Vickie Howell's Blog: Vickie Howell's Website, page 38

Pucker-up Pillowcases for Tuesday Morning

Pucker-up Pillowcases

When you’ve been with your sweetheart for a long time, sometimes romantic gestures aren’t just the obvious ones. I mean, of course flowers, bubbly and grand declarations of love are nice — we all need those every once in a while. And yet, it’s those thoughtful nods to everyday needs that can often be the sweetest. Your favorite coffee when you thought you were going to have to go caffeine-less; wool socks for perpetually cold feet; the perfect pillow for a much-needed night’s sleep. Just knowing what little things make your mate’s life happier is its own type of intimacy. It’s the spirit of those gestures that inspires this Valentine’s Day project, perfect for longtime loves.

On the average day, splurging on fluffy pillows and luxurious, bamboo-rayon pillowcases isn’t always a top-priority. On V-day however, and thanks to Tuesday Morning’s prices, you can treat your sweetie to such dreamy delights right now!

Make them!

To read more, head on over to the Tuesday Morning blog for a step-by-step DIY tutorial, along with a supply list of all the TM goodies needed for this project.

Sending crafty heart-eyes your way!

xx,

Vickie

 

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How to Make Paper & Crochet Galentines

Galentines = Valentines for Your Gal Pals!

This week’s edition of my Facebook Live stream, Ask Me Monday was brought to you courtesy of Tuesday Morning. I teamed up with the retailer to create Valentine’s Day themed card ornaments for your girlfriends, using a plethora of items from their craft section.  See how below!

Watch and Learn How to Make Paper & Crochet Galentines

Click below to watch the recording of my live stream demo on how to choose papers, laminate, come up with message ideas, punch lacing holes, and crochet a picot edging around a paper heart!

 

 

Galentines Picot Border 

Join yarn by pulling a loop through hole in laminated paper heart.

Rnd 1: Ch 3 (counts as sc + ch 1), *sc, ch 1**; rep from * to ** to heart point, [sc, ch-1] 3 times in heart point hole, rep from * to ** around; join round with a sl st in beginning ch.

Rnd 2: Ch 4, sl st in 3rd ch from hook, ch 1, sk ch-1, *[sc, ch 3, sl st in 3rd ch from hook] in the next sc, ch 1**; rep from * to ** to center sc of heart point from previous round, [sc, ch 3, sl st in 3rd ch from hook, ch 1] 3 times, rep from * to ** to last st, sc, ch 20, sl st in first chain to create loop; join round with a sl st in 3rd of beginning ch.

Fasten off.

 

Be sure to tag @vickiehowell with photos of your Galentines projects — I love seeing your work!

xx,

Vickie

 

Join me every week on Facebook for my live stream. I show tutorials, answer viewer questions, and talk tips and trends. Tune in live on Mondays at 12pm CT, or watch the recorded version anytime here.

 

Tuesday Morning Featured Products
K & Company Card & Mat Pad $1.99 (Compare at $7.69), K & Company Kelly Panacci Designer Paper $4.99 (Compare at $14.29), Xron ezLaminator $19.99 (Compare at $49.99), We R Memory Keepers Crop-A-Dile $14.99 (Compare at $29.99), Amy Tangerine Stamp Alphabet $6.99 ($14.99), American Crafts Mini Ink Pastels $3.99 (Compare at $9.99), Knitting Fever Babe Yarn $1.99 (Compare at $5.00)

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Video: How to Crochet a Heart Motif

Today I got to teach across the pond without leaving the comforts of my very own home studio in Austin, Texas! That’s right, I was back to my live streaming antics again only this time from the Deramores Facebook page. Today’s video included a step-by-step tutorial on how to crochet a heart motif using both US and UK terms! This Valentine’s Day –thanks to some super-soft Mod Wool and my quick tutorial– it’s easy to share the love with the gift of handmade hearts! Here’s how.

 

Watch the video: How to Crochet a Heart Motif

 

Crochet Heart Motif: Get the pattern!

