Post by Willie Nelson.
Love Willie!
Friday, November 1, 2013
Thursday, October 31, 2013
AmiguruME PETS!
I've been BUSY. I'll go into the whos, whats and whys next time. For now, I want to tell you all some amazing, fantastic, exciting, long-awaited (for me anyway) super spectacular news!
I'm writing another book!!
Yep, I am really excited about this one. Since I started making dolls, people have asked me to make their little pet companions. I've done several, actually, but I've never published any. There are a couple of pets in AmiguruME: Make Cute Crochet People, but there's more ground to cover.
Whether you have a dog, cat, monkey, unicorn, hamster, fish, whatever, you'll need this book if you want to recreate your little pal in crochet form. There's going to be a ton of patterns in this one. A ton. Not just pets, but pet stuff and lots of examples and instructions, and photos, and animal cuteness. Can you tell I'm looking forward to it?!
Unfortunately, as is so often the case in the publishing world, its going to be over a year before it comes out. I'll share more as the time comes around. For now, here's a little taste of what you might see in AmiguruME Pets!
Thank you all for staying interested, for being crafty and COOL, and for liking my work. Seriously, could not be doing this without all of your inspiration and support.
I'm writing another book!!
Yep, I am really excited about this one. Since I started making dolls, people have asked me to make their little pet companions. I've done several, actually, but I've never published any. There are a couple of pets in AmiguruME: Make Cute Crochet People, but there's more ground to cover.
Whether you have a dog, cat, monkey, unicorn, hamster, fish, whatever, you'll need this book if you want to recreate your little pal in crochet form. There's going to be a ton of patterns in this one. A ton. Not just pets, but pet stuff and lots of examples and instructions, and photos, and animal cuteness. Can you tell I'm looking forward to it?!
Unfortunately, as is so often the case in the publishing world, its going to be over a year before it comes out. I'll share more as the time comes around. For now, here's a little taste of what you might see in AmiguruME Pets!
Thank you all for staying interested, for being crafty and COOL, and for liking my work. Seriously, could not be doing this without all of your inspiration and support.
Thursday, June 27, 2013
Space!
I was honored to be invited to be in Mike Mitchell's show at Gallery 1988 in LA, Space! All of the artists were asked to create something celebrating the art of space science and travel.
I had to make a doll, of course! Carl Sagan had a lot to do with the popularization of science. Through his many books and television appearances, Sagan taught about space and astronomy, making it accessible to the public and giving them a sense of excitement about it. I had to include his trademark turtleneck and blazer, as well as one of his more recognizable books, Cosmos. Amigurumi Sagan sold on opening night.
I also wanted to do something a little different, and I have always wanted to crochet a really detailed planet Earth, so I did the whole solar system, each framed in an 8x8 shadow box. I was so excited to find some black knit fabric with tiny silver glitter sprinkled all over. I backed each planet with this starry backdrop and crocheted each planet, then attached each to a frame. They are all stuffed and embroidered, and Saturn and Uranus each have rings. This was such a fun project, even though it took me for-ev-er. I was able to use so many kinds of yarn, and as with a lot of projects like this, I learned a lot. I'll never forget the order of the planets in size and in distance from the Sun, that's for sure. I will always recognize each planet in a lineup. Yes, poor little dwarf planet Pluto got left out, but I think he's used to that by now.
Although some of the frames don't appear square in the photo, they all are 8x8 inches. Hung together as a set, they make a really nice large format arrangement for any space lover's wall! This piece, Solar System of Yarn, is still available at Gallery 1988!
I was fortunate enough to make it to LA for the opening of the show. I really loved seeing all of the artwork in person, and meeting the creative forces behind Gallery 1988, as well as seeing Mike again. Mike Mitchell is moving to Austin, so I'm looking forward to seeing a lot of his work locally! He is really inspiring!
And here's me with my stuff (and a space-y dress from Modcloth!). Thanks Gallery 1988 and Mike! Make sure you check out the rest of the show at Gallery 1988. There's lots of originals and affordable prints still available.
I had to make a doll, of course! Carl Sagan had a lot to do with the popularization of science. Through his many books and television appearances, Sagan taught about space and astronomy, making it accessible to the public and giving them a sense of excitement about it. I had to include his trademark turtleneck and blazer, as well as one of his more recognizable books, Cosmos. Amigurumi Sagan sold on opening night.
