EyeLoveKnots

  • Home
  • Crochet
    • Free Crochet Patterns
    • Crochet Pattern Reviews
    • Crochet 101
  • Knitting
  • Crafting
    • Plastic Canvas DIYs
    • Jewelry DIYs
    • Sewing
    • Cross Stitching
    • Upcycling
    • Other DIYs
  • Seasonal DIYs
    • 4th of July DIYs
    • Back to School DIYs
    • Christmas DIYs
    • Easter DIYs
    • Fall DIYs
    • Halloween DIYs
    • Spring DIYs
    • St. Patrick’s Day DIYs
    • Summer DIYs
    • Thanksgiving DIYs
  • Holidays/Seasonal
    • Valentine’s Day
    • St. Patrick’s Day
    • Spring
    • Easter
    • Summer
    • 4th of July
    • Fall
    • Halloween
    • Thanksgiving
    • Christmas
    • Winter
  • Home DIY & Decor
    • In the Bathroom
    • In the Bedroom
    • In the Dining Room
    • In the Kitchen
    • In the Living Room
    • Kids Room
  • Fashion
    • Nail Art
  • Recipes
  • Living the Dream
  • Fun Finds Around the Web
  • Linking Up To…
  • Latest News & Links
  • Privacy and Sharing Policies
  • About Our GREAT Team!
  • Latest News & Links

Parisenne Beret – Crochet Pattern Review – Happy Yarn Mail

March 31, 2018

This post contains affiliate links for LoveCrochet. If you make a purchase by clicking on them, I make a small commission at no extra cost to you. Thanks for your support!

10/28/18 UPDATE: Originally, this was an exclusive design for Happy Yarn Mail – a monthly crochet kit subscription that ended mid-2018. After Happy Yarn Mail ended, designer Ashleigh of Sewrella published the pattern for free on her blog.

This week, I received my first package from Happy Yarn Mail! I have been feeling quite a bit uninspired and unmotivated lately, so this package couldn’t have come at a better time. I was so excited to see what was in my package, I couldn’t even wait to get home to open. I got back into my car from the post office, and opened it right then, and there.

Everything was package up so nice! I found two skeins of yarn – the Touch of Alpaca Yarn, and some DIYarn, a button that says, “You’re Cute as a Button”, a Yarn Party sticker, and the pattern printed on some glossy paper, folded like a pamphlet, and covered in a pretty floral print all wrapped up in a bright pink tissue paper. This definitely brought me lots of happiness and excitement. I came home and got right to work.

Materials I Used:

  • Less than one skein of Lion Brand’s Touch of Alpaca Yarn in the Purple Aster colorway
  • K10.5/6.5mm Crochet Hook (larger than recommended)
  • Tapestry Needle for Weaving in Ends
  • Parisienne Beret, Free Crochet Pattern from Sewrella

Materials Notes:

Yarn Alternatives: Lion Brand’s Vanna’s Choice, Lion Brand’s Wool Ease.

Yarn Review:

This was my first time using Touch of Alpaca Yarn. I have used alpaca yarn before, and sometimes, it can be itchy, but this one was soooooo soft, and a bit squishy. This yarn looks like and feels like Lion Brand’s Vanna’s Choice Yarn, which if you’ve ever worked with it, is soft and squishy, and kind of feels like wool. I worked with Vanna’s Choice quite a few times in the past. The last time I used it, I washed a pair of slippers that I was so happy with, and they came out so fuzzy. I was so disappointed, and tossed the slippers after. My fear is that this yarn may do the same thing. I haven’t tried washing my hat to test yet, but keep this in mind if you do wash a project, and please drop me a line with your finds if you do. 

I will say, I had to rip back my work in the body because I worked single crochets first before realizing it was supposed to be half double crochets, and in the first round to get even stitches, and with my ripping back and reworking, the yarn held up great. I attribute this to the acrylic. This yarn is comprised of 90% acrylic, and 10% alpaca, which means this yarn will have a good bounce back and stretch from both of these fibers, but it will also be more durable because of the acrylic, and feel better against the skin because of the alpaca, as long as the wearer isn’t allergic.

