Crochet Ladies' Lacy Chemo Cap

A few days ago, a former high school classmate contacted me.  She explained the situation of a friend and co-worker of hers, who has fought breast cancer and had a radical mastectomy.  She also described her as a fellow nurse with a big heart, who is not only determined to kick breast cancer's butt but to also take care of her family and patients simultaneously.  Since chemotherapy has caused the loss of her long, beautiful hair, she is concerned about the affect her appearance may have on her patients.  Now THAT is a true definition of nursing compassion!

My schoolmate asked if I would create a chemo cap for her friend and donate my time and materials. Needless to say, of course I said yes!  Then I set out to make it as special as possible.  Since her friend is a nurse in her 30s with a young, fun, loving personality. I wanted to make her something really special. Because this is the first time I've made a chemo cap, I asked fellow crocheters and knitters for advice. She needed something functional yet fun... soft enough that it wouldn't irritate her scalp... lightweight yet not too light that it would fall off during care giving... light enough to cover her head but not too warm... etc.  Taking all of those elements into consideration, I envisioned a lacy-patterned cap that would be feminine, soft, breathable, cool and functional.

Here is what I created!

Front View

Top View

Close-Up View of the Lacy Pattern and Scalloped Edging

What I created for her was...

• A free-form crocheted lacy-patterned cap that is feminine and pretty; 
• It's made with super-soft, silky baby fingerling yarn; 
• It's breathable due to the open lacy pattern, allowing for plenty of air circulation to keep the wearer cool;
• Its open lacy pattern is fine enough to conceal uneven hair growth without worrying about it poking out through wide holes;
• It's functional because it fits snug around the face with a pretty scalloped border. Fitting snugly is important as to prevent slipping off while bending over (or in a medical field of work--caring for patients); and
• Because it is free-form crocheted, it's unique.  Like snowflakes, no two hats made in this style will be identical. The style and basic design will be the same, but each time a hat is made, the stitches in the lacy patterns will be unique. I call THAT an added plus!

The day after I created the pink lacy hat, I couldn't resist making another but this time in a neutral color.  This one is my favorite of the two because it can be worn FIVE different ways. It has three decorative buttons on the front and can be worn as-is, OR the wearer can choose to simply slip one of the four flowers over the largest button for a fun, funky look.

The Hat with Simply the Buttons

Close-Up of the Buttons

           

It warms my soul to do this for her.  She is a complete stranger, but that doesn't matter.  My sincere hope is that by wearing this lovingly-crafted hat, she will feel beautiful and confident.  I also plan to make her another cap in a different color and style, so she can change up her look and have an alternative to wear when one is in the wash.

I realize how important it is for women in similar circumstances, who may feel a bit like they've lost a fraction of their femininity, to feel pretty and a little less self-conscious during their time of transition.  That is why I'm offering this cap at a reduced price in my Etsy shop.  I want to help serve people like her, who are fighting their own battles against the beast called cancer.  Family as well as friends of cancer warriors (like my schoolmate) can make special requests to make something truly unique for their loved one.  All I need to know is a little about the recipient's personality, color preferences and certain details about their lifestyle (such as hobby, profession, activity level, etc.) to ensure their custom-made cap fits as well as meets their individual functional requirements.

Thanks for stopping by and reading about my latest adventure.  A few weeks ago, my friend informed me that my mystery client LOVES her hats, and that makes me the happiest crocheter on earth.  Since then, I have made numerous hats for others purchasing for friends or family.  Most has responded that their loved one is very happy with their hats.  I am so pleased to hear this.  <3

Crochet Baby Mermaid Cocoon Outfit

Since designing my Mermaid Tail Afghans / Blankets, I have been experimenting with other ways to utilize my version of the "scale stitch" and the mermaid tail concept.  It's been fun exercising my creative spirit!

This Baby Mermaid Tail Cocoon Outfit for newborns to 3-month-olds is my latest creation.  When I designed it, my goal was to create something unique.  Many of the mermaid baby cocoon outfits I've seen use the crocodile stitch, which I like but think is too bulky for a tiny baby to wear; whereas, my scale stitch is much more delicate and smooth-laying.  There also are very few pink mermaid outfits available or those paired with a starfish bikini.  Furthermore, I've never seen another crochet spiral shell applique on a headband either.

I am accepting custom-orders for the finished version of the Crochet Baby Mermaid Cocoon Outfit as well as making the crochet pattern available for sale in my Etsy shop.