Now that you know how to crochet it, go on over to the Deramores blog to nab the free pattern for these crochet heart motifs.

Hook those hearts then tag @vickiehowell and @deramores with pictures so we can see how you’re sharing the love!  

 

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How to Use the Clover Mini Weaving Loom

Clover Mini Weaving Loom

This week’s episode of my Facebook Live stream, Ask Me Monday was brought to you by the folks at Clover Needlecrafts. Clover’s not only the manufacturer of needle art staples like Takumi Bamboo Knitting Needles (I never travel without my adjustable set) and Amour Crochet Hooks. They’re also the company behind loads of crafty tools like Pom Pom Makers, Oval Knitting Loom, Yo-Yo Makers and now, the Clover Mini Weaving Loom. The latter was the focus of this latest video in which I give you the full scoop on this fun loom!

Watch and Learn: Clover Mini Weaving Loom(s)

Click below to watch the recording of my live stream demo on how to use the Clover Mini Weaving Loom (both single and double options.)  I take you through every step of assembling the loom, setting up for a project, and how to weave.! 

 

 

Be sure to tag @vickiehowell with photos of your Clover Mini Weaving Loom projects — I love seeing your work!

xx,

Vickie

 

Join me every week on Facebook for my live stream. I show tutorials, answer viewer questions, and talk tips and trends. Tune in live on Mondays at 12pm CT, or watch the recorded version anytime here.

 

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Conversation with Rachel Denbow

On CRAFT*ish: A Conversation with Author & Blogger, Rachel Denbow

This week is our first episode of 2017. We took about a month hiatus for the holidays, but now I’m thrilled to be back in my little, audible world of inspiration. I’m really excited for the lineup of upcoming guests which span creative passions ranging from knitting and quilting, to floral design and general craft, to spoken word performance and fiction novel writing. I’m looking forward to hearing about — and of course, sharing with you –how each of these amazing artists have found their own, creative path.

In today’s episode we kick things off with lifestyle blogger and Author of DIY Woven Art, Rachel Denbow. Rachel’s a creative skills teacher, weaver, and home decor expert. She’s been featured in HGTV Magazine, Apartment Therapy, Design Sponge, and writes regular features for A Beautiful Mess.

I’d never met Rachel before this interview, but within minutes it felt like I was chatting with an old friend from the craft industry. We talked about her evolving aesthetic, her urge to create daily, what she does to feel connected with other makers, and what it’s like balancing a creative career with a family and home life. Click here to “meet” her now!

Listeners can find CRAFT-ish on iTunes, Soundcloud, or Stitcher. Then go to the Show Notes page to get links and see photo’s of some of Rachel’s work and to enter to win a copy of her book. Enjoy!

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Monetize Your Facebook Live Videos (Via Sponsorship)

Monetize Facebook Live Videos via Sponsorship

Facebook Live is the new marketing black. Forget those gorgeously shot, highly produced videos of yester ( read: last) year. In-the-moment streams are where it’s at when it comes to nurturing community, engaging with consumers, and promoting anything from personality to product to an audience that cares about what you have to share.

I started using the “live” function on Facebook the first day it was offered via their Facebook Mentions App in beta form to verified (those folks with the little checkmark by their names) users. That was a year and a half ago, and since then I’ve integrated the capability as a major part of my business plan.

In addition to the occasional one-off videos, I also produce a weekly live stream called, Ask Me Monday. As a tv show host/producer it was an easy transition for me to treat the weekly stream as a (rudimentary) tv series. As long as there was consistency in original air time, a general theme, and a name then people would follow it as they would any other series. As the host of a podcast, I saw the monetization opportunity parallels between the two mediums. After several months of experimenting I began applying a method commonly used amongst podcasters for sponsorship, and have since found it to be a success model for Facebook Live streams as well. With a few minor tweaks, I came up with a plan. Since sharing is caring, it’s time I pass along what I’ve learned (so far.) So, stream-y friends, let’s talk sponsorship!

