BOSSY FEDORA PATTERN

 THE BOSSY FEDORA HAT PATTERN

This pattern was created by LaTanya Buckner of Cafe Crochet Designs

 Materials needed:
1 7oz skein of acrylic yarn (2 skeins if you will be using two strands for the brim)
Size "I" hook
Tapesty needle



Size I hook
Chain 3, join, chain 1 (this will not count as a stitch)
Note: This hat will be done in continuous rounds, only join where indicated. You may use a marker to mark the beginning of a new round)
R-1 10 hdc in the ring
R-2 2 hdc in each stitch around (20 hdc)
R-3 1 hdc in the first stitch, 2 hdc in the next stitch. *1 hdc in next stitch, 2
hdc in next stitch. Repeat * to end. (30 hdc)
R-4 1 hdc in next two stitch, 2 hdc in next stitch. *1 hdc in next two stitch,
2 hdc in next. Repeat * to end. (40 hdc)
R-5 1 hdc in next three stitch, 2 hdc in next stitch. *1hdc in next three
stitch, 2 hdc in next. Repeat * to end. (50 hdc)
R-6 1 hdc in the next four stitch, 2 hdc in the next stitch. *1 hdc in next
four stitch, 2 hdc in the next stitch. Repeat * to end (60 hdc)
(this is the end of the increasing rounds)
7-20 1 hdc in each stitch around (60 hdc)
R-21 1 hdc in each stitch around. Slip stitch, join.

Making the brim
(using 2 strands of yarn optional)

R-22 (in front loops only for this round) 1 sc in join stitch, 2 sc in next. *1sc
in next stitch, 2sc in next stitch. Repeat * until you have 88sc total.
Join, chain 1.
R-23 1sc in join stitch and in each stitch around. Join, ch1.
R-24 1 sc in first 5 stitches, 2 sc in the next. *1 sc in first five stitches , 2sc
in next. Repeat * to end. Join, ch 1 (102 sc)
R-25 1sc in each stitch to end. Join, ch 1 (102 sc)
R-26 1 sc in the next 6 stitches, 2 sc in the next *1sc in the next 6 stitches,
2sc in the next. Repeat * to end. Join, ch 1
R-27 1sc in each stitch to end. Join, fasten off.

LaTanya's Easy Shrug Pattern by Cafe Crochet Designs

This is an easy and simple shrug sweater pattern that I created for those who would like to crochet a shrug that is simple yet easy to understand while following the pattern. Once you learn the basics you can always create your own style by using other stitches instead of the Half Double Crochet I used to make this pattern. You can always add longer sleeves or a collar. Enjoy the pattern.


                                                          LATANYA’S EASY SHRUG
                              This pattern was created by LaTanya Bucker of Café Crochet Designs




Size “K” hook
Chain 95
Row 1         1hdc in the 2nd chain from the hook. 1 hdc in each chain. Ch 1, turn
Row 2-24   1hdc in each stitch. Ch 1, turn
Row 25      1sc in each stitch to end. Fasten off.

Fold work in half the long way and stitch the ends together to form sleeves. Sew sleeve
up to the arm pits but not too far so it will not be tight around the armpit but not too
loose. Weave in ends.
Note: Shrug measures 13 inches in width. If it needs to be bigger (wider) then add more
rows.

I added a longer sleeve & Fun Fir to this shrug

Here is a shrug I made for myself. I added a ruffle collar and a border around the sleeves

Respect The Craft

As a crocheter I sometimes feel that people do not understand how much hard work goes into the things I create. I am not just speaking for crocheters but all crafters as well.

Two years ago a friend and I were vending at a breast cancer event. I was selling my crochet items and she was selling her hand made jewelry. I thought her designs and items were really beautiful and reasonably priced. As we sat at our booth watching the attendees admire our work, one lady walked up and started looking at a pair of earrings my friend made. After carefully inspecting them she asked how much they were. When my friend told her the price she goes on to tell her, "those earrings are too much, everything you used can be purchased wholesale and can be sold for $10." When I heard this my blood began to boil, and the lady just kept on and  on. I wanted to do one of two things: 1. Snatch the lady across the table and deliver an open hand slap to her mouth. OR 2. Tell her if you don't like the price then just walk away. My friend kept her composure and was really nice and professional, explaining to her this is hand crafted jewelry, not machine made. After 10 minutes of listening to the woman rant on about the price of the earrings, she finally walked away empty handed.

