hat wearer feature_Layout 1 24/11/2014 09:02 Page 2
WHAT TYPE OF
HAT WEARER ARE YOU?
Hook, stitch & give, £14.99, Kyle Books
Bobble hat, beanie or beret; fitted, slouchy, knitted or crocheted – everyone has a preference when it comes to the woollen crown on their noggin hether it’s a fashion statement or to keep you toasty, hats are synonymous with every season throughout the year. You could be hanging on to your winter warmer as spring is starting, or grabbing some shade in the summer months – there’s always a good reason for keeping your head under wraps. Whatever your hat preference, it’s nice to be knowledgeable in exactly how a hat is constructed. We caught up with Rachael Oglesby, author of Crochet Boutique Hats to find out what her top tips for crocheting hats are: “Since fit and tension are important, and to avoid a less than perfect fit, take the time to make up a swatch so that your creation does not end up too tight or too loose. Keep the seasons in mind when choosing your materials – a summer topper will be best made in cotton, linen or raffia. Whereas, winter styles are better suited to heat retaining fibres like wool.” Rachael is a big fan of decorative effects, continuing: “Embellish your work. Even though
you’ve finished stitching the pattern that doesn’t mean you have to stop there. Add a huge pom-pom to the top of your beanie, create a braided leather band or grab a piece of lace to tie around your sun bonnet. The possibilities are endless and add a unique touch to your work. Adorning your creations can lead to trying your hand at designing your own. Once you’ve made a few designs and begun to understand the basic shapes, play around with new stitches and see what happens.” When it comes to incorporating more advanced stitch patterns or designs, such as cables or lace, especially in the round, Rachael advises to sit down with a pen and paper and map it out. “Crochet charts can help you visualise your pattern, stitch count and the schematics of what you need to do to make it work. Trial and error can be a good way to learn from your mistakes, but taking the time to write it out can save you from ripping back your stitches, known as frogging in the trade!” For the makers, buyers and givers among us, read on for our choice picks just for you.
Make it Today! 44
DITCH THE STRAW AND OPT FOR A CROCHET BOATER INSTEAD (PATTERN FROM CROCHET BOUTIQUE HATS)
hat wearer feature_Layout 1 24/11/2014 09:02 Page 3
5 Minutes With...
Maker Of course, if you are thumbing the pages of Make it Today, chances are you’re firmly in the maker’s camp. So, if you are not content with the style of shop-bought hats, go hunting for a pattern and whip up your own version, pronto!
Rachael Oglesby’s Crochet Boutique Hats (£14.99, Lark Crafts) has 25 patterns to tempt you, with a selection of berets, beanies and even a boater to boot. thegmcgroup.com
Miranda Harper founder of Zaini – a quirky Scottish crochet brand
Our project was adapted from a pattern in Twenty to Make: Crocheted Beanies (£4.99, Search Press) by Fraude Kiedaisch. You’ll find a variety of hats from berets and baker boys to slouchy beanies and more. searchpress.com
Like our Facebook page to download this pattern for free!
After teaching herself to crochet using YouTube videos following a ski injury, Miranda launched her company as she found it difficult to find comfy, colourful and stylish beanies to wear. We caught up with her to find out why she settled on crocheting luminous hats. First off, are you a maker, buyer or giver of hats?
Giver Crafters love to give as much as they love to make. And it’s always handy to create something practical – like a hat. But hold on there one minute, why not spread the ‘making’ love and gift that special someone a hat kit to create with their own fair hands?
Slouchy Rib Beret Kit, knitted in fisherman’s rib and topped off with a contrasting fur pom-pom. £36, thetoftalpacashop.co.uk
Rico Design Crochet Hat Kit is made with Wild Wild Wool. £10.80, fredaldous.co.uk
You took part in the latest series of Dragon’s Den, what was that like? It was completely terrifying but extremely good fun at the same time. Unfortunately there was no investment from any of the Dragons but it was a nice trip out.
Do you have any tips for beginner crocheters attempting their first hat? It can be very frustrating to get going but with some patience and time you will get the hang of it. There will be lots of unravelling, and practice needed, but in the end it’s worth it just to show off your make. My first hat was an awful shape and I couldn’t get it to look good for ages, but I kept at it and eventually created a perfectly formed hat.
Where does your design inspiration come from? All over, really – we normally create beanies with a two striped colourway, so whenever I see two shades that go well together I remember the combination and put it to paper. Back in 2011, I came across a flower which had orange petals and was bright blue on the inside. I designed Rhum with these in mind and it’s now a bestseller.
Buyer For those of us whose crafting list is never-ending, sometimes it just makes sense to give in and ever-sogrudgingly make a purchase. Well, you can’t win them all, and this selection is more than worthy of our hardearned cash.
I’m all three!
Purchase Zaini’s bestseller, Rhum, for a hat so bright you’ll be seen a mile off. £20.99, zaini.com
What’s your stance on pom-poms – small, regular or ridiculously big? Definitely regular-sized. Too small means that there’s no point in having them there in the first place and too big weighs your head down which can be uncomfortable. Flora crochet bobble hat, £19.95, whitestuff.com
Do you have any advice for fellow crocheters looking to start a business? Commitment, patience and determination; With all of those three things you can’t fail!
Head to zaini.com to see Miranda’s complete collection
RELAX & READ 45