When I was in nursing school one of my classmates would crochet in the evening.I believe her name was Cindy. She was very serious about everything and also very intelligent. I asked one evening after watching her, “would you teach me how to do that”. She did and probably got a few grey hairs but I finally got it.

I am one of those people who loves to craft as well as cook. There is such a sense of accomplishment when a project is finished. Recently, I made a crocheted hat and mittens for my friend’s birthday. The weather has been a bit bitter here and she has refused to come out of the house until the temperatures are above 40 degrees. Seemed like a perfect gift to me.

Well, true to Maryland style weather, the temperatures have gone from 9 degrees to the 50’s and I am still holding onto her gift. I haven’t seen her come out of hibernation yet!  I’m sure she has; I just haven’t seen her head emerge to gift her. I know, in true Maryland style, we will have more cold weather before winter is over. Hopefully she will get to use them.

I hadn’t crocheted for a while so it took me a few attempts to get my crochet on.  All in all the project went well and I have the goods to prove it. I used a pattern from http://www.leftinknots.com for the mittens. The hat is done in a simple double crochet with the edges and the top of the hat joined at the seams. I purchased a fur like pom-pom from a seller on Etsy. It looks real doesn’t it?

Do you like to crochet? I would love some good patterns or ideas since I’m on the chain gang kick again. I would love to hear from you and hope you enjoy the patterns.

Had to post a pic of the birthday girl! I finally got her gift to her. She loves it!!!!

Mittens: http://www.leftinknots.com    The Perfect Fit Mitten

Hat: 5.0 Hook, Worsted Weight Yarn

1. Chain 46, add 2 chains to turn, (total 48), Leave a long tail for sewing the seam.
2. Double crochet, starting in the second chain from the hook, crocheting in the back loop only which will create the rib. Continue to the end of the chain, turn, chain one and continue again across the piece in double crochet.
3. Continue in that pattern until the piece fits securely but not too snuggly around the head, usually 22 inches. (the ribbing should be going in an up and down pattern.
4. Sew the back seam together with the long tail and continue to the top. Going. in and out of every other stitch at the top, then pull tightly and bring to the inside to secure with a knot. (this will close the top of the hat)
5. You can make a pom-pom or purchase one as I did. and secure it through the top of the hat.
6. Roll up the brim. You can also purchase buttons for decoration or it can be left without them. A pretty rhinestone pin would also have been cute.

Until next time,

Ciao xoxo