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Chunk Knit & Crochet Hats with Pom-Poms!

ByJJCrochet | On December 02,17 | 0 Comment

If you’re like me, you’ve probably seen the chunky knits and pom-pom hats that are E-V-E-R-Y-W-H-E-R-E. J.Crew, Burbery, L.L. Bean, American Eagle, Loft, etc. etc. As a hooker, I’m obsessed. They’re the perfect blend of warm texture and a little playful fun!

Of course, there’s no integrity in purchasing one from a big-box store, so I decided to knit my own.

While running errands on Wednesday, I found myself in Michael’s (I swear I don’t know how that always happens!). I started perusing the yarn aisle even though, you know, I don’t need anything. The deals were too good, the skeins were too cozy.

I let my guard down and envisioned a weekend of chunky cables and pom-poms. So I bought 22 skeins of yarn and 16 pom-poms. Oh the shame!

(Fun note: the fuzzy pom-poms are actually keychains that are attached to the metal with a small elastic band. A little prying apart of the attachments and I had a simple way to sew onto the hats using the elastic loop.)

I’ve worked up 4 hats yesterday and this morning: two cable knit black hats, one cream and another crocheted maroon one. The black and cream ones are based off a pattern from Premknits, the Braided Cable Beanie Pattern ($4.99).

I hate (hate!) knitting in the round (the tubes always twist and turn on me) so I modified the pattern so I could knit on my ever-trusty straights. After following most of the pattern for two hats, I decided to scale it down to only 5 cables instead of 6 and I like how that looks. Less yarn, less time, less bulk.

The crocheted maroon hat was a pattern I made up as I went along and didn’t write down. I can if there’s interest! It takes some time since you have to go back and work slip stitches onto some stitches after you finish to give those 5 rounds their lines of texture.

I love how these knit pom-pom hats are turning out! It’s fun to experiment and see how each one is a little different.

I plan on gifting a few as Christmas gifts since they work up quickly and everyone loves a good hat. Might also be on the hunt for some new pom-poms, but TBD, it’s going to take me some time to use up the other dozen…

Crochet, Free Patterns, Projects

Men’s Crochet Hat Pattern: A Basic

Whipped this bad boy up this weekend because I wanted a basic men’s hat pattern. You know, for those projects where you want a neutral base. A few years ago, I made this men’s hat and wanted to create something that was sized a bit larger and without the textured band.

Finished hat will fit an adult male: 21.5 inches wide by 7.75 inches tall.

Men’s Crochet Hat Pattern

Materials:

120 yards worsted weight yarn. I used Vanna’s Choice in tan
Size H (5.0mm) crochet hook

**Important: Check gauge and either use thicker yarn or a larger crochet hook. After Round 2, hat should measure 3 inches in diameter**

Chain 3, join with sl st to form ring.

Round 1: Ch 2 (counts as first DC. Work Ch 2 at the beginning of every round in place of first DC). Work 14 more DC into ring (15 stitches). Join with sl st, do not turn.

Round 2: 2 DC into each stitch around (30 stitches). Measure gauge. Hat should measure 3 inches. Join with sl st, do not turn.

Round 3: 1 DC into first stitch. 2 DC into second stitch. Continue pattern of *1 DC, 2 DC* around (45 stitches). Join with sl st, do not turn.

Round 4: 1 DC into each of next 4 stitches. 2 DC into fifth stitch. Continue pattern of *1 DC into next 5 stitches, 2 DC into next stitch* around (54 stitches). Join with sl st, do not turn.

Round 5: 1 DC into each stitch (54 stitches). Join with sl st, do not turn.

Round 6: 1 DC into each of next 7 stitches. 2 DC into next stitch. Continue pattern of *1 DC into next 7 stitches, 2 DC into next stitch* around (63 stitches). Join with sl st, do not turn.

Rounds 7 – 13: 1 DC into each stitch (63 stitches). Join with sl st, do not turn.

