The Go-To Pattern

Admin's Note:  For the next 4 weeks, also known as the remainder of the football season, we're going to try to have Pam work on a new hat pattern idea to share with you.  As an avid football fan, she's usually knitting or crocheting something simple to keep her hands busy, but not so difficult as to distract her from the game.

This week, I had all the best intentions to make a crochet cap that I was introduced to at Stitches East in October.  I set the pattern and the yarn aside in my office at home.  I knew I would need to wind my yarn before Sunday.  Perfect Sunday afternoon of football as well.  Chicago Bears at noon, Green Bay Packers the late afternoon game.  And if I needed more time, Saints for Sunday night.

Mid-week, we had to rush our 19-year old kitty, Nike, to the veterinarian.  Yes, that's right; 19 years old.  We've known for awhile that we were on borrowed time with our old lady.  But each time we thought she would check in that ninth life, she would rebound again, enough to make us think she might see 20.  But not this time.  While her eyes were clear and she was still fairly alert, there was something wrong with her digestion.  The doctor was hopeful.  It could be an inflammation or an infection.  Let's treat it with medication and see how she does.  If that doesn't work, then it's something more serious.  And at her nonagenarian age in people years, we weren't going to put her through extensive testing or surgery.  

The remainder of the week, my yarn sat idle while we waited to see if our senescent sweetheart would turn the corner again.  By Saturday evening, we knew she would not.  On Sunday, Nike went over to the Rainbow Bridge, and we miss her.

And so, Sunday became more about the football than the crocheting. About losing myself in the games, themselves. I probably could have wound the yarn, but trying to focus on a new pattern wasn't going to happen.  So I went to one of those "go-to patterns".  I think we all have them.  A pattern that you make repeatedly either for charity or as a gift, because you have it memorized, or it's simple.  You don't have to think about it.  It keeps your mind occupied and your hands busy.  And hopefully for a little while, you find that zen place where troubles are few and stitches are easy.

In 2009, Halos of Hope was fortunate to meet Melody from Mississippi, an active crocheter and blogger, who would kindly spread the word about our charity online through her various social media outlets.  At that time, Melody was also an active student. In early 2010, when she suspended her blog to focus on her studies; she bequeathed us her Shells and Trellis hat design.  The pattern sets up with double-crochet, and then uses a combination of v-stitches and shells to create a very feminine design.  Once you've done one, it becomes easy to do several.  We've had this hat pattern available on many of our show tables this past year, and we know it's a hit because within a few weeks after the show closes, we'll get a box full of completed Shells and Trellis' hats in all sizes and colorways.  So we know it becomes a go-to favorite for many of you as well.  

My Sunday go-to Shells and Trellis is blue, because that was my mood - sad and blue. Our girl was no longer with us.  The yarn is Berroco Vintage, worsted weight.  Done with an H hook.

If you haven't been to one of the shows where we gave this pattern away, fear not.  It's available on the Halos of Hope website. And if you're on Ravelry, check out the 50+ completed projects showing the variety in color, yarn and size.  Most crocheters choose a G or H hook, and DK or worsted weight yarn.  If you're coming to Stitches West, stop by to see us and ask to see the one done with two sock yarns held together.  Another stash-busting idea!

Crocheters, keep your fingers crossed.  I'm hoping to have that other pattern done for next week's installment!  And thanks for your patience.