This is such a warm hat!

Baby's Baker Hat

Worsted wt Yarn (#4.  I used Red Heart Super Saver in blue variegated for the Boy's Hat and Impeccable for the girls hat--cuz those are the colors I had.  (Thank you to everyone who donates yarn to me so I can make hats for the homeless, hospitals and prayer shawls/lapghans!!!)
Size I Hook.

Size:  Newborn.  For a smaller size Preemie you could use a G hook;  For a toddler, you could use a K Hook.  Just guessing here as I have only made the newborn size.

Sts Used:    sc, hdc , dc,

Lazy Shell (sc in indicated chain, ch 3, 2 dc in same ch 3),
Modified Lazy Shell (sc in indicated chain, ch 3, 1 dc in same ch3),
Hdc ribbing (ch indicated number of stitches, hdc across row, ch 2, turn, hdc in BACK LOOP of each hdc of previous row.  Repeat until desired length),
Crab Stitch (sc backward to end of row and join in 1st sc).

Shrinking Rib (this is made after body of hat is finished.  It draws the top of the hat together and makes a neat pattern):  ch 6, turn, sl st in first 2 sts, sc in next 2 sts, hdc in last st.  Turn.  Working in Back Loops only for the rest of the SR:  sl st in next 3 sts on row below on body, turn work, hdc in 1st st (remember back loops only), sc in next 2 sts, sl st in last 2 sts.   *turn work, sl st in first 2 sts, sc in next 2 sts, hdc in next st.  sl st in next  3 sts on body of hat (this is to decrease so you can work 2 or 3 as you see the work sitting flat), turn work, hdc in hdc, sc in each of next 2 sc (again in back loops only), sl st in next 2 sl st. * until you have reached the beginning of the work. sl st last row and first row together,  Fasten off, weave in ends.   If you ended up in the center of the work, leave a long tail of yarn and sew the opening closed.  If you end up at the other end away from the circle, just cut yarn, take a long piece of yarn and a yarn needle and sew center closed.

Instructions:
Ribbing--
Row 1: Ch 10.  Hdc in 2nd ch from hook, hdc across chain.  8 hdc
Row 2:   TURN, Ch 2.  IN BACK LOOPS ONLY, hdc in each hdc across.  8 hdc.
Row 3-24: Repeat Row 2.
This piece when laid flat and not stretched measured 12".

Next:  Fold ends to meet (making a circle) and slip stitch the end rows together, turn piece so that seam is inside the hat and continue working on this piece.

This is the part that decides if it is a boy's or girl's hat--

For Girls:  (working a sc in the ridge part of the ribbing and 5 dc in the middle of each ridge section around.)  To clarify:  ch 1, sc in same st as last sl st.  sk end of this hdc row and place 5 dc (shell)  in end of next row.  *sc in end of ridge, 5 dc in end of next row* around.   Join in first sc.  (12 sc, 12 5-dc shells)  Fasten off and weave in ends.
PHOTO
For Boys:  You can either leave it plain and start working on the body of the hat from this very same position OR you can do a Crab Stitch (Backward Single Crochet) around the edges.  If you do the Crab Stitch, join at end of row, fasten off, weave in ends.

Body of Hat--
Attach yarn at opposite end of seam, ch 1, sc in same st as joining.

Row 1: ch 3, place 2 dc in the sc you just made, sk 1 st.  *sc in next st, ch 3, place 2 dc in the side of the sc you just made* (lazy shell made).  Work in this way around the side rows of the ribbing opposite the girl/boy edging of course.  Join in 1st sc.  (20 lazy shells)

Row 2: TURN WORK, ch 1, sc in base of joining, ch 3, 2 dc in side of sc just made.
Sc into ch 3 of previous row/next lazy shell.  ch 3, 2 dc under same ch 3 space.  (finished lazy shell).  *sc under ch 3 of next lazy shell on last row, ch 3, 2 dc under same ch 3 space* around.  Join with sl st in first sc.  (21 lazy shells)

Row 3: ch 1, TURN, sl st in 1st 2 dc and into ch 3 of previous lazy shell.  Ch 1, in ch 3 place a Lazy Shell (ch 1, sc, ch3, 2 dc all in next ch 3).  Repeat around.  (Piece will start looking incredibly large.  Not to worry)  Join with sl st in 1st sc.  (21 lazy shells)

Row 4: TURN, sl st in 1st 2 dc and into ch3 of previous lazy shell.  Ch 1, sc in same space, ONE (1) dc in ch 3.  *sc in next ch 3, ch 3, 1 dc in same ch 3 (Modified Lazy Shell).  Proceed to put a Modified Lazy Shell in each Lazy Shell around.  Join to beginning sc.
(21 Modified Lazy Shells).

