Here it is, the tutorial for my Bucketful of Sunshine Hat! My daughter absolutely loves it, and so do I. And it’s ready, just in time for the glorious weather in the Netherlands.
Let’s get started, shall we? This tutorial will show you how to make a hat to fit a toddler/preschooler. My daughter has a small head for her age (it’s a family thing, so does my husband), so if your toddler’s a bit bigger, go up half a hook size, it won’t matter.
This hat is made using the V-Stitch and the Half V-Stitch. The half V-stitch may well be a made up term, but it’s essentially the same stitch as a normal V-Stitch, but using the half double crochet instead of a double crochet. You can V-Stitch using whatever height stitch you like really, but Google wouldn’t tell me the official name, so I’ve assigned one to it.
The V-Stitch is a very easy stitch to master, it is essentially a double crochet, chain 1 and double crochet in the same stitch. Then you skip a stitch and repeat in the next. When it comes to the next row, instead of doing the V-Stitch into the double crochet stitch, you do it into the chain 1 space.
A bit like this:
V-Stitch step 1, chain 3
V-Stitch Step 2 – DC into same stitch
V-Stitch step 3 – skip 1 stitch, DC into the next stitch
V-Stitch Step4 – Chain 1
V-Stitch step 5 – DC into the same stitch
And there you have it! The V-Stitch
The Half V-Stitch is the same process, using a half double crochet instead.
Scheepjeswol Cotton 8 in three shades of the same colour. I used yellow (508, 551, and 655). The best thing you can do is cake the yarn so you can pull from both ends, because for this project we’re using two strands together.
You’ll also need a 5mm crochet hook. scissors and a tapestry needle.
(American terms)
MR – Magic Ring
DC – Double Crochet
VS – V-Stitch
HVS – Half V-Stitch
Inc – Increase
STS – Stitches (stitch count)
The beginning of each row begins with a CH3, which counts as the first DC and CH 1 to start your first V-Stitch of the row. Below I will just use VS, but assume unless described otherwise that the first V-Stitch is a CH3, DC. Always join into the chain space of the first V-Stitch.
When working the Half V-Stitch, still chain 3 at the beginning of the each row.
Oh, and did I mention that I’m a leftie?
Start with a Magic Ring, chain 3 and work 9 DC into the ring, pulling it tight. You’ll have 10 double crochets for your foundation.
VS Inc x5. SLS into the first VS to join = 15 STS
To crochet a V-Stitch Increase, follow the instructions for a normal V-Stitch, but instead add a third V. So, DC, CH1, DC into the same stitch, CH1, DC into the same stitch again. Skip 1 stitch and either repeat the increase (as is needed in Round 2) or work an ordinary V-Stitch.
(VS Inc, VS) x 5. SLS into the first VS to join = 25 STS
(VS Inc, 2 x VS) x 5. SLS into the first VS to join = 35 STS
VS x 20. SLS into the first VS to join = 40 STS
(VS Inc, 3 x VS) x 5. SLS into the first VS to join = 45 STS
VS x 25. SLS into the first VS to join = 50 STS
VS x 25. SLS into the first VS to join = 50 STS
VS x 25. SLS into the first VS to join = 50 STS
VS x 25. SLS into the first VS to join = 50
In this row we start making the brim. We will count the CH 1 space in the V-Stitch as a stitch. We will also be adding a few increases to widen the brim.
CH2, (2DC in the next stitch, which is the 1st CH space, then DC in the next 14 Stitches. Repeat this 4 times and slip stitch to the first CH2 of the round. = 80 STS
HVS x 40 = 80 STS
HVS x 40 = 80 STS
Finish off and weave in the ends.
To make the sunburst, I experimented with lots of different flowers and picots and nothing really seemed to be right. So, when I came across this scrubby pattern on Petals to Picots, I realised it would be perfect. I just grew the sunburst with each colour instead of crocheting the entire base in one go. Then I just tacked it onto the hat in the right spot. You can pick up the pattern for free here.
