Stitch of the Week #250 - The Single Crochet Waffle Weave Stitch

This was a very difficult stitch for me. I just spent the weekend in the hospital, so I will come back to this in a few days and will try again. Nothing seemed right and trying to get the lower horizontal bar or finding the top horizontal bar was really hard. As such, this blog only has Creative Grandma's video tutorial and PDF instructions.

Here is her video tutorial:

If you prefer the written PDF, click the link and scroll down and find the Single Crochet Waffle Weave Stitch. 

Stitch of the Week #53 - The Primrose Stitch

Update 2018 03 28:

I did something different with this. I tried to make it look more like a blossom with a stem.

I think it really looks better this way.

This is a pretty easy stitch to learn. It could be pretty with Row 2 being green and Row 3 being a color of your choice for the blossom. I did two colors, switching after 2 rows.

Here's my version:

It looks good no matter what you do with it, I think.

If you prefer the PDF written pattern, click on the link and scroll down to #249 Primrose Stitch.

Here is the YouTube video tutorial by Creative Grandma:

Stitch of the Week #52 - The Crocheted Box Stitch

Formerly known as Stitch of the Day.

This looked very intimidating but is truly quite easy. I'd say it's for moderate level crocheters, possibly advanced beginners. Lots of shells, single and double crochets. It's just a matter of paying attention to the pattern or watching the video once.

Here is my lovely version:

I decided to go an additional 2 rows of color (8 rows of pattern) to show a rainbow. I really like how it turned out, too! I used all Red Heart Super Saver yarns. I have a pink, violet, and dark blue, too, but thought that was a bit much for a swatch.

You can get the PDF written pattern by clicking the link and scrolling all the way down to #248 Crocheted Box pattern.

The tutorial by Creative Grandma is here:

Stitch of the Week #51 - The Stacked V Stitch Bobble Stitch

Formerly known as Stitch of the Day.

It feels like I haven't done anything in a long time. LOL! I got used to doing a stitch a day, but I'm all caught up and now have to eagerly await the next Stitch of the Week!

For this particular stitch, the PDF instructions confused me and I watched the video just long enough for my confusion to be gone. I realized I was over-thinking the pattern. This is a very easy pattern with a single repeat row.

I have two versions.

Here are my swatches:

If you look closely, the longer one was made with a chain 36, as the pattern suggests, and in one color. I didn't like the way it looked. The yarn felt wrong and it seemed messy.

For my second swatch, I chained 18. It was made with two different yarns and you can see the stitch much better. The yarn also felt right and was cleaner and easier to use.18

If you would like the PDF pattern, please follow the link and scroll down to the Stacked V Stitch Bobble Stitch.

Here is the video tutorial on YouTube by Creative Grandma:

Fun march project - The Four-Leaf Clover

Ms. Winkleman made it into a dishcloth, but it looks more like a hot pad or coaster to me. I could see it being hung up for St. Patrick's Day, too.

You can purchase the PDF written pattern by clicking here: Four-Leaf Clover Dishcloth.

You can also watch her YouTube video tutorial:

Stitch of the Day #50 - Millennium Stitch

So this is a pretty fun stitch to make. It does take a little concentration and is a bit more advanced as you use back loops, but it's pretty easy to learn.

Here is my version:

If you want the PDF written pattern, follow the link and then scroll down to the Millennium Stitch.

Here is the video tutorial by Creative Grandma. I think it helps clarify some of the rows from the written pattern.

Stitch of the Day #49 - Lacy Arrow

So the first two rows were very easy. Single crochet, chain 1, single crochet. The third row is where I began to get confused. I was putting in sc stitches and slip stitches and pulling the row I was working on and the row below to the same level. I was on Row 5 when I realized why my arrows didn't look like arrows... I had to pull it loose and start again with Row 3.

I did all 5 rows, then repeated rows 4 & 5 once. This is my version:

It's a very neat stitch, but not sure what I'd use it for yet.

If you want to follow the pattern, I recommend it. The pattern is pretty easy to follow, but you might want a backup with the video tutorial by Creative Grandma. I used it to make sure I was correctly seeing where the stitches went.

