*NEW* Fun and Totally FAB Ski Hat

This pattern is available for purchase in either my Etsy Shop, Ravelry or right here on my blog (just click on BUY NOW). Pattern will be emailed to you within 24 hours of receiving payment.

I had SOOOOO much fun designing this hat and I've made quite a few of them in the past week. I can't help myself. I have to keep trying different color combination's and yarns. So far my favorite ones are the ones I have included in this post.

This pattern has 7 cables running down it with 2 cables running right down through the ear flap. By using a darker main color (MC), a lighter contrasting color (CC)and my pattern you can create some beautiful and eye catching hats for anyone you know or yourself.

Materials:
Approx. 3 ounces Worsted Weight yarn of choice main color (MC)
Approx.2 ounces Worsted Weight yarn of contrasting color (CC)
“H” crochet hook (for smaller size use “G” hook)
Tapestry Needle for weaving in ends
7 Stitch Markers or small scrap pieces of yarn

If you have any questions regarding this design or would like one of these snazzy hats created just for you please leave a comment and I'll get back to you ASAP.

Finishing Your Crocheted Item!!!!

I just thought it'd be fun to write about something that is very important in the Art of Crochet- Weaving in ends. It's something that can make or break a project (most literally). If you weave in your ends properly your item can last a very LONGGGGGG time if you don't your item could fall apart very quickly. Could be it falls apart the first time you or someone else wears it or it could fall apart the first time it's washed. You just never know.

A few things I remember when I weave in ends on a project is to:
1. Always use a tapestry needle (or a needle that matches the thread or yarn you are working with). It makes maneuvering the yarn through stitches so much easier and makes it look so much smoother.

2. Don't crochet over the end. Most people are taught to weave in ends that way and it's an almost certain to destroy your project. It's soooo easy for the ends to be tugged at and pulled out of your project.

3. Use multiple rows or rounds if they are available. Doing so will ensure that yarn stays secure and will be more difficult to be pulled at.

4. ALWAYS leave at least 6 inches of yarn. When I first started crocheting I left sometimes only an inch or so of yarn after I was done with a project and I was always so disappointed when my project came unraveled so easily. It was a lesson that was learned the hard way but I'm so glad I did learn. It's saved me a lot of grief.

Remember that when you finish a project off you want who ever receives it to be able to enjoy it for a long time. Whether it's just for friends or family or for clients who purchase your crocheted goods. That is a another reason why it's so important to make sure your item is finished correctly. You don't want an unhappy customer. You want them to come back time, after time and tell others about your quality work.

I know most of the things I've mentioned are things most crocheters already know and practice but if you don't hold this practice very highly I challenge you to challenge the way you weave in your ends. I promise you it will pay you back over and over in the long run.

X's and O's Cross Stitch Brimmed Hat

Ok. There's my newest design thingy. I don't have a pattern for it yet but I think I'm gonna wait a bit to write one up. I have it listed on Etsy. I'm really hoping it sells soon. Hours have been cut at work and I could really use the extra cash.

Right now I'm working on a new design that involves pineapples and headware. It's gonna be sooooo cute. I'll share a pic as soon as it's done. :-D

As far as work and life goes. It's just rolling right along. The days are flying by sooooo fast I can hardly believe it. It seems like as soon as I wake up it's time to go back to bed again. Yikes.

Oooooo, I'm getting a new (used) car soon. I'm so excited. Now if I could just remember the year and brand of the car. :-) I have one last payment to make on it and it's mine. It's really stretched me tight but it will be worth it. My old buick ('86, Century) died on me about a month or two ago so I've been using my BF's car and walking to work. I live close so it's not a huge deal. It's just really cold outside so it can be uncomfortable. Oh well. I've lived around the cold and snow my whole life so I'm pretty used to it.

Well, I've got about 5 hours till I head to work so I'm gonna work on my newest design and browse the internet a little till Andrew gets home.

Have a great day ya'll and HAPPY NEW YEAR!!

Julee