Red Booties

I have been a busy girl.  Just finished the booties, but they were a bit bigger than I thought they were going to be.  That is the hazard of not checking gauge!  These are from the crochet book by Lesley Stanfield called "Adorable Crochet for Babies and Toddlers."  The book is great, except she must be from England.  The terminology is odd, so you have to be on your toes to see what she means - even with the explanations.  If you are familiar with crocheting and have some time under your belt, you will be okay after you undo what you start four or five times!  Try seven for me!  Just count the final loops or stitches before starting a row and you will see.

This one is done in two pieces, then sewn together. Looks a lot like the old fashion white shoes you use to see on babies that didn't walk, or were just starting...the ones that people bronze.

The patterns in this book are awesome, and she gives a lot of variations of the original to help you out with your imagination.   What about a rose on these?

The Sissy's Hat

So, this is my new creation.  I'm getting more daring!  This is in wool and I adapted a shell pattern, using colors to create something of a Nordic type look.  Not too bad for my first try.  The top and stripes are either single crochet, or half doubles, then I doubled the cream band at the bottom (same as my bro's) to create a snug fit and something warm and soft against the ears.  Works great!  Am now on to booties!

Easter Bonnet

I finished an Easter Bonnet for my grandchild.  At this point I don't know for sure if  1) it will fit, and  2) if she'll wear it and keep it on!  I was having a problem getting the "right" ribbon.  

I am in the process of making a dress to go with it.  Sleeveless bodice in yellow with a lace skirt in light beige to match the hat.  Easter comes two day's before her 2nd birthday.  I actually think these colors are a little too drab for her - the yellow might be a bit too pale - so I may change the ribbon and/or so something else to "spruce it up" a bit.  Flowers?

She has a lot of pizzaz, and so should her clothes!

My Bro's New Winter Cap

I worked feverishly yesterday to finish a hat for my brother...he rides a bike and wears all sorts of warm things which still allow him to ride and have good movement.  I thought a nice warm hat to cover the cover-up might be just the ticket.  I decided to make it a little denser, since crochet can be a bit airy.  I used wool, and single crocheted the crown, then used a half-double to give it a bit more stretch when I switched to the dusty green.  Back to the cream and the single crochet for about three or four rows, and then tried a new stitch.  It is a raised post, or relief stitch, using double and treble crochet.  I used a 3 cm. crochet hook to help with the density.  Then when I made it to the edge I went back to single crochet except only in the front loop...then double crocheted one row in the back loop, then two more rows done regularly.  I folded it over (with the front loop from the first double crochet row as the bottom guide) and stitched it inside so it would give him a bit more warmth around the ears.  What do you think?