HOTCHPOTCH Quick Easy Crochet Gifts eBook

TIME for EASY Crochet Gifts

The time has come to talk of many things:  of hats for men - and mittens - of scarves, slippers - and flower and heart things...

Thanks to the many requests I received, I have finally managed to put together an eBook and I have included patterns which have been the most popular and most favourited to-date.  

A Collection of Most Popular and Most Favourite

This crochet eBook called HOTCHPOTCH has a selection of eight (8) crochet patterns, these include six (6) crochet garments and two (2) crochet motifs.  In the eBook you will find hats for men, mittens for men and women, unisex mobius scarf and slippers, along with a simple flower and heart motif for embellishing your creations.

These crochet patterns were designed with a focus on simple and quick ways to achieve a unique crochet garment.  Each one of these patterns has been a huge hit with buyers, here are some of the buyers comments:

• Love the fact that these work up quick. So cute. 
• Great hat pattern!! I made it for my husband and he loves it. Easy to understand and thick & comfortable. 
• Gorgeous love hearts....great pattern & instructions. 
• Your "Sweet Dude" pattern is awesome! 

AND the question I have for you - Which one will you make first?

Crochet Patterns Perfect Christmas Gifts

Just in case you are wondering, yes, I have made all of these as gifts for Christmas and birthday gift giving. There is nothing like a handmade gift which is personal and unique, especially for the person receiving the gift.  

I invite you to give it a try, you have at your disposal in this eBook, a total of eight (8) crochet patterns, six (6) garments and two (2) motifs.  Just imagine the variety of gifts you can make, each gift will be unique, just by using different colours and different yarns, and they are loads of fun to make too!

This is a great deal - you receive a total of eight (8) patterns at a super price and a wonderful saving!

HOTCHPOTCH eBook has a total of 25 pages.

Here's a preview:

First nine (9) pages include Cover page, Copyright page, Welcome page, Table of Contents, and Things you Need to Know - Skill Level, USA/UK Hook sizes, Guidelines, Yarn weights, Yarn substitutes, Care instructions, Special stitches, USA abbreviations. Fifteen (15) pages of Patterns, and Closing page.

YOU CAN MAKE IT UNIQUE

Choose the perfect pattern, the perfect colour, the perfect yarn and make a special gift for a special individual.  Give the gift of handmade!

HOTCHPOTCH Quick Easy Crochet Gifts eBook

Eight (8) simply perfect crochet patterns for QUICK and EASY CROCHET GIFT GIVING

1. SWEET Man Hat
2. DUDE Man Hat
3. SHADOW Scarf Mobius
4. TRAVELLER Slippers
5. COUNTRY Man Mittens
6. SHELLS Mittens for Her
7. FLOWER Motif
8. HEART Motif

SKILL LEVEL: Easy to Intermediate (not for beginners)
TERMINOLOGY:  This eBook written in USA - AMERICAN crochet terms.

HOTCHPOTCH Crochet Gifts eBook

is available from my online stores

CRAFTSY        RAVELRY

Enjoy!
Ciao, ciao!

Copyright © 2008

Barbara Summers Hand Knit and Crochet.

All rights reserved.

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SPRING HATS - MAN HATS - UNISEX HATS

SPRING MAN HATS

Imagine cold misty mornings in spring and walking along the seafront or through the woodland. This hat gives you just enough protection against the damp cool air, without being too wintry warm.

A perfect hat for the man or men in your life and I think it is also good enough for the woman or women in your life as well. My darling and I have one each and I just love it!  It's just the right amount of head cover when out walking in the early morning or late afternoon when the "wind chill factor" can still make you feel a bit chilly and I know what that can be like because we do a LOT of walking.

YARN TALK:

I just love the yarn I found for this hat, it's Rowan Creative Linen, 50% Cotton 50% Linen, with just the right thickness, without being too bulky.

I first made the hat in an older Debbie Bliss yarn I found in my stash (85% cotton and 15% cashmere) see the photo above I am wearing the trial hat. However, this yarn is no longer available, like many lovely yarns it is now discontinued, so I had to find a replacement, also it was a bit too soft and girly for my man!