People, please understand what crocheting and arts and crafts mean to us:
To me, crocheting is like having a child. The idea or concept I come up with is just like conception. I develop the idea in my head and it grows there until my hands give birth to the creation, and just like a newborn baby I am proud of what I made and I want to share it with the world. Every time I make an item I am giving birth again and again to creativity because every article is made with love even if I make 50 of the same pieces. Think about it, a mother can give birth to 5 kids and even thought they are all her creations each one has its on uniqueness. When I have put my hard work, time and love into my pieces I don't want to hear anyone tell me "I can get that at ________ for $10," or "That's too much, could you come down on the price?" You don't have to like my work or pay the price I am asking for my creations, but those comments can really be kept to your self. Let me give you something to think about, just put yourself in my shoes with this: What if you were somewhere with a group of people with their children and someone walked up to you and said "You have a beautiful daughter but you know my sister's daughter is a lot prettier than yours," or "Your son is smart but you really should tell him not to make straight A's on his report card"  you wouldn't like that, would you? That's how the heck I feel when these words are spoken to me.

Yes you can get a crochet hat from the swap meet for $5, yes you can buy a shrug or sweater from a clothing store for $19.99 but you must remember what you are buying has been manufactured by a machine in bulk, but what I have made was handmade and it has taken  time out of my day and my family's day and you cannot really put a price on that. What's funny is I can sit down for 3 hours and create a custom purse, hand made with hand sewn lining and handmade handles and sell it for $40 and you will tell me it costs too much but you will go to the major department store and pay $100 for the same style of purse with the only difference being it has a brand name on it. Well check this out, my creations are name brand and original but I guess that's different because my designs are not sold in the major stores......yet.

Please understand I am not trying to be mean or nasty but I just have to say what is on my mind and on the minds of other artists. These comments not only hurt our feelings but it insults our craft. So when you see us vending or you see our work on display somewhere you have the right to refuse to pay what we are asking, but you don't have the right to insult us, just move on to what you like and what you are willing to pay. You don't have to like us but you must RESPECT THE CRAFT!!

Our First West Coast Crochet Connection Meet Up

Today was the first meet up with members of my group "The Crochet Chronicles." I was really excited to meet up with other crochet "Superheros" who share the same interest in the art of crochet. There were six of us and we really had a good time talking and learning about crocheting. 

I had the opportunity of meeting Julie, who is a Facebook friend and a member of one of the other crochet groups I belong to. She brought some of the earrings that she made and I must say she is "the bomb" (do they still say that??) Her work is very creative and colorful and I am dying to have her teach me how to make earrings. She had the prettiest purple pieces that she had made with crochet thread and soda can tops and let me tell you, I could just imagine myself rocking them as earrings. I am so glad that she came and met up with us. I want to see more of her wonderful work.

Earrings created by Julie Ridge

Another one of the group members, Piper was also in attendance. She has been crocheting for some years but decided to get back into it. She brought with her a throw for her sofa that she is crocheting and I really love the colors she is using. She was also interested in learning how to make the customized flip flops so I gave her a quick lesson on how to make them and she caught on with no problems and had completed one shoe before we parted for the day. One of the other members, Alica also taught Piper how to make a bow for her flip flops and I must say she did an excellent job.

Piper Elam making her first pair of customized flip flops

 Another member whom I had the pleasure of meeting for the first time was LaSann, she is also an experienced crocheter and she was ready to learn how to customize flip flops too, but she had a pair of wedge heel sandals that she wanted to "Remix" so I put together a quick pattern for her to follow and within minutes she taken a pair of shoes and made them her own creation. She wanted to customize her shoes to go with an outfit she had and she did it with no problem at all. I cannot wait until she has completed her project so I can see it. I know it will look fabulous.

Not only is Alicia a group member, but we used to be co-workers a few years back and then she became my customer. She told me she watched how my hands moved when I crochet and then after seeing a lady crocheting at the doctors office it sparked a desire in her to learn how to crochet. This young lady has been crocheting for only 6 months and let me tell you her work looks like she has spent a many of years crocheting. I don't think anyone can believe she is a newby to the art of crochet. I know in my heart of hearts that this was a God given talent that was just waiting for the right time to surface up. I am truly proud of her and the work she has created in such a short time.

