How to Crochet Seed Stitch in the Round

I recently had a major surgery with a 6 week recovery. While I was lazing about and letting my body heal, I started browsing Pinterest for some new crochet inspiration.

And I discovered seed stitch! It was a great moment because I felt inspired and motivated for the first time since my surgery. Unfortunately, I was staying with my parents for help while I recovered. And I cursed to realize that I hadn’t brought the right crochet hook with me to try out seed stitch right away.

So, I had to wait until I got back to my own house to try it. And it was worth the wait!

I really love how seed stitch takes two basic crochet stitches (double crochet and single crochet) and combines them in a way that looks totally different than plain double or single crochet.

I’m actually making two video tutorials on seed stitch. One on seed stitch in rows and one on seed stitch in the round. 

I definitely find seed stitch in the round to be slightly more challenging. I always have to turn off my TV or audiobook so that I can concentrate and count my stitches!

And I don’t know about you, but I enjoy a new crochet challenge every once in awhile.

So, if you’re in the mood to try something fun and new, then watch the video tutorial below and give it a shot!

Crochet skills you need for seed stitch in the round

Magic Circle
Single Crochet
Increase
Double Crochet

I’m so obsessed with seed stitch that I’m dreaming up all kinds of designs with it! I’ll be releasing at least two new beanie crochet patterns using seed stitch in the round. 

If you’d like to be notified when the new patterns launch, then sign up below and join my email list!

FO Friday: Striped Baby Stocking Hat

Finished Object Friday

A few days ago all I had was this scribbled plan in my design binder. After one false start, a bit of frogging and lots of hemming and hawing and staring at the inspiration picture, I finally finished my baby beanie!

Click through the slide show below to see the process of my beanie creation. :)

My pre-crochet plan

I really hope this ends up fitting like it's supposed to! I'm not completely sure it's the right size for a newborn. But, I'm going to give it to my photographer friend and she can let me know if it needs to be bigger or smaller. Sometimes I get it right the first time, but not always!

It's so much fun to create a new design and then crochet it and bring it to life. :) Creative satisfaction!

What about you? What have you finished crocheting lately? Post links to pics so I can see! :)

How to Crochet a Beanie: Fasten Off and Weave in the Ends

Hi Happy Hookers!

It's time to fasten off and weave in the ends! Guess what!? If you've made it to this step, then you're almost done with your beanie! Hooray! 

In case you missed them, click the links below for the previous videos and steps to making your beanie:
Magic circle/ring - mc/r
Single crochet - sc
Increase - inc

In this video, you will see my favorite tips and tricks for fastening off the beanie to make the edge nice and smooth. I know, everybody hates the part where you have to weave in the ends, but here I'll show you 2 different techniques to make weaving quick, easy and as painless as possible.

Did you like this video? If so, please comment below and share it with your crochet friends!

If you'd like to make the striped beanie that's featured in the video, please visit my pattern store here.

Why I love amigurumi!

Amigurumi is my summer obsession! Basically, it's a fancy name for crocheting stuffed animals. And it is so much fun!

I think everyone should try it, and this is why. Last summer I crocheted a baby toy for my sister-in-law's baby shower. It's a ring toy where the middle post is a snake and each ring is a different insect: a bee, a ladybug and a dragonfly. I was really proud of how it turned out and it inspired many other future creations.

My nephew Andrew was born in November and I got to visit him when he was a couple of weeks old. My brother and his family live in Pittsburgh, so seeing the new baby was a very special occasion.

When I went to Pittsburgh, I saw Andrew's room and my amigurumi ring toy was sitting on the shelf. I was glad it was on display, but I wondered if he would ever play with it. 

Then, a couple weeks ago I got this picture from my brother.

View fullsize

My nephew Andrew with his amigurumi ring toy

The feeling I got when I saw this adorable picture of my nephew playing with the toy that I crocheted for him... there's nothing like it. I love seeing pictures of people wearing my beanies, but this was a whole new level of love, pride and fulfillment.

So, I want to share the amigurumi love. I've been creating lots of boards on Pinterest, so click here for some free patterns and amigurumi inspiration. And, this week I've been working on designing my own patterns, which is loads of fun and I'll be sharing those very soon!

Peace, love and amigurumi!