Round 14: SC into each stitch. (63 stitches). Join with sl st. Fasten off. Weave in end.

Crochet, Projects, Solid Granny Afghan

The Fourth, Final & Finished Afghan

The last time I shared a progress picture, the afghan I was working on was 12 x 11 squares. The colors were blending nicely, but it wasn’t very big. If you’re going to hand-crochet a blanket, then you commit to make a blanket.

I decided to extend the pattern and the afghan turned out to be 12 x 14 squares. I worked until the yarn ran out. Now we’ve got ourselves a blanket! I added 8 rows of a granny-square border, working the same three double crochet cluster into each opening to mirror the look of a granny square.

The inspiration was, of course, Attic 24’s Granny Patchwork afghan.

Lucy of Attic 24 uses a different method for making granny squares and it’s one I’ve adopted myself. (Once you make 168 squares, you learn to love something). Lucy prefers to not work the chain between 3 DC clusters and only uses 1 chain instead of 2 for the corner stitches. Cutting out or reducing the number of chains makes a tighter square without sacrificing the base elements of the traditional crocheted granny. I really liked her modification.

This afghan was the fourth and final piece in a series of blankets I’ve been working on for the last 4-5 years. I told myself I wouldn’t get sentimental, but it’s hard not to! When I was a senior in college (2011), someone contacted me through my Etsy shop and asked me to crochet a blanket for her daughter as she started college.

The plan was one afghan a year for four years.

#1: Crochet Hexagon Blanket

#2: Ripple Crochet Blanket

#3: Picot Granny Square

and this is #4.

Of the four, my favorite was the third one–the Picot granny square. It also took the longest amount of time (by far), but the design is so unique I loved making it. Textured, small and large squares and the colors–just perfection.

Over the years, the woman who contracted the blankets and I became friends. We exchanged Christmas gifts and emails, thoughts on the blankets as they came together. A random note to share vacation plans and life updates. She’s seen me move four times, congratulate me on two new jobs and always been a part of my free time.

It was odd packing up the last of the blankets and writing the final note a few weeks ago. I’ve never met this woman or her daughter who graduated from Yale, yet somehow we’ve been part of each other’s lives. Her daughter joked she’ll have to consider grad school to keep the blankets coming!

It’s the end of a JJCrochet era. Now the question becomes… what to work on next.

Crochet, Projects, Solid Granny Afghan

The Fourth & Final Afghan

If you’ve been keeping tabs, I finished the third of my afghans–the crochet granny square flower–last spring. Since then, I’ve been busy working on the fourth and final installment of the afghans.

It’s with great pride I present the Solid Squared Afghan!

This guy differs from its three sibling since its squares are solid colors, not comprised of four to six different colors. The squares themselves are working up quicker (no time joining colors) and can I just tell you how infinitely excited I am to have 75% LESS ends to weave in.

My fellow crocheters, can I get an ‘amen’?!

This afghan was designed to be 12 x 12 squares, yet I found it too small. Each square measures just under four inches, forming an afghan 48 by 48 inches. I figured why stop there? I had enough yarn and plan to keep working until it runs out.

Project Details:

Size 3.5mm (E 4) crochet hook
Over 15 different colors of Debbie Bliss Baby Cashmireno
Five rows of granny squares, using the join-as-you-go method

This is also a great project to use up yarn scraps. Pick complimenting threads or random colors and join, join, join until you have yourself an afghan. It becomes almost mindless work–great while watching episodes of Arrested Develpment or Mad Men or nothing. 🙂 Enjoy!

Crochet, Projects

Striped Crochet Baby Blanket

A former coworker commissioned a blanket for his nephew. After asking if he had a design in mind, he replied in typical guy fashion: “It’s for a baby. Can you make it blue and gray?”. Sure can, Sam, sure can.

I chose four skeins of yarn for this blanket–I was picturing stripes.

