The "Mad Hatter"

It has been more than 10 years since I have put 'hook' to 'yarn', just never seemed to have the time.  Retirement offers the gift of time that encourages creativity.

I learned to crochet by watching my mother, and while I am not the  quintessential crocheter that my mother was (yet another blog), I persevere.  I hope you enjoy the process and the finished results.

The instructions were were a FREE download.

 I bought this particular book at the local craft store because it came complete with hooks, markers, and 2 tapestry needles.  I already knew the basics of crocheting by watching my mother crochet.

 This book also includes a special feature, instructions for left-handed crocheters

 For this pattern I used two different sized hooks.  Smaller for the body of the hat, and the larger for the brim.

 That little orange spot is the first of the markers indication the beginning of the pattern row.

 This row is all 'double-crochet.  You begin by looping the yarn around your hook,

 put the hook under the top of the stitch from the previous row,

 pull the yarn through the stitch so that you have two loops, pull the yarn through first two loops, re-load the hook with yarn  and pull that through the remaining two loops. 
 pull the yarn through the two loops and the double crochet is completed. 

 It is important to mark the rows since the pattern is worked 'around'.  The row is joined with a slip stitch, and the NEXT row begins.

 The dreaded 'markers'.  While these rings are very easy to slip on the stitch to be marked, they are NOT easy to remove.  In the past I have used:  bobbi-pins, safety pins, different color yarn, and even the twisty-ties that come on bread wrappers.  After trying these slippery little circles, I went back to safety pins.

 The body of the hat is complete, and now comes the brim.

 The brim is finished, and just needs to be attached to the hat.

 VOILA....the finished project!!!

A simpler pattern but a CLASSIC.  My daughter sent me the link to this website.

 The pattern called for the "magic circle".  I had no idea what that was, so thanks to the internet and YouTube, I was able to watch and listen to instructions.  Thank goodness for that handy little rewind and pause feature.  Lesson learned!

 I decided to combine two different yarns for a 'tweedy' effect.

 It begins with the taa-daa.....MAGIC CIRCLE

 The crown is complete, and now for the body.  (note:  no slippers thing-a-ma-jigs, just good old fashioned safety pins).

 Time for the brim......

 To form the bend in the brim, you work the BACK loop of the stitch, making the distinction between the body of the 'cloche' giving the brim it's own 'identity'.

 The completed hat may be worn two ways:  with the brim down (notice adornment) I chose to dress it up with a simple single crochet chain bow.

 or with the brim folded .

Either way you wear it, it is guaranteed to keep you warm and dry on these frigid, snowy winter days.