Hide and Seek

It is an ongoing quest of mine to find a way to eliminate visible seams in my crochet pieces.  It isn't always possible to work in spirals - sometimes you need your rows to line up.  But who wants that ugly line running through their work?  Not me!
By trial and error, I found a way to hide that unattractive seam.  It isn't quite invisible, but to the untrained eye it blends right in.  This method is so simple that I'm sure I'm not the first person to discover it.  In case there are some people out there like me, who have never seen the technique before, I think it's worth sharing.


Here it goes:
1.  I always begin with a magic circle/adjustable ring.  When you are ready to join the circle, slip stitch into the first stitch of the round and then chain (1 for sc, 2 for dc, 3 for tc).  The chain counts as your first stitch of the new round.  If you need to increase in the first stitch, do so in the same stitch that you just joined to.  Work the rest of the round as usual.


2.  Instead of joining in the top of the chain at the end of the round, skip to the first stitch of the round after the starting chain.  Slip stitch and then chain (1 for sc, 2 for dc, 3 for tc).  The chain counts as the first stitch of the new round.  Make your second stitch in the same stitch that you just joined to.  Work the rest of the round as usual.


3.  Repeat Step 2 for the rest of the rounds!


Here's what it looks like:

As you can see, the technique works equally well for single, double, and triple crochet.  I hope you enjoy this method as much as I do.  
As always, happy crocheting!

Put a Lid On It

Beanies, bonnets, tams, berets, fezes, hoods, skullcaps, bowlers, fedoras, helmets, Stetsons, skimmers, pillboxes, crowns, derbies, and caps.  There's no doubt about it - folks like their hats!
In my opinion, hats are one of the best things to crochet.  Hat patterns can be super simple, perfect for a beginner.  Or they can be ornate and complicated - a great challenge.  And, of course, every level in between.  Hats can be made in any color, in many patterns and designs, from a vast array of yarns and materials, and can be adorned and decorated in any number of ways.  The possibilities are endless!
Best of all, hats have a purpose!  They look good, they keep you warm, and they show your style.  They also make wonderful gifts.  Yep - hats make outstanding crochet projects.  Time to get stitching!
Here are some great free patterns to get you started:

Butterfly Hat on Vallies Kids

Peek-A-Boo Flower Hat at Get Hooked

Crochet Hat at Piece By Piece

Tam at Purple Sage Designz

Crochet Hat at Knitting n Crochet

Mad Hatter Hat at Fun and Fang


A great big Thanks to the designers for these awesome patterns!
Happy crocheting!

The Write Stuff

Well, it is school time once again.  The kids have been sent off with hugs and kisses.  While all of the necessities have been bought, packed, and delivered, school supplies are still on my mind.  Perhaps some crocheting is in order!


Here is an absolutely adorable free pattern for colored pencils.  This is so cute, I just know I'm going to end up with a whole pencil box worth!

Colored Pencils at CRAFTYANNA

Here are some more great (and free) patterns to help ease your school and office supply cravings!

Spring Flower Pen by Crafts at Starlight at CraftTown.com

Pencil Case at Crochet Spot

Crayon Blanket by Enfys at All Free Crochet

Nubby at Fiber Doodles

Pencil Toppers at Chocolate Mints in a Jar


A big thank you to the designers!
Happy Crocheting!