I also wanted to do something a little different, and I have always wanted to crochet a really detailed planet Earth, so I did the whole solar system, each framed in an 8x8 shadow box. I was so excited to find some black knit fabric with tiny silver glitter sprinkled all over. I backed each planet with this starry backdrop and crocheted each planet, then attached each to a frame. They are all stuffed and embroidered, and Saturn and Uranus each have rings. This was such a fun project, even though it took me for-ev-er. I was able to use so many kinds of yarn, and as with a lot of projects like this, I learned a lot. I'll never forget the order of the planets in size and in distance from the Sun, that's for sure. I will always recognize each planet in a lineup. Yes, poor little dwarf planet Pluto got left out, but I think he's used to that by now.
 |
| Solar System of Yarn |
 |
| Mercury |
 |
| Venus |
 |
| Earth |
 |
| Mars |
 |
| Jupiter |
 |
| Saturn |
 |
| Uranus |
 |
| Neptune |
 |
| The Sun |
Although some of the frames don't appear square in the photo, they all are 8x8 inches. Hung together as a set, they make a really nice large format arrangement for any space lover's wall! This piece, Solar System of Yarn, is still available at Gallery 1988!
I was fortunate enough to make it to LA for the opening of the show. I really loved seeing all of the artwork in person, and meeting the creative forces behind Gallery 1988, as well as seeing Mike again. Mike Mitchell is moving to Austin, so I'm looking forward to seeing a lot of his work locally! He is really inspiring!
And here's me with my stuff (and a space-y dress from Modcloth!). Thanks Gallery 1988 and Mike! Make sure you check out the rest of the show at Gallery 1988. There's lots of originals and affordable prints still available.
Wednesday, June 26, 2013
Let's All Make Things
For a long time, I've held off on giving permission to use my pattern to make dolls to sell. I do this, and I figured I had time to keep doing it and get my OCD quality control needs met, making ALL the things. A lot of designers I respect did this (and still do) and I figured it was right for me too. It was. I wasn't as busy (this was pre-book, pre-Michael's designing, pre-magazine article writing) and I wanted to make every doll I got a request for.
Fast forward to now. I love love love making dolls for people, but I just don't have the time. I don't want to say no every time, and I'm just not good at saying no anyway! (I think this is a common problem, right?) So I have decided to start allowing my patterns to be used to make dolls to sell. This only applies to the free and paid-for patterns that you can buy from me, personally. I am NOT granting anyone permission to use my patterns that I've designed for yarn companies, magazines, or my book for commercial use.
I will be putting together a list of recommended sellers, so if you'd like to be put on this list, please email me at info@craftyiscool.com with pictures or links to your work (from my patterns or otherwise), and where you sell your stuff. I won't rank them or anything, but I will only list makers that I feel have the experience to make items ready to sell.
I hope you're happy with this decision! It has been on my mind for at least a year, and I have thought long and hard about it. I'm trying to keep it simple, enable myself to design MORE and remake LESS, spend more time with my family, and support other hardworking crafters!
I'll still be selling one of a kind and custom dolls from time to time, so please send me requests and I'll get back to you in a timely manner. :-)
If you have any questions about this decision or anything else about the process, please let me know. I still do not allow reselling or trading of my patterns.
Fast forward to now. I love love love making dolls for people, but I just don't have the time. I don't want to say no every time, and I'm just not good at saying no anyway! (I think this is a common problem, right?) So I have decided to start allowing my patterns to be used to make dolls to sell. This only applies to the free and paid-for patterns that you can buy from me, personally. I am NOT granting anyone permission to use my patterns that I've designed for yarn companies, magazines, or my book for commercial use.
I will be putting together a list of recommended sellers, so if you'd like to be put on this list, please email me at info@craftyiscool.com with pictures or links to your work (from my patterns or otherwise), and where you sell your stuff. I won't rank them or anything, but I will only list makers that I feel have the experience to make items ready to sell.
I hope you're happy with this decision! It has been on my mind for at least a year, and I have thought long and hard about it. I'm trying to keep it simple, enable myself to design MORE and remake LESS, spend more time with my family, and support other hardworking crafters!