Overall, it was a really nice yarn to work with. I have plenty left over to work up some swatches to test out in the wash for fuzz and shrinkage, and if all goes well, then I can’t wait to use this yarn so more! It would be perfect for a scarf, cowl, coat, mittens or simply another hat.

Time Spent:

Without adding the heart, I was able to work up my beret in just over two hours.

Measurements:

This beret is designed to fit the average teen/woman.

My Gauge:

12 HDC = 3 7/8″ Wide (or 2 HDC = 5/8″), 10 Rows = 4 3/16″ Tall

Pattern Notes:

     First things, first. The pattern gauge is 3 half double crochets by 2 rows equals 1″. As you can tell by my gauge above, mine is smaller than the patterns. Originally, the pattern suggests to use a J10/6mm crochet hook, but I did not meet gauge with a J hook. I tried the K hook next, and even tried an L11/8mm hook. Why I went with 12 half double crochets as my gauge base? I had to find a common multiple so that I could compare my gauge with that of the patterns. The width is very close, and that’s why I picked the K hook. It’s much easier to adjust the height, than the width.

To help with the gauge being a little off, I added one chain to the foundation chain of the band. At the end of the band, mine measured 17.5″. Given that ribbing usually stretches about 4″, I added two more rows to give me 18″ long, to fit my 21.5″ head. My band came out perfect, with room.

To work evenly into the band, if the rows are worked as written (66 rows), work single crochet into the first stitch, single crochet into the next stitch, skip the next stitch, and repeat the pattern around. In my case, I worked a single crochet decrease first, then continued in pattern until about half way, worked another decrease, and then finished in pattern. I also worked the next round with one single half double crochet in the first, and last stitches to be on track with the 90 stitches.

Going back to my gauge, my height was 4 3/16 after 10 rows, when it should have been 5″. With a little math, I found that I would have needed to add two more rows to be closer to the 5″ mark, so I added two rows to the body of my hat to better reach the height.

I also added another round after Round 17 of the crown, but of half double crochet all the way around, then I continued in pattern.

To close up the hat, you will weave your needle in and out of the last round, then pull tight, and weave in your end on the wrong side of the hat.

To add the stem, I first laid my beret flat, and positioned it so the back (joined part of the band) was on the top, then I placed the stem with the curved part towards the top, and point towards the bottom, with the base at an angle – about 10am and 4pm, if you know what I mean. I looked at the picture for some guidance, but it was a little hard to tell. You could position it any way you think is best. 
After the position was to my liking, I used my crochet hook to pull the ends down through the center round, tied the two ends in a square knot on the wrong side of the beret, then weaved in my ends.

Besides my trouble meeting gauge, this hat pattern was very straight forward, and easy to follow. There aren’t any how to photos, but there is a video available if extra help is needed working up the beret.

I love that I was able to try a different yarn, one that I probably wouldn’t have otherwise purchased. Even if I had tried this beret, I probably would have just used some of Hobby Lobby’s I Love This Yarn out of my stash, so this was great.

This beret is so cute, and sweet. I love how it puckers from the decreases, and the fun little stem on top. This beret fits so wonderfully, and feels great against the skin. It would be an excellent gift, or make for yourself. It could easily be worked with, or without the cross stitch heart, depending on the look you are going for. I opted not to add the cross stitch heart to my beret only because I wanted to gift the beret, and I don’t know how the heart would have gone over, but I knew the color was perfect!

If you do add the heart to yours, you may also like to work up a pair of my Cross Stitch Heart Earrings to match.

Join the EyeLoveKnots Crafting Community on Facebook to share your creations, and see what others are up to!

