Archive for: April 2007

The crochet hat is an item that has been coming in and out of style for many years. In the winter they are invaluable as head warmers, made of wool, chenille or some other cozy, cold weather fiber. In summer they turn perky and bright, sometimes with wide brims to protect delicate skin from the sun’s harmful rays.

There is basically a crochet hat to make for every season, every holiday and every outfit. Since a crochet hat takes very little yarn and a minimal amount of time, they make great take-along projects for gift giving and wardrobe enhancing. With the enormous number of patterns and yarns to choose from, it is not difficult to fashion an entire wardrobe of hats for the connoisseur.

Finding Patterns for a Crochet Hat

Crochet hat patterns abound everywhere a crafter looks. There are a number of different patterns found in crochet books, and some books devoted solely to crochet hats. Craft magazines will keep you up to date on the latest styles and trends, and the internet is a virtual sea of free patterns and ideas with a simple investment of time and a little bit of printer paper.

Since the selection of patterns is abundant enough to overwhelm you, it is a good idea to have an idea of the type of crochet hat you want to make before you start looking. Are you hoping to create a stocking cap of sorts that will keep your son’s head warm on the way to school? Or do you prefer a bucket style hat for your teenage daughter that you can construct out of a furry yarn for fun as well as fashion?

If you are hunting for a hat to coordinate with an outfit, many patterns will give you the combination of a sweater or poncho and a matching hat. The good news is that if you have a desire to create headwear, you are almost guaranteed to find the perfect hat in the plethora of choices you can select from.

Which Material to Choose?

Once you have selected a crochet hat pattern, it is off to the craft or yarn store to shop for supplies. Yarns and fibers are plentiful, and color choices are almost infinite. If you are looking for yarn for a winter hat, try matching the color of the parka it will be worn with. If you have the time or inclination, you can even create mittens and a scarf for a completely coordinated look. If your hat is going to be worn frequently or by a young person, a machine washable fiber is probably a good idea.

The new hat season is coming, is your head prepared for the elements? Grab your crochet hook and favorite crochet hat pattern, and get started on your seasonal wear today!

If you are looking for a special gift for a special new bundle, why not put your talents to work in creating a handmade gift for a baby to enjoy? Crochet for babies patterns run the gamut – from blankets and buntings to sweaters and socks. There are so many cute items to choose from, the hardest part will be selecting just one to make!

Once you choose your pattern for your crochet for babies’ gift, you will then be faced with the plethora of materials to use. Baby yarns abound in textures and colors that will guarantee you will find something to your liking. Embellishments like buttons and ribbons will enable you to fashion a one-of-a-kind gift for that special little someone. And handmade gifts add an heirloom quality that is hard to beat.

Consider Safety in Regards to Crochet for Babies

When you decide to crochet for babies, there are some unique factors that you need to consider. Since babies tend to be messy creatures, machine washable materials are of utmost importance – and convenience for Mom. Fortunately, there are many beautiful baby yarns of various fibers that are completely machine-washable and safe for the drier. If you are in doubt, check the wrap around the skein of yarn that you are purchasing for washing instructions.

Babies also like to put anything they get their fingers around into their mouths, so beware of choking hazards on your crochet for babies item. If you use embellishments like buttons or bows, make extra sure that the items are secured firmly to your crocheted piece. Avoid accessorizing with strings, since these can be a choking hazard. Find other ways of fastening mittens together or keeping hoods closed.

Unraveling the Mystery of Sizing

One source of confusion when doing crochet for babies is figuring out the sizing of a garment you are making. Since babies grow at an exponential rate during the first weeks and months of life, you are safest in making your item in a six-month size or larger. Think about the season that your garment will be worn in, and consider the age of the baby during that season.

If a baby is born during the winter months, a six-month size might be a good guess for a spring crocheted baby item. Vice versa, a spring baby will be ready for a six-month size in a bunting or sweater for cold weather. If sizing seems too complicated, forget the wearable items, and create a beautiful baby afghan instead – these are always in demand, no matter what the weather holds! Whatever you choose to create, a crocheted baby gift is the perfect choice for any new little bundle.