The Big Knit - Mrs Flowerpot's Crochet Hat Pattern

For the past few years I've donated cute little hats for Innocent Smoothies The Big Knit  For each little hat sold they make a donation to Age UK to help

I enjoy knitting but my first love is crochet so I made up my own crochet pattern for hats and I thought I'd share it with you.

The Big Knit - Crochet Hat Pattern

(UK crochet terms)

You will need:

Double knit yarn              
4mm crochet hook
Scissors
Darning needle

Round 1:  Start with a magic loop, make 6dc into the loop.  Pull it closed and join with a slip stitch into the first dc. 

Round 2:  1ch.  Work 2dc into each dc (starting in the same dc as the slip stitch).  Join to first dc with a slip stitch.  12dc.

Round 3:  1ch.  Work 1dc into same dc as slip stitch, 2dc into next stitch,  *1dc, 2dc into next stitch.  Repeat from * to end.  Join with a slip stitch.  18dc.

Rounds 4-10:  1ch.  Work 1dc into each dc.  Join with a slip stitch.  18dc.

Fasten off.  Weave in ends.  Make a bobble to go on the top, if you like.

Variations

Stripes:

Work 4 rounds colour A.
Work 2 rounds colour B.
Work 2 rounds colour A.
Work 2 rounds colour B.

Fez:

Using red yarn work as for main pattern for first three rounds.  Round four, work 1dc into the back loop only of each dc.  Follow rest of main pattern.  This will give the hat a flat top.  Decorate top of fez with a black tassel.

That's the basics.  Use your imagination and get crocheting!

Another Perfect Angel - Out Now!

Hi!

It's been a lot of hard work, there have been tears, laughter (mostly at my stupid typos) but finally it's finished!

I'm pleased to announce that Another Perfect Another is now available to purchase from Amazon and Smashwords.  It's the sequel to my debut novel, Heaven Knows This Time, and it continues the story of Angel and Miles as they embark on their relationship together.

Nothing ever seems to go to plan in Angel's life.  She discovers that Miles has been hiding a secret from his past and she struggles with the physical and emotional challenges when she discovers she is unexpectedly pregnant with his child.

It's another emotional roller coaster of a book, with an ex trying to stir things up for them and a stranger who is trying to steal Angel's inheritance.  Is their love strong enough to carry them through?

I hope you enjoy the book and I'd really love to know what you think.  Post a message here or better still write a review.  Your comments are very much appreciated.

Cheers!

Clair

Now Available to Purchase from Amazon!

I'm very pleased to announce that Heaven Knows This Time has now been published and is available to buy from Amazon's Kindle store:

Heaven Knows This Time by Clair Louise Coult


When the shy and quiet, 15 year old Angela Blackman is sent to the head teacher's office she doesn't expect to find live in the form of the 17 year old eccentric millionaire, Simon Wetherall.  Upon discovering a shared love for the post punk band Joy Division, Simon sweeps Angela off her feet and they embark on a rather unusual affair, but the course of true love runs anything but smoothly.  Angela discovers a whole new circle of friends within the alternative music scene but she finds herself having to grow up fast to deal with the trials and tragedies that fate brings her.


Contains adult themes, strong language and scenes of a sexual nature.

It's been an exciting and nerve wracking journey to get this far and I'm very grateful for the help and support of my friends and family for encouraging me to persue my dream of publishing my own book. Special thanks to my husband Trevor for taking the time to proof read the book for me.  So if you find any typos it's his fault :P


I hope you enjoy the story.  I'd love to hear your feedback, please feel free to leave your comments or email me at clair@clairlouisecoult.com

Clair

I've written a novel!

I'm  not quite sure how it happened but I've written a novel.  I know it sounds daft to have written a whole book by accident but that is how it happened.  When my husband went away for a long weekend RC car racing in January I had an idea for a story so I started writing, and writing, and I didn't stop until I'd got about 93 thousand words!

The story is quite involved but it's basically about a 15 year old girl called Angela who meets a very rich and handsome boy, Simon, at school.  They play truant together after discovering a shared love for the band Joy Division.  Their relationship grows and they follow a Joy Division tribute band called Unknown Pleasures.  Angel, as Simon calls her falls desperately in love but their relationship is more than a little rocky as they have to deal with some very challenging obstacles.  The story deals with young love, the alternative music scene, sex, drugs, grief and suicide.

I'm in the process of editting the book with a view to publishing it for Kindle.  In the meantime I've put the first 2 chapters up on a blog if you want to have a peek.  

Heaven Knows This Time

http://heavenknowsthistime.blogspot.co.uk/2012/03/chapter-1-cassandrajades-facebook.html

I hope you enjoy it and I'd love to know what you think.  Constructive criticism is always appreciated :)

Clair

Odd Socks

Ever since I picked up Stray Sock Sewing in the local library I've been addicted to making sock creatures. It's rather theraputic making them. They don't take long to sew so it's pretty much instant gratification as far as crafting goes and it's interesting to see how each creatures character develops as I stuff, shape and sew. Here's a couple of my latest critters, a cute kitty and a rather sad looking puppy (taken with my snazzy new camera!) Are they cute or what?

Say cheese!

A couple of friends have unwittingly inspired me to take up an old hobby again. I have always loved photography but I never really had the time or money to take it any more seriously than grabbing a few snap shots on holiday. Whilst i was recovering from my hysterectomy I made the mistake of looking up digital SLRs. Big mistake! I set my heart on a Canon EOS 500D but unfortunately there was no way I could meet the £500 price tag. So just after Christmas I was browsing on eBay (as you do...) looking at second hand cameras when I found a Canon EOS 450D at a bargain price. Hardly used, complete with image stabilising lens, I had to have it! Trev and my parents said they would chip in for my birthday next month so I bought it! Yay! I ordered a funky camera bag and Trev has bought me a book so I can learn how to use it properly. I can't wait until the weather gets better and I can take it out into the countryside, well at least as far as my scooter will get me!

Say cheese!

I ♥ Japanese craft books!

I haven't blogged in ages, I've either been ill or busy, mostly ill unfortunately.

Anyway, I took delivery of some fabric today so I dug out my Japanese craft books and I decided to make one of the bags from Ecobags. I love this pattern and had to give it a go. It's a very clever idea and so simple. The bag neatly folds up into the patch on the front and fastens with a button.

I ♥ Japanese craft books!