Linked Up To…

Weekend Wear Linkup – Mom with Style 
Turning Heads Linkup – Elegantly Dressed and Stylish 
The Style File – Lady in Violet
Inspiration Monday – Scattered Thoughts of a Crafty Mom 
Made by you Monday – Skip to my Lou 
Tutorials & Tips Link Party {347} – Home Stories A to Z 
Creative Mondays Link Up – Claire Justine 
Handmade Monday #70 – Sum of their Stories 
Merry Monday Link Party #199 – A Wonderful Thought 
The Scoop Link Party #321 – Worthing Court 
Dagmar’s Home Link Party #208 – Dagmar’s Home 
You’re the Star Linky Party Week 80 – Let it Shine 
The Really Crafty Link Party #114 – Keeping it Real 
Ginx Woolly Linx Party April – Ginx Craft 
418th Inspire Me Tuesday – A Stroll Thru Life 
Show and Tell Link Party – Flamingo Toes 
Fabulous Party #210 – Lou Lou Girls 
The Linky Ladies Party #130 – The Purple Poncho 
Sew It Cook It Craft It Link Party #51 – Sew Historically
Inspiration Monday – Scattered Thoughts of a Crafty Mom 
Made by you Monday – Skip to my Lou 
Handmade Monday #72 – Sum of their Stories 
Merry Monday Link Party #201 – A Wonderful Thought 
{nifty thrifty sunday #331} – Nifty Thrifty Things 
Craft Schooling Sunday – Creative Jewish Mom
420th Inspire Me Tuesday – A Stroll Thru Life 
From Dream to Reality #308 – The DIY Dreamer 
Show and Tell Link Party – Flamingo Toes
The Wednesday Link Party 242 – Oombawka Design 
Lou Lou Girls Fabulous Party #212 – Lou Lou Girls 
The Linky Ladies Party #131 – The Purple Poncho 
Talk of the Town #120 – My RePurposed Life 
Sew It Cook It Craft It Link Party #53 – Sew Historically 
Your Whims Wednesday #352 – My Girlish Whims 
Whisk It Wednesday Link Party #26 – Carrie’s Home Cooking 
{Wow Me} Wednesday #348 – Ginger Snap Crafts 
The Scoop Link Party #323 – Worthing Court 
Tutorials & Tips Link Party {349} – Home Stories A to Z 
Dagmar’s Home Link Party #209 – Dagmar’s Home
The Style File Link Up – Lady in Violet 
The Blended Blog Link Up – Living on Cloud Nine
Pin Junkie Pin Party #263 – The Pin Junkie 
I’m Lovin’ It {linky party} – Tidy Mom 
No Rules Weekend Blog Party #282 – Sincerely, Paula 
Funtastic Friday 176 Link Up – Olives n Okra 
Best of the Weekend – Hello Little Home 
Sweet Inspiration Link Party #104 – The Boondocks Blog 
Friday Feature Linky Party – Oh My Heartsie Girl 
Friday Frenzy Link Party 4-27-18 – Kelly Lynn’s Sweets and Treats 
Simply Share Linkup #3 – Cute Capsule Life 
Link Your Stuff – Annemarie’s Haakblog
Thursday Fashion Files Link Up #158 – Curly Crafty Mom 
Style Wise Link Up – Northwest Mountain Living and Styling 
Lizzie in Lace Link Up – Lizzie in Lace 
Weekend Wear Link Up – Mom With Style
Snickerdoodle Create Bake Make Party #229 – Across the Boulevard 
Sundays at Home 202 – Celebrating Everyday Life  

Filed Under: Crochet Pattern Reviews Tagged With: 6.5/K10.5 Hook, Beret, Fall Accessory, Free Crochet Finds, Hat/Beanie, Lion Brand Touch of Alpaca, Pattern Review Crochet, Sewrella, Spring Accessory, Teen/Woman Accessories, Winter Accessory, Women's Fashion, Yarn Review

❮ PREVIOUS POST

Bacon, Onion & Pepper Pizza – My Favorite!

NEXT POST ❯

Super Crafty Sunday Link Up #4 – Cotton Fair Yarn Giveaway

Comments

  1. Sigrid Swinnen says

    April 1, 2018 at 4:36 am

    This would be great for my daughter because she loves everything that comes from Paris 😉
    Love the purpleshade and I can even see the softness of the yarn on your pictures!
    Hope you have a wonderful weekend,
    Sigrid

    Reply
    • knots1prime says

      April 20, 2018 at 12:23 am

      Paris is quite a popular theme these days. I definitely recommend trying out the Touch of Alpaca yarn. You will love it!

