My first crochet beanie for winter (with pattern)

I finally got motivated to make my first ever snuggly beanie hat :) I did it over 3 days, so I think it took me about 6 hours overall (including finishing it off with a small flower). I am planning to line it with some fleece when I can get hold of it!

  I made it from SIRDAR Folksong Chunky, and the hat (with the flower) took one and a half 50g balls using a 4.5mm hook. I looked at a few different patterns and sort of made it up using them as inspiration, so here's the pattern I finally used. I really hope it's clear as its my first attempt at writing a pattern! The hat pattern is first and then the pattern for the flower is after.




Hat pattern:

Start with a magic circle (quick tutorial here)

Round 1 - Chain 3 (counts as 1 dc) then crochet 7 dc into the circle. SS to initial chain 3 (8 dc)

Round 2 - Chain  3. 1 dc into same chain space, 1 dc into next chain space, *2 dc into next chain space (counts as a dc increase) then 1dc in next chain space* Repeat from * to end of round. SS to chain 3.

Round 3 - Chain 3, 1dc in same space. 1 dc in next 2 spaces *2 dc in next chain space, 1 dc in next 2 spaces* Repeat from * to end of round SS to chain 3.

Round 4 - Chain 3, 1dc in same space. 1 dc in next 3 spaces *2 dc in next chain space, 1 dc in next 3 spaces* Repeat from * to end of round SS to chain 3.

Round 5 - Chain 3, 1dc in same space. 1 dc in next 4 spaces *2 dc in next chain space, 1 dc in next 4 spaces* Repeat from * to end of round SS to chain 3.

Round 6 - Chain 3, 1dc in same space. 1 dc in next 5 spaces *2 dc in next chain space, 1 dc in next 5 spaces* Repeat from * to end of round SS to chain 3.

Round 7 - Chain 3, 1dc in same space. 1 dc in next 6 spaces *2 dc in next chain space, 1 dc in next 6 spaces* Repeat from * to end of round SS to chain 3.

Round 8 - Chain 3, 1dc in same space. 1 dc in next 7 spaces *2 dc in next chain space, 1 dc in next 7 spaces* Repeat from * to end of round SS to chain 3.

Round 9 - 24 - Chain 3, 1dc in every chain space. SS to chain 3.



Obviously you can go at long as you need to with the hat or add more increase rounds after round 8, but this is just what I used. Then just weave in the ends and sew on the flower (pattern below). I added a button to draw a bit more attention to the flower, but you could do row of sc around the outside of the flower in a contrasting colour to make it stand out or do it in another colour entirely.


Flower pattern

Start with a magic circle

Round 1 - Chain 3 (counts as 1 dc). Crochet 19 dc into the circle (20 dc)

Round 2 - Chain 1. 1 sc into same stitch. *Miss the next chain space, 7 dc into the chain space after. Miss the next chain space, 1 sc into the chain space after.* Repeat from * until end of the round (on the last one just SS to the first sc you made).



I hope this pattern makes sense, and thank you for all the lovely inspiration out there!

Puzzle balls, scarves and snowflakes...must be nearly Christmas!

I have just finished my first placement of my second year of my Primary teaching course, which means I've had to go a whole month without my crochet!

My placement was interesting, but I won't miss the hour commute each way. Also, now I can get back into my crochet and start on my huge list of Christmas presents. I've got some ideas but it's going to take all the TV shows on Netflix until I get halfway into the projects, not to mention juggling 4

I'm currently working on making an Amish Puzzle ball using this pattern:

http://www.ravelry.com/patterns/library/amish-puzzle-ball-crochet-pattern

At the moment I am having a lot of trouble making the "lid" parts. I'm having to change the instructions from USA to UK terms (using UK double crochets). No idea if anyone else is currently making or has made one of these but mine just doesn't look right. I'm trying to sew material on the outside instead but it's really tricky. I've  decided I'm going to take a break and make some snowflakes for a while. Browsing Reddit has thrown up some great links, I can't wait to get going.

I have made a few prototype snowflakes from this PDF file just using normal white crochet thread and a 2mm hook. I starched them just using PVA glue and water (not the stiffest finish but allowed me to sprinkle some glitter on the snowflakes to make them pretty!). Between university and my new job I really hope I'll get time to crochet a few more things.