Xmas Gifts...

Well since I am financially challenged at the moment I decided to make my nieces berets for xmas. I picked out purples and pinks since those are their favorite colors. Each took about 6 and a half hours to make and turned out pretty well! then I made my sister a black one that she absolutely adores!!! Since I have been with Jeff and his family for christmas we decided to celebrate on the 24th which made Keela and Carla very happy!

Wavy Beret

The last time my Uncle Lester visited he requested that I make him a black beret. Unfortunately, I didn't like the patterns that I was finding on the web so I improvised. This is the finished product:


Materials used:

• CARON Simply Soft # 9916 in Black- Weight: 4 medium, Worsted weight, 4 ply 100% acrylic, 366yds /7 oz solid.
• Crochet hook size H-8 US (5mm)
  
  
• Crochet stitches used: Chain (ch), slip stitch (sl st), double crochet (dc)- Yarn over, insert hook in stitch or space indicated, yarn over and pull up a loop (3 loops on hook), yarn over and draw through 2 loops on the hook, yarn over and draw remaining 2 loops on hook. Double crochet decrease (dc dcr)- Yarn over, insert hook into first indicated stitch, Yarn-over and draw up a loop. There will be 3 loops on your hook. Yarn-over and draw through 2 loops on your hook. There will be 2 loops left on the hook.Yarn-over and insert hook into next indicated stitch.Yarn-over and draw up a loop. There will be 4 loops on your hook. Yarn-over and draw through 2 loops on your hook. There will be 3 loops left on the hook. Yarn-over and draw through the last 3 loops on your hook. Decrease is complete; counts as one stitch.
  

Terminology:

• Chain- (ch)


• Join w/ slip stitch (sl st)- Begin with a slip knot on hook. Insert hook in stitch or space indicated, Yarn Over (YO) and draw through the stitch or space and the loop on hook.


• Double crochet/s (dc/s)- Yarn over, insert hook in stitch or space indicated, yarn over and pull up a loop (3 loops on hook), yarn over and draw through 2 loops on the hook, yarn over and draw remaining 2 loops on hook.


• Double Crochet Decrease (dc dcr)- Yarn over, insert hook into first indicated stitch, Yarn-over and draw up a loop. There will be 3 loops on your hook. Yarn-over and draw through 2 loops on your hook. There will be 2 loops left on the hook.Yarn-over and insert hook into next indicated stitch.Yarn-over and draw up a loop. There will be 4 loops on your hook. Yarn-over and draw through 2 loops on your hook. There will be 3 loops left on the hook. Yarn-over and draw through the last 3 loops on your hook. Decrease is complete; counts as one stitch.


• Chain 3 (ch 3)- **For this pattern the first double crochet (dc) is always a Chain 3 (ch 3) **
  

To start: chain (ch) 4 and Join with a slip stitch (sl st) This makes up your loop.

Round 1: Chain 3(ch 3). **This counts as your first double crochet stitch for each and every round.** Within the chain 4 loop make 14 double Crochets (dcs). Total: 14 Double crochets (dcs) + 1 chain3 (ch 3)= 15 Double Crochet stitches. Slip stitch (sl st) to top of 3rd chain.

Round 2: Chain 3 (ch 3). 2 double crochets (dcs) in next stitch all the way around. [some people prefer to add the 30th double crochet at the front after the chain 3; some at the end before the chain 3. I leave it up to you.] Total: 29 Double Crochets (dcs) + 1 Chain 3 (ch 3)= 30 Double Crochet stitches. Slip stitch (sl st) to top of 3rd chain.

Round 3: Chain 3 (ch 3). 2 double crochets (dcs) in next stitch. *1 double crochet (dc) in next stitch. 2 double crochets (dcs) in next stitch.* Repeat from * to end. Total: 44 double crochets (dcs) + 1 chain 3 (ch 3 )= 45 Double Crochet stitches. Slip stitch (sl st) to top of 3rd chain.

Round 4: Chain 3 (ch 3). 1 double crochet (dc) in next stitch. 2 double crochets (dcs) in next stitch. *1 double crochet (dc) in next stitch. 1 double crochet (dc) in next stitch. 2 double crochets (dcs) in next stitch.* Repeat from * to end. Total: 59 double crochets (dcs) + 1 chain 3 (ch 3)= 60 double crochet stitches. Slip stitch (sl st) to top of 3rd chain.