Different Types of Sponsorships

Here’s the sponsorship breakdown.

1.) Product Only: Trade with companies. Your” face time” in exchange for their products.

$0 cash exchange, but potential option for high-dollar items that are worthwhile for your business. This is also a good option if you don’t currently have a consistent video schedule. 

2.) Package Deal: Incorporate live video(s) as a feature (or perk) of a larger deal.

For example, if you’re courting a company to pay you a regular payment of $X/month, and need to line item several things (blog posts, social media coverage, tutorial, etc.) to make it worth it for them, then live video will sweeten the deal. Live streaming is a hot-topic marketing term right now, so use it! This option can, but does not have to be tied to a regular video schedule. You may choose to offer X amount of live videos as part of the deal, vs. specific episodes on a regular schedule.

3.) Flat Rate: Sole sponsorship offer to one company for a specific amount of time (ie. 1 quarter, 6 months, year, etc.). This rate would be based on viewership (see formula below) PLUS an exclusivity fee (there’s value in being the sole sponsor, but also the broadcaster should get a bump for taking him or herself off the market for other sponsorships during that term, even if his/her viewer numbers rise.)

4.) Episode Sponsorship: Rate-based structure on a per episode basis (with or without a discount for multi-episode sponsorship.)

Over the past 18 months, I have used Options 2, 3 & 4. The latter, however is where there is the most room for financial growth. As you nurture your audience, gain a following, and invest in “Boost”ing videos you’ll see your numbers S-L-O-W-L-Y, but surely rise. With more viewership, you can charge more money. How’s that, you ask? Well, there’s a formula. Ok, there isn’t a formula specifically for live streaming, but as I mentioned above there is one for podcasting. That’s the one I use for my, Ask Me Monday Facebook Live stream. Podcast sponsorship is based on CPM (cost per mile, which for whatever reason means, 1,000 listeners/viewers.) Instead of counting each individual viewer, marketers will round up or down to the nearest thousand (or fraction thereof) and pay a rate for each 1000 (rounded up to .25 or .5.) The going rate scale is between *$20-$50 CPM. To figure out where on that scale your broadcast would fall, I’d refer to your Facebook follower numbers, then go from there. This is a bit of a grey area because X number may be a big deal for the Mom & Pop craft store you’re pitching to, but pitiful in the eyes of the Fortune 500 company you hope to woo. Like anything else be honest with yourself about your value, and know your audience.

*If you work with a marketing hive group, the rate will be lower as their business is bulk. It may or may not be worth it for you to go with that option. I usually only go this route if I haven’t secured full price sponsorship for the episode.

 

THE EPISODE SPONSORSHIP BREAKDOWN

For the purposes of this article, let’s just work under the assumption that prospective sponsors are all in the craft industry. Let’s say that you have 80k followers. Solid! Not mind blowing, but respectable. Based on that assumption let’s also say that you feel comfortable asking for a $35 CPM fee. What now, though? Just do the math!

RATE FORMULA: Rate x CMP Average = Episode Rate

Now that you know your rate, here are some options of how to serve it up to perspective clients.

Pay for What They Get

Do you wait to quote the company the total until you see how many views occur over a 1-2 week period? You could, although getting a marketing exec to approve a number that doesn’t exist yet would be a feat unto itself.

Numbers Guarantee

How about guaranteeing a number of views and quote on that? Eek, that’s risky. Facebook algorithms are one of the great mysteries of life, and they change frequently. You really won’t know how much reach your video will have (even if you “Boost”, which you should, that’s only an estimated reach. Facebook is under no obligation to deliver on the maximum reach suggested at the rate you’re boosting for.)