I'll still be selling one of a kind and custom dolls from time to time, so please send me requests and I'll get back to you in a timely manner. :-)
If you have any questions about this decision or anything else about the process, please let me know. I still do not allow reselling or trading of my patterns.
Monday, May 13, 2013
Grace & Ritual
Over the weekend, "Grace & Ritual" opened at iam8bit in LA. You may have heard of iam8bit from their awesome video game-themed shows and their recent Nickelodeon show. They do lots of other cool stuff besides art shows too.
Grace & Ritual is an all woman show, curated by iam8bit co-founder Amanda White, featuring 47 artists in all forms of media, from painting and sculpture to photography and textiles. I decided to explore "ritual" from a religious standpoint. The image of "Our Lady of Guadalupe" has always intrigued me. It is so iconic and recognizable, and has become a part of not only Mexican culture, but pop culture too. I remember Jack Bauer on "24" had a tattoo of Our Lady when he was initiated into a Mexican gang. It has a really interesting story behind it too, not merely a painting, but a miraculous apparition that is celebrated around the world.
Seven roses surround her, crocheted from fine crochet thread. Interestingly, all of these little details have very specific meanings. A wikipedia page about Our Lady of Guadalupe tells the entire story.
I think even people who don't consider themselves religious can appreciate beautiful religious portraits and icons. I feel "Guadaloope" (see what I did there?) represents the themes of Grace & Ritual in a unique way.
"Guadaloope" sold on opening night but the show continues to run through May 26. There are some amazing pieces of art still available for purchase. Go by the iam8bit gallery if you happen to be in LA and take a look at "Guadaloope" and the other art. Tell them Allison sent you!
Grace & Ritual is an all woman show, curated by iam8bit co-founder Amanda White, featuring 47 artists in all forms of media, from painting and sculpture to photography and textiles. I decided to explore "ritual" from a religious standpoint. The image of "Our Lady of Guadalupe" has always intrigued me. It is so iconic and recognizable, and has become a part of not only Mexican culture, but pop culture too. I remember Jack Bauer on "24" had a tattoo of Our Lady when he was initiated into a Mexican gang. It has a really interesting story behind it too, not merely a painting, but a miraculous apparition that is celebrated around the world.
The pieces I make for shows are always three-dimensional but are usually meant to be displayed on a table. I wanted to try something different and have this piece hang on the wall. I acquired a large gold shadow box and a blue satin backing.
"Guadaloope" is secured inside with rays of red, orange and gold sunlight shining behind her. Her rose-colored dress is embroidered from top to bottom in gold flowers and swirls. Her turquoise veil is trimmed in gold and adorned with gold stars. She wears a black sash high upon her waist, indicative of being "with child".
A tiny smiling cherub is at her feet with real feathered wings. A dark crescent moon rests beneath her.
Seven roses surround her, crocheted from fine crochet thread. Interestingly, all of these little details have very specific meanings. A wikipedia page about Our Lady of Guadalupe tells the entire story.
I think even people who don't consider themselves religious can appreciate beautiful religious portraits and icons. I feel "Guadaloope" (see what I did there?) represents the themes of Grace & Ritual in a unique way.
"Guadaloope" sold on opening night but the show continues to run through May 26. There are some amazing pieces of art still available for purchase. Go by the iam8bit gallery if you happen to be in LA and take a look at "Guadaloope" and the other art. Tell them Allison sent you!
Thursday, May 9, 2013
I Heart Beginners
I get asked this question a lot:
I've just started crocheting. Do you think I could figure out one of your patterns?
I always answer the same way. If you know basic crochet stitches, why limit yourself to washcloths and scarves? I mean, I love making quick scarves and little washcloths as much as the next guy, but if you see something awesome, and you think, "I wish I could make that!", then just make it! Learn as you go!
When I first started crocheting I was doing it completely wrong. Self-taught, no one was there to tell me, "Hey, Allison! That looks like you're sticking the hook in the wrong row!" (I was, see bear below.) Or, "Hey, you know you're crocheting that little octopus inside out??" (I was.)
