I visited the Museum of Salvatore Ferragamo (1898-1960) while in Florence. There I saw a magnificent display of shoes crafted with architectural and engineering perfection and artistic ingenuity. During his lifetime (1898-1960), Ferragamo used all sorts of materials, such as hemp, straw, animal skin and cellophane, to substitute for leather. He invented the “invisible” sandal …
Category Archives: Uncategorized
V is for V-stitches, Visor and In Vogue
My sister wanted something a little different from the hats she already owns. She liked the V-stitch as seen in the Vee Beanie pattern by Simply Made by Erin. Rather than a conventional band, she requested a visor and strap with button adornments for flair. We selected a felted tweed aran with merino wool and …
Hats and Scarves
Several customers and followers of this blog suggested that I make hat and scarf sets. I had acquired some beautiful oversized skeins of two Noro yarns. Perfect for projects that require more yarn. To the maker, that means less joining of yarn ends! “Noro Uchiwa” blends colours and makes up soft and tweed-like. It has …
Single-Ply Merino (Version 2)
Plying is the process of twisting two or more strands together to make one strand of yarn. When multiple strands are twisted together, they are stronger than “single-ply” yarns. A single-ply yarn is a single strand that isn’t plied with another and spinning the yarn gives it its twist. Since single-ply yarn isn’t as strong, …
Technical Difficulties
It has come to my attention that some images are not displaying with recent blog posts. I am looking into correcting this. My apologies, Hats by Tracy J
Single-Ply Merino
Plying is the process of twisting two or more strands together to make one strand of yarn. When multiple strands are twisted together, they are stronger than “single-ply” yarns. A single-ply yarn is a single strand that isn’t plied with another and spinning the yarn gives it its twist. Since single-ply yarn isn’t as strong, …
“Supersized” Yarns
I crocheted a blanket using a very thick, cozy yarn of acrylic and wool. This choice of yarn was intended to give the blanket the feel and warmth of wool, but also to be easy care—machine washable and dryer friendly. A couple of leftover balls got me working and playing again with supersized yarns. Bulky …
Hats Off to You
My 2024 holiday craft market season culminated at the Dunbar Community Centre in Vancouver. It was well attended and the shoppers were the discerning kind who appreciated handmade goods. Along with them, I admired the imagination, creativity and diversity of the other artisans present. I want to take this opportunity to thank a few exceptional …
Coordinating Hats
Two people wearing similar hats draw attention. They could be a dazzling mother and daughter, a fun father and son, romantic partners, close sisters or BFFs. I think it’s a bit too cutesy when the hats are identical or matchy-matchy. Coordinating hats is another story. The hat wearers can express their individuality and personality while …
Face Shapes and Hat Styles
There are many face shapes – oval, round, diamond, square, long and heart. You might have characteristics that are a combination of these. Categorizing the shape of a face is not an exact science, though attempts have been made by comparing measurements of facial length, forehead, cheekbones, and jaw. The shape of your face influences …
Hats by Tracy J 