BRINGING PUNK BACK

No longer are wristbands just a sweatband used to wipe sweat from the forehead during a sport. A decorative crochet strip worn on the wrist made from a variety of fiber materials is just the fashion statement you need to set you apart this winter. 

Common in the mid-eighties punk subculture, you don’t have to cut the top off of a sock and fashion elastic into a wristband. The enclosed tutorial shows you how to crochet your own personalized wristband for multiple uses.

100% Acrylic Yarn and a 5mm Steel Crochet Hook was used to complete this project.  

Whether you plan to wear them to demonstrate support of a cause or a charitable organization, you are sure to distinguish yourself from all the others.  

SIMPLICITY HAT TUTORIAL FOR BEGINNERS

I've received numerous request for a  written pattern for the "simple yet elegant" crochet hat I showcased in a previous blog. 

For this tutorial you will need:

1. A crochet hook, I used a size H hook or 5.mm MM Reel Steel Hook.

2. Fiber—I used super soft cotton. There are so many possibilities so you can use what ever you like.

3. Scissors

4. A tapestry needle, for when you’ve finished a project and it comes time to weave in the ends.

 5. A tape measure or ruler is helpful for checking your gauge.

Round 1: ch 4, join with a slp st, 11 dc in  ring.

Round 2: ch 3, dc in same st, 2 dc in each st around, join in top of first ch 3 with a slp st.

Round 3: ch 3, dc in same st, dc in next st, 2 sc in the next st, continue to end of round, join with slp st.

Round 4: ch 3, dc in same st, dc in the next 2 st, 2 dc in next st, continue to end of round, join with slp st.

Round 5: ch 3, dc in same st, dc in next 3 st, 2 dc in next st repeat around until last st, ending with 2 dc in last st, join in top of ch 3.

Round 6: ch 3, dc in same st, dc in next 4 stitches, 2 dc in next stitch, repeat around until last st ending with 2 dc's in last st, join in top of first ch 3.

Were halfway done.

Round 7: ch 3, dc in each st around, join.

Round 8: chain 3, dc in each st around, join.

(If larger hat is desired, add an additional row of double crochet between rounds 8 and 9. If tighter/longer brim is necessary to hold hat to head, add another row of single crochet after round 14.)


(If smaller hat is desired, take out a row of double crochet between rounds 8, 9, & 10.

Round 9, 10, & 11 : ch 3, dc in each st around, join.

Round 12-13: ch 1, hlf dc in next st. Repeat this pattern around until last st ending with a hlf dc, join

Round 14: loosely single crochet in each stitch around to form hat to head.  Your hat should not slide around but shouldn't be so tight that it is uncomfortable. Slip stitch in last two stitches, finish off, and weave in ends.

Were done! All that is left is to fasten off and weave in the ends. You can add accessories such as broaches, flowers, barrettes, or what have you.

Keep the request coming!  

FOR THE SCARF LOVER IN YOU

Nothing is more unjust, however common to charge with hypocrisy, him that expresses zeal for those fashions which he neglects to practice. Therefore, I’m not going to be a pretender in this article by claiming to love the wearing of scarves. But, I am sincerely convinced there are benefits for those who own the passion.

As a fierce advocate of crochet influence, it wasn’t hard to notice the recent surge in popularity of scarves. While I adore neck warmers more, for the lover in you, there are some favor aspects to the crochet scarf that are endorsable.

Affordable & chic, handmade crochet scarves help you look attractive at any time and for very little money. They have the ability to intensify your look while providing warmth.  Countless ways to tie them makes them assessable in various designs and styles. My most favorable incentive is they can be hand crafted in assorted widths, worn around the waist, and made with diverse types of yarn such as silk, cotton, acrylic, polyester and wool. 

Learning to crochet a simple scarf is a great project for beginners and an easy way to learn a variety of stich styles and techniques. Having learned the fundamentals, doing so will help to further your skills.

