WIP: teensy sweater #1 - further along

haven't updated in a while, so I thought i would show you how the dolls sweater is going.  i am close to finishing the bottom of the body.  the last bits will be joining the sleeves closed and adding a placket finish with buttons.

a fairly easy pattern--once i figured it how it was supposed to look in the end.  i think i crochet like i drive; i need to see the city in my head and then proceed.  i cannot just rely on GPS to guide me step by step!  having the the finished object in my head helps me sort out poorly written patterns and catch mistakes.  (there were a few things in this pattern that i caught and was able to work around.)  so, for a visual person like me, detail photos in a pattern help tremendously.

it also helped to have some experience behind me.  this pattern has shells and back and front post double crochet.  it actually has a lot in common with the amazing hat i did earlier, although that one was worked in a circle.

back later with the finish!

FO: Teenyweeny Top Hat

i created this teenyweeny slytheriny top hat for the deathly hallows 2 midnight opening and wore it at a jaunty angle along with my witches robes and wand!

i created the pattern myself, reinforcing the crown with cardboard and the brim with a wire crocheted around the edge so it could keep its curl properly.  it features three kinds of feathers, including ostrich, a yard of black tulle bound with grosgrain to add a touch of "mourning" and a snakey pin my dear husband gave me.  a proper send off to our slytherin hero, severus snape.  

*sigh*

WIP: teenyweeny top hat is blocking

So far, so good.  I finished the crochet work on this teeny top hat and discovered we had the perfect tin in the pantry for blocking.  Here it is lightly stretched over the plastic-covered tin:

The brim does not sport its proper curve yet, but when it is dry, I will thread a thin wire through the outer edge to help keep the final shape. I have read some people have used starch to set similar pieces, but noted that it darkened the colour of the wool.  I think I will bolster the sideband and tip with sewn-in fabric-covered cardboard instead.  (I do hope that works!)

Even still, it will not be an FO until I am through with the EMBELLISHMENT!

WIP: teenyweeny top hat

this is my latest WIP, a teenweeny burlesque-style top hat done in slytherin colours!  I am winging the pattern, since it is pretty much basic amigurumi. 

it will be stripey and have all sorts of fascinating fascinators on it by the time i am done.  if it works out well, i will try another and felt it.

i must say, it feels good to crochet again.  life has been a bit demanding lately, and i haven't had time to sit with some yarn and poke, poke, poke.  i forgot how instantly calming it is!

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eta:  after researching premade top hats, i see that there is a cuter shape out there than the straight sided ones i have seen crocheted.  maybe i can force mine into this shape:
 

Hattish Goodness!

i love the colours of this yarn!

i actually had a few more rows on it earlier today, but after giving it a test drive this morning up on my big fat head, i decided i needed to make it fit a bit better and reworked it over lunch. even as thin and lacy as it is, it is really warm.

bring on those single digit temps!

WIP: amazing divine hat

My latest WIP is this spiraling Divine Hat designed by Sarah Arnold. I had to learn 2 new stitches for this pattern: front post double crochet (fpdc) and back post double crochet (bpdc). Front post double crochet makes those lovely ridges stand out--a bit like cable knitting!

The "Amazing" yarn looks a bit fuzzier and more muted than this picture above, not quite so rainbow bright. It is not the most froggable yarn ever, and you should know, I frog and rework about about 30% of every project!