The Rowan Creative Linen yarn has been absolutely perfect for this man hat.  It comes in 100g hanks and is 200m (219yds) in length and with 3 hanks I have been able to make two hats and have enough for a third. Absolutely fabulous.

Check out the Rowan colours for this yarn there is a lovely selection of 20 colours.

I'm in two minds about whether to make another hat or use the remainder of the yarn for a cowl?  I have more of the grey left and think it would be perfect as a lovely mobius (infinity) cowl, which I could also use on my walks.  Time will tell - would definitely need to get another hank.

So if you are a keen walker or rambler or wayfarer, then this is the perfect hat for you and your man. Give it a try, you won't be disappointed.  Some pattern details are listed below.

PATTERN DETAILS:

DIFFICULTY:  Intermediate
SIZES:  Four (4) sizes - Adult S/M/L/XL
YARN USED:  Rowan Creative Linen  ● 50% Cotton 50% Linen ● 100g 200m (219yd) ● 3 colours
HOOK:  G-6 (4mm)

You need to know how to:  crochet in the round; colour change; front post double crochet (UK raised treble crochet).

WAYFARER Hat PATTERN 

AVAILABLE in 

UK British and USA American Crochet Terms

PLEASE SELECT THE CORRECT PATTERN TERMINOLOGY 
prior to purchase from these online stores:

CRAFTSY      RAVELRY      LOVECROCHET

enjoy

ciao, ciao!

BARBARA SUMMERS HAND KNIT AND CROCHET

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

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Latest Pattern RAMBLER Hat Headband Cowl

Spring is in the air

Spring is here and the sun is shining and temperatures are getting warmer, I am so excited!

A week ago on Sunday, we walked the Chilham Circular (approx 10 miles) starting and finishing at Chilham, Kent, UK.  It was a fabulous day with loads of sunshine, a fresh breeze blowing reminding us it is still only March, and the temperature rose from 11C in the morning to 17C in the afternoon.

We thoroughly enjoyed  walking the woodlands, Yew forests, the Kentish Downs, upland and downland fields, panoramic views, bluebell woods (not blooming yet) and passed through the Godmersham Park estate.  What a fabulous walk, we will definitely go back and do it again when all the leaves are on the trees.

It's all this lovely spring weather walking which is guiding my crochet projects at the moment.

Spring crochet 

I have loads of crochet hats for winter walks and desperately need spring time hats, something to keep my head warm and keep the wind out of my ears, especially when the fresh breeze carries with it a "wind chill factor", and not a hat made with wool or alpaca, but a lighter weight cotton or bamboo yarn.

Ta-dah! the little Rambler hat headband cowl was created using a lovely 80% bamboo 20% wool yarn from Sirdar called "Smiley Stripes".  At first I wasn't too sure about the orange but when the lovely pattern started to emerge with each row, I was loving it.

I can wear it to keep my head warm, or open up the end and double it over for a headband and ear warmer, or slip it down and wear it around my neck, just lovely.  Rambler is similar in style to my first hat/headband/cowl which I made in autumn 2012 on our Scottish highlands trip (see this post) a totally different pattern, whereas this spring design is super easy and quick to make.

Here's my first SPRING design for 2014

RAMBLER Hat Headband Cowl

See below for the pattern details and instructions

PATTERN DETAILS:

A simple crochet hat, headband, cowl, for spring/autumn weather walking.

SKILL:  Easy

YARN:  Sirdar Snuggly Smiley Stripes DK - 80% Bamboo 20% Wool - 2 x 50g/95m/103yd

SUBSTITUTE YARN:   any other similar DK yarn

HOOK:  G/6 (4mm)

MEASUREMENTS:  Circumference 20in (50.8cm) , Height 8in (20.3cm)

TENSION/GAUGE:  20sts x 20 rows to 4in; in pattern stitch.