But you know, after crocheting enough inside out octopuses and figuring out where the hook was actually supposed to go, I got it! I'm not claiming to be the authority on all things crochet by any means (hairpin lace, huh??), but I feel like I've figured out my niche. I watched enough youtube videos and photo tutorials that I finally got the hang of it.
Here's a photo of the first thing I ever actually crocheted and finished. A little blue bear. I think he's pretty cute. Imperfect, but cute. See how I was, um, "unconventional" with how I made single crochets?
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| My first attempt at amigurumi |
I love that the most popular post I've ever done here is my beginner amigurumi pattern for Baby Monsters. That means lots of beginning crocheters are making some amigurumi! I get lots of questions about how to dress them up a little with feet like some of the ones in the photo. That's easy!
At the end of the last round, do not fasten off. Make 3 dc into the front loop only of the next 2 stitches, sl st into the next 4 stitches, 3 dc into the front loop only of the next 2 stitches, sl st into the next st, and fasten off. Feet!
 |
| Look! I have feet! |
If you're a beginner, these are fun to make, but you'll want to move on, right? I think my book, AmiguruME: Make Cute Crochet People, is going to be a great book for all levels. I opted to include step by step photos in the how to section. I really focused on the adjustable ring method for crocheting in the round. I want everyone to learn it! I also made sure that all of the examples in the how-to section are made on "in the round" swatches. I think it makes a difference.
You can preorder my book from Amazon or Barnes and Noble, Amazon UK, Bookworld for Australian shoppers, as well as other places. I'm really excited about it, and I hope you will love it! I cannot wait to see people start posting their projects online. I want to see them all! The possibilities are endless so there won't be any two dolls exactly alike!
If you're planning on getting my book, what doll would you make first? A celebrity? Your kids? A gift for a teacher?
Friday, March 29, 2013
Life is too short for boring hooks
A month ago I found the cutest thing. A crochet hook with a gnome on top. Yep.
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| My new crochet hook from The Lemonade Shop |
Sure, I have lots of crochet hooks. I have metal ones, wooden ones, plastic ones, ergonomic-handled ones. Some were inherited, some were gifted to me, and some I bought.
But I don't have any hooks with gnomes on top! The sweetest girl, Heather Rhoads of The Lemondade Shop, sent me a crochet hook to try out. I chose this little guy but if you prefer hedgehogs or foxes, you'll find something you like. She even has Big Bang Theory stitch markers and Star Wars hooks, among others. I love the unicorn!
 |
| Gnome hook action shot! |
If you find something you like, let me know in the comments below! Thanks Heather!
Tuesday, January 29, 2013
Doctor Who Patterns!
They're done! At long last, or so it seemed to me, I've completed the patterns for my Doctor Who collection. All together, the PDF for the complete set is almost 100 pages, so get ready! I think you'll find them easy to follow, since that's the kind of pattern I like to read myself. They are listed individually in my Ravelry shop, and are able to be INSTANTLY downloaded (love that)! If you'd rather buy them on my Etsy shop, they are there too, with a special Modern Doctor set, including the Tardis!
Monday, January 14, 2013
Free Pattern: Harry Potter Sorting Hat!
For a few years, my husband and I have been trying to get our oldest to start reading the Harry Potter series. I don't know if it was the size of the books, all the made up words, or the subject matter, but he just wasn't feeling it. He started Harry Potter and the Sorcerer's Stone a couple of times but it never caught his interest.
A couple of months ago, that all changed. We gave him the first book again, and for some reason he was hooked. He read it quickly, followed by the second, and now he's almost done with the third. Yay! I love to get him interested in a series so it keeps him reading. (Moms you know what I mean, right?!)
So for Christmas he got all of the movies on DVD. We started watching them all in order and even our littler boys loved them.
Saturday morning my youngest little boy asked if he could paint a Santa hat brown. Odd request, sure, but I've heard stranger. He explained that it was going to be a Sorting Hat from Harry Potter. *Lightbulb* I suggested that instead of making a messy crusty mess, I'd crochet him one! Luckily it only took about an hour, maybe an hour and a half, and he had his own Sorting Hat!
