Felted Patterns Gone Bad

Have you ever purchased a pattern and made it up only to find that the size, despite the gauge being correct was way off?

Now, I can correct most any pattern to make it work but the yarn I waste in the meantime frustrates me because if you knit or crochet you know yarn, especially wool yarn, is not cheap.

Here are some tips on felted patterns. I have come up with these suggestions as a general guide after much frustration.

When you buy a pattern and it calls for worsted weight yarn be very careful to look at the gauge. Even so, I suggest you knit a swatch and felt it to see if you get the correct felted gauge. Worsted weight is so general and can be anywhere from 3-5 stitches an inch...big difference in the finished product. Even if you are using the same yarn they did keep in mind that everyone felts differently depending on the techniques, machine, water temperature, etc...

Here is a pattern I used recently.

It is a beautiful hat but it was supposed to fit a 23 inch head...it is 16.5 inches on the inside! I will have to make major adjustments to this one, not so much in the length because it is not too far off but the circumference is a mile away! That kind of tells me perhaps something is amiss with the pattern but there are no corrections listed.
 
That brings me to another point. If you ever purchase a pattern, look to see if there have been corrections before you begin knitting/crocheting.
When I create a pattern I write it down as I go along. After I am finished I write up the pattern so it makes sense to the community then I make another item following the directions to make certain there are no typos. I have found errors in doing this so I am very happy I included that step.
Be careful when you are making a knit or crochet item to felt that you use the same brand/weight of yarn so they (probably) felt us evenly. Even still, you should do a small swatch to make sure. If you are using different colors you also want to do a sample first to make sure the colors will not run together. I have had very good luck with Cascade 220 & Lamb's Pride by Brown Sheep but Patton seems to bleed more and the color also fades more...for me anyway. If you are making a solid color item this does not matter. I really love the Cascade 220 yarns, they have a wonderful variety of colors and I get very consistent results. If I am making something in winter white or natural I really love the Fisherman’s by Lion Brand. If you have ever tried to felt light colors you know it can be challenging and often by the time you have the correct size there is a lot of distortion. This yarn does not distort and it felts really fast...5 minutes in the washer with hot water and Dawn. Most fibers take about 20 minutes which means setting back the agitation...you cannot felt in a front loader, you have to have an agitator.
For more information on beading, kitting or crochet see my blog at  Divella Delights

Pre Season Hat Sale

In an effort to clear out some space for new designs and colors I am having a sale on all my hats from last year. Save 30%, enjoy free shipping and get your Holiday shopping wrapped up early or just get yourself ready for the cold days ahead! I even have some summer hats left. Enjoy the rest of your summer and I will see you with some new designs and fresh colors in the same popular design soon!

Handmade Jewelry sale

Good-Bye 2009!
In just a couple of days we will have the final monthly drawing for 2009. You only need be on the e-mail list to have a chance at a very special free gift. Here are just a few of the free gifts this year and this month there is going to be something extra-special!
There are some changes in the works at Divella Delights for 2010 so stay tuned in January for some updates. I am trying to get it all together now so I can just send out one e-mail with all the new information.
Did you know that we now offer Gift Certificates at Divella Delights? Did you realize that they never expire? You can also set up a specific day to have your gift certificate sent. If your life is as busy as mine this feature can come in very handy!
There is a sale beginning NOW at Divella Delights with earrings, bracelets, necklaces and even the Crochet Hats by Jessy from 30%-50% off regular prices. Some of the designs will not be coming back so if you have seen something you like, now might be the time! We also have the new "Under $25.00" category. Come by and check that one out from time to time.
I extend my wishes for a very happy, fulfilling and joyful 2010 to all my wonderful customers…see you all next year!
Dianne
Divella Delights

Flapper Hats

Divella Delights has been very busy making new hats in a variety of styles. There are even a few new hat and scarf sets like the ones pictured here. Stop by Divella Delights and see all the new handmade hats and scarves. All orders over $20 receive a free gift and there is still time to get your name on the e-mail list for December’s free drawing.
I send out one e-mail a month to notify my customers of who won the monthly drawing (first name only) and if I am running a sale I let my customers know. You won’t get inundated with useless junk in your mailbox.
This month’s drawing is going to be something extra special so go to Divella Delights and get on the list!

Wool Flapper Hats

Wool Flapper Hats are here!
The new wool felt hats by Divella Delights are going fast. It takes 3 days to get them finished and they are selling faster than I can make them! I will have more in a couple of days so come see me at Divella Delights!
When I make my hats I use high quality fibers and fun embellishments. Most are in the style of the 1920s but I do have some more modern funky styles too as well as some good old-fashioned crochet beanies. I also have (or can make you) scarves to match. The scarves I make are 16X4 or so inches and have a 2-button closure so they don’t get al tangled up in whatever you are doing. They are especially nice for those who are involved in winter sports and they make your fun a little safer.
Special orders can be made after the Holidays to create something that is uniquely your own.
Come see the beautiful new wool flapper hats at Divella Delights!