The written PDF pattern can be found by clicking the link and scrolling down the page until you find the Lacy Arrow Stitch.

Stitch of the Day #48 - Thistle Stitch

This is a really easy stitch.

I'm ahead of schedule. I have 2 more to go before being caught up with Ms. W and her Stitch of the Week. I have a field trip to attend tomorrow, so have decided to take advantage of my time today and the easy stitches and get more done.

Here is my easy to do version of the Thistle stitch:

My last row got a little 'loose', I guess. But otherwise, I really thought it was easy and pretty!

If you want to use a PDF written pattern, click on the link and scroll down to find the Thistle Stitch pattern.

Lastly, here is the video tutorial by Creative Grandma:

Stitch of the Day #47 - Bead Stitch

This is a super-duper easy peasy, lemon squeezy stitch to do. You do need to follow directions. I managed to skip a stitch and had to pull everything out, but other than that - too easy! It's very pretty and I used a self-striping yarn, so there is a color change.

Here is my version:

Now, I'm not sure what the yarn is doing on the right bottom corner. That's the chain row and where I turned. I think a bit of the yarn got loose and there was no fixing it, except to pull it all loose, when I discovered it, 2 rows in. So, I'm calling it 'on purpose', like having a 'style' to my work. Yup. That's it. LOL.

If you prefer a written PDF pattern, follow the link and scroll down to #243 the Bead Stitch.

Here is the video tutorial by Creative Grandma:

Stitch of the Day #46 - Feathers and Fan Stitch

Well, this stitch is the easiest stitch ever. I've done a ton of wave stitches and this is the bestest ever! My husband said, "That is a really cool stitch. Except for the holes, I love that stitch." For me, I just thought it was gorgeous and I had a new yarn. Red Heart With Love Stripes - Candy Stripe. Love this yarn. It's pretty and thick and not too dark or too bright. Loverly.

Here is my version:

So, everything went peachy, then I somehow manage to drop a stitch at the end - probably failed to get a single crochet in at the end of the 3rd row in the top of the chain 4. Still, it's hard to tell and now I'm aware of it, I'll be more careful the next time I use this stitch.

If you'd like the PDF written pattern, click the link and scroll down to find Feathers and Fan.

I did not use the video tutorial by Creative Grandma for this stitch, even to check what I was doing. That's a first. But here it is if you should need it:

Stitch of the Day #45 - Checkered Double Crochet Stitch

I am not a big fan of this stitch. There is nothing hard about it, but I think mine's kind of a mess. Ms. W does a beautiful version, naturally. Might need to practice more, but I found it awkward and I had a hard time finding some of my dc stitches to stitch into at times, regardless of the yarn color.

Here is my version:

My husband looked at it and said, "Ooh, a star stitch?" LOL. He was looking at Ms. W's version. Looking at it in this pic, though, I think it does look a bit star-like. Interesting.

Click on the link and scroll down to find the PDF written pattern for the Checkered Double Crochet stitch.

Here is Creative Grandma's video tutorial on this stitch:

Stitch of the Day #44 - Eureka

I am not sure how I feel about this stitch. It came out okay, looks nice, but while doing it, it felt like a mess. I can see the cross stitches and puff stitches, but I'm not sure why we're doing a triple crochet stitch after doing double crochet stitches. Seems... odd.

Anyway, here is my version:

I love the colors from this yarn, nearly used up all my retro stripes!

Please scroll down to find the written PDF pattern for the Eureka stitch.

Here is the video tutorial by Creative Grandma:

Stitch of the Day #43 - The Spring Lace Stitch

This is a super easy stitch to learn. It's pretty and I could see it as a light blanket or a light shawl.

Here's my version:

I used the Red Heart Super Saver Stripes "Retro Stripe". The skein's nearly done, so I'm using it up. I just love the rainbow feel to this yarn.

Scroll down the page to find the PDF written pattern for the Spring Lace Stitch. I recommend you use the video along with the pattern as I found the written pattern confusing. You work in all the chain 3 spaces, basically, but it describes the stitches and I felt it just muffled things up.