Posted are several scarves I’ve finished.  Currently working them for holiday gifts, in the process of forming I make it a rule to chain the length long enough to wrap around the neck at least once. I’ve created my own simple patterns, but there are tons of free crochet patterns on the net.  I’m sure once you get started you’ll cultivate your own preferences.

Modestly, scarves are an up-to-the-minute way to accessorize every outfit.  Unique, they can be gifted not only for the holidays, but also given all year long.  Custom make them individually for women and men or why not unisex. No need to be intimidated, there are many fresh ways to wear them. All you have to do is let your imagination flow.

Every individual needs revolution, inner division, an overthrow of the existing order, and renewal. Scarves wont be forced upon me under the hypocritical cloak.  The more I design and create them; a subtle urge of likeness emerges. 

ALL HATS ARE OFF!

100% Acrylic Claret Worsted Yarn

      100% Speckled Cotton Yarn  

Naturally, I am like the ocean, taking a slow time to heat up and cool down.  Similarly, I hold on to the warmth of the season long after the summer grills have ended. So, in my nature coldest days for me happen in November and December (the winter holidays). They quicken me.
Preserving my body heat starts with my head.  With the hours of daylight changed, I felt the need to catch up on my cold weather headgear. If you’ve read my previous blogs, you know I lack strong motivation in the coldest weather.  

This year I’ve decided to step into uncharted territory and embrace the
wearing of a hat. Not just any hat but one that is an extension of my hair. A head covering that has the power to alter the way I feel about myself.  A headdress that is substantial enough to keep me warm, yet uniquely adequate to stand out.

As a first timer, I had concerns about “hat hair”.  I never looked good in hats (or so I thought), but with cute style patterns and accessories, I dared to utilize my skills to crochet one that can travel beyond the wind.

It’s safe to say I have become comfortable. I’m wearing bangs this winter and have found that crocheting a loose rim lessens the effect of a flat distorted look—avoiding a fashionista’s worst nightmare.

Posted are designs I’ve made—simple yet they move beyond what you breeze with every winter.  I’ve chosen a beret that fits snugly around the head and captures the drama in me. A head hugging brimless cap (can be worn by men) accelerates my whimsical side.  Lastly, I crocheted a beanie with a one-inch rim that frames the contours of my face.

Classy, practical, and cool, hats are not just making a comeback—for me it has become a fashion inspiration, a finishing touch to my trendy winter wardrobe. 

GOODBYE SCARF, HELLO NECK WARMER!

100% Acrylic Barley Button Up

100% Speckled Cotton W/ Ribbon

                                                                                                                

           

100% Cotton White w/ Pendent

100% Acrylic Charcoal w/ Grey Ribbon

At the winter solstice, the days seem shortest and the nights even longer.  This time of year I’m always looking for attractive and warmly enough ways to stay comfortable outdoors.  An undershirt, a shirt, a sweater, overcoat, and a scarf were no doubt my favorite ways to go. But, no matter how much these layers tend to trap air better, warm air tends to leak out of the top of my scarf as my body moves to my own beat.

This winter season instead of scarfs that come undone or have to be readjusted, I discovered neck warmers help hold the air in. Yeah, I know I’m late in my discovery but new in my journey into the world of Crochet.

Posted are some neck warmers I designed and made to help me regulate my body temperature more accurately. Not only do they stay comfy and in place (indoor and out), but are cute and guaranteed to keep you in a warm place. These warmers are made of 100% Cotton, Acrylic, and/or Polyester.

Wanting to leave as little skin exposed as possible, these neck warmers help to seal the top of your coat. I, for one don’t like a hole surrounding my neck. I can’t swim and don’t want to sink. These custom designs are the warmiest to patch up leaks and can be made with Velcro on the nape so that you get a tight seal against the cold around your neck.

Your warmhearted, relaxed, stylish, and comfy wintertime sensation is largely dependent on how good a job you do to keep yourself hot! It’s a humble ambition---wanting to stay trendy and heated. But these warmers are important to your winter morale.