Here’s the finished hat, modelled on my super-cute (just recovering from chicken pox) daughter:
You’ve made it to the end, way to go! I hope you enjoy making this adorable hat as much as I’ve enjoyed designing it.
Watch this space, coming soon are other sizes, including the 3-6 month old which is up next!
For updates and cute photos in the mean time, do follow me on both Facebook and Instagram, and I would be so excited if you would share your own projects with me!
Posted in Pattern, Patterns, Projects, Scheepjes, Scheepjeswol, Tutorials
Tagged cotton 8, craft, crochet, crochet pattern, DIY, free pattern, haken, hat, left crochet tutorial, left handed, left handed crochet, MissNeriss, pattern, photo tutorial, scheepjes, scheepjeswol, summer, v-stitch left
I’ve been teasing you here, and on Instagram and Facebook with shots of yarn and half-completed projects and today, finally I can show you what I’ve been working on!
This morning I managed to convince my almost two and a half year old to pose for some photos of my new hat design, and she rocked it! So, without further ado, I present to you The Bucketful of Sunshine!
The Bucketful of Sunshine is made using three shades of yellow Scheepjeswol Cotton 8 (508, 551, and 655) working from light to dark, creating a really cool ombre effect.
The sunburst on the side is actually inspired by a free pattern by Petals to Picots and doctored a little to minimise the cutting and joining (because we all know how much I avoid weaving in multiple ends wherever possible).
I used the V-Stitch, making it perfect for the summer months to come. Light, airy and full of sunshine. I’m working on a tutorial for the V-Stitch for lefties as it happens, so keep an eye out for that too!
I’ve just loved working with Scheepjes Cotton 8. It has become my favourite cotton yarn and will surely be my future go-to. I love the feel of it, I love the look of it and to get this project just right I frogged and frogged and frogged, and yet it holds up brilliantly. No splitting, catching, breaking or any other annoying yarn habits. What also makes it an enormously appealing yarn is that Scheepjeswol a Dutch company, and I’m all about supporting local businesses.
And possibly, what I’m most proud about this project is that it has given me the opportunity to produce a pattern! And a free one at that! Stay tuned next week and I’ll have a pattern in a toddler size at the very least, with plans for babies and adults in the works too…
What do you think? Don’t I have the cutest kid? She’s sunshine personified, and The Bucketful of Sunshine was wholly inspired by her.
Posted in Projects, Scheepjes, Scheepjeswol
Tagged bucketful of sunshine, cotton, cotton 8 cotton8, cotton yarn, crochet, scheepjes, scheepjeswol, spring, summer, sunshine, yarn, yellow
I always tend to have at least three projects on the go. Right now I’m finishing up a couple of Elephant Snuggles, plus an exciting design that is just about ready to share with you, along with the Convergence top, another Spring Shawl, and a vintage Dutch pattern that I’m translating and altering!
Not one to just let that be enough, now I’ve added this one to the list:
And the yarn I’m going to use is the absolutely gorgeous Softfun yarn from Scheepjeswol.
As soon as the elephants are done, I’ll get started. Can’t wait!
Oh wait, I forgot. I’m also working on a Candace Scarf too!
There are only two more days to go to enter the special Mother’s Day Giveaway that I’m hosting together with Smart Tinker and a host of amazing businesses.
You can win a bunting necklace made by me, a copy of my favourite book, Daring Greatly by Brene Brown, a cake pop voucher, a boudoir photo shoot, a dinner voucher, a beautiful illustration, plus a huge list of prizes.
To enter, head over to Smart Tinker by clicking on the image below, and GOOD LUCK!
Posted in Competitions, Uncategorized
Tagged competition, crochet, giveaway, MissNeriss, mothers day, mum, photoshoot, smarrttinker, win, yarn
I love Scheepjeswol Cotton 8. I knew I would, but I think it might be my new favourite cotton yarn. I love that it’s soft, and I love that it doesn’t have the mercerized look and I LOVE the colours!
For my latest design I’m using the beautiful shades of yellow, working on an ombre look. There’s quite a bit of experimentation going on with rows and colours to get the gradient just right. It’s difficult because my brain wants me to make sure all the rows are even, but the look is much better if it’s not.
