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You all might remember that I have worked in years past to gather crocheted / knitted hats for Louisiana troops. Hats are needed for care packages by mid May so they can be bagged and tagged etc. for shipping in June.
Here are the particulars as I know them presently.
180 caps are needed. 100% wool is suggested for troops. Colors should be black, dark brown, or dark green - for reference I use Patons Classic Wool Deep Olive, Black, and Chestnut Brown with a G hook.
If you are interested in helping, holler out to me and I will forward the address of the coordinator to you. You can email me at crochetcabana@gmail.com .
Size: hats are generally sized to a male head, about 7 1/2" to 10" in height and 22-24" circumference. You might try the hat on a man to see how it fits. It will likely be worn under a helmet.
Special note: Please, when joining yarn, do NOT knot and cut at the knot or leave just an inch of yarn. Please cut yarn several inches from the end and weave/sew the tails in securely. Thanks!
If you work in a spiral, please make sure that your last round is even with the previous round. Thanks!
Both knitted and crocheted hats are welcome. No lacy patterns, please, as these are for warmth and most go to men. Simple is best though single crochet and double crochet are both fine. I have a few patterns at Crochet Cabana that were designed specifically for this project. The Basic Beanies can be found at http://www.crochetcabana.com/html/patterns_hats.html . The three that are photographed with a man's head wearing brown hats and a Doctor Who scarf are the ones I generally use.
If you can't knit or crochet but would like to purchase a knitted or crochet hat to send, that is also fine.
Thanks for helping us to thank these brave men and women for their service.
Happy crocheting!
Sandie
I'm going off topic for a little bit because this project is dear to my heart. You know I'm a big Doctor Who fan, but did you know I also enjoy Star Trek and that universe? Both of these are coming together as the Sixth Doctor, Colin Baker, is guest starring in Episode 4 of Star Trek Continues, the fan based production continuing the 5 year mission of the original Star Trek.
You can be part of history in helping to fund more episodes of the popular online series. If you are a Star Trek fan and have not seen these, you really need to get over there and have a look. There are three episodes online already. Episode 4 with Colin Baker should be online in a few months. I have been on set and this is a quality production.
The Kickstarter began today to continue production of these excellent episodes. In my opinion they could have run right alongside the original series. To my eye, Vic Mignogna, who plays Captain Kirk, even resembles William Shatner. Chris Doohan, who plays Scotty, is the son of the original Scotty, James Doohan. I have met him and he is a very nice guy. He's very tall too!
As to crocheting, I am working on a second filet cross prayer shawl with expectation of putting the free pattern up soon.
Happy crocheting!
Sandie
Woman's prerogative - I changed my mind and decided to work 3 stripes instead of 5 as I thought I would. The reason for this is because one source that is in need of shawls needs them right quick. I tried the shawl and it worked very well for me so I figure it will do fine for most recipients. I did try to take a picture of myself wearing it in the mirror but it did not come out well. You'll just have to trust me that it fit. heh
The finished size is approx 15" x 65".
I am writing up the pattern and hope to have it on site soon. I'm really pleased with the way this came out.
I used Vanna's Choice Colonial Blue yarn and an I hook. I used an H hook for the sides. I find this works well for me with double crochet. I think it might be because I use a ch-2 for my turning chain.
Happy crocheting!
Sandie
I thought I'd update you on the cross shawls. I put aside the puff stitch one because really that size is not good for a shawl unless you're very thin. (I don't remember back when I was a size 3 but maybe it would work...) I will need to work on it when I have more time to do a large single crochet project (which will probably be a long time). However, the dc filet cross goes quickly. Once I figured out the number I needed for the foundation chain for the size I wanted I went to town on it.
My plan is to do several stripes, alternating where the filet crosses begin.
This project is unique in another way. It is the first time I work a project beginning a long chainless foundation, also called foundation double crochet. I'm not saying it took me less time than just making a long chain and working my first row into it LOL. There were hiccups along the way because I had to be fully satisfied with the look of it. I think I could go faster once I get the hang of the process.
I had not fooled around with the chainless foundation in a while since I have no problem working chains and going into the chain, so I referenced my video on the foundation sc and also one on the foundation dc worked by Maggie of Maggie's Crochet. In my video my daughter works the stitch and gives an excellent explanation. She uses the foundation stitch often in her own work. As I get more proficient with it, I may do so myself. :-) Of course the sc and the dc are not the same, but the idea is the same. You create the chain and the stitch in the same movements.
Why did I use the foundation dc for this project? No particular reason. It occurred to me this might be a good time to try it, so I did. :-) Working 197 chains and working into the chains would work just fine.
I worked 195 foundation double crochets for this one. I didn't measure it, but I'm estimating it is at least 60" wide which is a pretty good size for a shawl. The two rows I have worked so far are about 9" high. There are 8 crosses on the first row and 7 on the second. (You can't see them all in the picture.) Because I want to begin and end the same, I will probably work 3 more stripes which will make it approximately 22" or 23". We'll see how it works out, but you know you'll be one of the first to know. :-)
I am using Vanna's Choice Colonial Blue and am on my third skein. I am using my trusty I Inox hook.
I will be working on this project for the next couple weeks most likely, along with other smaller projects. Since I am writing the pattern, it takes a little longer to figure things out - and even then I sometimes get it wrong. heh
Happy crocheting!
Sandie
Firstly, I received notices on December 31 that starting January 1 there is a new tax on digital sales to European Union. Since I had absolutely no notice, I have removed all my for-sale patterns from both Etsy and Ravelry so I don't have any tax confusion next year. I apologize for giving no notice of this, but I myself had no notice. Free patterns are not affected as far as I can tell and remain up. I'm not sure what I will do in the long run. There's always something to mess with one's day.
While I'm here, I thought I'd give a shout out in case you have one of my patterns and are in need of assistance. Firstly, PLEASE make sure it is actually one of MY patterns. I spent hours trying to find a pattern that fit the description a visitor said she was having trouble with only to discover it was not my pattern at all. Secondly, if you have trouble with one of my patterns, when you send me a note please include the name of the pattern. It is also helpful if you include a link. Both of those things will make it clear at the start if it is actually mine or one you found when you clicked through from the blog or web site or elsewhere.
I will do everything possible to help with one of my patterns, but if the pattern was designed by someone else it is not always possible to figure out what they meant. It is always best to go to the source when you can.
My name is on all my patterns and they appear only at Crochet Cabana, Ravelry, and Gallifreyan Crochetin. They are in pdf format. Occasionally I will give instructions on the blog but that is rare.
I do not give permission for any of my patterns to be placed in its entirety on a web site or shared with anyone else in any format without permission so the only place to find my patterns are at the places mentioned above. However, there are ads at the sites, so if you click through on an ad and find a pattern there, that is not my pattern. You need to go to the source for help.
As said above, if you need help with one of my patterns, I will do my best to see that you get it quickly.If you need help with someone else's pattern, please contact them.
I hope all of you had a wonderful start to the New Year and that the year will bring you many blessings!
Happy crocheting!
Sandie