      Reply
  2. elisa modena says

    April 4, 2018 at 6:13 am

    wow beautiful, love this desing of french beret! i like wearing and making beret for me and my friends!

    Reply
    • knots1prime says

      April 20, 2018 at 12:24 am

      In high school, as part of my marching band uniform, I wore a beret, and I love it. It was as bright, and stylish as this one, but nonetheless, I love the fit and style of berets. Wish I had more time to wear them before it was too hot out though.

      Reply
  3. Sum of their Stories says

    April 12, 2018 at 11:47 pm

    It's a lovely beret and that yarn looks great, a beautiful colour.

    Reply
    • knots1prime says

      April 20, 2018 at 12:24 am

      Oh yes, I am in love with the color!

      Reply
  4. Teresa B says

    April 13, 2018 at 4:28 pm

    It's lovely, great color too. Thank you for sharing at The Really Crafty Link Party. Pinned.

    Reply
    • knots1prime says

      April 20, 2018 at 12:25 am

      Ashleigh did a beautiful job designing this beret, and choosing the color for us all to use. I had a lot of fun being a part of Happy Yarn Mail, and sharing at your party too!

      Reply
  5. Jessica Jannenga says

    April 14, 2018 at 3:08 pm

    You look so good in a beret! How lovely! I think this is a hat that I could actually wear next winter!
    thanks for linking!
    jess xx
    http://www.elegantlydressedandstylish.com

    Reply
    • knots1prime says

      April 20, 2018 at 12:26 am

      I would be happy to make one for you in any color of your choosing! Would love to see how you use it to embellish one of your outfits!

      Reply
  6. Ginx Craft says

    April 23, 2018 at 6:25 pm

    What a great beret. I love a hat with a bit of "slouchiness".

    Reply
  7. Bethany from CuteCapsuleLife says

    April 28, 2018 at 1:19 pm

    My sister loves Beret's – I may try this out for her birthday! Have a great weekend, and thanks for linking up!

    Bethany | http://www.CuteCapsuleLife.com | Simply Share Friday Linkup

    Reply
  8. Unknown says

    April 29, 2018 at 4:38 pm

    Perfect! Just the right amount of slouch!!! Faith, Hope, Love, & Luck – Colleen

    Reply

Leave a Reply Cancel reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed.

Welcome!

Welcome!

Hey! I'm Alexandra, the blogger and creator behind EyeLoveKnots and On Rockwood Lane! My passion is being creative. My favorite thing to do is crochet, and you will almost always find me having a cup of coffee and working on a new crochet project, but when I'm not doing that, you might find me out at a local park rollerblading, baking some fresh cookies, picking veggies in the garden or re-decorating for a new season or holiday. My two cats are great supervisors for all my adventures (minus the being outside because they think it's too hot in Florida to be anywhere but inside), and make sure I take plenty of breaks.

Meet the Team!

Meet the Team!

On the left, Abby is the maker behind A Stitch Shy of Normal, and on the right Jessica is the maker behind Nice and Knotty and Candace is the maker behind TandC Crafters.

Together, they help me bring awesome crochet projects to you! Click the image to learn more about them, and get their Instagram links, where they are constantly sharing tons of crochet inspiration.

Don’t Miss Out

Crochet! Magazine Spring 2023

Crochet! Magazine Spring 2023

(Affiliate Link) Click this image to get this issue now. These 22 designs are the perfect way to welcome in Spring with easy to wear layers, sweet styles amplified with striking stitch patterns, and some fun whimsical projects too.

Crochet World April 2023

Crochet World April 2023

(Affiliate Link) Click this image to get this issue now. These 21 designs are the perfect way to welcome in Spring with fun pops of color, sweet crochet thread projects, and fresh takes on the classic granny stitch pattern.

Gnome Caddy Pattern

Gnome Caddy Pattern

(Affiliate Link) Click this image to get a copy of this pattern! This adorable little Spring Gnome Caddy has a place for all of your crochet supplies. It's worked in a lightweight #3 yarn, but work in a worsted weight #4 yarn for even more space!

Archives

Copyright © 2023 EyeLoveKnots · Custom site by Moonsteam Design