I think this cute little number would be so adorable for a baby's first photo shoot, as a show-stopper baby shower gift or better yet--both!  Although my pattern and the original design includes the graduating striped appearance, it could be also be custom-made by me or a pattern purchaser in a solid color.

The scale stitch included in the pattern is my own version of the stitch, which gives the mermaid tail a fine, scaly textured appearance. The stitch may resemble a smaller-scale version of the crocodile stitch.  However, I assure you it is not created in the same manner.  It's actually created much more easily!

The ensemble includes a coordinating starfish string bikini top and headband.

Aside from the mermaid tail cocoon itself, my favorite part of this ensemble is the headband adorned with a starfish, seashell, pearls and iridescent beads.  The crochet seashell is of my own design as well!  I also need to give my daughter credit where it's due because it was she who allowed me to use a few beads from her stash to complete the headband.   

Creating this baby version of the mermaid tail was a blast!  I love what happens when I simply let my creativity run free!

I also have to share this little snippet!  One of my friends liked the headband from this outfit so much that she requested an adult-size version.  Here she is wearing it after running the Yuengling Shamrock Half-Marathon in Virginia Beach on the weekend after St. Patrick's Day.  :)

Crochet Mermaid Tail Afghan / Blanket Pattern & Finished Tail

One day as I was browsing online, I came across a lovely mermaid tail afghan created by another crochet designer.  I thought, "What a clever idea!"  Then I said to myself (as do many other experienced crocheters or crafters...), "I can make my own version of that!"  After all, I have the perfect, little whimsical lover of all things fantasy in my daughter.  She makes an ideal test subject!

So from that Friday evening until the wee hours of that Sunday morning, I crocheted my heart out to make my girl her very own mermaid tail.  I made the mistake of telling her what it was while in the middle of it.  So of course every other row I worked, she would ask excitedly, "Is it done yet?"  On Sunday morning, she awoke to her new finished mermaid tail.  Oh, to witness the excitement on her dreamy little girl face--it was a privilege!

The CHILD-size pattern can be found here, and the ADULT-size pattern can be found here.

To order a custom-made mermaid tail for CHILDREN OR ADULTS, please go to my Etsy shop listing here.

      

Update (April 6, 2015)
Since creating my daughter's mermaid tail, I have created another child-size afghan for a customer, to give her 8-year-old daughter as a birthday gift.  As I was taking photos of it for my Etsy shop, my 4-year-old son wanted to model it for me. He said, "Boys can be mermaids too!" Well... I happen to think he's the cutest little merman I've ever seen!

About the Design

As with most experimental crochet design ideas, I like to create something new (and quite frankly something I'm not so sure will work out) using my existing yarn rather than purchasing new.  It just happened that in my bountiful yarn stash, there were just the right colors and quantity.  I had plenty of sage green, pale green and just enough light blue.  Because these are all shades that also reminded me of ocean hues, I went with it.

For a texture that resembles a scaly appearance, I decided to create my own version of a scale stitch. Others have inquired if I use a modified version of the crocodile stitch.  Although my stitch may resemble the crocodile stitch from a distance, it really is not.  My goal was to create a stitch that is much less bulky than the crocodile.  Don't get me wrong--I like the crocodile stitch just fine--but I simply wanted to achieve more of a smooth-laying, fine scaly-textured appearance for the Mermaid Tail Afghan.  Below is a close-up photo of the texture:

As for sizing of this afghan, I make my version a bit wider than others because I like to provide enough room for comfort for the wearer.  I also make mine a bit longer than average and have custom-made them even longer for especially tall people.  My rational for sizing this afghan the way I do is so that a person can pull it up to his/her chest or snuggle down inside it while laying down.

Since my first attempt at the Mermaid Tail Afghan turned out so well (and judging by my girl's reaction), I decided to list it as custom-made item in my Etsy shop.  Right away, I received four orders. The response was unbelievable!  Then I began receiving requests for the pattern, so I decided to write it out and offer that in my Etsy shop as well.

The original child size afghan fits ages 4 to 8 comfortably.  However, it can be made to fit a taller child or "tween".  The pattern includes instructions for lengthening the afghan.

I had a great deal of fun creating these Mermaid Tail Afghans and patterns!  I worked very hard to make them available and love seeing others enjoy them just as much as my daughter and me. In fact, the most rewarding part about sharing them is hearing my customers' stories of who they're making them for and why.  Most make them as gifts for their daughters, grandchildren, nieces and friends. And then there are adults, who want to make themselves a little something to tickle their whimsy. It makes me smile just imagining all those little (and big) mermaids at heart out in the world...  I love it!