PATTERN NOTES:  The tension/gauge is only a guideline, it is not critical to this pattern.  As long as your circumference is big enough to fit your head, and the height is long enough for the hat to cover your head and ears, that is all you need to achieve here.

ABBREVIATIONS:  USA (American) Crochet Terms

ch = chain, sc = single crochet, dc = double crochet, st = stitch

Row 1:  Ch41, sc in back bump 2nd ch from hook, sc in back bump of each ch to end. Turn. (40sts)

Row 2:  Ch1, sc in back loop of each st to end. Turn.

Row 3-91:  Repeat Row 2.

Row 92:  Repeat Row 2, do not fasten off, continue with join, as follows:

Joining row

Row 93:  Join last row to first row, sc into back loop only of each st to end.  Do not turn, do not fasten off, continue to crochet the drawstring edge.

Drawstring Edge

Rnd 94:  Ch2, dc in end of each row, join.  (92dc)  Fasten off.

Make a Drawstring

Leave a 3-4in tail, Ch120, sc in 2nd ch from hook, sc to end.  Cut yarn leaving a 3-4in tail.

Thread your tails into a yarn needle and feed the drawstring 2dc at a time round the drawstring round.

Hide ends into the drawstring, pull on the drawstring to minimize the hole, tie a knot close to hold secure, tie another knot at end, to hold drawstring ends together.

To Wear the Hat, Headband, Cowl:

• Wear the hat with the drawstring tightened, option to roll up brim.
• Wear the headband by releasing the knot closest to drawstring round, and fold in half.
• Wear the cowl by releasing the knot closest to drawstring round, and fold over one third.

Add this pattern to your Ravelry Queue and Favorites

LET ME KNOW how you go with this pattern and please share your creations.  I am always happy to help if you have any questions in regards to the pattern.

enjoy

ciao, ciao!

BARBARA SUMMERS HAND KNIT AND CROCHET

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

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How to Crochet a Mitered Square

Here is my version of the basic instructions for mitered crochet square.

HOW TO Mitered Crochet Squares using single crochet:

1. Decide what size square you wish to make. 

2. Start with a chain double the length of one side of the square.

3. For a 3in square, length of chain needs to be 6in. 

4. Even number of stitches plus one stitch for centre.

Simple Crochet Mitered Square

ABBREVIATIONS:  USA (American) Crochet Terms

ch = chain, st = stitch, sc = single crochet, sc3tog = single crochet 3 stitches together.

Row 1:  Ch25.

Row 2:  Ch1, sc in 11ch, sc3tog, sc in next 11ch. Turn. (23sts)

Row 3:  Ch1, sc in 10sts, sc3tog,  sc in next 10sts. Turn.  (21sts)
Row 4:  Ch1, sc in 9sts, sc3tog, sc in next 9sts. Turn.  (19sts)

Keep decreasing in same manner for each row as follows:

Row 5:  Ch1, sc in 8sts, sc3tog, sc in next 8sts. Turn.  (17sts)
Row 6:  Ch1, sc in 7sts, sc3tog, sc in next 7sts. Turn.  (15sts)

Row 7:  Ch1, sc in 6sts, sc3tog, sc in next 6sts. Turn.  (13sts)

Row 8:  Ch1, sc in 5sts, sc3tog, sc in next 5sts. Turn.  (11sts)

Row 9:  Ch1, sc in 4sts, sc3tog, sc in next 4sts. Turn.  (9sts)

Row 10:  Ch1, sc in 3sts, sc3tog, sc in next 3sts. Turn.  (7sts)

Row 11:  Ch1, sc in 2sts, sc3tog, sc in next 2sts. Turn.  (5sts)

Row 12:  Ch1, sc in 1sts, sc3tog, sc in next 1sts. Turn.  (3sts)

Row 13:  Ch1, sc3tog.

Fasten off.

You can change colour after every 2nd or 4th row.

You can make your mitered squares individually or "join as you go".  If you plan to create different patterns with the squares then you will want to join your squares later.  

Remember to check out what I did with my mitered squares HERE

BE CREATIVE

HAVE A PLAY AND HAVE SOME FUN!

