As I pack up my minivan for the last show of the season, I am loathe to admit that, yes, I am glad that it’s over, and yes, I’ll be doing it again! I went all out this year, purchasing a canopy, lights to illuminate my wares for night time shows, a cool pink chair that has a lot of gee-gaws, including a fold out side area for my lunch, electronics, etc. I am pleased to say that my endeavors were able to cover the costs of the purchases I felt necessary, even though the money earned managed to disappear in the general household fund. How does that happen?
Anyway, with all this industriousness, I was able to write up a few of my own patterns and will be sharing them as soon as I can. The first one I have is very popular and doesn’t stay around long.
California Little Quail Messy Bun Hat
I named this hat after the California Quail because it’s little curved crest reminded me of the bobble stitches on the hat.
This pattern is worked in rounds with joins. When joining, sl st to the first st, and work first st in the new round in this spot. Here is a link for the method. It reduces the gaps when joining, giving the finished work a much neater look.
Abbreviations:
Yo = yarn over
Ch = chain
St(s) = stitch(es)
BLO = back loops only
Sc = single crochet
Dc = double crochet
Tr = treble crochet
FPSC = work single crochet in the post of the stitch directly below from the front
FPDC = work double crochet in the post of the stitch directly below from the front
Materials:
1 skein worsted weight yarn
Crochet hook size I or 5.5 mm
Definitions:
Bobble stitch: work tr EXCEPT leave the last two loops on hook; yo twice, and repeat, leaving three loops on hook; yo twice, and repeat. There should be four loops on hook; yo, draw through all the loops.
With I hook (5.5 mm), ch 20, join with sl st to first ch to make a circle.
Round 1: ch 1, 24 sc into the circle. Ensure the sts are lined up so as not to twist them; join
Round 2: ch 2, dc in each st = 24 dc
Round 3: ch 2, *2 dc in first st, dc in next st* around, join = 36 dc
Round 4: ch2, *2 dc in first st, dc in next 3 sts* around, join = 45 dc
Round 5: ch 2, *2dc in first st, dc in next 5 sts* around, dc in last 2 sts, join = 53 dc
Round 6: ch 1, FPSC around, sl st to first sc, then sl st to first st in back row
Round 7: Working in the back round of sts, ch 2, *work 2 dc in first st, dc in next 6 sts* around, dc in last 3 sts (the last st will be half hidden because of the unusual join at the beginning of the round – don’t despair, it’s there!), join = 61 sts
Round 8: ch1, sc in BLO around, inc. 3 sts evenly, join = 64 sts
Round 9: ch 3,*Bobble stitch, 3 sc* around, join with chain on top of first bobble cluster
Round 10: ch 2 , dc in same st as the join, dc around, join
Round 11: ch 2, FPDC around, join
Round 12: ch 1, FPSC around, sl st to first sc, then sl st to first st in back row
Round 13: Working in the back round of sts, ch 2, dc around, join
Round 14: ch 1, FPSC around, sl st to first sc, then sl st to first st in back row
Round 15: Working in the back round of sts, ch 1, sc around, join
Round 16: repeat round 9
Round 17: repeat round 10
Round 18: repeat round 11
Round 19: repeat round 12
Round 20: Working in the back round of sts, ch 1, sc in BLO around, join
Round 21: ch 2, dc in BLO around, join and end off.
Optional earflap extension variation:
Row 1: Using last round as reference, DO NOT CUT YARN. ch 2, turn, hdc 30 BLO. Check at this point for position and comfort; if you need to go further, add a few sts at a time, if less, remove a few sts at a time. If more length is needed, repeat the row as you see fit. If you like what you see, follow next step.
Finishing: sl st into next st, turn, sl st across the row plus one. End off. This should round out the squared edges and give the hat a less “home made” look!
Work in any ends, tuck your hair up and enjoy!
Nittin' Ninja 