Sunday, May 23, 2010

Process

I've just come back from Denver. Most of my time was spent at a conference, networking and learning about public policy. I like this conference because I get to interact with academics and grad students. Nuturing the next generation of scholars; very important.


I ended up at the airport about two hours before my flight was set to depart. Denver is home to New Belgium Brewing (now owned by Molson/Coors). They have a pretty good Belgian ale, but I was just too worn out to start drinking at 2pm. Instead, I ensconced myself in a chair with a view at my gate and pulled out the fiber.

Picked this up at a thrift store. Can you tell? Is the 50 cent sticker a huge giveaway?


Starting the round for the hat. Start time: 2:20pm. So cute! This is a little misleading because my hands are very large.


It grows. Increases are accomplished by alternating whether there is one sc or two sc in each stitch. I don't have a set pattern. If the circle is curling too early, you need two sc in the stitch.

Starting to curve the crown. The circle will grow until the outside edge can no longer hold itself flat. At that point, I decrease one sc every 5 stitches (sc 2 together).



Adding color for interest.

Starting the curlicue for the top. Crochet 10 or 12, then sc 3 in each stitch on the way back down. It curls itself into macaroni fringe.


And...finished! End time: 3:55pm.



Just in time.

Sunday, May 09, 2010

Happy Mother's Day

To the mothers that have influenced my life:


Thank you. Happy Mother's Day!

Sunday, May 02, 2010

Hats again

I'm working on a couple of hats for twin boys to be born in May. Seeing as it is already May, I'd better get going.

Babies. So cute and squishy and always needing a hat.

Hats for twins are fun because I can make two using the opposite pattern. I was working happily along on the first one when I noticed something awry. I had put too many rows of beige between the single blue stripes.




This is what happens when I crochet and watch soccer.

So, rip rip rip.

And fixed. First one done, time to start on the second one.



Have to make sure the crown sizes are approximately the same. Do I count rows? Of course not. I made this pattern up. The shaping is all in my head. I just keep going until it looks right.


Are those shorts I see? Why, yes they are! Summer has suddenly arrived in Maryland. 90 and sunny. Wheee! Brewgal is happy.