Crochet

Patterns, projects and techniques

PROPERLY CONNECTED?

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We are all aware of the many published crochet artists/designers.  We buy their books and read articles about them in magazines.  We peruse their websites and buy their goods on etsy.  But, just HOW professional is professional?

I was researching some online media communications methods when I ran across this:

http://www.linkedin.com/pub/7/a0b/a9a

This crocheter truly thinks of herself as a Crochet Professional with a Capital ‘C’.  There may be a message here for the rest of us – especially those who seek to sell their designs, publish their patterns, and get themselves in the crochet spotlight.

Here’s a sample of Mr. Funky’s work:

While I like this scarf, I do not find it exceptional.  But, this artist is making a living (it appears) with crochet.  What’s the difference between Ogawa and the rest of us who love crochet?  I read often of people asking if and how one can ‘make a living’ with crochet.  Maybe we just need to get the proper connections.

Comments

  2. This crocheter truly thinks of herself as a Crochet Professional with a Capital ‘C’.

    Hey, hey! Herself or himself! Plenty of guys crochet too.

  3. While you make an interesting point regarding the importance of being connected, as well as the fact that it’s important for anyone who wants to sell their work to “just do it,”… I would hardly say that this woman is making a living, at least not on Etsy, given that she opened her store in May of 2008 and only has 8 sales listed, and absolutely zero inventory… I hardly call that a living. Linkedin is a great way to stay connected with people, but it certainly does not insure a steady stream of income! The right product, the right price, exceptional customer service as well as hard work and perseverance… that might, if you’re really good, earn you a living with your art/craft!

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.