Here is the tutorial video from Creative Grandma. I used it mostly as a visual when I wasn't sure if I was doing the stitch right. The written pattern had confusing parts to it, but the pattern itself is really easy.

Stitch of the Day #42 - Simple Basket Weave

This is not really hard, except for getting it all to line up just so! It's kind of neat and sort of too easy to do.

My version of this weave:

I was going to do the entire pattern twice, but as I finished the first 6 rows of the second half, I saw my stitches were off. This irritated me and I was about to pull it all loose when I realized how silly that was. So, I stopped and just left it as is. I'm off by one row, as you can see, between top and bottom. However, I am proud of how nice it came out!

Scroll down on this page for the PDF written pattern for The Simple Basket Weave Stitch.

Here is the video tutorial by Creative Grandma:

Stitch of the Day #41 - The Celtic Weave Stitch

So there I was, following along the video and the PDF version for extra support, when I think, "This is a very messy stitch. It's going to look terrible!" Then, We finished Row 5... beautiful. Simply gorgeous! Sometimes, you just have to trust the process!

Here is my version:

I also used the Retro yarn that Ms. W mentions in her video, by Red Heart. I happened to have it and thought, "why not?" It really does look amazing!

To find the PDF written pattern for the Celtic Weave stitch, just scroll down the page after clicking the link.

Here is the video tutorial by Creative Grandma for this stitch:

I also saw this video, which was a lot shorter. The teacher, Nicki, uses a multiple of 4, explaining why, and uses double crochet instead of triple/treble, and goes through the front to make the weave instead of the back. I'm adding it here because it could be easier for some people and I will try it her way, too.

I followed her along to Row 3, and then got very confused. She goes way too fast for me. It also does not have any single crochet rows, which I think are nice to add. They provide support. So I did not complete this stitch as it was giving me grief.

This is why I follow Ms. W on Creative Grandma on YouTube. I can fast forward or pause her videos as needed and don't have to feel like I'm just not getting it.

The only question I have is: "Why end the pattern, Ms. W, on Row 7? Why not repeat rows 2-5?" I'll have to ask her.

Stitch of the Day #40 - Slanted Shell Lace Stitch

This was pretty easy, but had to keep it a little loose as when I started putting stitches in the chain 2 space, it started to curl up. Anyways, it's kind of cute and fun to do. The orange row looks the best! LOL

Here's my version:

Scroll down on this page to find the PDF written pattern for the Slanted Shell Lace stitch.

Here's the video tutorial by Creative Grandma. It's super quick and she makes it look real easy.

Project of 2018- Tablet Cover

I saw this in a Boye book, I Taught Myself To Crochet, that I found in my desk. I thought the idea was cute and I had all these skeins of cute colors and gave it a whirl. The colors are awesome! I love how they came out, the way each colors slowly turns into the next.

Strangely, as I went along, I thought, "There is no way this will fit!" I even took out my iPad, because my Samsung tablet is smaller, and measured. Nope. It didn't fit. However, I continued on, figuring it could be a small purse or cell phone case or something. 

The good news: my iPad fits perfectly! 

I added the button for kicks. The project begged for a cute, bright button on the front. 

I can't find an online version of this or the book I have. It's a kit. It was copyrighted in 2014. 

Stitch of the Day #39 - Textured Rug Stitch

So, this was a super easy stitch to do. I used two colors for kicks, my Lemon-Lime textured rug stitch. It's a puff stitch thing.

See? And the bottom left corner is a hiding puff stitch that curled on me when I wasn't looking. LOL!

** On a side note: For me, it was easy to push out the puff stitch after I made the single crochet stitch. Ms. W, in her video, recommends pushing it out as you make it, but I found that awkward.

You can find the PDF written pattern for the Textured Rug Stitch here, then scrolling down.

Here is the video tutorial for it by Creative Grandma. She includes a tip on how to tell when you've reached the last stitch of the row. This is a great tip that I won't soon forget!

