Huffleclaw/Ravenpuff Hermione cloche

I decided to start this one off a bit differently by using a nice, stretchy cable cast-on in color A. Unlike the provisional cast-on in the pattern, the cable cast-on will remain a part of the finished hat, giving the B side especially a nice touch of twisted-rope contrast at the bottom edge.

This is also the first project I've made while using my new Knit Picks Shorties - and I LOVE them!! They make working a hat brim SOOO much easier. Love, love, love them.

 

 

Here's a link to my Ravelry project page with details about the yarn colors and needle sizes I used.

 

Full disclosure: My decision to use the cable cast-on for this turned out to not be the best thing to do. The double-knit brim as worked in Katerina's pattern is much stretchier and more comfortable. So don't try my idea! Stick with the provisional cast-on that flows you right into the stretchy double-knit brim.

I made this hat for me, since I identify with Hermione's character, except in my case I would probably be sorted into either Hufflepuff or Ravenclaw. Hence, I straddle the fence and call myself a Huffleclaw/Ravenpuff.

Russian brioche hat

Pattern is on Katerina's blog (scroll down for English version). And you don't have to speak Russian to benefit from her companion video, which walks you through each step.

I know the technique she's using here isn't traditional brioche knitting, but I don't know enough about knitting terminology to know what this is called in English so I'm just calling it Russian brioche. It resembles traditional two-color brioche in appearance and squishy, stretchy texture ... so why not call it brioche? 

I love everything about this pattern: The two-color double-knit brim makes a perfect base from which to launch into the two-color Russian brioche crown - and a super-warm, soft and stretchy band to hug the wearer's head. And the crown has the gorgeous look of brioche without the difficulty of knitting in brioche. And it's reversible!!

I'm rating this pattern as "medium" difficulty only because there are a couple of intermediate stitches involved (the double-knit brim and knitting and purling into the row below) and the decreases are a bit challenging, but I'm sure a skilled beginner can manage them if they watch the video closely.

This hat will be one of Silver's gifts this Christmas. Here's the link to my Ravelry project page, which has the details for yarn colors and needle sizes used.

Afghans two ways

Same yarn, two different afghan styles. Which one do you like best?

We've had the spiral one in our living room for the last five years, and now I'm cannibalizing it to make the one on the right.

Crochet sharing

Today my friend Christine shared some of the beautiful crochet pieces her mother-in-law is working on. So creative and lovely!! I especially love the 3-D sunflower square!

All dressed up

My friend Christine shared this photo with JoAnn and me, with a note that said: "Thinking of you 😂😝🤣😜"

I'd say that if this is us, then it looks like we're all dressed up and ready to roll. Bah-ha-haaa!!!