Now you can make one! It goes pretty quickly. The first one I made with soft chenille yarn and an N hook. It worked great except it was a little floppy. I love the texture though, and the floppiness was easily remedied by lining the brim with brown felt. I stuffed the top of the hat too, and added a felt lining to the inside (because my son kept just yanking the stuffing out and it was driving me crazy!). Next I thought I'd experiment, so I made it again with double strands of standard worsted weight yarn (I used Vanna's Choice in Chocolate). It was definitely sturdier but not as stretchy I suppose. It didn't need to be lined or stuffed. You choose which way you want to do it!
Harry Potter inspired Sorting Hat
Materials:
Brown yarn (chenille or double stranded worsted)
Size N crochet hook
Yarn needle
Brown felt (optional)
Polyester fiberfill (optional)
Needle and thread (optional)
Abbreviations:
st - stitch
sc - single crochet
hdc - half double crochet
trc - triple crochet
sc2tog - single crochet 2 stitches together
FLO - crochet into the front loops only of each stitch
Techniques:
Adjustable ring - Make a ring, insert hook into front of ring and pull up loop through to front of ring, chain one stitch, sc into ring as directed in pattern, pull tail gently to close ring
Note:
Numbers in () indicate number of stitches at the end of that round.
Pattern is worked in unjoined spirals.
Use a locking stitch marker to keep track of rounds. At the end of each round, move marker to loop on your hook.
Pattern:
Rnd 1: Starting at top of hat with N hook, make an adjustable ring, ch 1, sc 3 into ring. Pull closed (3 sts)
Rnd 2: Work 2 sc into each st (6 sts)
Rnds 3-5: Sc in each st.
Rnd 6: 2 Sc in next st, sc in each st around (7 sts)
Rnd 7: Sc in next 3 sts, 2 sc in next st, sc in next 3 sts (8 sts)
Rnd 8: *(2 Sc in next st, sc in next 3 sts), rep from * around (10 sts)
Rnd 9: *(Sc in next 2 sts, 2 sc in next st, sc in next 2 sts), rep from * around (12 sts)
Rnd 10: *(Sc in next st, 2 sc in next st), rep from * around (18 sts)
Rnds 11-12: Sc in each st.
Rnd 13: *(2 Sc in next st, sc in next 8 sts), rep from * around (20 sts)
Rnd 14: Sc in each st.
Rnd 15: *(Sc in next 4 sts, 2 sc in next st, sc in next 5 sts), rep from * around (22 sts)
Rnd 16: Sc in each st.
Rnd 17: *(2 Sc in next st, sc in next 10 sts), rep from * around (24 sts)
Rnd 18: Sc in next 8 sts, 2 trc in next 4 sts, hdc in next 4 sts, 2 trc in next 4 sts, sc in next 4 sts (32 sts)
Rnd 19: Sc in next 8 sts, sc2tog 4 times, sc in next 4 sts, sc2tog 4 times, sc in next 4 sts (24 sts)
Rnd 20: *(Sc in next 3 sts, 2 sc in next st, sc in next 4 sts), rep from * around (27 sts)
Rnd 21: *(Sc in next 8 sts, 2 sc in next st), rep from * around (30 sts)
Rnd 22: Sc in each st.
Rnd 23: Sc in next 14 sts, 2 hdc in next 10 sts, sc in next 6 sts (40 sts)
Rnd 24: Sc in next 14 sts, hdc in next 20 sts, sc in next 6 sts (40 sts)
Rnd 25: Sc in next 14 sts, sc2tog 10 times, sc in next 6 sts (30 sts)
Rnd 26: *(Sc in next 9 sts, 2 sc in next st), rep from * around (33 sts)
Rnd 27: *(Sc in next 5 sts, 2 sc in next st, sc in next 5 sts), rep from * around (36 sts)
Rnd 28: *(2 Sc in next st, sc in next 11 sts), rep from * around (39 sts)
Rnd 29: *(Sc in next 12 sts, 2 sc in next st), rep from * around (42 sts)
Rnd 30: Sc in each st.
* To make a larger hat, continue increasing by 3 sts per round until the hat reaches the size you want. Continue on as instructed below, adjusting stitch counts for each row.