Row 5: Ch 2, Place 2 hdc in each ch 3 around.  (42 hdc)  (Note:  I worked this row quite tight.)

INNER RIBBING:

Row 1: `ch 7, turn, working back on ch you just made,  sk first loop, sl st in next 2 ch, sc in next 2 ch, hdc in last ch.  Now comes the "interesting part--)  sk joining, sl st in next 2 hdc on last row worked.

Row 2: turn work so little "tail thingy" is on your left.  IN BACK LOOP ONLY, make a hdc in 1st hdc on tail,  sc in each of next 2 sc (again back loops only...you will be making a shrinking rib), sl st in next 2 sl sts.  (hard work but u can do it--I just pick up whatever I can get in the back loop and go on.   doesn't show)

Row 3: ch 1, sl st in bk lp only of 1st 2 sl sts, sc in bk lp of next 2 sc, hdc in hdc.
sl st in next 3 sts on body of hat....
Continue in this manner until you are at the beginning.  If you have a problem, consult the directions above for Shrinking Rib.  You can always email me for clarity.  Emmalemmon47@yahoo.com

View of top of hat w/shrink rib.

Grow-able Hat Crochet Pattern

BOYS (& Girls) Reversible and Grow-able Hat

           

This is a Very Easy Pattern.
Worsted Wt Yarn.  I used Impeccable and then RedHeart and both worked.
Size J crochet Hook

I would say that this pattern fits a 4 or 5 year old and can grow into a 7 or 8 year old.  I have it on my little mannequin head and it fits well.  You could do the same pattern with a larger hook for a teen or adult and a smaller hook for a younger one.   My friend Pat tested this for me and made the girl's version.

The Right Side of the work is for the smaller size.


NOTE#1:  Adjust pattern in any way you wish.  I made one that had alternating rows of hdc/sc for the first 8 rows and it made the hat smaller and warmer on the top.  Feel free to post or use this pattern anywhere, even to selling the finished product.... except to claim it as your own.

Thanks.

INSTRUCTIONS:

Row 1:  (RIGHT SIDE OF WORK) ch 3, 6 sc in 2nd ch.  Join.  Pull yarn tight.

Row 2:  ch 2, 2 hdc in each sc around (14 hdc)

Row 3:  ch 2, *2 hdc in first hdc, 1 hdc in next hdc* around.  (21 hdc)

Row 4:  ch 2,  *2 hdc in first hdc, 1 hdc in each of next 2 hdc* around.
(28 hdc)

Row 5: ch 2,  *2 hdc in first hdc, 1 hdc in each of next 3 hdc* around.  (35 hdc)

Continue increasing each row, using hdc, until you have 49 sts.
(should be 2 more rows)

Row 8: ch 2, hdc around, increasing 3 sts evenly space so that you end up with 52 sts.

Row 9-19:  ch 2, hdc in each st around (52 sts)

Row 20:  TURN WORK:  ch 3, dc in back loop of each stitch around.
Join.

Row 21:  ch 2, dc in each st around (NOT back loop).  Join.
Fasten off.

NOTE#2:  You could also make this into a girls' hat by using "girly" colors and even adding a row after the two brim rows----:  ch 1, sc in first st,  skip 2 sts, 5 dc in next st, *skip 2 sts, sc in next st, skip 2 sts, 5 dc in next st*.  Repeat ** around.



This is now a reversible, growable hat...as soon as you tuck or weave in the ends.  Smile.    When you turn the hat inside out it "grows".