We had’ light blue, dark blue, soft baby blue and a variegated black/white/gray to tie it together. I’ haven’t fully embraced bold hues for baby blankets (you can’t deny there’s something cuddly about cloud blue yarn), although I do like mixing saturated colors with the typical baby palette.

It’s my way of blending compliance with creativity.

Once the yarn was selected, I got to work. I’ll tell you a secret, though: sometimes having no direction is the hardest task–all I have is yards of string to make a blanket.

After a few designs, nothing was coming out quite right so I revisited old instructions–a soft wave pattern I used for a rainbow ripple blanket a few years ago. It turned out great! The yarn creates a cozy design when striped together and I love the soft border of baby blue yarn.

Project Details:

Free Pattern: Crochet Ripple Afghan from Attic24
Yarn: About 600 yards varying weight
Hook: Size I crochet hook

The finished blanket measures 35 inches wide by 42 inches long, should be just the right size for the newborn. Afghan was packaged and mailed off today. I hope it brings many warm nights with it. Thanks for the project Sam–hope your nephew enjoys!

Crochet, Projects

Finished Project: Crochet Baby Dress

When coworkers are pregnant, I crochet.

I found this beautiful crochet baby dress pattern from Bev’s Country Cottage (on Ravelry) and knew it’d be perfect for the soon-to-be little girl. I used sport weight tan yarn and accented the dress with pink baby cashmerino flowers.

The crochet baby shoes (Dainty Mary Janes from Ravelry) worked up in no time and they’re so tiny! Just look at how cute they are.

I followed the dress pattern as written, but made it a few rows longer. I’m hoping it’s 0-3 months, though it might be larger. Not having a real baby handy, I’m unsure of the sizing. Hoping all this fits, but figured she can always grow into it. Also made a small little headband in the same pattern.

I highly recommend the crochet baby dress and shoes patterns. They work up quickly and only use a little bit of yarn. If you’re looking for a last minute baby shower gift, whip up the booties, dress, or both and they’ll be sure to get plenty of “awwws”. The best news is both patterns are free. Enjoy!

Crochet, Free Patterns, Projects

Crochet Picture Frame Pattern

While I’m partial to hats and afghans, I’ve been working on a great new partnership with tillie & rose, a small boutique opening in Ligonier, PA.

I met the two-women-duo of Andria and Jen at a craft show and we started planning. In the months that followed, we talked designs and sketches to come up with a line of crochet frames that matched tillie & rose’s photography.

This is the first prototype, but I was so excited, I had to share. I based the design off this Dutch blog’s pattern and have included the free crochet picture frame pattern below for easier reference.

Finished Size: As an oval, inside edge is 4.5 inches x 4 inches; Outside width from ruffle to ruffle is 5 inches x 6.5 inches. Frame can also be shaped completely round as a 5.75 inch circle.

Materials

Size F (4.0mm) crochet hook
~25 yards of Vanna’s Glamour Yarn in Topaz (light gold with metallic gold).

Crochet Pattern

Chain 55, join with sl st to make loop.

Rounds 1 & 2: Chain 1, sc around. Join with sl st to join.

Round 3: Do not turn. Chain 3 (counts as first dc). Work 3 more dc into same stitch. 1sc in next stitch. Skip 1 stitch. Repeat: *4 dc in same stitch. 1 sc in next stitch, skip 1 stitch* around. Join with sl st to join.

Fasten off. Weave in ends.

The pattern is simple and works up quickly.

My piece of advice is that when making a crochet picture frame, the yarn you choose is important. You want to use something that’s delicate enough to show off your stitch detail, yet sturdy enough to stand on its own.

Flimsy yarn just won’t cut it. I found the perfect combo for these crocheted frames to be Vanna’s Glamour, but I’m sure there are other yarns out there. I have a cotton blend to try next and think it’ll provide some good structure.

Have you even made a crocheted picture frame? I’d love to hear about your experience.I’m still working out how to attach the frame onto a picture, so ideas are welcome.