Rnd 31: Working in FLO of each st, *(2 sc in next st, sc in next 6 sts), rep from * around (48)
Rnd 32: Working in both loops of each st, *(Sc in next 3 sts, 2 sc in next st, sc in next 4 sts), rep from * around (54 sts)
Rnd 33: *(Sc in next 8 sts, 2 sc in next st), rep from * around (60 sts)
Rnd 34: *(2 sc in next st, sc in next 9 sts), rep from * around (66 sts)
Rnd 35: *(Sc in next 3 sts, 2 sc in next st, sc in next 7 sts), rep from * around (72 sts)
Rnd 36: *(Sc in next 10 sts, 2 sc in next st, sc in next st), rep from * around (78 sts)
Rnd 37: *(2 sc in next st, sc in next 12 sts), rep from * around (84 sts)
Fasten off and weave in ends.
Finishing:
Thread a yarn needle with a long strand of the brown yarn you are using. Knot the end. Push the mouth made in Rnds 23-25 to the inside. Weave the yarn from the bottom of the hat, up through the mouth, securing it to the inside. Stitch both sides of the mouth the same way so that it stays to the inside of the hat, then come up between the eyes created in Rnds 18-19, and back down towards the mouth, pulling tightly so that it makes the center of the eyes tilt downward slightly for the Sorting Hat's grumpy expression. Pull the yarn tightly and knot to the inside of the hat, and weave in end.
For a stiffer brim, overlap rounded strips of brown felt over the inside of the brim and pin into place. Trim edges to line up with the crocheted edge of the brim. Use brown thread to stitch the felt into place on the edge and inner edge of the brim.
If your hat is too floppy on top, insert polyester fiberfill. Cut a circle of felt to fit inside just underneath the eyes of the hat. Stitch into place with brown thread. Make sure not to put the felt circle too low or the hat won't fit onto a head.
Now get to sorting!
A couple of months ago, that all changed. We gave him the first book again, and for some reason he was hooked. He read it quickly, followed by the second, and now he's almost done with the third. Yay! I love to get him interested in a series so it keeps him reading. (Moms you know what I mean, right?!)
So for Christmas he got all of the movies on DVD. We started watching them all in order and even our littler boys loved them.
Saturday morning my youngest little boy asked if he could paint a Santa hat brown. Odd request, sure, but I've heard stranger. He explained that it was going to be a Sorting Hat from Harry Potter. *Lightbulb* I suggested that instead of making a messy crusty mess, I'd crochet him one! Luckily it only took about an hour, maybe an hour and a half, and he had his own Sorting Hat!
Now you can make one! It goes pretty quickly. The first one I made with soft chenille yarn and an N hook. It worked great except it was a little floppy. I love the texture though, and the floppiness was easily remedied by lining the brim with brown felt. I stuffed the top of the hat too, and added a felt lining to the inside (because my son kept just yanking the stuffing out and it was driving me crazy!). Next I thought I'd experiment, so I made it again with double strands of standard worsted weight yarn (I used Vanna's Choice in Chocolate). It was definitely sturdier but not as stretchy I suppose. It didn't need to be lined or stuffed. You choose which way you want to do it!
Harry Potter inspired Sorting Hat
Materials:
Brown yarn (chenille or double stranded worsted)
Size N crochet hook
Yarn needle
Brown felt (optional)
Polyester fiberfill (optional)
Needle and thread (optional)
Abbreviations:
st - stitch
sc - single crochet
hdc - half double crochet
trc - triple crochet
sc2tog - single crochet 2 stitches together
FLO - crochet into the front loops only of each stitch
Techniques:
Adjustable ring - Make a ring, insert hook into front of ring and pull up loop through to front of ring, chain one stitch, sc into ring as directed in pattern, pull tail gently to close ring
Note:
Numbers in () indicate number of stitches at the end of that round.
Pattern is worked in unjoined spirals.
Use a locking stitch marker to keep track of rounds. At the end of each round, move marker to loop on your hook.
Pattern:
Rnd 1: Starting at top of hat with N hook, make an adjustable ring, ch 1, sc 3 into ring. Pull closed (3 sts)
Rnd 2: Work 2 sc into each st (6 sts)
Rnds 3-5: Sc in each st.