 A run of hats.  I just decided to go wild with hat patterns. The ecru/beige hat shown here comes from the newest Crochet Today magazine.  It has 2 parts.  The bandanna is removable so it is actually 3 toppers in 1.  Nifty.  The green hat is a creation of my own.  I started off the brim from a patern and then got bored so designed as I went.  If anyone is interested in the green hat pattern, just write and ask me and I will write it up.  It would make a neat ponytail hat, I think.  My poor dummy's head is actually too small for an adult hat but she does well, don't you think?  Big Grin.

The gray and blue shawl is made from a #2 silk yarn that was sent to me by a friend.  It went to a woman who was going into the hospital to have surgery and she was thrilled to get it.  I don't know this person, as it is a prayer shawl and I don't know who gets them but I was glad to giver her a lift of her spirits.

The darker variegated hat is also a beret.  I love making those as they are versatile and can be dressed up or down.  The light variegated was worked up and down instead of around.  It was made from a chain of 34.   sc 3, hdc 3, DC 20, treble crochet in 5.  Turn, chain 4, sk 1st st, Treble in each of next 4 sts, DC 20, hdc 3, sc 3.  Turn, ch 1, sc 3, hdc 3, DC 20, treble crochet in each of next 5 sts.  I just worked until it fit around my little dummy's head and then sewed up the seam.  It is a very easy hat to make.

The very last hat photo was made from a pattern that I can't recall offhand but I mentioned it in the last post.  It came out gorgeous, I think.  The original hat was done in a single color but I was using leftover yarn which always makes things creative.  I so appreciate that I have the ability to crochet and to make things for people.  I am thankful to my Higher Power that she is there for me and has given me so many abilities!!  I will be teaching a basic Sign Language class starting in January.  I miss teaching sign language.  Thank you to you all for following my simple and "spastic" blog.   Have a Wonderful Holiday Season and no matter what the advertisements and other people say, Jesus IS the reason for the season and it is good to remember him both historically and spiritually.  Blessings.

Oh Boy.  Should I start off whining?  Nahhhhh.  I have been creating hat patterns but not writing them down.  In my old age I am getting too grouchy and LAZY!!  I so wanted to share my designs but feel as if I have come to a standstill and I apologize.
This is me and my Best Friend Harry at a dinner of some kind.  He has been in the VA Hospital and out many times with his eyes.  I have become officially his chauffeur.  It keeps me feeling useful in life.

I miss my son.  Oh, Timothy, I hope you know that you are in my prayers and in Julie's prayers all the time.  When Tegan comes to visit, I tell her little anecdotes about your life and who you were.  I want them to have memories of you.  
I bought the current Crochet Today! and made the Bessie Cap.  I used plain Caron Soft in a beautiful soft beige and it came out quite classy.  If you haven't seen the current Crochet Today! then you are missing some really nice sweater patterns.
On the PTSD front:  have been having a most difficult time with nightmares.  My nightmares are so detailed and complicated.  Sometimes I have to wake up and "finish them in my head" so they will stop bothering me. Fibromyalgia and Chronic Lyme Disease aer also rampant.  Some days I just would like to lie down and read a book without hurting.  OR even read a book sitting in a chair and have no pain.  I know that this, too, shall pass.  So keepin' on keepin' on is the only way to go.  I trust in the Lord so much and know that this cross to bear will be okay someday.

 Bearli is growing. I thought cats stopped growing at a certain age. He is 5 yrs old and getting longer, it seems.  He is like velvet and so scared of people.  Sometimes I think he has kangaroo genes or rabbit genes.
Regan is 10 yrs old and is my lap cat.  He loves to be held and scratched.  I am thankful that one of the cats likes to be held.  I know when I am away for awhile that Bearli misses me because he has to sit next to me for hours when I come home.  I am SO thankful for my boys--both cats and children, and no necessarily in that order.