Be Average

“Over achiever” is probably a term that’s been used on many people taking the time to read this article, so aiming for “average” is tough. It’s also smart. That is, basing your rate on the average number of viewers your videos receive. By telling your sponsor you average X amount of views (based on at least 3-6 past live streams), it does not guarantee that number of views for their video. It simply states that it’s the average for which they’re paying on. If their video gets less views, you still get the same amount. If it gets more, you still get the same amount. It’s a safety net for all. Not to worry, though. As I mentioned earlier, this net is one that can grow…and relatively quickly. The key is: consistency and knowing your numbers, then making those numbers work for you. What that means is that if you know your viewer average breakdown for “All Time”, “Year to Date” and “Quarterly”, then you can see which number looks the most favorable and quote from there. This may ebb and flow. If you have a great quarter (as I did for Q3 in 2016), then you might want to quote on that. If you had a lesser quarter (as I did for Q2), then you’d avoid that. I actually recommend avoiding quoting off of either of those, though because one means less money, and the other means you have to hustle your arse off to make sure you meet that goal again. We do enough hustling as independent contractors. We should be kind to ourselves. How? Look at all of the numbers, then go with your gut. Ok, this is where I get number-y. Here’s a hypothetical breakdown of a fictional live stream series I’m calling, Facebook Live Fantasma (FLF)!

FACEBOOK LIVE FANTASMA BREAKDOWN

–All Time Views: 172, 925 over 25 total episodes.

All Time AVERAGE: 6,918 views

If the FLF host based his/her rate on All Time Views based on a CPM rate of say, $35 then the math would look like this:

$35 x 7 (rounded up from 6.9k) = $245 per episode/sponsor

–Year to Date Views (YTD): 60,739 views over 7 episodes.

YTD Average: 8, 677 views

$35 x 8.5 (rounded down — if you’re being conservative– from 8.6k) = $297.50 per episode/sponsor

–Quarter (3 month period) Views: 100, 025 views over 10 episodes.

Q Average: 10, 002 views

$35 x 10 = $350 per episode/sponsor

Looking at these numbers, I’d probably recommend that the FLF host charge the YTD rate. The quarter average is significantly higher than the other calculated averages, so it’d be risky to attempt to replicate that average for the following quarter. We don’t need that kind of stress, people. Conversely, the All Time Rate is a number that seems pretty easy to hit, so YTD seems like a happy medium.

Ok, there you go. That’s how I run financials on the live streaming portion of my business. I hope it’s helpful info for those of you considering taking the plunge into the Facebook Live frontier!

Sponsor My Facebook Live Series

If you’re interested in partnering with me on a Facebook Live video for your product or business, go here to nab a spot!

More on Crafty Monetization

If you’re starting a new, craft-based business and would like more info on earning money from it, then check out my CreativeLive course, Monetize Your Craft.

 

 

Happy creative marketing!

xx,

Vickie

@

https://www.facebook.com/pg/vickiehow...

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Chunky Crochet Shawl Pattern + Quick Locking Stitch Markers = TLA

Quick Locking Stitch Markers = Crochet Shawls’ BFF

Counting is important. Arguably in life, but definitely in crochet. Unlike with its knitting sister with her handy needle which holds all live stitches in a tidy row, crochet’s stitches are never “live” — and also, less uniformly in place. It’s so easy to miss a stitch in crochet (especially when one is *cough* binge watching, Night Manager while stitching), but important not to when trying to create a geometric shape. My first recommendation is to stop and count stitches at the end of every row. I know, snoozeville. My second, and more exciting suggestion is to use the new Clover Quick Locking Markers to help keep track of crucial stitches that create the shaping for said, well, shape.

This week I made a luscious, bohemian wrap-blanket. It’s a triangle, designed to start with just a few stitches at the tip and open up outward as you move along. The most important thing to keep track of in order for this project to work is where the center point of each row is, so you’ll know where to increase. This seems simple enough, but when you’re working with a yarn that has any texture at all, and/or working shorter stitches (like hdcs) one stitch can sometimes be a little tricky to track down. This is where Quick Locking Stitch Markers come in. 

Place a Quick Locking Stitch Marker on the first center stitch of the piece. As you progress, move the marker to the appropriate place to ensure your increases are happening where they should be. If the marker’s off, you’ll know that your stitch count is, too.