Round 5: Chain 3 (ch 3). 1 double crochet (dc) in next stitch. 1 double crochet (dc) in next stitch. 2 double crochets (dcs) in next stitch. *1 double crochet (dc) in next stitch. 1 double crochet (dc) in next stitch. 1 double crochet (dc) in next stitch. 2 double crochets (dcs) in next stitch.* Repeat from * to end. Total: 74 double crochets (dcs) + 1 chain 3 (ch3)= 75 double crochet stitches. Slip stitch (sl st) to top of 3rd chain.

Round 6: Chain 3 (ch 3). 1 double crochet (dc) in next stitch. 1 double crochet (dc) in next stitch. 1 double crochet (dc) in next stitch. 2 double crochets (dcs) in next stitch. *1 double crochet (dc) in next stitch. 1 double crochet (dc) in next stitch. 1 double crochet (dc) in next stitch. 1 double crochet (dc) in next stitch. 2 double crochets (dcs) in next stitch.* Repeat from * to end. Total: 89 Double crochets (dcs) + 1 chain 3 (ch 3)= 90 double crochet stitches. Slip stitch (sl st) to top of 3rd chain.

Round 7: Chain 3 (ch 3). 1 double crochet (dc) in next stitch. 1 double crochet (dc) in next stitch. 1 double crochet (dc) in next stitch. 1 double crochet (dc) in next stitch. 2 double crochets (dcs) in next stitch.* 1 double crochet (dc) in next stitch. 1 double crochet (dc) in next stitch. 1 double crochet (dc) in next stitch. 1 double crochet (dc) in next stitch. 1 double crochet (dc) in next stitch. 2 Double crochets (dcs) in next stitch.* Repeat from * to end. Total: 104 double crochets (dcs) + 1 chain 3 (ch 3)= 105 double Crochet stitches. Slip stitch (sl st) to top of 3rd chain.

Round 8: Chain 3 (ch 3). 1 double crochet (dc) in next stitch. 1 double crochet (dc) in next stitch. 1 double crochet (dc) in next stitch. 1 double crochet (dc) in next stitch. 1 double crochet (dc) in next stitch. 2 double crochets (dcs) in next stitch.* 1 double crochet (dc) in next stitch. 1 double crochet (dc) in next stitch. 1 double crochet (dc) in next stitch. 1 double crochet (dc) in next stitch. 1 double crochet (dc) in next stitch. 1 double crochet (dc) in next stitch. 2 double crochets (dcs) in next stitch. * Repeat from * to end. Total: 119 double crochets (dcs) + 1 chain 3 (ch 3)= 120 double crochet (dc) stitches. Slip stitch (sl st) to top of 3rd chain.

Round 9: chain 3 (ch 3). 1 double crochet (dc) in next stitch. 1 double crochet (dc) in next stitch. 1 double crochet (dc) in next stitch. 1 double crochet (dc) in next stitch. 1 double crochet (dc) in next stitch. 1 double crochet (dc) in next stitch. 2 double crochets (dcs) in next stitch. * 1 double crochet (dc) in next stitch. 1 double crochet (dc) in next stitch. 1 double crochet (dc) in next stitch. 1 double crochet (dc) in next stitch. 1 double crochet (dc) in next stitch. 1 double crochet (dc) in next stitch. 1 double crochet (dc) in next stitch. 2 double crochets (dcs) in next stitch.* Repeat from * to end. Total: 134 double crochets (dcs) + 1 chain 3 (ch 3) = 135 double crochet (dc) stitches. Slip stitch (sl st) to top of 3rd chain.

Round 10 & 11: Chain 3 (ch 3). 1 double crochet (dc) in next stitch to end. Total: 134 double crochets (dcs) + 1 chain 3 (ch 3)= 135 stitches. Slip stitch (sl st ) to top of 3rd chain.

Round 12: Chain 3 (ch 3). 1 double crochet (dc) in next stitch. 1 double crochet (dc) in next stitch. 1 double crochet (dc) in next stitch. 1 double crochet decrease (dc dcr). *1 double crochet (dc) in next stitch. 1 double crochet (dc) in next stitch. 1 double crochet (dc) in next stitch. 1 double crochet (dc) in next stitch. 1 double crochet decrease (dc dcr)*. Repeat * to last 3 stitches. 1 double crochet (dc) in next stitch. 1 double crochet (dc) in next stitch. 1 double crochet (dc) in next stitch. Slip stitch (sl st) to top of 3rd chain.