Stitch of the Day #38 - The Bean Stitch

This is a very easy stitch, but does take a little concentration. It's a little slow going for me as I always count the loops on my hook. You need 6 and sometimes, pulling them up or drawing the hook straight through is an issue. Still, it's a simple thing to do and the most beginner crochet-er can do this.

Here is my version:

If you prefer the written PDF pattern for The Bean Stitch, follow the link and scroll down.

Here is the video tutorial by Creative Grandma:

Stitch of the Day #37 - The Moss Stitch

This is a real easy stitch. My only challenge was to NOT put a single crochet stitch in when I had to put in a slip stitch. Also, making sure I didn't lose my place with the stitch I needed: HDC or Slip Stitch.

Here's my version:

I used Red Heart Super Saver colors: Light Periwinkle and Shocking Pink.

Go to this page and scroll down to find the PDF written pattern for The Moss Stitch.

Here is the video tutorial by Creative Grandma:

Stitch of the Day #36 - Tulip/Rosebud Stitch

I used Red Heart Super Saver yarns, size 4, I hook. I used Hunter Green for the background, Spring Green for the leaves, and Shocking Pink for the blooms.

So it's a cute stitch and not overly difficult. It does take a little concentration when doing the flowers and the row following, but otherwise, a little mindless crochet for three single crochet rows. Here's my pretty version:

It's not quite as seamless as Ms. W's either, as you can see the pink yarn in back, but I'm sure that just comes with practice.

The PDF written pattern for the Tulip/Rosebud Stitch can be found here.

Here is the video tutorial by Creative Grandma.

Stitch of the Day #35 - V Stitch Shell

This is a super easy stitch! It requires very little concentration and knowledge of the double crochet. Really that's it. The pattern makes 3 rows and Ms. W stops there during her video tutorial. I liked it enough to add an extra pair of rows. I also changed colors every row, just so that I could see the V stitch and the shells.

This is my version:

I think it came out really nicely and I love mixing and matching my new skeins of yarn. My husband took a look at this swatch and said, "Nice. Hearts!" LOL. It does kind of look like a swatch of hearts holding hands or something. Put it in red and white or pink and you have a Valentine's Day theme!

Go to this page to find the PDF written pattern for the V Stitch Shell and scroll down to #231.

Here is Creative Grandma's video tutorial:

Stitch of the Day #34 - Tunisian Before and After

First, I followed the suggestion of the PDF pattern and chained 20, rather than her 10 that Ms. W does in her video. If you're new to Tunisian stitching, it might be a good idea to do the 10 chain.

Here is my version:

Ms. W said she used the L hook with her yarn so the stitches were easier to see. I used my L hook, too, but with a J-hook yarn. It's the first time my Tunisian stitches uncurled when I was done. I didn't have to stick it under something to flatten it out. It's a neat stitch, very easy to do amongst all the Tunisian stitches I've done before. Still not a huge fan of the Tunisian stitches, myself, though.

All that aside, I think it came out nice. Yes, I switched colors, like her, after 2 rows, even though it doesn't look like it.

If you want the written PDF Tunisian Before and After stitch, you can find it by clicking on the link and scrolling down (#230)

Here is the video tutorial by Creative Grandma:

Day of the Stitch #33 - Wattle Stitch

This is a really easy stitch to make, especially after the crocodile stitch. I picked yellow and orange as it made me think of the sun on this rainy day. We've had several days of gray here, so this meant a nice bright swatch was in order.

Here is my version of the Wattle Stitch:

The PDF written Wattle Stitch pattern is found here.

Here's the video by Creative Grandma:

Stitch of the Day #32 - Crocodile Stitch

So this was kind of a fun stitch. It started out a little bit intimidating. Ok, a lot intimidating. I found the way that worked for me and went with it. After the first 2 rows, the base rows, I had it in hand. I didn't do the extra set of rows (5& 6) due to the hour and wanting/needing a break. However, this was kind of a neat stitch and I can see it being part of various projects, like a flap of a bag, one side of a pillow, or part of a stuffed croc for a child.

Here is my version. As I said, I only did the first two paris of rows.

UPDATE Feb 13, 2018:

Finished that extra row.

