Crochet

Patterns, projects and techniques

Color Me Curious

by

color grid color tool

Color Grid from kangaroodyer.com

I read about this tool in the Summer 2013 issue of Crochet! magazine and can’t wait to get my hands on one.  I am not great with color.  I know what I like but that’s about as far as it goes.  I usually make the safest color choices since I’m not adept at complements and contrasts.  This tool promises to take the mystery out of color selection.  Finally!  Apparently, you choose a base color (main color in crochet) and place the template over that color.  Then colors that work with that main color will be identified – from colors that are very close to the base color on the color wheel to those that will stand out and add that little extra something to make your colors pop.  That’s what I need!

The tool is small enough to carry in your purse so you can tote it to the store when you are yarn shopping.  It’s inexpensive enough (about $10 with shipping) that it would make a nice stocking stuffer (okay, I know it’s not near Christmas) or gift – or to pick u[ for yourself.  It is, after all, exactly a tool of our trade.  I think I might wonder how I ever got along with this thing!

SEVERAL PEOPLE HAVE EMAILED ME PERSONALLY ASKING HOW TO OBTAIN THE COLOR GRID.  I was remiss in not adding a link to the site because I assumed that the tool would be widely available in big box stores.  Wrong!  So far, it seems the stores have been slow to order this very useful tool.  So, please ask your retailer to stock these for you.  In the meantime, you can mail order yours from Gail Callahan herself here.  She is easy to deal with and ships very quickly!

UPDATE:  I received my Color Grid in the mail today and just had a chance to play with it.  It’s genius!!  It totally takes the guesswork out of color selection.  The tool is very easy to use and will be a permanent fixture in my crochet bag.  I won’t be making iffy color choices any more!

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Comments

  3. I won one online last year. I guess I’m not the target audience for it, because I haven’t been using it at all.

  4. Ambar,
    Good observations, but this is better than a color wheel for me. The grid shows 8 colors surrounding your favorite or base color that are gradients of the color (not sure of the proper term so I’ll use ‘gradients’). Then, in the bar across the bottom of the grid, you see FIVE colors that would function nicely as contrasts or to make your original 8 colors ‘pop’. Those colors are on a color wheel, but I like the way Gail presents the color options. Works well for someone like me.
    jd

  5. Where can we get these tools?? I would love to try one. I am terrible with colour co-ordinating!!!!

  6. Thanks for asking – and reminding me to add a link to purchase the tool. It’s in the article now. So, please take another look.
    jd

Have you read?

Pattern Review: Georgie Granny Square Bucket Hat Crochet Pattern

The Georgie Granny Square Bucket Hat Crochet Pattern is one of those fun wearable crochet projects that has just the right mix of retro charm and modern festival style. If you have been seeing granny square bucket hats popping up everywhere and thinking, “I could make that,” this pattern is a lovely place to start.

This crochet bucket hat is worked in the round using granny-style clusters, giving it that familiar textured look without requiring you to join lots of separate squares. That is a definite win if, like me, you enjoy the look of granny motifs but don’t always feel emotionally prepared for a mountain of seams and ends.

The pattern uses worsted weight #4 yarn, with cotton or a cotton blend recommended, which makes sense for a summer hat. Cotton gives the hat a bit more structure and keeps it feeling breathable rather than floppy and sweaty. You’ll need around 80g of yarn, a 5.5mm crochet hook, scissors, and a yarn needle. The finished hat is designed to fit a head circumference of approximately 51–55cm / 20.1–21.7 inches, which puts it in the adult small/medium range.

What I like about this pattern is that it includes practical fit notes rather than pretending every head and every crocheter’s tension is magically the same. The granny mesh has stretch, and the pattern suggests trying the crown on after Round 5 before continuing with the body section. That is such a useful little check-in point, especially with hats, because nobody wants to finish the whole thing only to discover it either perches on top like a teacup or slides down over your eyes like a lampshade.

The instructions are written in US crochet terms and include a clear stitch key covering chains, clusters, double crochet, repeats, slip stitches, and spaces. The pattern also explains how the rounds are closed, how the beginning chain functions, and how to count the clusters at the end of each round, which is helpful for keeping the shape on track.

The construction is straightforward: you begin at the crown, continue down into the sides, and then work the brim. The brim shaping comes from an increase round that helps kick the edge outward into that classic bucket hat shape. Rounds 15–17 then hold steady to smooth out the brim edge, giving the hat a neat finish without making the shaping feel overly complicated.

I would call this an easy to confident beginner crochet pattern rather than a very first crochet project. You’ll want to be comfortable working in the round, counting repeats, and making double crochet clusters. Once the rhythm clicks, though, it becomes a relaxing, repeat-friendly project — the sort of crochet you can work on while half-watching TV, provided you don’t lose count during the increase rounds. Ask me how I know.

This pattern also has great colour-play potential. The yellow version feels sunny and wearable, the scrap yarn version has brilliant festival energy, and a red-and-green version would make a surprisingly cute Christmas market hat. It would also be a good stash-busting crochet project if you have leftover cotton yarns hanging around from dishcloths, bags, or summer tops.

Overall, the Georgie Granny Square Bucket Hat is a cheerful, wearable crochet pattern with strong Etsy appeal. It hits that sweet spot between nostalgic granny square style and modern handmade fashion, making it a great pattern for festival outfits, summer wardrobes, handmade gifts, and market sellers looking for a trendy crochet accessory.

Best for: confident beginners, granny stitch lovers, summer crochet projects, festival fashion, scrap yarn makes, and crocheters who want a wearable project that feels fun rather than fussy.