Round 13: Chain 3 (ch 3). 1 double crochet (dc) in next stitch. 1 double crochet (dc) in next stitch. 1 double crochet decrease (dc dcr).* 1 double crochet (dc) in next stitch. 1 double crochet (dc) in next stitch. 1 double crochet (dc) in next stitch. 1 double crochet decrease (dc dcr).* Repeat * to end. Slip stitch (sl st) to top of 3rd chain.

Round 14 & 15: Chain 3 (ch 3). 1 double crochet (dc) in next stitch to end. Slip stitch (sl st) to top of 3rd chain.

Round 16: Chain 3 (ch 3). 1 double crochet (dc) in next stitch. 1 double crochet decrease (dc dcr) *1 double crochet (dc) in next stitch. 1 double crochet (dc) in next stitch. 1 double crochet decrease (dc dcr)* Repeat * to end. Slip stitch (sl st) to top of 3rd chain.

Round 17: Chain 3 (ch 3). 1 Double crochet decrease (dc dcr) in next stitch* 1 double crochet (dc) in next stitch. 1 double crochet decrease (dc dcr) in next stitch * repeat * to end. Slip stitch (sl st) to top of 3rd chain.

Round 18: Chain 3 (ch 3). 1 double crochet (dc) in next stitch to end. Slip stitch (sl st) to top of 3rd chain. Bind off. Sew in loose ends...

Finished!


Uncle Lester loved the beret! It was just what he wanted and you can tell from the picture that the beret made his day!

Kelly Green Headband...

I love to crochet...I've been doing it since I was a little girl! A lot of people crochet either the front or back of the loop; I crochet through both loops to give the yarn a better cohesiveness.

For this project I choose to keep it simple by only using a single crochet stitch (sc st) yet I am going about this headband the long way so to speak... I find that for me, it is easier and more accurate to my Afro puff that I call my hair if I make the headband using the width instead of making the full chain that fits around my head. From the pictures that I took of my fro you can see why:...

Front of the fro...

The back of the Afro...

Kelly Green Headband© Cynnefull Garden Crochets™ all rights reserved.

Materials Used:

• Caron One pound in Kelly Green 510- Weight: 4 medium, 100% Acrylic, 812 yrds/ 16 oz. solid, Worsted weight.

• Size I crochet needle (5.5mm) *Per label on CARON ONE POUND yarn it says "I" ; thru website it says "G"*- your choice.

• Crochet stich used: single crochet (sc)- Insert hook in stitch (sc) or space (sp) indicated, Yarn Over (YO) and pull a loop. Yarn Over (YO) and draw through both loops on the hook.

Like I said earlier this is a pretty simple project. I am making it on the fly without a pattern... the headband only uses a single crochet (sc). We live in a world that places more value on how difficult or how extravagant the item that you made is- beauty is also simple and elegant at the same time without being overdone and showy. That was the mindset with this project: simply beautiful and without gaudiness.

Terminology:

• Cast on for this project is the same as chain...
• Chain (ch)
• Stitch/es (st/sts)
• Single Crochet (sc)-Insert hook in stitch (sc) or space (sp) indicated, Yarn Over (YO) and pull a loop. Yarn Over (YO) and draw through both loops on the hook.
• Space/s (sp/sps)
• Join w/ slip stitch (sl st)- Begin with a slip knot on hook. Insert hook in stitch or space indicated, Yarn Over (YO) and draw through the stitch or space and the loop on hook.
• Yarn Over (YO)- put yarn over the needle to make another loop.
  

