Winter Hat numbero uno

I did a nice and easy winter hat project last weekend, and I'm quite pleased with the results. I used the leftover wooly cream yarn from R's skull and cross bones jumper, so it's super warm, but it doesn't have much stretch to it. I like the little puffs on it, but I might try and make a simpler beret, or a nice beanie, as well. At the moment, I'm too skint to buy a new winter coat, so it looks like I'm stuck with my plain black pea coat. As long as I keep up with nice bright accessories, like hats, scarves, and gloves, it won't be too dull!

Terminator eyes will KILL YOU

crochet ttm

I first learned to crochet when I was about 10. I made a little square for my mom (a pot holder, I'm sure I called it), and that was the end of my crochet career for the next decade. I picked up a crochet hook again during my first year at college, and made a few scarves for my mom and grandma (the only people interested in handmade knitwear). This went on for a few years, with random scarves for people (all in the same heavy chenille yarn from Michael's - I'm not one for messing with a good thing!).

Then last year, we found out our friends Glenda and Dave were having a baby boy. I decided to get cracking and make a nice blanket for him. It took me months, and while I'd probably have done it slightly differently, all in all, I was pretty happy with the results:

cute patootie blanket

and apparently James still sleeps with it everynight :) Glenda even said they have a little song for it, sung to the tune of Puff the Magic Dragon: James' Special Blanket - knitted by the sea (*sniff*, so sweet!).

I also practiced some hat making skills and made this cutie (isn't he SOOO CUTE???):

James in his wee hat

It was so much fun making stuff that wasn't just scarves! There is such a great sense of satisfaction for making something yourself, and seeing other people enjoy the fruits of your labour.

Then, last month, we found out our friends Stephen and Donna (who went through some serious tough times last year) had a baby girl, Grace, in secret! No one even knew they were pregnant (they live in Northern Ireland so we don't see them that often). So I knew what I had to do and jumped on making another blanket. I worked at record speed and finished it in a week! (the other blanket took me at least two months). But boy oh boy and I proud of it, it is so soft and so sweet and looks like neopolitan ice cream, yum yum!

zig zags galore!

close up of yummy blanket

With my leftover pink yarn I decided to make a little cardigan, too. Let me tell you, our house has become overfilled with cuteness. I can't stand it! (yes I can, please can I make some more??)

even the little wooden button is unbelievably cute!

So now that those are out of the way, it's time for me to move on to 'big girl' projects. I need to finish my fat bottom bag for my brother-in-law's wedding coming up. I also want to make a shawl in a lovely lacey/sparkly yarn for my sister-in-law to be. Their wedding is outdoors, so I thought it would be nice to have a shawl to cover up as we dance into the night. I'll definitely post my finished projects!

Alicia has been trying to convince me to move into the medium of knitting, but I'd rather get better at my crocheting. I'm starting to get properly into it, and want to see what kind of stuff I can make with my hook before I start moving on to needles! BTW, Ravelry is my new love affair. (I'm solstice930, look for me!)

Big Bad Bows

As you saw by my previous post, I was obviously quite taken by Aretha's a-mah-zing hat. Luckily, I wasn't the only one, and etsy had a very cool post about Aretha's Inaugural Splendor and the big bow trend.

Here are a few of my favourite bow hats available on etsy!

giant gingham bow hair band
courtesy of LoulouLovesYou
This would have been perfect for my Alice costume!


classic birdcage veil with satin bow
courtesy of topsyturvydesign

I would have loved a beautiful birdcage veil like this for my wedding!

black velour bow cloche

dark gypsy rose

black plague

BoringSidney's hats are so stunning, I just had to post more than one!
You can find more of her Unusual Hats and Headdresses here .

And if you're looking to get Aretha's hat for yourself, well, here's a little info for you! (Thanks LA Times!)

Aretha Franklin -- who has rocked her fair share of amazing headgear over the years --
wrapped her head in a crystal studded bow. The $179 hat, customized with Swarovski crystals,
came from Mr. Song Millinery in Detroit where
Luke Song has been making ladies dress hats for 25 years.