Slouchy green beret

My green beret from the Simply Crochet pattern is finished - I actually finished it off last weekend, but it's taken me a while to take a few pictures - they're certainly not the most professional (taken on my phone, I'm afraid), but you get the idea.

I really like the colours in it, and the spiral pattern adds a bit more interest as well. Perfect for my new obsession with green...!

As with every new project, there were plenty of challenges.  As well as the front post double crochet stitch, which took a while to get my head around, I found the beret came out a little wider than expected.  I think I need to start measuring my gauge - I tend to be one of the people who wants instant gratification with my projects and doesn't want to faff about with measuring etc, but once I start making sweaters (I got a book in America, so that's my ultimate plan!), I know they're going to require a lot more accuracy.  This beret isn't too loose to wear though - and I may get some elastic to thread through the brim, just to tighten it up a little.

I'm looking forward to wearing it out and about now that the winter is coming in!

Crochet magazines!

When I was at the show a few weeks ago, there was a stand which was offering subscriptions to various craft magazines - three months for £1!  My plan had been to get a subscription for Christmas, but I swiftly abandoned that (£1 isn't really enough for my hubby to spend on my Christmas present!), and signed up for Simply Crochet.  I had already got issue ten, so I'm looking forward to having lots of crochet patterns and the guidance in the magazine to give them a go.

There are 33 patterns in this issue, lots of which I really fancy having a go at.  There's even some crochet jewellery, which looks brilliant!

My first project has been a slouchy beret - as if I haven't already got enough berets!  This one involved more new stitches (and also learning the UK stitches, after initially realising I was learning the US stitches).  My latest new stitch is the front-post double crochet.  It makes a beautiful raised pattern on the surface of the beret, and adds a little bit of interest to it.  I used some gorgeous green double knitting Woodlander wool that I got at the show too.

I'm almost there, but here's a quick preview in the meantime...

Front-post double crochet stitches