SIDE NOTE: You’ll notice the wiggly leg of the marker helps hold it in place, even when the marker isn’t shut. This makes using them fool proof, because you don’t have to worry about the marker accidentally slipping off your shawl!

So grab some scrumptious yarn, an Amour crochet hook (my favorite!), and some Quick Locking Stitch Markers, and get stitching towards some shawl success, people!

 
Chunky Triangle Shawl 

MATERIALS

3 Hanks Knit Collage Spun Cloud (100% Wool; 100 yds), in color: Fog Heather — or equivalent bulky, thick & thin yarn.

12 mm Clover Amour Crochet Hook

Clover Quick Locking Stitch Markers (Medium)

Clover Jumbo Tapestry Needle

NEW: Clover Quick Locking Stitch Markers are perfect for keeping track on increases in a crochet project like this one!

 

FINISHED MEASUREMENTS

72″/183 cm wide — excluding fringe

34″/86 cm deep — excluding fringe

 

GAUGE

Approx 8 sts = 4″/10 cm in (hdc, ch-1) stitch pattern.

 

DIRECTIONS

Body:

Ch 4.

Row 1 (RS): [(Hdc, ch 1) 3 times, hdc] in 4th ch from hook (skipped ch counts as first hdc and ch-1 sp), turn. –5hdc, 4 ch-1 sps

Note: Place Quick Locking Stitch Marker in center hdc. Move marker to keep track of center grouping stitch as work progresses.

 

Row 2: Ch 4 (counts as dc and ch-1), dc in first st, ch 1, sk next ch, dc in next hdc, ch 1, sk next ch (dc, ch 1) 3 times in center hdc, sk next ch, dc in next hdc, ch 1, sk next ch, (dc, ch 1, dc) in last st, turn. –9 dc, 8 ch-1 sps

 

Row 3: Ch 3 (counts as hdc and ch-1), hdc in first st, ch 1, sk next ch, *hdc in next dc, ch 1, sk next ch** ; repeat from * to ** across to center dc, (hdc, ch 1) 3 times in center st (center group); rep from * to ** to last st, (hdc, ch 1, hdc) in last dc, turn. –13 hdc, 12 ch-1 sps

Row 4: Ch 4, dc in first st, ch 1, sk next ch, *dc in next hdc, ch 1, sk next ch ** across to center st, (dc, ch 1) 3 times in center st (center group), sk next ch; rep from * to ** to last st, (dc, ch 1, dc) in last st, turn. — 17 dc, 16 ch-1 sps

Row 5: Repeat Row 3. — 21 hdc, 20 ch-1 sps

Row 6: Ch 5 (counts as tr and ch-1), tr in first st, ch 1, sk next ch, *tr in next hdc, ch 1, sk next ch** across to center st, (tr, ch 1) 3 times in center st (center group), sk next ch; rep from * to ** to last st, (tr, ch 1, tr) in last st, turn. –25 tr, 24 ch-1 sps

 

Adding multiple Quick Locking Stitch Markers offers a great visual reference, to ensure your center point (and stitch count) is where it should be!

 

Rows 7-8: Repeat Row 3. — 33 hdc, 32 ch-1 sps

Row 9 (RS): Ch 5 (counts as tr and ch 1), tr in first st, ch 1, *sk next (ch, hdc, ch), tr in next hdc, ch 1, tr in sk tr, ch 1** repeat from * to ** across to center grouping, tr in first hdc of grouping, sk ch, (tr, ch 1) 3 times in center st, sk ch, tr in last st of grouping, ch 1, repeat from * to ** to last hdc, (tr, ch 1, tr) in last st, turn. — 37 tr, 36 ch-1 sps

Row 10: Repeat Row 3. — 41 hdc, 40 ch-1 sps

Repeat Rows 6- 10, twice more. — 81 hdc, 80 ch-1 sps

Note: On some repeats of Row 9 there won’t be an even number of sts to cross before the center grouping. In that case, simple work 1 tr on either side of the center grouping.

