August 2014 #1 - Bluebell

Time flies. Or so they say. But when you can not work with yarn it feels like the calendar days drag on. Shortly after my last post (hours in fact), I had a second surgery on my left thumb to tighten up a ligament It is typical in 50% of the people who have reconstructive surgery such as mine. Since my thumb was so deteriorated to begin with I feel into the lucky half that required a second surgery. Luckily I didn't need to wear a cast. Unluckily I couldn't knit or crochet for the past six weeks. But not any more, because...I can crochet again! I still can't hold knitting needles, but heck. I can crochet!

My comeback pattern is designed by my good friend Laura Krzak for Cascade Yarns. The pattern, Arches Hat, is available for free on the Cascade Yarns website. I used a new yarn Sateen Worsted in Powder Blue. The yarn was just a bit splity, but I totally forgave it because of its smooth texture. The hat is so soft and dream like in feel I know the final recipient will love wearing it.

The hat is crocheted with a size G hook. Stitches used are chain, single crochet, double crochet and slip stitch. There are also multiple special stitches (of which I needed to learn or relearn) fsc, fpdc, dc2tog, fpdc2tog and dc/fpdctog. I really struggled with the foundation single crochet, but knew there was a reason it was used, so I kept at it and finally figured it out. (I'll say it yet again, I really need to take a class on how to crochet, it would eliminate sooo many of my problems) The special stitches were clearly explained, the pattern was easy to remember and the results lovely. The hat will clearly become one of my favorites, because even at my slower pace I finished it quickly. I also see this hat in a variety of yarns and colors, for both men and women. Well done Laura!