crochet
tr = treble crochet		dtr = double treble crochet
dtr = double treble		ttr = triple treble
rev sc = reverse single crochet (crab stitch)		rev dc = reverse double crochet (crab stitch)
sl st = slip stitch
st/sts = stitch/es
cont = continue
rep = repeat
rnd = round
beg = begin/beginning
yo = yarn over	yrh = yarn round hook
FDC = foundationless double crochet	FTR = foundationless treble crochet
Esc = extended single crochet	Edc = extended double crochet
BL = back loop	blo = back loop only
FL = front loop	flo = front loop only
BPdc = back post double crochet	rtrb = raised treble back
FPdc = front post double crochet	rtrf = raised treble front
Abbreviations List ©2015  Barbara Summers Hand Knit and Crochet.  All rights reserved.

ADD THIS PATTERN TO YOUR RAVELRY QUEUE AND FAVOURITES

PATTERN STARTS

With CC1

Rnd 1: Magic loop, ch3 (counts as 1dc), 11dc in the loop, join with sl st in 2nd ch of ch3. (12dc).

Rnd 2: Ch1, 2sc in same st, 2sc around, join with sl st in ch1. (24sts). 

Change to MC

Rnd 3: Ch3 (counts as 1dc), 1dc in same st, *1dc in next st, 2dc in next st, rep from * around, join with sl st in 2nd ch of ch3. (36dc)

Rnd 4: Ch1, 1sc in same st, 1sc around, join with sl st in ch1. (36sts) 

Change to CC1

Rnd 5: Ch3, (counts as 1dc), 1dc in same st *1dc in next 2sts, 2dc in next st, rep from * around, ending with 1dc in last 2sts, join with sl st in 2nd ch of ch3. (48sts) 

Change to MC

Rnd 6: Ch4 (counts as 1dc, ch1), 1dc in same st, first V-st made, *skip next st, V-st in next st, rep from * around, join with sl st in 2nd ch of ch4. (24 V-sts)

Note: In Rnds 7 and 8, work all V-sts into the st between V-sts of Rnd 6.

Rnd 7: Ch4, (counts as 1dc, ch1), 1dc in same st, *2V-st in next st, V-st in next 3sts, rep from * around, join with sl st in 2nd ch of Ch4. (30 V-sts)

Rnd 8: Ch4, (counts as 1dc, ch1), 1dc in same st, V-st in st between V-sts around, join with sl st in 2nd ch of ch4.

Rnd 9: Ch1, 1sc in same st, 1sc around, join with sl st in ch1. (90sts) 

Change to CC2

Rnd 10: Ch1, *2sc in same st, 1sc in next 8sts, rep from * around, join with sl st in ch1. (100sts) 

Change to MC

Rnd 11: Ch3 (counts as 1dc), 1dc around, join with sl st in the top of ch3. 

Change to CC2

Rnd 12: Ch4, (counts as 1dc, ch1), 1dc in same st, ch1, *skip next 2sts, V-st in next st, ch1, rep from * around, join with sl st in 2nd ch of ch4. (33 V-sts)

Rnd 13: Ch3 (counts as 1dc), 3dc in ch1-sp of V-st, *4dc in next ch1-sp of V-st, rep from * around, join with sl st in 2nd ch of ch3.

Change to CC1

Rnd 14: Ch1, 1sc in same st, 1sc around, join with sl st.

Rnd 15: *Ch4 (counts as 1tr), 3tr in same st, skip 3sts, sl st in next st, rep from * around, invisible join. 

Fasten off, hide ends.

You can change colour wherever you like, play and have fun with the colours. These doily/placemats would look great in festive colours for Christmas, or in colours to match your decor.

For matching SEASIDE Coasters check out the FREE Pattern HERE.

Enjoy your crochet doily fun and don't stop me now, I'm having a ball.

SEASIDE Doily FREE Crochet Pattern

is available from my online shops

RAVELRY      CRAFTSY        LOVECROCHET

Ciao, Ciao!