Repeat Rows 6-7, once more. — 89 hdc, 88 ch-1 sps.

Fasten off.

 

FINISHING

Messy Braid Fringe (Make 29):

Cut 3, 24″/61 cm strands of yarn. Holding strands together, fold in half. Insert crochet hook through RS of shawl edge; lay yarn at the folded point over the hook. Pull yarn through, from back to front, just enough to create loop. Set aside hook and use hands to fold the loop over the edge of the project, pulling the ends of the yarn through the loop. Pull tight-ish.
You’ll now have 6 strands hanging (3 stands folded). Separate into 3 groups of 2 strands; loosely braid halfway down fringe, and pull to make messy. Use one strand to wrap and tie braid off. Trim and fray ends.

Repeat process, attaching 29 fringe bunches evenly (every 3rd ch-sp gap) across shawl edge.

Weave in ends.

 

ENTER TO WIN: Quick Locking Stitch Markers

I have a couple of packs of the NEW Clover Quick Locking Stitch Markers to give away. To enter, just post a comment telling us if you’ve ever used removable stitch markers before (for knitting, crochet, weaving, etc.), and if so, what did you use them for? Comments should be posted by 10PMCST on January 23rd.

Thanks!,

Vickie

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How to: Next-Level Cables in June Cashmere

Next Level Cables + June Cashmere

This week I had the pleasure of working with Ask Me Monday video sponsor, June Cashmere. I was originally introduced to them by my dear friend (and industry leader), Karin Strom. It wasn’t until researching for our partnered Live Stream however, that I really got to see what an amazing company June Cashmere is. 

June (the Kyrgyz word for “animal fibers”) Cashmere is a company fully invested in nurturing the lifelines of the shepherds of Kyrgyzstan — investing in village-to-village quality control and fair trade training — and the integrity of the gorgeous fibers produced by the indigenous Kyrgyz people and animals. The cashmere fiber is purchased directly from homes and villages in the region, then sent to Europe for spinning. It makes it’s next stop in Maine, where it is lovingly died using eco-friendly and sustainable methods. In other words, June Cashmere provides jobs in 3 continents, and gorgeous yarn worldwide.

How to: Next Level Cables

When working with cashmere, one wants to make a project that is classic enough to become an heirloom and practical enough to use (and touch) often. The Journery Mitts set by Kristin Eksuzian fits the bill, and a technique used in making them was the focus of this week’s Facebook Live, Ask Me Monday episode.

What I call “next-level” cables are cables worked on double pointed needles and in which there are TWO separate cables worked to create one, more intricate design. It sounds complicate and fancy but really, it’s only the latter. (Shhh…or it at least looks fancy.)

Watch and Learn: Next Level Cables

Click below to watch the recording of my live stream demo on how to knit next-level cables.  I take you through every step, breaking the technique down to make it accessible to any knitting with a little experience under their belt.

 

 

Put the Skill to Work!

Now that you’re a next-level cable bad-ass, how’s about treating yourself to a little cashmere reward and take that skill for a spin? June Cashmere is offering Ask Me Monday viewers a special deal. With the purchase of 1 hank of June Cashmere DK (all you’ll need for the project), the Journey Mitts pattern is yours for free! Just enter code: JOURNEY at checkout.

Journey Mitts, by Kristin Eksuzian. Shown in June Cashmere DK in color, Scarlet.

 

Be sure to tag @vickiehowell with photos of your Journey Mitts or June Cashmere projects — I love seeing your work!

xx,

Vickie

 

Join me every week on Facebook for my live stream. I show tutorials, answer viewer questions, and talk tips and trends. Tune in live on Mondays at 12pm CT, or watch the recorded version anytime here.

The post How to: Next-Level Cables in June Cashmere appeared first on Vickie Howell.