To start: Cast on/ chain (ch) 16 stitches (sts) loosely ** If you want the width of the headband to be longer than 4 inches then chain more stitches**

Row 1: single crochet (sc) in chain (ch) 2nd from the hook; Single crochet (sc) across. 15 spaces (sps) total. Chain (ch) 1 and turn. *** REMEMBER: IF YOU ADD MORE STITCHES (sts) YOU WILL STILL SINGLE CROCHET (sc) IN THE 2ND CHAIN (ch) FROM THE HOOK.***

Row 2: single crochet (sc) across. 15 spaces (sps) total. Chain (ch) 1 and turn. ***Or however many stitches (sts) you decided to begin with minus 1.***

Rows 3 to end: Repeat row 2 till headband fits comfortably and snugly around your head when you pull both ends together. When ready and there are no twists join both ends w/ slip stitch (sl st). You should be joining/ slip stitching (sl st) 15 stitches (sts) using the slip stitch (sl st).***join/slip stitch (sl st) however many stitches (sts) that you dedided to use.**

Working on the rows to the end...

Cut yarn; weave in ends and viola- finished!

This pattern is very adaptable- you can change it up depending on your level of crocheting or your need not to have the headband so strong. (refer to my fro pictures to see why I needed the head band to be strong and thick)

Possible suggestions:

• Add a second color around the front area and use a smaller crochet needle to make it tighter around the forehead area if it slips.
• For less thickness and more movement: turn the single crochets to double crochets; shell stitches or half double crochets. Just make sure that you insert the hook in the 3rd chain (ch) from the hook... (for more information on the different kinds of basic stitches you can use along with a tutorial click HERE.) Heck- use combinations of each to get your desired effect.
• Add a second color within the headband itself; better yet find a crochet chart and a pattern.
• That's all of the suggestions that I'm going to give... anymore and I'll give away too much!

Need more help/ info/ tutorials: go to crochet pattern central they have everything that you ever needed to know about crochet... (link will take you to the instruction directory)

Here is their link to their free crochet patterns Directory

Use this link to view the Crochet stitches

Enjoy!

Flowered Center Slouch Hat W/ Flowers

Hats are a natural part of my wardrobe... I never leave home without one. So when I re-discovered my talent for knitting and crocheting I wanted to make myself a hat. Not just any hat- a rasta or beret. When I was searching on the internet I stumbled across a website called crothetpatterncentral.com and looked around. Under hats I doscovered this cute hat and decided that this would be the hat that I wanted to create:

For my version of LeKeesha Lowe's Ramdomscreamer's Pattern I added 4 Crocheted flowers and made it Purple. materials used:

• Vanna's Choice Print in Purple Mist - mixture of light liliac and dark violet. Weight category- 4. Medium worsted; Afghan, Aran yarn. 100% Acrylic
• Asseccory flowers- Petals: Bernat Softee Baby in Soft Liliac - Weight Category- 3. Light; 100% Arcylic
• Asseccory flower center: Lion Brand Yarn Baby Soft in Cream- Weight Category- 3. Light: DK, Light worseted yarn; 60% Acrylic, 40% Nylon
• Size 5.00mm needle (H)

This project took me about 20 mins to complete. I am much faster crocheting than knitting... but all and all I am pretty happy with the way that it came out! When I was finished the hat looked like it needed a little something more... so I decided to add 4 flowers: 1 at the center and 3 in a cluster off center from my head.

Purple is such a soothing color for me...

Keela Grey's Baby Blanket

This is the original picture of the baby blanket that I decided to make for my niece Keela Grey. It is #24 baby blanket from the book Best of Terry Kimbrough Baby Afghans by Leisure Arts.

Keela's version is a little different: I used different colors:

• Lion Brand Yarn Baby Soft Cream 099
• Lion Brand Yarn Baby Soft Baby Pink Pompador 201

and added accessory flowers in the corners with the baby pink pompador...

I used 2 different floral patterns in opposite corners.

The second corner involved rosettes. After all was said and done this is what the finished product looked like minus the floral corners:

Coming Soon to Cynnefull Gardens...

Cynnefull Garden Knits & Crochets!

Already in the works is my ravelry profile that has some of my finished works (it isn't much right now but it will be!)... currently I am working on adding progress bars and my finished works to my blogger sidebar. The simple progress bar on the side is only the beginning. In the future I plan to have pictures, yarns added and maybe even the start date. Eventually I will write patterns and place them here in the Cynnefull Gardens blog... just not yet.

Don't worry... I am not changing this blog to strictly yarn crafts; I want to expand my blog to cover all of the creative things that I do within my garden. You will still be able to find my artwork and poetry; now you'll be able to find knits & crochets as well!