Wednesday, October 22, 2014

The Ruby Turban - A 1920's Flapper Inspired Hat

This hat was first shown way back in my July update, and I kind of forgot about posting the pattern until a sweet comment from one of you reminded me of it. So here it is!

I decided that I wanted to give this hat an actual name, so I looked at the list of the top 200 names from the 1920s on the Social Security website, and I picked the one that most jumped out at me as a nice flapper name. Ruby was the winner! So I just had to make the hat for this tutorial in a lovely ruby red. This is now going to be my Christmas hat, but shhh, there’s no Christmas talk allowed around here until after Thanksgiving.

On a side note, I originally thought about naming this hat after my grandma, Marceline (Marcie), but she was born at the very end of the 1920’s and would so not have been a flapper even if she had been born at the right time. Perhaps one day I’ll make a hat to mimic the tea towel she used to tie on her head when she was dating my grandpa. And yes, I have a picture. It is pretty much the sweetest thing ever!

Anyways, back to The Ruby Turban. Here is the pattern in two sizes, Adult S 20-23" and Adult M/L 24+".

Materials:
  • worsted weight yarn – less than 1 skein (pictured:  Caron Simply Soft Party in Red Sparkle)
  • I hook
  • J hook
  • yarn needle
  • pretty brooch or button
Directions:
Adult S: 20-23"
Round 1: Using I hook, in magic circle, 12dc, join to first dc
Round 2: ch 2 (counts as stitch throughout), dc in same stitch, 2dc in every stitch (24 stitches), join to beginning ch
Round 3: ch 2, dc in same stitch, *dc in next stitch, 2dc in following stitch, repeat from * (36 stitches), join
Round 4: ch 2, dc in same stitch, *dc in next 2 stitches, 2dc in following stitch, repeat from * (48 stitches), join

Round 5: ch 2, dc in same stitch, *dc in next 3 stitches, 2dc in following stitch, repeat from * (60 stitches), join
Round 6 - 9: ch 2, dc in each stitch (60 stitches), join
Round 10-15: ch 2, dc  in next 28 stitches, hdc, sc, hdc, dc in the next 29 stitches, join
Round 16: ch 2, dc  in next 28 stitches, hdc, sc spike into round 10 (make the stitch snug, but not overly tight), hdc, dc  in the next 29 stitches, join
Round 17: switch to J hook, ch 1, sc around (60 stitches), fasten off and weave in ends.
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Adult Size: 24+"
Round 1: Using I hook, in magic circle, 13dc, join to first dc
Round 2: ch 2 (counts as stitch throughout), dc in same stitch, 2dc in every stitch (26 stitches), join to beginning ch
Round 3: ch 2, dc in same stitch, *dc in next stitch, 2dc in following stitch, repeat from * (39 stitches), join
Round 4: ch 2, dc in same stitch, *dc in next 2 stitches, 2dc in following stitch, repeat from * (52 stitches), join

Round 5: ch 2, dc in same stitch, *dc in next 3 stitches, 2dc in following stitch, repeat from * (65 stitches), join
Round 6 - 9: ch 2, dc in each stitch (65 stitches), join
Round 10-16: ch 2, dc in next 31 stitches, hdc, sc, hdc, dc in the next 31 stitches, join (see picture above)
Round 17: ch 2, dc  in next 31 stitches, hdc, sc spike into round 10, hdc, dc  in the next 31 stitches, join (see picture above)
Round 18: switch to J hook, ch 1, sc around (65 stitches), fasten off and weave in ends.
Alternatives:
For rounds 10-15/16 (depending on size), you could work the rounds in back loop only, you could alternate between back loop only rounds and front loop only rounds, or you could work rounds of crossed double crochets. You could also change colors. I have tried all of these things, and they all work out well. The important part is to work the hdc, sc, hdc into the middle of the round to create the peak, and then work the spike stitch in the second to last round (16/17) to pull the peak together.

To finish, simply add a pretty button or brooch to the peak.

Enjoy!

Now, go whip up a couple for gifts for that holiday I said we wouldn’t be talking about.

Friday, October 17, 2014

For no reason other than it amuses me...

I love looking at calendars. First, I love the thought of a calendar all filled up with events and appointments to keep as a memento of the year. Of course, that never happens in my house, but I still like the thought of it. Second, I find the different subjects of calendar extremely interesting. Someone is so into (fill in the blank) that they are willing to spend $15 on a calendar of it? Cool...weird, but cool. The calendar I have for this year is a daily tear away called F in Exams. It makes the teacher in me laugh and cringe almost everyday. For example, Wednesday's said "Name three relative pronouns. My aunt, my uncle, and my brother" My grammar grouch side wants to smack someone. :)

The other day, I was walking out of the grocery store, and the title of a calendar caught my eye. I didn't have time to pick it up and look at it, but I made a mental note to check it out later because seriously, that couldn't be a thing, right?

Wrong.

Here it is - a calendar filled with goats in trees! I know what I'm getting for 2015!

http://ecx.images-amazon.com/images/I/81wDJVJbt7L.jpg


Wednesday, October 1, 2014

Back at it! (Monthly Update: September)

After a lovely (and much needed) 16 week vacation, I am now back at work. It's taking me a little longer to get back into the groove than normal, and I'm feeling a bit overwhelmed. I purposefully took a smaller load than usual (only 8 credits), but still nearly lose my mind by the end of the day. Anyone else feel that way after a vacation? Here's hoping that I get my groove back soon :)

Here's what I've been up to the last month...

I've been reading a lot the last few weeks:
  • The Daughters of Harwood House Triology: Rose's Pledge, Mariah's Quest, and Lily's Plight
  • Western Justice Series: Rose's Land and Sabrina's Man
  • Blue Willow Brides Trilogy: Perfectly Matched and Twice Promised
  • The Giver (reread for class prep)
Up next: One Hundred Names by Cecelia Ahern

Crochet:
I had a couple of orders come through this month with people gearing up for fall, so that's been fun. A couple of scarves and a hat have been sent out to new homes.

I'm currently working on a cow hat for Elijah's Halloween costume. I've tweaked this pattern by Repeat Crafter Me. Just a few more black spots to go!

Sewing:
When Elijah decided that he wanted to be a cow for Halloween (we still have no idea where/why/how he came up with this decision), James and I were joking about being the milkman and a milk maid. Well, Elijah overheard us, and now we have to be those things, according to the 3 1/2 year old tyrant. I picked up a couple of yards of cheap white muslin last week and have made a mop cap and a fichu (a small triangle shaped shawl) for my costume. I still need to make my apron and hopefully pick up a nicely outdated skirt or dress from the thrift store to complete my ensemble. James, however, is on his own for his costume. Good luck finding a "Asian fit" milkman hat :)

That's pretty much my September in a nutshell - family vacation, back to work, a few projects here and there and a whole lot of reading. I'm looking forward to October - the rain, the boots, the scarves, and making fun of all the pumpkin flavored things - and I hope you are, too!