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KnitBits®
#29
The free e-mail newsletter from Berroco
http://www.berroco.com
#29, December 18, 2002
Dear Knitters,
Here's a good, last minute idea
for the fashionistas on your holiday gift
list! Last week on Good Morning America, Jennifer Lopez was wearing
an angora-like beret and looking totally hip. Wearing hats indoors
is now quite
acceptable and rather chic. Knitted and crocheted hats are
obviously the next "must have" accessories after the scarf.
In just a few
hours, with knowledge of two very basic crochet stitches, a size
I crochet
hook and 2 balls of Furz, you can
sculpt this great beret, shown here
in Furz #3866, Real Red.
If you are not a crocheter, fear not, this one is a no-brainer.
This hat
is created with only one stitch: "single crochet through the
back loop."
Forget about traditional directions, there is no need to count stitches
or
to calculate increases. You won't have to always be finding your
place in
the instructions. You might even be able to take off your reading
glasses
and engage in interesting conversation, or get lost in a movie while
you
are making this project. Once you grasp the concept, you can begin
to
sculpt a beret without having to constantly consult the printed
page. How
liberating!
Let me explain how it's done:
This beret is constructed on the same principle as the
clay coil pot.
You see, you are creating a spiral which continues to get bigger
and
bigger while lying absolutely flat. To crochet this hat, you begin
at the center of the crown.
Chain 3 and join in a ring. Work 7 single crochets in the ring,
always working single crochet stitches
in back loop. Continue to sc around and around in a continuous coil.
Increase as needed
by making 2 sc's in one stitch evenly spaced, making sure that the
circle
remains flat, until circle measures 12 inches. Work several rows
even,
about 4 or 5. Then begin to decrease by skipping stitches evenly
spaced
around to reduce number of stitches until the hat opening measures
22".
Work even for several rounds and you are done.
This hat can be worn with either inside or outside showing, depending
upon
desired effect. Choose the wrong side facing for a more
furry, angora-like look.
Or, for a less furry, more linear look, you can see the spiral pattern
on
the right side.
J. Lo's beret had a dash of sparkle. It inspired me to make one
in black
Furz #3834, using one 1 ball of Lazer FX #6004 and working it together
with the Furz on every 2nd and 3rd round alternately.
Happy holidays!
'Till next year,
Margery Winter
Creative Director
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