I’m also testing out some new frame patterns and will be sure to share the instructions here once they’re completed.

Crochet, Pictor Granny Square, Projects

It’s Finished: The Crochet Granny Square Afghan

I’ve been crocheting the granny square picot afghan for the past year.

Like the two blankets before it, this blue-purple-red-green-yellow combo was a treat to make. The 3-D granny squares have raised centers that look complicated, yet become easy after the 80th repeat. (If you’d like to try your hand at making a square, you can with this picot granny square video tutorial).

A few weeks ago, I finished crocheting the blanket based on Lucy’s original design. I had just ended my last square when I realized there was enough yarn to make another repeat–which would mean three additional rows. The ‘inspiration afghan ‘is a rectangle, but adding the extra rows made this one into a square.

I forged ahead and am glad I did. I rather like the extra inches since it makes the blanket even longer for maximum warmth.

Project Details:

52 Skeins of Debbie Bliss Cashmerino
Size E (3.5mm) crochet hook
Inspired by Attic 24′s flower granny square afghan
Time to crochet: 1 year
Worth it factor (WIF): YES! Loved learning how to make the raised granny square flowers. Could be my favorite blanket of the bunch.

My favorite part of designing this afghan was not using the same bordering color for a square in any given row OR column. It was like playing sudoku. I even enlisted the help of my roommate. We’d pause the episode of Friday Night Lights we were watching (hello, Tim Riggins) and whisper to ourselves, “light pink…? no. maroon?….. no. Ooh – navy!” as we’d scan the rows and talk through color options until finding a suitable choice.

Adding on the three extra rows, I didn’t think it was possible, but without any real planning it worked out. A rainbow afghan of totally random colors.

Afghan edging is a faux-picot stitch repeat of [3 slip stitch,es *sc, ch 2, sc* in next stitch ] around.

I’m packaging up this afghan tonight and am sad to see it leave, though it’s going to a good home, joining its hexy and ripple afghan sisters. Keep the faith, dear reader, as there is already a fourth afghan in the works. The kaleidoscope continues!

Free Patterns, Pictor Granny Square, Projects

Picot Flower Granny Square – Crochet Pattern + Video

Hello, friends! As you might know, I’m currently crocheting another multi-colored afghan, as inspired by Lucy’s design from Attic 24. After requests from fellow crocheters about how to go about making this beautifully unique picot flower granny square, here it is!

I’ve written out instructions and made a video showing how to make the first four rounds of this crochet + picot flower combo. Remember: Lucy’s the designer, I’m merely the interpreter. 🙂

Materials:

Size 3.5mm (E) crochet hook
5 colors yarn, I’m using Debbie Bliss Baby Cashmireno

Pattern:

With first color, chain 3, sl st to form ring.

Round 1: Ch 1, Into ring, work 7 more sc. (8sc total)

Round 2: Ch 3, sl st into first ch (first picot). * Working in front loops only, sl st in next stitch. ch 3, sl stitch in previous sl st made (picot).* Work from * to * around until you have eight, ch-3 picots.

Round 3: Change to second color if desired. Ch 1 + 4 (counts as sc + ch 4). Sl st into top of sc to form first picot. *Working in back loops only of Round 1, sc in next stitch. Sc, work Ch 4, sl st in sc (picot). * Work from * to * around until you have four, ch-4 picots.

Round 4: Chang to third color if desired. Ch 2 (counts as first dc). Work 2 dc, ch 2, 3 dc into sc in between ch-4 picots from previous round. *3 dc, ch 2, 3 dc into sc between ch-4 picots.* Work from * to * around twice more until you have four corner spaces of 3dc, ch 2, 3dc.

Round 5: Change to fourth color if desired. Ch 2 (counts as first dc. Work 2 dc into same space. Ch 1 *3 dc, ch 2, 3 dc into ch-2 corner space of previous round. Ch 1. Work 3 dc into space in between corners from previous round. * Work from * to * around.