I need to give a big shout out to one of my crochet buddies, who is also quite experienced in toying with her own crochet designs from time to time.  Thank you, Jill, for agreeing to lend your expertise in providing constructive criticism and an extremely useful critique of my pattern writing skills! Without your eagle eye, I would have missed a very important typo in my pattern.  I can't wait to see your finished afghans and to hear about your nieces' reactions when they receive their very own mermaid tails!  :)

As you can tell, I'm excited to share my Mermaid Tail Afghan design!  It's a great feeling!  Enjoy and feel free to visit my blog again any time!

A Crocheters Dilemma - Saving the "Special" Yarn for a "Special" Occasion

For over a year, I was holding onto a stash of beautiful alpaca-silk blend yarn that my mother-in-law gave me. She picked it up at a yarn shop in Canandaigua, NY one day as she was window shopping. It was one of those gifts "just because", so it was a nice surprise when I received it.

This yarn is so soft and luxurious that I was nervous to use it.  I know other crocheters feel the same. I just couldn't decide the best project for it.  I suppose it's a little like fine china that people save only for special occasions.  Then one day, I realized that savoring it simply to look at it, pet it... admiring its luster... was silly!  Why do we save "special" things for "special" occasions, when we could be enjoying them "just because"?  Why... I don't know.

I'm now happy to say I'm enjoying wearing this yarn every day!  I'm certainly enjoying it more than when it simply sat in my yarn stash serving no purpose other than to admire it once in a while!  Here is my latest creation--something for me for a change!  I made a colorful new newsboy hat embellished with fun flowers and buttons, a chevron scarf in magenta and violet and coordinating fleece-lined mittens each embellished with a flower to match the hat.

I love having a palette of yarn to play with and make something truly unique!

Through this experience, I've realized that I very seldom take the time to make myself something new.  It was a nice treat to do just that!  I decided it feels nice to spoil myself once in a while, and I should do it more often!

So... Go grab that "special" item you've been saving for a special occasion and enjoy it now.  What are you waiting for anyway?  ;)

Thanks for stopping by my blog!  Take care!

Crochet Rainbow Scarf, Hat & "Glittens" Set

     

Recently when my daughter was feeling under the weather, I decided to crochet something to brighten her spirits.  When I asked what she would like, she requested a rainbow scarf with a smiley-faced cloud on one end and a pot of gold on the other.  So of course that's what I made!  

I also interjected some ideas of my own.  I crocheted the rows of the scarf using the "shell" stitch, which I feel gives it a more delicate, feminine appearance.  On one end of the scarf, I incorporated a reversible sun peeking out from behind the smiling cloud on one side and smiling broadly on the opposite.  On the other end of the scarf, I made sure there were two mirror image pots of gold sandwiching the end of the rainbow.  Both scarf ends are double-sided, so there will be no "wrong" side facing out when worn.  This rainbow scarf is definitely colorful and suits my daughter's chipper, creative personality perfectly!

As you can see, there is a great deal of unique applique work and detail in this scarf.  I feel these elements give the finished product great dimension and character.  The fluffy cloud includes button eyes, an embroidered mouth and appliqued rosy cheeks. The sun (complete with triangular rays) includes button eyes and an appliqued mouth. Each pot of gold includes 19 individually appliqued and sewn-on gold coins (38 total).

Since my girl has also been admiring my newsboy hats lately, she naturally wanted one of her own (and of course to match her scarf!).  She also wanted a pair of rainbow "glittens" (aka convertible mittens) to complete the set.  So off I set to make her dreams come true yet again...  Late one night, I laid the finished set at her breakfast place setting, anticipating her excitement upon discovery.  She was so pleased that she made me a special sweet drawing to show her appreciation.  Aww...

The colors for this set are flashy, yes, but everything is exactly as she requested.  The hat and main hand portion of the "glittens" could really be made in any color to coordinate with the scarf.  She just happened to choose pink.  :)  It's the same with the buttons--any color would do.  That's part of the beauty and freedom of a rainbow theme!

I had a great deal of fun designing this set for my daughter.  In fact, I am so pleased with how it came out that I decided to offer this design in my Etsy shop.