You can find the PDF written Crocodile Stitch pattern on this page.

Here's the video tutorial by Creative Grandma:

This is a very long video (about 1.25 hours). I recommend skipping a bit if you don't have time or don't need every detail. Ms. W explains this stitching and why she does things in a lot of detail. It helped me initially, but then I would FF or pause as needed.

Stitch of the Day #31 - Puff Shell Stitch

This is a really easy pattern. I find that if you have trouble figuring out which stitch is the shell and which is the single crochet, you just need to remember to skip two stitches and use the third one. 

Here is my version:

It's a little hard to see the 'puff' of the stitches, but you can feel them!

You can find the written PDF pattern for the Puff Shell stitch on this page.

Here is the video tutorial of the Puff Shell stitch by Creative Grandma.

Stitch of the Day #30 - Tunisian Double Twist Stitch

As you may know, I'm not a big fan of the Tunisian stitches. However, this came out pretty nice. It was not as complicated as my other Tunisian stitches were. Practice, perhaps. Here is my version:

I did have a slight mess up at the finishing touch. Lost track of my pattern and couldn't really see it. So I just finished it up with 4 pearl stitches instead of 2 crossed stitches and 2 pearl. Whoops. :)

You can find the PDF pattern here: Tunisian Double Twist Stitch. I found this pattern complicated and difficult to read. For me, the visual of the video was more effective as a teacher.

Here is Creative Grandma's video tutorial of this stitch:

Stitch of the Day #29 - Triangle Stitch

This stitch is not very complicated. It's easy enough, but I had to try 2 swatches. The first, apparently, was messed up because I didn't read the instructions. Two single crochet stitches in each chain-2 space. I put one. Also, after that, in the swatch below, I somehow miscounted my chain. So I fudged and added the extra

leg in the 2nd leg's space of my last triangle. It ended up working out. It's still not as neat as Ms. W's version, but that's ok. Also, I had to change my yarn and as you see in one of her swatches, the yarn changes in such a way that it can be hard to see the triangles at times. Still, this held the swatch and made it easier for me to create it.

Here's mine:

If you want the PDF written instructions, they are on this page: Triangle Stitch

Here is the video tutorial by Creative Grandma:

Stitch of the Day #28 - Cat Stitch

This is pretty simple once you get going. Lots of easy repeats going on and double crochet stitches.

This is my version. You can see the cat being built up in the teal. I will likely add another bit to it later so it becomes more obvious, but for now, there it is:

You can see the feet, but the looseness of my stitches makes the rest of the kitty kind of hard to see.

UPDATE 2/08/18: You can really see those kitties now!!!

Here is the video tutorial by Creative Grandma:

Click to find the written PDF pattern for the Cat Stitch.

Stitch of the Day #27 - Raised Shell Stitch

This was a very easy stitch to learn. To master it, I'd likely need to make a larger swatch or something, but it wasn't hard. Lots of double crochet and just paying a little attention to what row you're on. It should stagger, so that helps in placing stitches.

This is my version:

I really do like the texture created by the raised shells.

Here is the video tutorial by Creative Grandma that I followed:

If you'd like to use a written pattern, you can find the Raised Shell Stitch PDF here.

Stitch of the Day #26 - Row by Row

This is a super easy stitch. Basically you need to know how to chain and double crochet. Also, slip stitches are needed at the beginning of each row. That's it. Super simple. My version is colorful and the stitches are kind of hard to see, but you get the idea, I think.

My version:

I do think I've done this stitch before, but not for a purpose, I think. I was probably just learning some simple stitches for variety.

You can find the written pattern in PDF form here: Row by Row

Stitch of the Day #25 - Peek A Boo Stitch

I am not a huge fan of this stitch. I can't say why. It's not hard, certainly. I may need a tighter stitch or different yarn. Not sure. Maybe a larger swatch. It just makes me go, "Meh."

Anyways, here is my lovely version:

Here is the video tutorial:

If you prefer, here's where you can find the written PDF pattern for the Peek-A-Boo Stitch.