Jewelry Hat and Bag Sale

Wow! Divella Delights is having a 3-day sale fromFriday morning until midnight (EST) Sunday.Although the crochet bracelets will remain on saleuntil they are gone, the hats will not be on saleagain this year. There are some gorgeous newstyles including the new Uptown Cloche.Crochet Bracelets 50% offCrochet and Felt Hats 15% offCrochet Hats by Jessy 20% offAnd remember shipping is free!Oh heck, let’s just start now!Ready…Set…GO!

Flapper Hat and Scarf

Sweet romance. My Flapper hat design that sold so well last year is coming back by very popular demand in both the old and new colors. Fashioned after the hats of the 1920s, these hats are crocheted with a variety of fibers (wool, lambswool, angora) and acrylic yarn to be warm, soft and stylish. The flowers and leaves are knit (and sometimes felted) and sewn on. The matching scarf has a 2-button closure and is hand knit from the same fibers.These scarves are wonderful because you do not have to worry about them coming untied, unwrapped or getting tangled up.One customer said it was the softest hat she had ever worn! Please see what my customers have to say in the feedback/guestbook section. Remember, the shipping is always free to the US and Canada.

Many more to be seen at Divella Delights

NEW Daily Specials

Divella Delights has started something new. You will notice next time you visit us that we now have a " Today’s Special" Category. Each day or two there will be a different item at a substantial savings. Once it is gone, it's gone so stop by early! I have listed the kick off item here, but won't be doing so every day.
If you have not checked out the new ornaments made by David Jacques, come check them out. They are 3 dimensional and handcrafted from beautiful hardwoods. There are more to come so stay tuned! Shipping is still free and you always receive a free gift with every purchase over $20.00

Weekend Hat Sale

Weekend Hat Sale

It is getting a little chilly here in Maine! Whenmy husband went to work it was 44º. I am going tohave a kick off sale for my hats so I have reducedthem by 20% all weekend. This includes Hats by Jessy and kids hats. Sale begins now and endsSunday at midnight. Check out the new designs at Divella Delights Congrats to TR and Arlene who were the August andSeptember monthly drawing winners!

A New Style for a New Season

A New Style for a New Season.
Last year’s Ella’s Flapper hat did very well and I will be doing those again this year. I have created a new style for this year with a bit of youthful appeal and I am calling this one the Diva Flapper. Diva is the youngest of my twin granddaughters while Ella is the oldest of the pair. This hat is made with the same wonderful fibers as the Ella Flapper (lambswool, wool, mohair, acrylic and blends) but in a slightly different style. These are not quite as thick but perfect for those who live in a more temperate climate or who tend to get hotheaded!
As with all my hats they are crocheted by hand and by me. The embellishments are either hand knit or crochet, or perhaps beaded…again by yours truly. They are made " one size fits most" but can be made larger or smaller. Last year, one hat (out of 173) came back for sizing so they truly do fit most women from teen to adult. You can see the Diva Hat and mony other hats, scarves and jewelry items at Divella Delights

Chemo Caps

I had a wonderful compliment from my sister about my hats; especially the Summer Flapper Hats. "Because they are made of soft cotton they make great Chemo Caps and are much more stylish than many others you see around."
I will be donating some to the local cancer ward here when I return from vacation. I had never thought of that I am sorry to say. I donate to children’s homes and such in the winter months but never thought of the need for something pretty and feminine during the summer months.
If you know of a cancer center that could use some, please let me know. I would be happy to donate a few. I can make children’s sizes as well.

Summer Flapper Hats

Summer Flapper Hats are here!
As promised I have come up with a couple of designs for some lovely summer hats. Both designs have an open weave to keep you cool and comfy. There are 2 different price points depending on the materials used. The higher end summer flapper hats use cotton fleece and/or mercanized cotton while the lower price point uses less expensive cotton. Both are lovely.
If you would like a special order in these, I would suggest the higher end as the color choices are much more varied. Also you may have them with or without the flower or motif. I am happy to do special orders in either.
Remember, at Divella Delights you can design your own hat and have me make it so just e-mail me at info@divelladelights.com and I will be happy to work with you to create your own Summer Flapper Hat!

Upcoming Donations and Other News

Divella Delights is very happy to have handmade hardwood clocks by David Jacques in our inventory. He takes great care in selecting his materials and in his craftsmanship. They come in full size and minis perfect for your bookcase or dresser.
We are also please to announce a line of Crochet hats by Jessy! They are lighter weight than the ones I make so are very well suited to more temperate climates or for a chilly Springtime evening.
My hats have been discovered by a gallery in Portland, Maine and they have requested my participation in their April show entitled " Wearable Art" to open April 4th. If we do well during the show we will be entering the gallery on a permanent basis. We have also been contacted by an organization in Canada for the hats.
I am planning a line of Spring Hats, a blend of cotton for those cool evenings and perhaps some light scarves as well. I am just now in the design phase so I think around the end of the month I should have something new for you.
I have some new jewelry designs on the board as well, very exciting! We did well with the local fine jewelry store this month and our tabling events.
Be sure and check in often as I do not want to inundate your e-mail with every new design.
March donations will be going to Dogs Deserve. Please visit their website at http://www.dogsdeservebetter.org/home.html and bring your tissues!
Thanks so much for your continued support!

