Granny Squares!

Okay I broke down tonight and attempted to do Granny Squares. Videos and two patterns later I realized I wasn't getting it. (Did I mention I don't really read patterns!).

So leave it to me to turn a goofed up work into something totally new. Introducing Granny's Sun.

Now I will share the pattern for you - BUT you cannot sell it. This is my screw up and if you want to do it you can.

Row 1 chain 5, slipstich.

Row 2 Chain 3, double chain three in the circle. Chain 3, double chain three in the circle. Chain 3, double chain three in the circle. Chain 3, double chain three in the circle. Slipstich.

Now it should look like the beginning of a granny square.

At this point chain three in the first loop, add a chain, chain three. Repeat all around. Say forget traditional crosses and do a sun! Hehee.

Okay seriously though that is basically how it is done. Maybe there is some site out there with a real professional pattern but that is how I did it.

Then I found this site: http://crochet101.blogspot.com/2007/03/starting-granny-square.html

And made this Granny Square.

Enjoy!!

Chemo Caps Galore

Okay so I've been pretty busy working on these chemo caps. I have found that it is feasible for me to do three caps in one evening.

My real issue is that I don't 'read' patterns. It got to be very frustrating because I know that my Grandma never read patterns and made beautiful things. I kept working on it and came up with two versions of caps.

The first cap is more of a bucket style chemo cap. I started using a Youtube video seen here: http://youtube.com/watch?v=XXtcCBzknPg . I found that when you work with a smaller needle that you can still do it but you need to increase the number of rows in the circle. The other thing that I did was when it was time to start coming down from the circle instead of sticking the needle through the front or back hoop I stuck it through both. Does that even make sense?

The other style hat is even easier. Start by chaining. There is no right or wrong on this part. Chain until you get to the distance you want (I measure it around the forehead of the intended recipent). Then do a second row like you would a blanket. At this point you crochet down the two rows on one side, and then do a modified slip stitch. In other words stick the hook through the other end and put the yarn over and pull through both. Now go up to the next row and then you should be above the two rows which is now a circle.

From this point just keep going around in whatever stitch you prefer. I like to do two rows of double chain and then a row of triple. This makes for a nice ridge. Then measure again against the head of the intended victim (er, um recipent). If it comes to the top of their head you are halfway there. The next row you you skip every fourth. Next row do normal and then next row skip every fourth. (Are you still with me?). At this point you should be getting close. Just skip every 2-5 depending on your type of stitch and work your way closed. When I am on the last stitch I pull the yarn and hook into the hat. This way your knot is hidden. Play around with it - you'll get it.

First ever post

Well let me start with the introduction and get it out of the way. :)

I am a full-time stay at home mom. I have a relative who is battling cancer and to help with the stress I took up crocheting again. I cannot read a pattern - and seem to be rather inventive with stitches. BUT to me it is all about the journey and the finished product.

I recently made the jump from blankets to hats - all because I wanted to do chemo caps for my relative. This has been very helpful to me because as I get better and better I realized that this is my opportunity to make a difference. I do plan on making matching caps for my family as a sign of unity - as well as working on making more caps to donate to cancer facilities.

Dealing with cancer in a loved one is never easy. This is not my first loved one with cancer - but it is the closest to home so to speak. I know that finding coping mechanisms is never easy - but for me crochet has become a positive one. It is hard to really focus on being overwhelmed when you are counting stitches!

I am a member of the Ravelry community. If you knit or crochet then the place you want to be is on RAVELRY! www.Ravelry.com