Stitch of the Day #24 - Crossed Tunisian Stitch

So this stitch was not so bad. I must be getting used to the Tunisian stitches because I was less intimidated by it this morning. That or, since I received my BFF's placemats that she knitted blind, literally, I might have a new outlook on how I approach new stitches. Possibly both.

This is my version. When Ms. Winkleman added a new color, I added an extra row of the seafoam before adding the teal. Something happened in my teal color that didn't occur in my seafoam color. I lost a stitch. I went back to redo the row and kept dropping a stitch. I finally just tried to 'make it up' since it's only a swatch and it was on my last row before finishing. I know it doesn't look quite the same, but I can't figure out what I did wrong or where. Sometimes I had a hard time finding the horizontal stitches I needed, but if I redid the row, it would show back up. It did not work for the teal row, that last row. Ah well.

Here is my little version after I smashed it under my day planner for about 20 minutes to make it flatten out a bit.

I can see the crossed stitches, at least. So I did do something right!

You can find the written PDF Crossed Tunisian Stitch pattern here.

Here is the video tutorial by Creative Grandma:

Stitch of the Day #23 - Brick by Brick

So this stitch is involved, but not complicated. You really just need to know to single crochet and triple (treble) crochet. It's just a lot of rows to get the pattern going. That being said, I could see it making a really neat blanket or pillow.

I did not follow Ms. Winkleman's choice of yarn - meaning I did not change my yarn out. It does, clearly, make for a more dramatic showing of the brick by brick pattern. I used my Red Heart Super Saver Stripes. You can still see the bricks and they look pretty cool.

As a side note, it might not be a bad idea to utilize a stitch marker to keep your rows straight if you're going for a big project.

Here is the video tutorial by Creative Grandma:

If you would like to use the PDF Pattern, you can find it here: Brick by Brick

Stitch of the Day #22 - Up and Down Stitch

So this stitch is listed as intermediate. I'd say it borders on easy, but that might be from someone with some experience. A newbie would need to know how to chain, single crochet, double crochet, and triple (or treble) crochet. There are videos on those and they're not really hard. If you can double crochet, then you can triple crochet. It's just an extra loop.

I found this to be super easy. I kept waiting for the 'difficulty' to start. LOL!

Here is my lovely version:

I actually show you the front and back here so you can see what it should look like.

Here is the video tutorial by Creative Grandma:

If you want the PDF written pattern, you can find it here: Up and Down Stitch

Stitch of the Day #21 - Tunisian Two Stitch

So I am finding that, as neat as it looks, I'm not a huge fan of the Tunisian stitches. I feel like they take a lot of time and I'm not sure why I'd use them. That being said, I did make this tiny swatch and hope you can see the fine details in it.

My version has the front and back sides, just cuz. It's a neat looking stitch, but requires a lot of focus.

You can follow the video tutorial below. Creative Grandma always makes these look so easy!

Here is where you can find the PDF pattern for the Tunisian Two Stitch.

Stitch of the Day #20 - Double Trouble Stitch

This stitch started out interesting... ok, lots of single crochet stitches to begin. Then the double crochet stitch.. from behind... ???? I had to rewind that video a couple of times, try it and... voila! So it may look intimidating at first, but as Ms. Winkleman says, "Once you get it, it is real easy." or something like that.. You might like it so much you may, as she suggests, find excuses to use it as often as you can.

It has a really nice bulky texture to it. I used a chunky yarn, but I think it just adds some texture and bulk to whatever yarn.

Here's mine:

It came out really nice.

Here is the video tutorial:

You can find the written PDF Pattern here: Double Trouble Stitch #220

Stitch of the Day #19 - Tunisian Smock Stitch

This is a very intricate stitch. I screwed up on the finishing part, apparently thinking I knew what she was going to say or do. Apparently, I was wrong. So, my finished swatch is actually NOT finished. Regardless, it's staying put for now and in the future, I will do it again and follow through. I got confused on it, thinking the video was replaying the ending. Hah.

I'm very frustrated today and this stitch took too much effort, too much concentration for me. As such, I don't think it got a fair shake. I'll come back to it and try again. I've been so very interested in the Tunisian stitches before and I'm fascinated by them still. Now, I know how to get them going!