Valentine's Day and Inverntory

Wow, it has been a long time and I have been very busy making new hats, new jewelry. Now the time is here for inventory, ugh. Not my favorite activity especially with all the gemstones, fibers, etc. Sooo I want to clear out some of my items. Go to my site, http://www.divelladelights.com/ and check out my sale. A lot of the jewelry is 30% off just in time for Valentine’s Day! And as a special incentive for you to visit me, e-mail me and tell me you found me at Blogger and I will give you an additional 10% off any one item you choose! Make sure you do that before you check out so I can adjust the price for you. Buy hand made for Valentine's Day!

Valentine's Day Hats Already?

Indeed! It will still be quite cold in February so I thought I would make up some Valentine's Day Hats. If you aren't quite sure what to get that gal of yours, this might be just the ticket. I welcome special orders so if you have a color combo you would like, let me know!

Flapper Hats with Gemstones!

For the woman who has almost everything!

Is there a woman on your shopping list who you just can't figure out? I am pretty sure she does not have one of these Flapper Hats with gemstone centers. This one has Lapis, Sky Quartz and Swarovski fine Austrian crystal. There are more to come with pearls, jade, turquoise, garnet, Sapphire, and the list goes on! These hats have been selling like crazy without the gems such as the others posted here. You can also order the scarflet to match. Come on by and check them out at http://www.divelladelights.com/ I ship every day so there is plenty of time for the Holidays. Get that hard to shop for gal on your list a Flapper Hat with gemstones!

NEW BABY AND TODDLER HATS

Brand new in time for the holidays are the new Baby Flapper hats. Designed just like the Lady's Flapper Hat, these are made with Homespun and lambswool for ultimate softness and warmth. I only have one so far but am most happy to take orders for any age infant or toddler...or for Mom for that matter. I have had wonderful feedback on these hats from customers on the construction and softness of hats which are now very much in style if sales are any indication.

Flapper Hats Make Comeback

If sales are any indication the Flapper style hats are making quite a comeback. I made a couple to give as gifts and thought I would put them on line until I had to ship them off for Christmas. What happened is that I sold 8 the first week. Needless to say I have made plenty more and they are still selling. I make the scarves also for anyone who wants them and have sold a few sets this way. The scarflet is a handy little item because you can wear them up or fold them down. They don't fall of or unwrap, they just stay put! You can see new hats and scarves nearly every day on my website at www.divelladelights.com and everything in my shop is 10% off until December 20th.

The fibers are a variety. I crochet the hats and knit the scarves with 2 strands of yarn for maximum warmth and it also gives a very nice shape. I use wool, wool blends, angora, alpaca, acrylic and novelty yarns in my creations. I have a lot of fun making them as you can probably tell. I make each one a little different depending on the fibers I use so there is no strict pattern I use, I just go where my mood takes me. It has come to be a lot more fun that way!

I have had a lot of wonderful feedback from my customers so I will keep making them as long as there seems to be interest. Then it will be back to the jewelry!

Winter Blues

Typically winter has been a time for muted tones and earthy colors taking all the color out of our world just when we need it most. Chase away the winter blues with one of the new Flapper style hats this year. Just because the trees are bare and the skies gray and heavy with snow is no reason to go colorless. Make a bold statement today with a Flapper Hat and Scarflet.
Each hat is a one of a kind piece of art. The designs for the hats are pretty much the same although I do tweak them depending on the types and weights of yarn used. The embellishments on the hats make the statement and no two are alike. For those of you who really can’t force that much color into your life, I do make the more muted earth tones. I have done several special requests as far as color goes but my style is such that I have to have artistic license with the flowers, leaves, etc… Everyone has been very pleased.
Payment is made on approval, never before so you can be sure you are getting a hat you will want to wear every day!
Stop by my website at http://www.divelladelights.com/ and check out what I have in stock. More are added nearly every day so keep checking or better yet e-mail me with your color preference or coat color!

Crocheted Hats

The Flapper hats were very popular in the 1920s when women’s style were at their peak. Feminine and sexy, sophisticated and demure all at the same time.I have tried to come up with a suitable replica in the crochet and knit mediums. The felted hats of course come the closest but I do love the open weave of the crochet variety I make. They look great with both the long and short hair styles of this anything goes style era we are in currently.This new series of hat are fashioned after the vintage Flapper Hats except that they are hand-crocheted. I use a variety of yarn fibers and I have a lot of fun with the flowers. I tried to use patterns for the flowers but always seemed to go astray so now I just start with a chain 4, join to form a ring and go off form there. I figure they must resemble something found in nature somewhere in the world J !
I hope you enjoy these as much as I enjoy making them. Stop by http://www.divelladelights.com/ and see all the new flapper hats!