When Christ comes again, I am looking forward so much to seeing my son, whole, hugging him, and just looking at him.
OK.  Enough of whining and down stuff.  Hope that everyone has a wonderful holiday season and that Christ is kept in CHRISTmas.  Thanks for bearing with me.
Linda

Missing Timothy

Good Morning.  For some reason lately I have been thinking heavily of my son, Timothy.  I am sure that never goes away.  He is the child of my heart and I miss him.  I am having dreams about him.  Or should I say that he is in my dreams.  There is this part of my heart that aches to see him once more.  I am better at understanding grief.  Each person grieves in their own way whether it be to make jokes, cry, withdraw from the world.... whichever form grief takes is okay.  
I have been crocheting a laptop carrier to felt.  Will include photos when I am finished.  It is HUGE!!!  The end result has to be 16"w x 11"h.  I designed my own and will give a brief description of how I worked it here and later maybe be more specific.  Before I sewed up the sides, it looked like an "H" with Huge sidebars and a teeny center bar.  When I sewed the sides, It is an envelop with about 3" sides and bottom.  I put a flap on it and to make it stronger, I made a strap with a wide shoulder handle/pad at the top and then sewed it over the bottom and sides.  I will put on a weight (looks like a tree of life) for the flap when I am done.   It is made from LionBrand classic wool and from all my leftover pieces so it is indeed a "Joseph's Coat of Many Colors" laptop carrier.  I am making it for the young woman who comes to sign a Bible lesson for me about 3X a month.  I am excited to see how it looks when it is finished.
My son Shawn has a family!!   He met a girl about 2-1/2 years ago that he worked with for 2 years and then they started dating.  She sounds very nice on the phone.  Haven't met her.  They moved to MI for his new job and took 2 of her sons with them.  So he has a ready made family and is starting out with a teenager.  Smile.  God does answer prayers!!  

Brendan and has family is doing well.  He has finished studying Greek and is now studying Hebrew.  That along with his family and being a Chemical Engineer in charge of 92 or so other engineers.  Whew.
Kevin is not calling me or communicating with me still.  He says he doesn't know if he loves me.  Ha!  I defy him to find anyone who hasn't made mistakes in their life and then he can say taht.  We were so very close.  And if I call him, we still talk about how much we read or like certain books.  What happened????  I don't know.  But if he won't tell me then I'm not guessing.   I have no recent photos of Kevin to put up.

My cats are both fine.  Doing so well.  I pray to God every day that they don't get sick cuz I can't afford it.  They are so comforting and beautiful.  Wow.  
That's about it.    My life has been slow and peaceful for the most part except for that heart piece that is missing.
Sincerely,  Linda

You know, I have been creating but not writing out the patterns as I guess in my old age I am getting Rawthah Lazee!    My 65th birthday just passed and I don't look a DAY over 64...
This photo is a lace valance that I made for myself (surprisingly enough!) out of thread that my friend had sent me.  I don't usually work with thread, however, this pattern worked up fast!!
I have made more of my easy shawl pattern.  They work up SO quick!!!  And are mindless, essentially.  They make nice prayer shawls.  I have made many hats for the homeless and for Africa for this coming year. I also have been working on felted hats.  The pattern I use is "in my head" and is essentially:  hdc 10 into a ring, join.  2 hdc in each hdc, join.....and I add 10 new sts per row up until I have 140 sts.  Then I work hdc down until I have 28 rows.  Then I change colors for a 4 row stripe.  Back to original color and finish off with 4 more rows.  It is HUGE!!!!  And then I felt it and it becomes a medium man's or a large women's warm hat!!!  I am making them for my son, Shawn's, family.
The photo is my son Timothy Brian Patrick Rollins Arbuckle with his biological dad, Jackie Don Rollins.
We scattered my son, Timothy's, ashes this past week.  Because Tim was in the Coast Guard, they kindly took us out off of Fischer's Island (NY?) and 8 family members had a service of our own and we scattered him where he wanted.  My dil, Julie, has done all that Timothy wanted to have done.  She has done an incredible job of managing.  His children, Devin and Tegan, were there.  They did so very well.  I am proud of them and of all my family.  
2nd son Shawn has found a new job and relocated to Michigan with his family.  I think with the economy the way it is, for him to find a job that pays almost twice what he was making in FL, it is a miracle.  I don't know how all of them will like Michigan winters but....thank goodness it's not my job.  Grin.
Brendan and his family are doing so well.  He works very hard and travels 2 hours each way to work.  They are selling their home and will be moving closer though.  That is a big plus.  I will pray that they find a buyer quickly and then find a home with a mil apartment so I can see my grandkids more often!   Yay.
Kevin is not quite feeling up to par and he is home a lot.  He is disabled.  His wife works as a manager at a pet store.  She is such a good and hard worker!  When she and Kevin were managing a store together, they were The Best Team I have ever seen!!
If you have read this far then you will know that I wish Blessings on you and your family and my prayers are with you in whatever is happening in your life.
This, too, shall pass.
Linda

Quick & Easy Lacy Shoulderette Less than 5 hours!

