Monday 29 August 2016

GLOWING TAM CAP


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GLOWING TAM CAP

I was recently gifted this awesome yarn, but just one skein of it. It’s so soft, but thickish and not sufficient for anything but a smallish project.. hence a tam / cap seemed perfect.   

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Materials used : Today I’ve used the lovely 08 Purple Multi Yarn Bee Glowing Yarn acrylic yarn, with a 6.5 mm (K) & a 5.5 mm (I) crochet hook.


For Indians : This yarn is about double the thickness of our Oswal 4-ply or Vardhaman Millennium yarn.  So I’d suggest using two (or 3?) strands to get the bulky look as well as the neat knotted pattern that the designer has created.  If using 3 strands, you could probably go with the hooks that are suggested as well on the design. 

Skill level : Easy to Intermediate.  

Stitches used :
Starting slip knot : Here’s how you start with a slip knot.  https://youtu.be/lJcqsVcs8cw

Starting slip knot 1 or the Sloppy Slip knot : This is a neat new way to start your work without a slip knot.  https://youtu.be/YfC7KmGpifs

What is a slip stitch : Here is a neat video tutorial at https://youtu.be/weB3QNbA8Iw

What is a chain stitch ? Here is an easy video tutorial https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pXx5ukBjKkY

Single Crochet : Sc : yo, insert hk into st ; yo (2 lps on hk); yo, draw through both lps.  One sc made.  Check out the video at https://youtu.be/ghACqBpA-3k

First stitch for Single Crochet : This is how I like to start my row of sc. Check out the video at https://youtu.be/6pVYRfsf4_M 

Foundation half double crochet (fhdc) : This is an easy way to start a row of hdc without the starting chain row.
Here is an easy video tutorial https://youtu.be/SEG2UCRfypA

Half Double Crochet : Hdc :  yo, insert hk into st ; yo (3 lps on hk) ;
yo, draw through all 3 lps.  One hdc made. 
Check out the video at https://youtu.be/sDiELJdB2Dg

Chainless start for Half Double Crochet : I dislike the ch-2 start, and this is what I do to start my row of hdc. Check out the video at https://youtu.be/lWXpl1KdbZ8  

Here is a sizing chart for general head sizing :

Whipstitch to join : Here’s a quick tutorial on how to join using the whipstitch at https://youtu.be/wZ-9LNzftMA

Invisible join : Here’s a quick tutorial on how to join using the embroidery needle and whipstitch to get an invisible join at https://youtu.be/a6XZQ6VzJFM

Single crochet to join : Here’s a quick tutorial on how to join using the single crochet at https://youtu.be/6FXoW_47_dI


Instructions using U.S terminology
Please note that I start all my rows with a ch 1, turning chain for ease.
Please check the top of this blog for easy video tutorials on all stitches used in today's pattern.  For your convenience there video tutorials through the blog too
Please read through all my notes before you pick up your hook, so you know just where we're heading in our pattern.

Standard chart for head size :  https://in.pinterest.com/pin/470063279839058772/

For head wear, I advise that you make the beret / beanie about an inch smaller than intended, keeping in mind the stretch of your yarn.
Check the head measurement charts at the top of this blog, and read the information below as well before you start working.
1. Hat circumference = measure around the head just above ears and subtract one inch for a nicely fitted finished hat.
2. Crown width = (this is a flat circular top of the hat) you need to divide hat circumference by 3.14 (pi).
3. Hat height = Head circumference / 10 x 4.

So you need to measure circumference of the head (round head measurement) and keep checking the outer circumference of your work.  
There is another trick for measuring circumference (without running your measure tape all around the edge of your circle as you are working). 
This works for a cap that you are working top down, from the crown of the head.
It works by dividing your round head measure by pi (3.14). 
So say your head measurement is 22, divide 22 by 3.14 = 7.  
Remember when calculating diameter, you must account for the stretch of your yarn too.
So once the ‘flat portion’ for the crown (or the first few rounds while you are still increasing) of your cap is 7” diameter, you can stop increases and start increasing just the length (without increasing stitches for the round)
Right then, back to the pattern sheet.

This free pattern is well written and easy to follow.  
I have only made a few changes, and these are mainly as my yarn is not of the size specified and I do not mean to detract from the awesome pattern by the designer – just making my notes for what I’m doing. Check the link just below my notes and if using the yarn(s) specified, then you can go ahead without my tweaks. Cheers

The yarn I’m using needs a 5.5 mm (I) hook. 
I’ve decided to use a 6.5 mm (K) hook for this project, and it has given it a neat stretch loose look that I like.  However, to obtain gauge and size, I’ve had to tweak it a bit.

1.       The front band bit is 6 rows of sc.  So if using any other yarn /hook than that written in pattern, here’s what I suggest.  The project size has been given as 10.5” from crown to forehead – so check what width you will get (for that front band) using the pattern from Rows 45 – 51. 


2.     Figure out your gauge – to see how many inches you are getting per sc and compare with the gauge given by the designer
3.     Deduct the width of this front band and then work as many starting chain or fsc as needed for the top of your slouchy / tam to get approx. 10.5”

Ok now here’s what I’ve done



1.       I started with 22 fsc and a K hook.
2.     I did that first set of (sc + hdc) in the 2nd fsc, skipping the 1st.  I chose to do a (sc + hdc) as with the yarn & hook I’m using a dc was just not looking bulky enough for me. I liked the chunky look that the (sc + hdc) gave me.
3.     I am not sure if this is what the designer means in the ‘third loop’, but its like a back loop only, but in the loop beyond the back loop.. which is something I’ve done before (by mistake discovering the joy of that flat chain row that shows up) ..and just a few days back, I heard that this stitch has a name!  This is called Camel Stitch.
4.     If you are using a yarn other than that specified (in weight or type), then you will need to figure out the gauge yourself.  So the 1st 5 rows make up the width of your tam/cap.  The designer has said 44 rows, which is 8 repeats + Rows 1 – 4 once more.  See how many inches you get in one pattern repeat, and then work as many repeats as needed, ending with a Row 4.




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Now that you’re done reading my tweaks and notes, please go through them and then I’ll leave you to get to the pattern by the designer at http://littlemonkeyscrochet.com/rustic-slouch-crochet-pattern/

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Here are some of my other headwear creations.  Have fun with these patterns too