Finished Friday: Slouchy Beanie Struggles
I have been on the lookout for a black beanie for YEARS. I got one once from Forever 21 for $3, and I never wore it. It was too small to fit over my lion's mane, but it was too much effort to return it. So there it sat in my closet, haunting me, reminding me that I was too stubborn to make something for myself. I finally found the perfect pattern for EXACTLY the type of beanie I was looking for and I pinned it to my Pinterest board OCD (Obsessive Crocheting Disorder). That was a year ago. This week I mustered up the courage and made it in a couple hours. A COUPLE HOURS. Why did I wait so long?!
The yarn I used was Impeccable by Loops & Threads in Black. It is pretty soft and durable for an acrylic yarn. I used less than 1 skein.
When I finished I tried it on and realized that it was kind of stiff! It didn't lay as pretty as the photo! Her original is on the left, and the one I made is on the right below. <insert steam from nose emoji here>
All that fuss of steam and anger gave me an idea.. I decided to steam block it! Steam blocking softens acrylic fibers permanently, and they are more flexible and drapey when done. I use that process on some of my crop tops as well. Can you see the difference?
I'm satisfied with the design and it will be a staple accessory for me this fall and winter. The pattern was written by Acquanetta Ferguson and can be found here. She has a lot of other cute patterns for beanies and other accessories on Ravelry.com that are simple and easy to read. Challenge yourself and make one! I think I did pretty well if you ask me.
Next on my list of beanie patterns to tackle is the Chunky Ribbed Slouch Hat.
Alexis (via her Persia Lou blog) makes it look so easy! Her pattern looks super fun and I always thought beanies were made in the round. Even for an intermediate, experienced crocheter, I am still learning things day by day and am always looking forward to advancing my skills! Well anyways, this next beanie is going to be a gift *SPOILER ALERT* ... was I supposed to say that first? Find out who the lucky receiver of this beanie will be on one of my future posts after Christmas :)