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.