Corrections made January 16, 2012:   SECOND FRONT, Row 12:  Ch 3, skip st, V-st across DC IN LAST DC, Turn.  (4 V-sts)  
Row 1 of edgework:  TURN,  Ch 3, V-st in each st to last st, V-st around...etc.
Row 2:  Ch 3, V-st in each V-st around to last dc.  You can increase with an occasional lacy V-st to keep work flat.


I have been so down that I have not blogged so that I may not inflict myself on the world.  (somewhere in there is part of a quote from Mark Twain (I shall lie abed until noon so that I may not inflict myself on the world).  Anyway, I have been making prayer shawls for many years and I have yet to find one that is so quick and easy and lacy and pretty (she says unabashedly).
This pattern has not been tested because there is only me....I have made 3 of them and am on my fourth and they all came out the same...whethere this is my brain remembering or the pattern is right, I have yet to know.  Smile.

PRAYER SHOULDERETTE OR QUICK AND LACY SHAWLETTE (5 hours or less)

I got the idea for this shoulderette from a photo of Tammy Hildebrand’s for her BLUE SKIES JACKET (July 2008 CROCHET MAGAZINE.COM).  Thank you, Ms. Hildebrand.

Skill Level:  Towards Intermediate

Finished Measurement:  25” across back of shoulders;  middle of neck to bottom of back -= 15”;  From shoulder to front point = 16”

MATERIALS:  --For the green, I used #3 weight yarn (ends I had with no label), off-white is #4 worsted weight yarn (Wintuk 3.5 oz, 4 ply)  You need 2 skeins or approximately 8 oz.

--Hook size “M” (M/13-9.00) (I found metal was the quickest)

--lg-eyed needle to weave in ends

Gauge:  Not Important.  One Size Fits Most

Pattern Notes:        1)  ch-3 at beginning of row counts as first dc.

2)    Special Stitches:

V-ST = (dc, ch 1, dc) all in stitch indicated.

Lacy V-ST = (dc, ch 1, dc, ch 1, dc) in stitch indicated.
  3)  Ch 3 counts as dc throughout.

SHOULDERETTE  (I personally pray as I make these.  Sometimes for the person who will receive it and sometimes for myself to keep me close to God.  At times I pray for the world and Peace.  It makes me feel serene and useful – and closer to Heaven.  You of course don’t have to.  Just for me, since my oldest son died this past March 2011, I find great need of this.  And it is helping.)

BACK:  Chain 53.

Row 1:  Sc in 2^nd chain from hook and in each chain across.  TURN. (52 sc)

Row 2:  Ch 3, sk next 2 sts, *V-st in next st, sk next 2 sts* across, end with dc in last stitch.  TURN EACH ROW IF I FORGET TO MENTION IT.  Smile.   (16 V-sts)

Row 3-14:  Ch 3, V-st in center of each V-st across, dc in last stitch, TURN  (16 V-sts)

Row 15:  Ch 3,  dc in 1^st V-st, V-st in each V-st to last V st.  Dc in last V-st and Dc.

(14 V-sts)

Row 16:  Ch 3, Skip next dc, V-st across to last 2 dc, Dc in last Dc.  Fasten Off.

FIRST FRONT       Turn work so that starting chain is at the top and Right Side of sc row is facing you.

Row 1:    Attach yarn in 1^st chain, ch 3, skip next 2 chains, *V-st in next chain, skip 2 chains* across until you have 7 V-sts, skip 2 chains, dc in next chain, TURN.

Row 2:    Ch 3, V-st in ea V-st across, dc in last dc.  (7 V-sts)

Row 3:    Repeat Row 2.

[decrease rows]  NOTE:  dec sts are made at side edge)

Row 4:    Ch 3, V-st across.  Do not work in last dc.  TURN

Row 5:    Slst into V-st, Ch 3, dc in same V-st, V-st across, dc in last dc.

Row 6:    Ch 3, V-st across to last dc & Ch 3, sk dc and dc in top of ch 3. TURN.

