join in round

Last time I mentioned joining the rounds of a hat with a (ch 1, dc) so when you come around you have an actual stitch in which to insert your hook rather than a chain. Well, a chain is a stitch of course, but the pattern stitch is what I mean. In this case, a dc. 

The next hat I made, I worked as is normally done, joining in the top chain of the turning chain. This is what that looks like.

Here they are side by side. What do you think? I folded the hats to make it easier to photograph. I personally don't see that it makes a whole lot of difference which you choose to use. I'm sure there are other joins that you can use as well if you have a preference.

That's about all I've been doing crochet-wise. I've been more into reading lately as that is something I can do while I'm rockin' the wee one. I use the Kindle app on my phone (or iPAD but that's a little heavier to hold with a little one). :-) Didn't have that option when my own were tiny tots. I like it!

Did you know you can save patterns purchased at some places (like Annie's Attic, for example) to your Kindle or Kindle app? I can also borrow some ebooks from my library which can be read on my Kindle. At first I wasn't sure I'd like ebooks, but now I am really hooked on them and it feels strange to have to search for where I left that paper book I started.

Hope your summer is going well!

Happy crocheting!
Sandie

hdc hat join

When I finished making the half double crochet hat (my first ever!) I noticed that while the joining of each round was solid, with no open spots, it was also visible and not straight. I counted my stitches and I did have the correct number.

My brain may not be functioning at full capacity since I stayed up late last night and got up early this morning, but I am unable to figure out why this is happening. If anyone has a clue, do holler out. Or if you make the hat from yesterday's post and have the same or different experience, also holler out, please. Although it is a perfectly serviceable hat, this bothers me. The join is the same as in the dc hat except with the different stitch and that hat did not do this.

Here is a picture from the front. I've never been partial to the hdc and rarely use it, but I have to say that the hdc does give a nice appearance to the hat. It's a closed stitch with not as much height as the double crochet and virtually no wiggle room between stitches. I think if I could figure out this angled join thing, I could like working with it in the round. This is probably some really simple thing and I'm just not grasping it right now. Still, inquiring minds want to know and I'd rather someone else use their considerable knowledge and brain power and just tell me. *lazy*

I think I will have to play with this using some other yarn. I don't want to waste the precious wool I was able to find for the troop hats figuring this out.

In other news, Annie's Attic had a big clearance sale and those are always so dangerous. LOL I picked up a few neat little books there at great discount. Here's what I got:

Granny Square Wear
Ta-wash-is in Crochet
Prayer Shawls 2
Savvy Single Crochet

Were there more that I wanted. YES! Of course! But I am happy with my purchases and look forward to taking them for a spin soon.

Happy crocheting!
Sandie