I had several balls of different coloured merino wool in my stash. It was straight forward for me to crochet a child’s hat in periwinkle and an adult version in grey. I liked how the pattern of crosses separated by a row of single crochet stitches was defined in the mono-coloured merino. I was up …
Author Archives: tracyj
Craftivism
Craftivism was coined by Betty Greer in 2003 as a word to represent a place where craft meets social activism. The mindfulness and time required to knit, crochet, embroider or quilt a piece reflect the need to think deeply and thoughtfully about social injustices. Craftivism is a visual form of non-confrontational protest that aims to …
Introducing “Knitting by Coco”
Coco’s story in her own words: When I was 19, I learned how to knit wool pants to show my boyfriend how much I cared about him. That’s when I started knitting. After I finished one pair of pants, I just couldn’t stop knitting another and then another one. In the end, I amazingly realized …
Welcome to 2026
Whether it’s a casual coffee date or dining out, the new year provides opportunities to wear a warm hat. I took a break over the holidays, but now I’m recharged and inspired to learn more and create hats with a fresh outlook. Lucky me, I received a ball of cornflower alpaca wool from a friend. …
Happy Holidays!
Q: Why did the egg wear such a fancy hat? A: She was going to an Eggstravagansa and wanted to look eggsquisite. May your holidays be full of warmth and cheer!
At the Craft Market
Coco and I have met so many people at holiday craft markets. We love the moments when we fit someone with a hat that suits them so perfectly that it feels like it was made for them. We enjoy meeting not only new people, but also the loyal customers who return year after year to …
Alike Yet Different
After crocheting many, many hats, I have become adept at changing the size, look and feel of a hat made from the same basic pattern. When I find a style that I like, I think about variations along a similar theme. For instance, to make a child’s or baby’s version, I experiment by adjusting the …
Holiday Craft Markets
“Hats by Tracy J” will be participating in a number of craft markets this holiday season. Please come by and see what I have been crocheting and sewing, from the classic to the contemporary. I would be delighted to help you pick something to top off your personal style. Holiday Markets Made in the 604 …
Hats with Pompoms
Pompoms today make a fashion statement, but they have a long history of being more than decorative. Over the centuries, they have been used to distinguish regiment, rank, and role in military, naval and clerical settings. French sailors added them to their hats to prevent them from knocking their heads on low ceilings in rough …
Fall Denim and Corduroy
Blue jeans are staples of most fall wardrobes, but cords might be another of your go-to choices. Denim and corduroy are also great fabrics for hats. Both are durable and primarily made from cotton, but differ in their look and hand feel. The manufacturing processes of denim and corduroy gives each its classic look. The …
Hats by Tracy J 