Row 7:    Ch 3, 2 dc in 1^st V-st, V-st to end, dc in last st.  TURN.

Row 8:    Ch 3, V-st across to last 3 sts.  Dc in next dc, sk 1 dc, dc in last st.  TURN      (6 V-sts)

Row 9:    Ch 3, sk next dc, V-st across, dc in last dc.  TURN.  (5 V-sts)

Row 10:  Ch 3, V-st across 5 V-sts, skip last st.  TURN.

Row 11:  Slst into V-st, ch 3, dc in same V-st, V-st across, dc in last st.  TURN.   (4 V-sts)

Row 12:  Ch 3, V-st in 4 V-sts, skip next dc.  Dc in last st.  TURN.

Row 13:  Ch 3, 2 dc in 1^st V-st.  V-st across, dc in last st.  TURN.  (3 V-sts)

Row 14:  Ch 3, V-st across to last 3 sts, dc in next st, skip 1 st, dc in last st.  TURN.

Row 15:  Ch 3, sk next st, V-st in each V-st, skip last st.  TURN.  (dc—3 V-sts—dc)

Row 16:  Repeat Row 11.  Fasten Off.

SECOND FRONT:  W/ starting ch at top and right side facing, skip 2 sts,  attach yarn,

Row 1:    ch 3, skip 2 ch, *V-st in next ch, sk 2 ch* across to last 3 chs.  Sk 2 chs, dc in last st.  (7 V-sts)  TURN.

Row 2-3: Ch 3, V-st in ea V-st across, dc in last st TURN.  (7 V-sts)

[decrease rows] 

Row 4:    Ch 3, 2 dc in 1^st V-st, V-st across, dc in lst st.  TURN  (6 V-sts)

Row 5:    Ch 3, V-st across to last 3 sts, dc in next dc, sk next st, dc in last st.  TURN.  (6 V-sts)

Row 6:    Ch 3, sk next st, V-st across, dc in last st.  TURN (6 V-sts)

Row 7:    Ch 3, V-st across, skip last dc.  TURN  (6 V-sts)

Row 8:    Ch 3, dc in 1^st V-st, V-st across, dc in last st TURN.  (5 V-sts)

Row 9:    Ch 3, V-st across to last 2 sts, skip st, dc in last st.  TURN.  (5 V-sts)

Row 10:  Ch 3, 2 dc in 1^st V-st, V-st across, dc in last st.  TURN.

Row 11:  Ch 3, V-st across to last 3 sts, dc in next st, skip st, dc in last st.  TURN.  (4 V-sts)

Row 12:  Ch 3, skip st, V-st across, Dc in last dc.  TURN  (4 V-sts)

Row 13:  Ch 3, V-st across, skip last st.  TURN.  (4 V-sts)

Row 14:  Ch 3, dc in 1^st V-st, V-st across, dc in last st.  TURN.

Row 15:  Ch 3, V-st to last 2 sts, skip st, dc in last st.  TURN  (3 V-sts)

Row 16:  Ch 3, V-st across, dc in last st.  (3 V-sts)  

DO NOT FASTEN OFF.

From this point on, you will be working around side edges of shoulderette)

Row 1:    TURN.  Ch 3, V-st in each st to last st, V-st around the ch 3 (corner), V-st in end of next 2 rows.  Continue to V-st in end of each row around to next corner.  You will place a Lacy V-st [dc, ch 1, dc, ch 1, dc] in ch3 just before corner at row end st.  --You are essentially V-st’ing around, end dc in last st (without working the neckline).  TURN.

Row 2:    Ch 3, V-st in each V-st around to last dc.   [NOTE:  add an occasional lacy V-st to ease fit.  TURN.

Row 3:    Ch 3, *V-st in 1^st st, dc lacy V-st in next st* around to last st.  Turn work so you will b working around neck edge:

      

Working around ch 3, (last st of previous row) work Lacy V-st, work in ends of each row up to starting chain.   (alternating V-st, Lacy V-st still).

Sk 1 chain, Lacy V-st in next ch, sk 1 ch, V-st, Lacy V in ends of rows to starting chain of previous row.  Dc in base of Ch 3, Ch 1, slst in top of beginning ch 3.

FO.  Weave in ends.  Voila.