Louis Vuitton got it right this season with a generously warm and stylish beret - I love hats because I get such cold ears, so I'm hoping to get this made before it gets much colder. As you can see this lovely one is made in felt but I reckon a nice double knit in one of the new shades (deep berry purple!!! Mmmmm) should look divine. If you do go for a DK then use a 4mm hook. This should give should give the right amount of drape without getting too floppy than sloppy!
This pattern is taken from a wonderfully titled publication of 1947, 'Woman's Day Crochet Annual'.
Starting at centre of crown, ch 3. Join with sl st to form ring.
1st rnd: 9 htr in ring. Place a marker to indicat beginning of rnds. When working the rest of this beret, care must be taken to pick up the 2nd loop on back so that the 2 remaining loops of each hrt will appear like one continuous chain.
2nd rnd: Picking up the 2nd back loop of each htr, make 2 htr (an increase) in each htr around (18 htr).
3rd rnd: *htr in 2nd back loop of next htr, 2 htr in next loop. Repeat from * around,.
4th rnd: * Htr in next 2 htr, 2 htr in next htr. Repeat from * around.
Continue in this manner, increasing 1 htr in each 2 htr group, until 24 rnds have been completed.
UNDERSIDE OF BERET: Now dec 1 htr - to dec 1 htr, work 2 htr as 1 htr - over each increase (9sts decreased on rnd). Repeat the last rnd 14 more times, having the decreases fall over each other on each rnd.
Next rnd: dc in each htr around.
Following rnd: dc in each dc around. Repeat the last rnd 5 more times. Break off at end of last rnd.
Good luck if you do decide to try your crochet hands at this. Let me know how you get on!!!!
I had a lovely afternoon at Loop on Sunday (that's buying yarns!) at the book launch of Susan's beautiful new books, Pretty Knits and Vintage Crochet. Of course, Vintage Crochet is my personal fave and there are tons of 'must do' patterns including 7 of my own!!! I know you'll be dying to try the gorgeous things featured and I'd love to hear of your results so don't forget to post pictures or comments. Take a look - it's available in the shops and on Amazon so there's nothing stopping you!!!