Round 6: (Not pictured in video). Change to fifth color if desired. Ch 2 (counts as first dc. Work 2 dc into same space. Ch 1. *3 dc, ch 2, 3 dc into ch-2 corner space of previous round. Ch 1, 3 dc into next space. Ch 1, 3 dc into next space. * Work from * to * around.

Fasten off.

What are you planning to make with this pattern? Are you also making an afghan or using the square for something else? I’d love to know!

Just for Fun, Knitting, Projects

Trying Our Hand at Arm Knitting #Pun

About once a month, my coworkers get together for “Craft Night”. Each girl takes a turn hosting and all from the office are invited. We’ll sometimes work on a joint craft like glitter pumpkins, or sometimes we’ll bring individual projects to make. Wine and cheese are necessities.

This month, we chose to test our hands (literally) at arm knitting.

The inspiration came from Vickie Howell’s project. The week leading up to Craft Night, Pinterest links were shared and talks of yarn combinations took place on the way to (and sometimes during) meetings.

Arm knitting is relatively new to the craft world and pretty simple to pick up. It’s gained popularity through its instant gratification and short supply list – all you need are your hands and some yarn. The craft uses similar principles as ‘real knitting’, so those familiar with needles will have an easy time grasping the concept. The entire group (Jenna and Dani, we’re looking at you…) made great scarves.

The group learned by watching Vickie’s how-to arm knit video (highly recommended) and by the end of the night (about 45 mins?), each of us had a lovely, hand-knit scarf.

The rockiest parts of the project were getting started, though once we learned how and what to loop and over which hand and when, it all came together. The key, we learned, was all in the yarn. A few strands of super chunky strands made the best scarves.

If you’re thinking about arm knitting, go for it! Call up a couple of friends and learn together. It’s a great wintery night activity to do with a group.

The following day, we wore our scarves to the office after making feeble, though sincere promises the night before, “Of course I’ll wear mine if you wear yours!” Coworkers complimented and boys belittled and we were proud. We, the women of DSG, had conquered arm knitting!

What’s next on the list?

Crochet, Pictor Granny Square, Projects

Granny Square Picot Afghan – Part III

The last time I shared a picture of the granny square picot afghan, it was 18 squares big. Such a baby! It’s grown quite considerably in the last couple months (to 76 squares) as I’ve found these cold winter months in PA are great for movie-watching and couch-crocheting.

crochet ends — Weaving in ends – my least favorite part, but the finishing touch

All that’s left to do is make 18 more squares, crochet a couple rows for a border and sew in loose ends, which at 10 ends a square to sew in, it’ll be a task in itself.

Expect a project recap and “hooray, it’s finished” pictures soon!

Crochet, Projects

Crochet Baby Booties/Boots

My friend sent a link from Pinterest, asking if I could make her daughter a pair of these crochet baby booties. Um, of course I could. It looked like a great pattern and I had a free Sunday morning so I spent the time crocheting, drinking French press coffee and reading. Could you think of a more perfect time?

I found some pink yarn and the booties worked up quickly. Barely took any yarn. I made the seize 0-3 month booties and even though my friend’s baby is 6 months old, they were falling off her feet. Maybe I needed to size down? Regardless, they’re adorable and she can always grow into them.

Project Details

Pattern (free): Crochet baby booties pattern from Quartered Heart Crochet
Crochet Needle: Size E (3.5mm)
Yarn: Vanna’s Choice, worsted weight in Light Pink – about 45 yards
TIme: 1 hour
Favorite part: The functional button closure and scalloped edges
Edits: None, followed pretty much as written. Skipped the instructions for the button holes since I always just push the buttons through an open spot in the work – the stitches are loose enough. I did have some trouble making the second shoe turn out like the first. Made two pairs and always had the same problem… had something to do with the decreasing around the toes, but I wasn’t able to fix it completely. Not too noticable, though
Make again? For sure! I could see this being a good baby shower gift