Because I’m making a spring project, I’m wanting lots of space between stitches, I decided on the V-Stitch, which is absolutely perfect. I’m now working on the courage to come up with a video tutorial on how to do the stitch, especially for other lefties like me. But I need my own Dorothy and perhaps a trip to Oz for that. We shall see…
I love the way the V-Stitch looks, and for this project I’m using two strands together, which gives it a great textured look too.
But what will the project be? Well, that remains to be seen! Here are a few hints:
You’ll just have to wait until next week for the Big Reveal!
Have you tried Scheepjeswol Cotton 8? What do you think?
Posted in Scheepjes, Scheepjeswol
Tagged cotton 8, cotton8, crochet, MissNeriss, Obsessed with Crochet, scheepjes, scheepjeswol, spring, yarn, yellow
Finished. After a month of picking it up and putting it down, it’s finally done. And much more beautiful, and bigger, than I could have anticipated.
It took a good day to block and dry, and was too big for my blocking board, so I had to break out the yoga mat so it would fit!
I’m just in love with it. The colour, the texture, how soft it is, it’s a complete package.
And here’s the cutest little photo bomber ever:
I used Malabrigo Silky Merino in Madre Perla (four skeins) that I picked up from houseofyarn.nl. This shade is sold out, but there are lots of other beautiful ones to choose from.
I used the Spring Shawl pattern that I posted here and added a row of double crochets and picots for the edging because I found the original pattern finally!!!!
Posted in Pattern, Projects, Yarn
Tagged crochet, crochet pattern, DIY, free pattern, haken, hand crafted, handcrafted, handmade, malabrigo, merino, MissNeriss, pattern, ravelry, spring shawl, yarn
Look what arrived for me this week! The postman is already one of my good friends, but this may well have elevated him to BFF status.
It went straight into my project bag, and to the top of the project queue.
This last Saturday was King’s Day here in the Netherlands. The first King’s Day ever I think. We haven’t had a king here since the end of the 1800s, but for the longest time we’ve always celebrated Queen’s Day with fabulous national holiday and one of the biggest parties on the entire planet.
King’s Day in Amsterdam, photo by Caitlyn from olympicwanderings.com
My favourite part of King’s Day is the free market. Everybody pours out onto the streets and sets up their own little stall, selling all their old stuff. It usually starts the night before, with the really serious sellers and buyers camping out over night to get the best bargains and make the biggest profits. Most of it is junk though. We come across the same woman selling the same Disney videos (that’s right, videos) every year, so she’s obviously not in it for the money!
Speaking of junk, one man’s trash is another woman’s treasure, as they say. We bought loads of cool things, including a brand new rain coat for our daughter, lots of picture books and I even found a loom! However, this was my number one score for the weekend:
Originally this case housed massage machine from an era long past, but was only interested in the packaging. A quick spray with some paint and gingham lining and I have myself the cutest little project case in the world!
Scheepjeswol Cotton 8 is a yarn that I haven’t had the chance to work with yet, but I know for sure that it will be a perfect fit for me. Its vibrant colours are perfect for summer and it’s so, so soft. It will be brilliant for amigurumi.
But that’s not the destiny of this batch. Instead I have another project in mind. Something beautiful for warm summer days.
Stay tuned and there’ll be a pattern in it for you….
Posted in Projects, Scheepjeswol, Yarn
Tagged cotton, cotton 8, craft, crochet, crochet pattern, free pattern, haken, handmade, MissNeriss, Obsessed with Crochet, projects, scheepjes, scheepjeswol, summer, yarn
Remember when I visited Breidag a few weeks ago? My yarn order from Textielwerk Wol en zo arrived, and it is just extraordinarily beautiful. It’s a gorgeous hand dyed (at their workshop) merino yarn and I can’t wait to play with it.
But what am I going to make? Well, initially I was going to make the Convergence top that I haven’t shut up about, but now I’m not so sure. I definitely want to make some sort of garment, but am wondering what.
Any suggestions? There’s about 1200 metres to play with…
MissNeriss 