Elephants, Kippot and Colors

Today's Tip: A newborn baby's head is about the size of your fist. So, if you're making a hat for a newborn try it on your fist! The baby will outgrow the hat quickly, but it is a hat they can wear right after they are born. It would make a great baby shower present. Also, there are many dolls with a head the same size as a newborn.

This is Bella. My 16yo daughter made her for me! She usually sits on my bookshelf, right across from where I frequently sit knitting and crocheting, and watching TV. That way I can see her when I look up from what I'm doing.

These are two kippot I recently made. I put them on bowls to spray starch them. It helps them hold their shape, but they are not too stiff and crunchy. I plan to put one for sale on my Etsy Site, and bring one to a local store on consignment. I have some others that need to be sprayed.

On Sunday, I did some field market research. I found myself spending time at a mall in New Hampshire, while my daughter was at a rehearsal. As I was sitting there crocheting I started people watching. It occurred to me to make a note of what colors people were wearing. I also took a walk and checked out what colors were being sold for fall wear.

I saw a lot of black and white on all ages. Young girls seem to always like pink and purple. I also saw a lot of muted colors - greens, orange, blues, etc. And some boys had red on. I have since learned that there are some websites that have previews of the colors for upcoming seasons. One Useful site is fashiontrendsetter. Pantone is another useful site to see what colors are currently in style

I did realize that rather than matching these colors, scarves and hats should be designed to complement and contrast to these colors. A bright scarf might be just the thing to spice up a black and white outfit. But I'm glad I took a look to see what's in style.

Kippot Made With Very Special Crochet Cot

Today's Tip: Some crochet patterns have you place a marker and then move it several times. This is especially true for motifs that start in the center, such as granny squares and doilies. I have found that it is easy to use a bobby pin, paper clip, or safety pin. They are inexpensive, I can usually find one ;), they are easy to move, and I'm not upset if I lose one! If you want something nicer for yourself or for a gift, there are artists at Etsy who make them. I found them with a search for "crochet, marker, not knit". You can also find lots of lovely stitch markers for knitting. Markers for knitting generally slip on the needle and get passed between needles as you work. Crochet markers need to be hooked onto the piece you are making and moved with each row or round.

I recently received some lovely crochet thread from Snappish on Etsy. Check out her shop at http://www.Snappish.etsy.com

It is hand-dyed #10 crochet cotton, also referred to as bedspread cotton.

These are the 3 skeins that I received. The pink and purple is "Pizzaz" colorway, the blue and white is "Flax" colorway, and the blue and pink skein is the "Alyssa" colorway. I couldn't resist getting that one (even though it is spelled wrong!). Each skein has 300 yards - enough to make several small projects.

The first thing I made was a kippah (yarmulke) from Pizzaz:

Even though it still needs to be blocked/shaped, you can see how lovely it is. There is plenty of thread left. I am making some bun covers for dancers, and more kippot, including some with more openwork.

I love making kippot, especially for women. Some are completely designed by me, and others start with a pattern for a doily or another crochet motif . I have also made some large ones that are appropriate for men which will be posted my store shortly.

I welcome custom orders! Kippot can be made in many colors, sizes, and patterns. It is fun to have to match different outfits. They make great presents, especially for a Bar or Bat Mitzvah ceremony. Wouldn't it be lovely to have matching kippot for everyone in a wedding party, or in the family of someone celbrating a Bar or Bat Mitzvah? Kippot can be made to match the color scheme chosen for the event. Feel free to contact me for information or to order your own one-of-a-kind kippah.