Magic Circle aka Adjustable Ring, how to

Posted on by

How to make a Magic Circle/Adjustable Ring

I start almost all of the hats I make with a magic circle.  It’s a fantastic way to start anything that is worked in the round if you want to be able to control the amount of “holey space” in the middle.  With the magic ring, you can pull the hole as tight as you physically can leaving no gaping hole in the middle of your hat.  If a pattern suggests you chain 2 then work a round in the second chain, replace it with the magic ring and you’ll be real pleased with the results.

I’ve seen this method called the magic ring, adjustable circle, magic loop and many other similar combinations.  Whatever you want to call it, it is a great way to start a hat or any other item that is worked in the round.

step1 (300x300)1)Create ring and position with working yarn on top.

 

 

 

 

step2A (550x550)step2B (550x550)

2) Insert hook into ring and pull up a loop.

 

 

 

 
step3 (550x550)
3) Secure with a chain stitch.

 

 

 

 

step4A (550x550)step4B (550x550)4) Work stitches of 1st round (sc here) over both BOTH strands of yarn and pull tight with the END strand.

5) Continue with pattern.

 

Stash Bust 2013 – update January

Posted on by

A Flapper, Patrick Star and a Frog

I’ve been steadily working on my Bernat CottonTots 100% cotton yarn stash.  This month I have three hats to share with you.

P1010745 (500x499)

Waiting for Spring Flapper Hat

The first is the Waiting for Spring, Flapper hat.  This is the first hat pattern I designed and offered for sale and have not made it in a long time.  While I was working on it, my husband said “going Old School on this one, huh?”  It’s an adorable hat and I guess I need to make it more often!  I made an XL which should fit most 3 yr. to small adult heads.

P1010663 (500x500)

Silly Hat

The second hat is my latest release, the Silly Hat.  It looks a little bit like my favorite starfish, Patrick Star from SpongeBob SquarePants.  Patrick is such a goofball; no wonder SpongeBob is best buddies with him.  It is a version of the Candy Corn Hat.  This is a medium (most 3-6 yr. old children).  It’s too tight for my almost 11-year-old to wear so it should be perfect for a younger child.

P1010751 (500x500)

Crazy Frog Hat

The last is my buddy, the Crazy Frog hat.  This pattern is included free with every one of Crochet by Darleen Hopkins patterns I sell (Ravelry, Etsy and Craftsy); just an extra bonus and thank you for your purchase!  I made a small/medium to fit most 3-6 yr. old kids.

I’m saving these three to donate to Halos of Hope when they arrive in Atlanta for Stitches South.  They are collecting regular and sea themed hats to benefit Children’s Healthcare of Atlanta – Egleston & Scottish Rite and will be distributing them that same weekend.

My three hats weigh in just over 9 ounces.  Add this to the two I donated in December to Halos of Hope, New England Chapter and that’s a little over 1 pound (so far) of CottonTots crocheted into soft hats for Halos of Hope!  Five pounds to go! : )

Free Pattern Friday-Showcase Minecraft Creeper

Posted on by

P1010644 (600x419)Christmas Creepers

Every year I try to make my boys a handmade item as one of their holiday gifts. I’ve made gnomes, silly monsters and kitty cats. This year, due to their recent obsession with the Minecraft computer game, I wanted to make them a Creeper. I was so thankful to find this pattern by Emjay Bailey aka Nerdigurumi. As you can see in the photo, my boys loved the Creepers. Check out her site. If you or anyone you know is into video games, she’s probably written a pattern to go along with it.
Thanks Emjay!!