Wednesday, February 10, 2010

Crochet Craze

I first learned to knit a long, LONG time ago. My grandmother taught me. I still have that piece of knitted fabric on those circular needles. I have never finished that sweater because, to be honest, I hate knitting! It is too stressful for me. I always worry about dropping a stitch or totally uneven tension which would ruin the appearance of the craft. So, I learned how to crochet. Sort of self-taught, sort of shown by my sister. I crocheted a Mile-a-Minute afghan during the first year of our marriage, more than 10 years ago. I crocheted a little baby sweater for my niece about 9 years ago. That was it. I just stopped. Remember that post from a little while back telling you about the contest the Inner Hooker was having? Well, that was what started the love affair all over again.

I didn't win any patterns so I decided to buy them. I mean, when you Buy 2 and Get 2 Free, you cannot go wrong. Four adorable patterns. I started with my favorite! This scalloped-edge beanie crochets super fast and is incredibly adorable! I made the 6-12 month size but it easily fits my 2 year-old. She loves her new black hat with big blue flower! I made another in ivory with 2 small pink flowers. I ended up selling it a few days later!



Then I found another pattern on-line, thanks to defiKNITely. This time, a hat with ear-flaps, called a chullito. RJ, my very-soon-to-be-four-year-old, wanted a hat with a flower on it. I thought this one would be perfect. However, it was written for an 18" head, which is the size of my gonna-be-one-on-Friday girl. I added a pom-pom on top and it is just adorable on her. No pics of her though as she doesn't sit still long enough to get a pic.


I modified the pattern and increased it in size and came up with a perfect hat for RJ and her 20" head. She wanted a flower so I added a nice large one! So, so cute! Now to make one for my 5 year-old, whose head is the same size. His, however, will be blue, even though he would like pink! Or maybe it was his brother who wanted pink. Whatever the case, no pink for the boys. Daddy's rules!


I love the serenity crocheting allows and how I can do bits and pieces while teaching school or sitting in the tub (yes, I tried), relaxing in bed or riding in the van. It is such an easy craft to learn and requires so few tools. I ordered a couple of crocheting books from Amazon and I am super excited to get them. I will be sure to share them with you once they arrive. So, until next time, happy crocheting!

7 comments:

  1. These turned out great! I too usually have a crochet project in the van :). I made a beanie for M with a gorgeous flower on it a while back, but my gals are like their mama, and tend to go sans accessories (though I'm trying to convince them otherwise ;)....) Not sure if this always "works" for modifying a pattern, but I've gotten a lot of mileage out of a pattern by using different sizes of crochet hooks - even going up .5 mm or 1 mm can make a bigger hat without making it too loopy. And no extra figuring!!
    A friend of mine saw a t-shirt that read "shut up I'm counting" across the front. If I ever see it, I'm buying it! Makes me laugh out loud just thinking of it!!!

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  2. I LOVE crocheting too! I've been crocheting since I was 5...taught by my mom. It's so fun and, once you learn, so easy too! It can be as complex or as simple as you make it. Beautiful job on the toques!

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  3. Beautiful, Chantelle! I've made two afghans and never tried anything else. This makes me want to try something new! Hmmmm, what did I do with those crochet hooks anyway...?

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  4. Those hats turned out so beautiful! I am so glad you were able to modify the pattern to make more for your older kids too!

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  5. I find it very ironic that your sister whom you say taught you something about crocheting is now sooo jealous that you can create this cute things because now she can't seem to get the hang of crocheting well enough to make anything turn out exactly like it should. Maybe you could give me some lessons!
    Nic

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  6. I love the hats you make! I was oggling over some very similar hats on etsy.com this past winter...unfortunately, I don't know how to crochet!

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  7. Thanks for showcasing my chullito design! Yours turned out so beautiful!

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