How to Knit Corrugated Rib

Intro to Two-Handed Stranding: Knit Corrugated Rib

I love stripes. Horizontal, vertical, diagonal, plaid; if it’s a series of straight lines, then I’m in! In knitting, the easiest (and most common) method of creating stripes is (usually) horizontally by alternating yarn colors every X rows, depending on how wide the desired stripe will be. Vertical stripes, or columns of color, are a wee bit trickier. They’re also, graphically cool, and offer a great introduction to two-handed stranding. The method for doing so is called corrugated rib.

On the latest installment of my weekly Facebook Live series, Ask Me Monday, I showed how to knit corrugated rib in-the-round. This method is great for anywhere you’d traditionally want a little bit of ribbing, like a cuff or brim, while also adding interest to the piece. Knit corrugated rib is worked by alternating two colors of yarn, every other stitch while also alternating knits and purls (creating the rib effect.) It can absolutely be knit by holding only the strand in use, then swapping for the next color. If that’s what’s most comfortable, then you do you! If you’re feeling like you want to up the efficiency ante, though then two-handed stranding is the way to go. Stranding with both hands involves “throwing” with one hand, and “picking” with the other. This sounds intimidating, but it’s really not. It’s actually kind of fun — I promise!

Watch the video below, where I walk you step-by-step through the process.

 

Watch and learn how to knit Corrugated Rib!

You’ve got the skill, now get the pattern!

Now that you’ve watched the video and absorbed the concept, you’re ready to put the skill to use! My latest design, the Dashing beanie is a unisex hat that combines knit corrugated rib with traditional rib. It’s knit in Woolpaca Chunky which means it’s soft, has a nice, drapey slouch and works up quickly on size 10 1/2 needles. 

Download the pattern here.

 

Dashing Beanie shown in Woolpaca Chunky colors : Blackout and Soot.

 

Be sure to tag @vickiehowell with photos of your knit corrugated rib projects and your Dashing beanies — I love seeing your work!

xx,

Vickie

 

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How to Convert (Almost) Any Hat Pattern to a Messy Bun Beanie

 

A trend from the early aughts is back in the knitting and crochet worlds, only this time with a slightly different name. Back in 2005, Ponytail Beanies hit the stitching community. These hats were designed with a strategically placed hole to accommodate a ponytail by the wearer. Different variations were made available for low ponies, high ponies, side ponies and even the double whammy of pig tails. Here we are a decade later, however and the high-pony version is back only this time to cater to the mom/athletic/busy person hairstyle du jour: the messy bun.

The Messy Bun Beanie is here for your hair and, as long as you’re hair is, well, long it’s a great fit for the *colder weather. On this week’s Facebook Live Stream Series, Ask Me Monday I showed how to convert (almost) any existing knit or crochet hat pattern into a Messy Bun Beanie. I began with the more involved of the duo, the crocheted beanie, then gave a quicker overview of its less involved sister, the knit beanie. Below is the breakdown, as well as basic beanie patterns for you to experiment with. Here’ goes!

(*Those in seriously cold weather would likely debate the effectiveness of any hat with a hole in it.)

Watch the Tutorial

 

 
How to Convert a Crochet Beanie Pattern into a Messy Bun Beanie: Calculate Foundation Chain Number

Stitch Gauge x Circumference of Opening  = Approximate Beginning Chain

Recommended Opening Size: 3″ Diameter and 9″ circumference 

 

Basic Crochet Beanie Pattern

MATERIALS

1 Ball each of  Vickie Howell for Deramores Mod Wool (or equivalent Aran weight yarn), in colors: (A) Apollo Aran, and (B) Black Cadillac.

Size US I/5.5mm Clover Amour Crochet Hook

Clover Jumbo Bent Point Tapestry Needle

SIZE

Women’s One Size

FINISHED MEASUREMENTS

Stretches to fit up to 22″ head

GAUGE

2 1/2 stitches = 1″/2.5 cm

 

Conversion Calculation:  2.5 sts x 9″ = 22.5

DIRECTIONS

Crown: (As for Standard Beanie)

Rnd 1: With A, ch 4 (doesn’t count as stitch), 12 dc in center ring. — 12 sts

Rnd 2: Ch 3, 2 dc in next st and every st around. — 24 sts.