If you're interested in ordering a rainbow scarf or a scarf/hat/glittens set for a special child in your life--or maybe even for yourself--feel free to click on one of the photos above, which link directly to my Etsy shop.  The scarf/hat/glittens set has its own listing, or the scarf could be ordered on its own.

Thanks for visiting my blog!  Have a sunny day!

Crochet Chicken Sweaters Pattern and Custom-Made Sweaters

I have been having a lot of fun lately designing chicken sweaters with the help of a dear friend back home.  She requested my help with crocheting a few chicken sweaters for her flock and some to sell in her feed store to local farmers.  Through trial and error, we finally came up with the correct measurements for a design that will work on three sizes of chickens.

The crochet pattern is available here, and the finished custom-made sweaters can be ordered here.

Chicken sweaters are not only ridiculously adorable, but they are also actually very practical. During the cooler weather months when chickens tend to molt, they lose some or (in some cases) most of their feathers. Sweaters not only serve to cover the poor, bare hens' exposed skin as a barrier from the cold, but they also protect from the other chickens' natural tendency to peck away at the exposed areas of their peers. Sweaters also serve to protect injured/rescued hens while they heal, and they allow the hens to remain with their flock rather than being separated during the transition.

These chicken sweaters are very simple designs with no buttons, snaps or ties. I made them as simple as possible due to concern that shiny buttons/snaps would be too attractive for poultry peers and actually invite pecking. I also omitted any ties due to the risk of strangulation or choking.

I would recommend to chicken owners to not leave your birds unattended while they are wearing sweaters. If you want your chickens to wear them during the day while they're running free range, that's fine as long as you keep an eye on them. However, I would be hesitant to put them to roost at night wearing them due to safety concerns. My friend, who requested me to make some for her chickens, intends to use them on chickens who are old and losing their feathers or have lost their insulation due to molting.

I have worked on two design options: (1) Crew Neck and (2) Turtle Neck.  The turtle neck option is intended for hens that need protection on their neck, since this area can be affected by rooster "favoritism".

 

I utilize standard sizing measurements but can make sweaters larger or smaller as indicated. The standard measurements for a medium/average sized hen are 7.5 inches from the neck to the bottom hem, 2.5 inches wide at the neck (with a 2 inch opening), 6 inches wide at the bottom hem. No ties or buttons are required for holding in place. The sides are open for the wings to slide through, which actually helps to hold it in place. Also, the front & back panels connect at the bottom to hold it snug to the chicken's body.

My friend tested the first sweater on one of her sweet hens, Annabelle. Since the first sweater version was a bit too wide between the wings and drooped in the front, she used string to take it in for a more snug fit--like the revised sweaters I've made. She then observed how the hen tolerated wearing the sweater. So far, so good!

Annabelle's coop mates were interested in her new apparel, but after about 10 minutes, they lost interest and stopped pecking at it.  My friend said it was as though they were trying to help her get it off at first... "You have something on your back.  Let me help you with that..." kind of thing.

Here are a few photos of the trial period. In the photo of the hen laying on the table, her gentle and calm demeanor is shown as my friend makes sweater alterations. In the other photos, the hen is getting around quite well wearing the sweater. She even decided to hop on the scale for a bit (She weighs 3.5 lbs, by the way).

This chicken sweater design development has been fun! I am so grateful for my friend's assistance during the process. Without the help of her supermodel hens, it would be much more difficult to achieve the correct sizing. Plus it's been a great opportunity to catch up with a good friend!

Crochet Ladies' Navy Blue, Cornflower & Grey Beret

I had fun making this hat not only because blue is one of my very favorite colors but because the beret style is so fashionable and flirty.  When designing this beret, I wanted it to have a subtle feminine scalloped pattern, so I added rows of variously sized scallops through the middle.  The brim of the hat fits snug around the face, covers the ears and is edged with a feminine scalloped design.

I just love the color combination, but it could be made in any color combo--or even in one solid color. The possibilities are many!

When I tried this hat on for sizing purposes, I fell in love with the style and color.  I have never considered myself a "hat girl", but this hat changed my mind.  My husband even commented on how much it complimented my face shape and eye color--and that's significant coming from a man who barely notices a new haircut.  ;)  I am definitely making another for myself!

This hat is available for immediate shipping at my Etsy shop!  Just click on any of the images below to be directed to the listing.

This hat is very similar to one I made for my niece a few years ago as a Christmas gift.  Here is my daughter modeling it below.  She's my little camera ham, for sure!

Thanks for visiting my blog!  Please come again any time!

Take care!