Bikini with matching hat & Swag Bag by Alicia Parker

Then, last but not least is Cheryl. Cheryl is another member of the group who is a crocheter but she would like to broaden her skills. We as a group are going to assist Cheryl with starting and finishing a project. I am going to work closely with her thru patterns and tutorial videos because I know she has the ability to create anything that she puts her mind to. We all will make sure she learns how to use her "super powers" like the rest of the crochet superheros around.

This meeting meant a lot to me because it allowed me to take part in interesting conversation with others who were not only willing to listen to what I had to say about the craft that brings me so much peace and joy, but willing to converse and share their thoughts and feelings about their craft as well. It is a true blessing when God puts positive people in your life and when those positive people share the same love and talent that you have then that is the cherry on top!

Thank you ladies for such a wonderful afternoon. You gave me motivation to work toward my goals and I hope I am a motivation to you, and if I am then I will work extra hard toward the goal of continuing to be motivational to you and others like you. Keep up the excellent work!

The Soulchild Headwrap pattern by Cafe Crochet Designs

 

SIZE “N” HOOK (9.00 MM)

1 skein of lightweight acrylic or cotton yarn

Tapestry needle

Chain 153
ROW 1: 1 dc in the 3rd chain from the hook, chain 1, skip next chain, *1
dc, chain 1, skip chain. Repeat *to end. Chain 3, turn.
ROW 2-13: 1 dc  in the next dc, ch 1 . Skip next dc, *1 dc in the next
dc, ch 1 . Skip next dc, repeat * til end. Fasten off.
Fold piece in half evenly and sew up the back (about 8 stitches) and leave
the rest of the piece undone, which will be the portion that will tie.

The Soulchild Head Wrap Video Tutorial

How to tie the head wrap

1. tie the two ends, then tie again making a knot.

2. take end #1 and wrap it around the knot, then secure it (tuck it) so it wont come down

3. take end #2 and wrap it around the knot in the opposite direction, then secure it (tuck it) so it wont come down.

It should look like a big bun in the back.

How to tie the Soulchild head 

wrap tutorial.

Shelia Bluiett -BluiThreads Creations

Shelia A. Bluiett

Hello there it's me LaTanya, sorry I have been a way for a moment but I am back with the latest featured "Crochet Artist of The Week,"  Shelia Bluiett. I met Shelia in one of the Facebook crochet groups I am a member of and I thought her work was really unique and beautiful. She does amazing work and I just adore her crochet handbags. This lady has a God given talent she is utilizing to the fullest and I wanted to let everyone know who she is. Here is a little bit about Shelia:

"I am Shelia A. Bluiett, a mother of 4 grown men and grandmother. I reside in Houston, Texas. My mother taught me to crochet when I was a young girl. I started back crocheting about 10 years ago after the passing of my husband. Crocheting helps to relieve stress.  I have my own business named BluiThreads Creations."

Feel free to check out my work on Facebook & YouTube.
https://www.facebook.com/shelia.bluiett
 
http://www.youtube.com/user/4catpussy?feature=results_main 









Ms. Shelia, I would like to thank you for sharing your awesome work with the world. You are truly blessed with gifted hands.

My Sister in Law & I

This weekend my Sister in Law came to visit from Las Vegas, Nevada with her yarn bag in hand chock full of yarn, hooks, notions and the creativity to create something unique. It feels good to have a family member who shares the same love for crocheting that I can sit down with and just talk and think crocheting. You see my sister in law is one of those people who is talented when it comes to arts and crafts and she has so many ideas that turn out so beautiful.
When she arrived she told me about a purse she has seen that was made of recycled Capri Sun juice pouches and she had the idea of creating one made with the pouches and crochet. We couldn't wait to get started on the project and immediately went to the store and bought boxes of Capri Sun, drained the pouches and when we woke up the next day we got the yarn, hooks and juice pouches in motion.

After hours of crocheting and talking we completed our projects, But it wasn't the project that made me feel accomplished it was the time spent sitting, talking and bonding with each other. See, I am the youngest of three children with a brother and sister 14 and 13 years older than me and I pretty much grew up like an only child so sitting with someone who shares the same love for crocheting means a lot to me. I am not only blessed with the God given gift of crochet but blessed with having a sister in law who I can sit and create and share ideas of creativity with. I look forward to sitting with her again on her next visit cooking up another crochet masterpiece. Thank you Kymm Buckner, love you Sis! :)