Crochet Hat-o-Rama!

I've been on a crocheting frenzy lately, making crochet caps and hats. Having a lot of down time lately, it's a great way to keep my hands busy, stay productive and make gifts for friends and family. Here's my latest projects, thanks to my lovely model and daughter, Maddie...many of these hats were made for her cousins as gifts, a few are hers :) Below the pictures are instruction on making them...they're very easy, even the flowers come together in a snap.

















All of these are made from a basic pattern I made up...start by chaining 60 (average large child to adult size, you can make it smaller or larger by adding or decreasing chains). Connect the chains with a slipstitch. * Chain three and begin double crocheting into each chain, until you get to your beginning. Slipstich to fasten and repeat * until hat is about 5 to 7 rows high (depending how how large you want it). On your next row, begin decreasing your hat by doing * four double crochets, skipping one, double crochet, skipping one, four double crochets, repeating * till the end of row. Next row, decrease by crocheting three double crochets, skip one, double crochet, skip one, etc. Following row, decrease by crocheting two double crochets, skip one, double crochet, skip one, etc. Last row, double crochet every other stitch, fasten off at end. You can add a puffy ball or any other type of design.

To make flowers, there are great tutorials out there..I like this one.

So that's what I've been up to..I'll warn ya though, this can be addicting! The caps go quite fast, so it's a craft you won't get tired of doing, which I like. You can leave them plain, add on ear warmers, sew on flowers (or as a friend does, hot glue accessories like beads, flowers, ribbon, buttons, found at Walmart and similar stores). They're really popular right now and so cheap to make! Try em out sometime :)

Crocheted Poncho

When I was four years old, I had a bright red crocheted poncho and LOVED it. My mom can testify I wore it with everything and everywhere. My fond memories of that beloved piece of clothing made me want to look into making one for my seven year old daughter, Maddie. I bought the brightest red yarn I could find and set upon finding an easy pattern for crocheting a poncho.

The idea is basic- two large granny squares that are hooked together at the shoulders. Leave a small opening for the arms, if desired, and embellish. If you're not used to crocheting, there's a great tutorial at Crafty Stylish that teaches you How to make a Granny Square. After some practice, you're ready to start... to make a poncho, you're going to make about 19-20 complete rows with an H hook for a girl's size 12-14. Add about 6 inch fringe when finished. This is easy to make smaller or larger, just reduce or increase your rows to fit.

Maddie showing off her
crochet poncho

I crocheted a flower and attached to top for an embellishment










I've started another one with pink and electric blue variegated themes, and plan on making a hat to match. I'll upload a picture when I'm done. Here's how far I've gone so far:

Almost done, just another square to sew to back and add fringe!

Most of my crocheting is done at night in bed :)

Consider crocheting one of these cool sweaters! My daughter says it's like wearing a blanket in class :) Hopefully she'll have as fond memories of her homemade sweater as I do.