I just need to learn to finish it. Anyways, this came out pretty good anyways...

My version:

Here's the video tutorial by Creative Grandma for you to use:

Here's the written PDF pattern for Tunisian Smock Stitch #215

Stitch of the Day #18 - Interlocking Shell Stitch

I am not a fan of this stitch... Because it beat my butt. I can't tell at all if it looks right. To me it's a mess. I had a hard time finding the stitches I needed to work other stitches. I had trouble counting my chain. It's clearly a bad day to crochet. *GASP* I know, right? Maybe I'll do it better another day.

My version:

I used this video tutorial by Creative Grandma to make my swatch:

You can find the PDF Pattern here: Interlocking Shell Stitch

Stitch of the Day #17 - Crumpled Griddle Stitch

This is a very super easy stitch. Great practice for beginners! You need to know how to chain, single crochet, and double crochet stitches. This was a fun stitch to do, actually. If you need practice with crochet, you can make placemats, pot holders, and so on. Lots of little things.

Here's my swatch:

I gave it a single crochet border to just make it neat. I love how it turned out and am thinking of making some hot pads with this stitch!

This is the video I used to make the stitch by Creative Grandma: 

You can find the PDF pattern here: Crumpled Griddle Stitch.

2018 Project - Mike's Hat

My hubby asked for a beanie last year to put under his bicycle helmet. I obliged and he has, on occasion, commented on how many 'holes' it has. He means he's not a fan of the spaces between double crochet stitches. Since the idea was for it to warm his head, but let it breathe, and still fit snuggly under his helmet; I did as he had asked.

However, for just a winter hat, it won't do. He wanted something more substantial. So after some practice and him watching others get winter hats, I finally got around to his.

This is made with yarn from Premier yarns: Serenity Chunky and the color is Stormy. It's a really cool color combination.

I borrowed various patterns for ideas for this. First, I like to have a 'trim' to make it look finished, something in a color found in the main yarn. The brim is ribbed. His head measured 23 inches around, but with this chunky yarn, that was too big and stretchy. I believe this measured a circumference of about 18" when it was done. These are all single crochet stitches.

The 'head' of the hat is a combination of stitches.
   Row 1: Single crochet (SC) around 

   Rows 2 & 3: Ribbed stitch (SC around)
   Rows 4-5: Half Double Crochet stitch (HDC)
   Rows 6-7: HDC decrease
   Rows 8-end: SC decrease

   Finish: Sewed the remaining together and tied it off.

Stitch of the Day #16 - The Fan Tail Stitch

I do not recommend this for beginners. While not difficult, it's intricate with different stitches. Double, Half Double, and Single Crochet stitches, plus chaining. Kind of basic, but used over a 3 row repeat pattern. I'd likely have a written pattern beside me or watch/rewatch the video as I went along for awhile.

My attempt:

My swatch looks a tad messy, but I just followed along with the video as Ms. Winkleman taught the stitch.

If you want the PDF Pattern, you can get it here: Fan Tail Stitch

Here's Creative Grandma's Video Tutorial:

Stitch of the Day #15 - Trinity Stitch

Here's another fairly simple stitch. Beginners don't need to know much, just how to chain and single crochet. Very basic.

My versions of the stitch:

The first attempt went sideways. I chained 20, but kept ending up with an extra stitch which went unused in the first row, no matter what. I decided to let it go and just do the stitch, work out the problem later.

This is using my Red Heart Super Saver Stripes yarn. I chained 20 here.

After reviewing my PDF instructions, I realized I was not starting the clusters in the stitch where my last cluster ended. So I tried again and, voila! No more missing that last stitch!!!

I used Bernat Living yarn for the second attempt. It came out much better! I chained 40 here. 

Comparison of the swatches.

Here is the video tutorial by Creative Grandma. I used it as a way to help me see what the PDF pattern told me.

The PDF pattern can be found here for the Trinity Stitch.

UPDATE:

I made this as a beginning to a placemate... not sure if I'm into it being that big...