Rnd 6: 2 Sc in next st, sc in each st around (7 sts)
Rnd 7: Sc in next 3 sts, 2 sc in next st, sc in next 3 sts (8 sts)
Rnd 8: *(2 Sc in next st, sc in next 3 sts), rep from * around (10 sts)
Rnd 9: *(Sc in next 2 sts, 2 sc in next st, sc in next 2 sts), rep from * around (12 sts)
Rnd 10: *(Sc in next st, 2 sc in next st), rep from * around (18 sts)
Rnds 11-12: Sc in each st.
Rnd 13: *(2 Sc in next st, sc in next 8 sts), rep from * around (20 sts)
Rnd 14: Sc in each st.
Rnd 15: *(Sc in next 4 sts, 2 sc in next st, sc in next 5 sts), rep from * around (22 sts)
Rnd 16: Sc in each st.
Rnd 17: *(2 Sc in next st, sc in next 10 sts), rep from * around (24 sts)
Rnd 18: Sc in next 8 sts, 2 trc in next 4 sts, hdc in next 4 sts, 2 trc in next 4 sts, sc in next 4 sts (32 sts)
Rnd 19: Sc in next 8 sts, sc2tog 4 times, sc in next 4 sts, sc2tog 4 times, sc in next 4 sts (24 sts)
Rnd 20: *(Sc in next 3 sts, 2 sc in next st, sc in next 4 sts), rep from * around (27 sts)
Rnd 21: *(Sc in next 8 sts, 2 sc in next st), rep from * around (30 sts)
Rnd 22: Sc in each st.
Rnd 23: Sc in next 14 sts, 2 hdc in next 10 sts, sc in next 6 sts (40 sts)
Rnd 24: Sc in next 14 sts, hdc in next 20 sts, sc in next 6 sts (40 sts)
Rnd 25: Sc in next 14 sts, sc2tog 10 times, sc in next 6 sts (30 sts)
Rnd 26: *(Sc in next 9 sts, 2 sc in next st), rep from * around (33 sts)
Rnd 27: *(Sc in next 5 sts, 2 sc in next st, sc in next 5 sts), rep from * around (36 sts)
Rnd 28: *(2 Sc in next st, sc in next 11 sts), rep from * around (39 sts)
Rnd 29: *(Sc in next 12 sts, 2 sc in next st), rep from * around (42 sts)
Rnd 30: Sc in each st.
* To make a larger hat, continue increasing by 3 sts per round until the hat reaches the size you want. Continue on as instructed below, adjusting stitch counts for each row.
Rnd 31: Working in FLO of each st, *(2 sc in next st, sc in next 6 sts), rep from * around (48)
Rnd 32: Working in both loops of each st, *(Sc in next 3 sts, 2 sc in next st, sc in next 4 sts), rep from * around (54 sts)
Rnd 33: *(Sc in next 8 sts, 2 sc in next st), rep from * around (60 sts)
Rnd 34: *(2 sc in next st, sc in next 9 sts), rep from * around (66 sts)
Rnd 35: *(Sc in next 3 sts, 2 sc in next st, sc in next 7 sts), rep from * around (72 sts)
Rnd 36: *(Sc in next 10 sts, 2 sc in next st, sc in next st), rep from * around (78 sts)
Rnd 37: *(2 sc in next st, sc in next 12 sts), rep from * around (84 sts)
Fasten off and weave in ends.
Finishing:
Thread a yarn needle with a long strand of the brown yarn you are using. Knot the end. Push the mouth made in Rnds 23-25 to the inside. Weave the yarn from the bottom of the hat, up through the mouth, securing it to the inside. Stitch both sides of the mouth the same way so that it stays to the inside of the hat, then come up between the eyes created in Rnds 18-19, and back down towards the mouth, pulling tightly so that it makes the center of the eyes tilt downward slightly for the Sorting Hat's grumpy expression. Pull the yarn tightly and knot to the inside of the hat, and weave in end.
For a stiffer brim, overlap rounded strips of brown felt over the inside of the brim and pin into place. Trim edges to line up with the crocheted edge of the brim. Use brown thread to stitch the felt into place on the edge and inner edge of the brim.
If your hat is too floppy on top, insert polyester fiberfill. Cut a circle of felt to fit inside just underneath the eyes of the hat. Stitch into place with brown thread. Make sure not to put the felt circle too low or the hat won't fit onto a head.
Now get to sorting!
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