YOU ARE WELCOME TO SHARE YOUR CREATIONS 

BELOW IN THE COMMENTS 

OR 

ON MY CROCKNIT FACEBOOK PAGE

Enjoy!

ciao, ciao!

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

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Summer Crochet Bags

LATTE crochet bag PATTERN is now AVAILABLE in 

UK British and USA American Crochet Terms

PLEASE SELECT THE CORRECT PATTERN TERMINOLOGY prior to purchase

from these online stores:

RAVELRY        CRAFTSY 

BE CREATIVE

PLAY AND HAVE SOME FUN!

YOU ARE WELCOME TO SHARE YOUR CREATIONS 

BELOW IN THE COMMENTS 

OR 

ON MY CROCKNIT FACEBOOK PAGE

Enjoy!

ciao, ciao!

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

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It's a MAN CUSHION... mitered squares

Here is the MAN CUSHION - MITERED SQUARES

Yarn:  Aran Wool 100%

Hook:  4mm

Check out the previous posts for the construction of this cushion here and here

BEING SQUARE Cushions and Pillows with Crochet SQUARES

Here I am into the second week in March and still haven't finished my mitered squares cushion, terrible really but I have good reasons for the delay. I was too sick one week with an URTI which annihilated my desire for any crocheting and any attempt at focusing on pattern writing was a huge failure. UGH!

A week of indoor-ism was so tedious, and as soon as my strength returned and throat cleared, I was keen to get out and enjoy the sunshine. Basically, I have indulged myself with wandering the countryside instead of getting back into my crochet projects. 

Totally lovely!

We visited Canterbury and walked the wall in the hope of photographing the yearly display of glorious daffodils round the perimeter of the wall, and we weren't disappointed at all!

How lovely are these?

The weather has been really lovely, with a wonderful feeling of spring in the air.  Some days it's a bit windy but the sunshine has made up for the wind chill factor.  

We enjoyed our Canterbury Walk so much we ventured on an eight (8) mile walk the very next day.

Drove to Chilham, parked up and walked from Chilham to Chartham and back again.  Country walking with a bit of historical sightseeing to make it really interesting.

Loved Chilham, so much history here, (if you would like to see more photos of our walks, do check out MiFotoLife blog)

Chilham Castle

And best of all we finished our walk with some lovely cream teas - two scones, freshly baked that day, with strawberry preserve and clotted cream, at Shelly's Tea Rooms in Chilham. Oh so delicious and ever so naughty!  yum yum!

CROCHET TALK

OK so let's move on and talk a bit about these CROCHET SQUARES - CUSHIONS/PILLOWS - WIP (work in progress)

The small mitered squares (see previous post) which I crocheted with aran wool are now joined together, by a single crochet join, and I've added a single crochet border, alternating the colours.  As you can see in the photo below.

For the back of the cushion, I've introduced a third colour, and just crocheting a striped square in alternating colours and irregular widths of colour.

Ever so simple, and a striking contrast to the front of the cushion which is in two colours and includes the mitered squares.  I am making this cushion cover for my husband so I am making sure the stitches are going to be strong and durable, by using the 100% aran wool and a 4mm hook.  The back of the cushion is crochet using single crochet in back loop, resulting in a lovely texture and ridged effect, a very masculine and robust cushion cover.  

It's my MAN CUSHION!

This cushion back is nearly finished, it won't be long and I will be able to crochet the front to the back and add some buttons at one end for the opening.  Promise to post an update when I have completed the mitered cushion cover, so do come back for the finale!

enjoy

ciao, ciao!

BE CREATIVE

HAVE A PLAY AND HAVE SOME FUN!

YOU ARE WELCOME TO SHARE YOUR CREATIONS 

BELOW IN THE COMMENTS 

OR 

ON MY CROCKNIT FACEBOOK PAGE

Enjoy!

ciao, ciao!

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

YOU MAY ALSO LIKE:
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BARBARA SUMMERS HAND KNIT AND CROCHET