Ch 24.

That’s it. That’s the only alteration you’ll need to make. Now, resume pattern as written!

Rnd 3: Ch 3, *2dc in next st, dc in next st; rep from * around. –36 sts.

Rnd 4: Ch3, *2 dc in next st, dec in next st; rep from * around. — 48 sts.

Join B. You’ll carry whichever color is not in use, up along the inside of piece.

Body:

Rnd 5:  With B, ch 3, dc in every st around. — 48 sts.

Rnd 6: With A, ch 3, dc in every st around.

Rnds 7-13:  Repeat Rnds 5-6, ending with a Rnd 5.

Cut B.

Band:

Rnd 14:  With A ch 2, hdc in every st around. 

Rnds 15-16: Ch 2, *FPhdc, BPhdc; rep from * around.

Fasten off.

FINISHING

Weave in ends.

 

How to Convert a Knit Beanie Pattern: Just Stop Knitting…well, sort of.

Most knitted hats are worked from the bottom (band or brim) to top (crown.) This makes the conversation process to accommodate a hair, top-knot really easy. You can really, just knit the crown decreases until the opening is the desired size. Then, *simply bind off.

If you’d like a little more direction in your directions, you can use the same recommended opening size (3″ diameter/9″ circumference ) from the crochet hat conversation, and apply it to the crown portion of the knit hat towards the end of the knitting process. Here’s what that would look like.

Basic Knit Beanie Pattern

MATERIALS

1 Ball each of  Vickie Howell for Deramores Mod Wool (or equivalent Aran weight yarn), in colors: (A) Apollo Aran, and (B) Black Cadillac.

Size US 9/5.5mm, 16″/41 cm Clover Takumi Bamboo Circular Needle

Set, Size US 9/5.5mm Clover Takumi Bamboo Double Pointed Needles

Clover Jumbo Bent Point Tapestry Needle

SIZE

Women’s One Size

FINISHED MEASUREMENTS

Stretches to fit up to 22″ head

GAUGE

4 stitches = 1″/2.5 cm

 

DIRECTIONS

With A, CO 80 sts.

Brim:

Rnds 1-5: *K2, p2; rep from * around. — 80 sts.

Body:

Rnds 6-7: With A, knit.

Join B.

Rnds 8-9: With B, knit.

Repeat Rnds 6-9 until piece measures 6″ from CO edge.

Cut B.

Crown:

Switch to double-pointed needles as necessary.

Before we get started, let’s do a little crown math. 

Conversion Calculation:  4 sts x 9″ = 36 

Rnd 1:  With A, *k2tog, k6; rep from * around. –70 sts.

Rnds 2, 4, 6, 8, 10, 12, 14:  Knit.

Rnd 3: *K2tog, k5; rep from * around. –60 sts.

Rnd 5: *K2tog, k4; rep from * around. –50 sts.

Rnd 7: *K2tog, k3; rep from * around. — 40 sts.

*PRO TIP: Work a round or two in K1, P1 rib, then bind-off in that rib pattern for a stretchier opening!

Rnd 9: *K2tog, k2; rep from * around. –30 sts.

Rnd 11: *K2tog, k1; rep from * around. — 20 sts.

Rnd 13: *K2tog; rep from * around. — 10 sts.

Cut yarn leaving a long tail. Using tapestry needle, feed tail through live sts, letting them fall off the needles. Cinch shut.

FINISHING

Weave in ends.

Now that you know how to convert knit and crochet hat patterns to messy bun beanies, get stitching! Don’t forget to post pictures of your beanies online and tag @vickiehowell and @cloverusa!

xx,

Vickie

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The post How to Convert (Almost) Any Hat Pattern to a Messy Bun Beanie appeared first on Vickie Howell.