A year of stitches 2018 and other updates

Yes! I'm doing it again.  It's been a lot of fun in 2017.  We will be exploring laces, cables, colorwork,  texture.  More importantly,  we explore ideas for using the swatches we make.

My goal for this year's year in stitches series is one a week.  One post a week will be a stitch either written or charted for knit and crochet. One post each month will be ideas for using the swatches we make.   I'm unsure at this point if these will be ideas or actual patterns.

I will also give updates on my progress with level 1 of master crochet program.  As of Halloween 2017, I had the written answers done and about a dozen of the swatches.   It's been decided,  I have to redo some of my written work.   I have to check swatches and finish those needing to be done.

Christmas in July day 29

Today part of my inspiration comes from a nephew whose birthday is the week between Christmas and New Year's Day.  For years he felt his birthday was skipped since presents and cake were not abundant or "lumped" together with a family celebration.  He also was unhappy since he favored summer sports and not winter sports but anyone who got him a present for his birthday invariably could only find hockey and basketball things at that time of year.  So today my inspiration comes from this website:

http://bettyconfidential.com/ar/ld/a/10-flirty-and-fun-summer-hats.html

I think a fun and flirty hat for summer is just what is needed.  Keeps the sun out of your eyes, possibly doubles as sun protection.  Make one for yourself or someone you love.  The hats on the site above are not hand crafting patterns, but they can offer inspiration and these are some of what I found.

http://www.caron.com/projects/ss/ss_elegant_hat.html

http://www.caron.com/vickiehowell/patterns/flopsy_hat/flopsy_hat.html

http://www.redheart.com/free-patterns/newsboy-hat

http://www.redheart.com/free-patterns/brimming-fun-cap-0

http://www.redheart.com/free-patterns/baby-boat-neck-sweater-and-sun-hat

http://www.redheart.com/free-patterns/visor-cap

http://www.ravelry.com/patterns/library/summer-hat-3

http://www.ravelry.com/patterns/library/lovisa-summer-hat

http://www.ravelry.com/patterns/library/summer-hat-2

http://www.ravelry.com/patterns/library/ipanema-hat

http://www.ravelry.com/patterns/library/pinwheel-sun-hat-8ply-or-dk-version

http://www.ravelry.com/patterns/library/karens-summer-hat

Note you will need to sign in to Ravelry.com to access any patterns there.  It is a free account sign up, if you are not already a member.