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BiCrafty Bootcamp Is Back! Get Your Crochet Supplies Now

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At the beginning of last year, we launched BiCrafty Bootcamp: Beginner Knitting Lessons for Crocheters. Then in the fall, we began the series of lessons for Knitters to Learn How to Crochet. However, fall got busy, and we all paused after seven lessons to get our bearings. But now, BiCrafty Bootcamp is back. We start up again in less than two weeks, and we've got your materials list ready so that you can order your supplies now. And it's not too late to join us if you're new and want to learn to crochet!!

Disclosure: This post contains affiliate links. Your price isn't affected but I receive commission from sales off of those links. THANKS FOR THE SUPPORT.

BiCrafty-Bootcamp-Crochet-landing-copy

What Is BiCrafty Bootcamp: Beginner Crochet Lessons for Knitters?

This is a series of weekly lessons that will teach you how to crochet from the ground up. It's got bonus tips for knitters so that they can use their knitting skills to facilitate becoming bicrafty. However, if you don't knit or crochet, you can still learn to crochet with these lessons.

BiCrafty Bootcamp offers weekly blog posts that teach you the next lesson in your crochet journey. These posts also include patterns to help you practice. Plus, we do weekly YouTube live lessons to supplement your crochet education and connect with you!

Learn all about BiCrafty Bootcamp here. That post has all of the links to the past lessons, the patterns we've used, and the videos we've done to date.

Where Do I Begin? When Does BiCrafty Bootcamp Return?

Were you already a part of BiCrafty Bootcamp Crochet last year? If so, then the next thing that you need to do is order your supplies. We've got that list for you below. Then you just need to mark your calendar for Thursday, February 3, 2022 because that's when lessons resume!

If you're brand new to BiCrafty Bootcamp, then you'll want to review the lessons above so that you can catch up with us. They'll teach you the basic crochet stitches, how to read crochet symbol charts, and more. Also SIGN UP HERE to receive our reminder newsletters for BiCrafty Bootcamp Crochet Lessons. Then join us on February 3, 2022 as we resume our lessons!

BiCrafty Bootcamp Crochet

Gather Your Materials!

Here is a list of the yarn that you'll need in order to complete the next eight weeks of BiCrafty Bootcamp:

  • Week 9 – any worsted scrap yarn will work! 
  • Week 10 – Swish DK You will definitely need 4 skeins of 1 color for the project that week. However, we will offer bonus patterns for purchase to make a matching accessory set. Therefore, if you want to make the set you’ll need 8 skeins of 1 color. Main project: 4 skeins; Bonus 1: 2 skeins; Bonus 2: 2 skeins
  • Week 11 – Wonderfluff Get two balls of one color for this week's project.
  • Week 12 – Cotlin . This is a colorful project! Color A (main color): 6; Color B: 1 ball; Color C: 1 ball; Color D: 1 ball; Color E: 1 ball; Color F: 1 ball ; Color G: 1 ball NOTE: We will be making a bag this week, so you also have the option of purchasing purse handles for this! Check out this awesome small business I love to get those! 
  • Week 13 – Swish Worsted . This is a two-color project: Color A (main color): 5 skeins, Color B: 2 skeins
  • Week 14 – Wool of the Andes Superwash For this one, you can do either a 3-color project or a 5-color project, Either way, you'll get one ball in each color. So … 3 colors: 1 ball each or 5 colors 1 ball each
  • Week 15 – Billow You'll need seven skeins total for this project. Main color: 5 skeins, Contrasting color: 2 skeins

Frequently Asked Questions

Is BiCrafty Bootcamp only for knitters who want to learn to crochet?

Honestly… no! While it's got special tips for knitters to help them learn crochet faster, anyone can learn to crochet with BiCrafty Bootcamp. You don't need to know how to knit at all!

When does BiCrafty Bootcamp start back up?

So here's the thing… if you're new and want to learn to crochet, you can join us! The lessons officially resume on Thursday, February 3, 2022. Just make sure to catch up on the earlier lessons first!

What supplies do I need for BiCrafty Bootcamp?

Yes! The page has a pretty detailed list of yarns needed for the next eight weeks of lessons… starting with Week 9. Just scroll up a bit to find the “Gather Your Materials!” section.

Can I still join if I missed the beginning lessons?

Oh definitely! If you missed the start, just check out the link to learn all about BiCrafty Bootcamp… it has all the links to past lessons, patterns, and videos. Then you can sign up for reminder newsletters!

What kind of yarn do I need for Week 12?

So for Week 12, you'll be using Cotlin yarn. You'll need quite a few colors… 6 balls of Color A (the main color) and then 1 ball each of Colors B through G. You can also get purse handles if you want to make a bag that week!

Trinity Stitch One Ball Crochet Hat Pattern

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Sometimes you want a quick, one ball crochet project. That's why I've created the Trinity Stitch One Ball Crochet Hat Pattern. It's designed to make it easy for beginners to create a unique, interesting hat. Because it's a one-ball project, it works up quickly. You can use the pattern to use up a beautiful ball of yarn that's been hanging out in your stash. Maybe you'll want to make a bunch in different colors to use up those yarn balls while creating gifts for family, friends, or charity.

*THIS POST CONTAINS AFFILIATE LINKS. BY CLICKING ONE OF THESE LINKS AND MAKING A PURCHASE A SMALL PORTION COMES BACK TO THE BLOG. THE PRICE YOU PAY WILL NOT CHANGE. THANK YOU FOR YOUR SUPPORT OF THE BLOG.*

one ball crochet hat

One Ball Crochet Hat – Worked Flat

When you think of crochet hats you might think of working in the round. This hat is different in that the construction is made flat and then seamed together. This makes it an absolutely perfect crochet hat pattern for beginners. Even if you've only learned how to work in rows, you can make this hat!

Working this project you will learn how to start with your brim and then add stitches along the side. It really is easier than it looks. But, if you get stuck, you'll find a video tutorial below to help you along the way.

The Trinity Crochet Stitch

As you work on this one ball crochet hat pattern, you'll learn how to crochet the trinity stitch. The trinity stitch uses the basic crochet stitches that you already know, so don't worry too much about learning something new. The main thing is that you'll learn an exaggerated decrease – a single crochet three together. If you've already learned to decrease in single crochet, you should easily get the hang of it. Again, you'll be able to use the video tutorial below to assist you in the process.

Adding a Pom Pom Detail

Adding a pom pom to the top of the hat is a personal preference. I love having the added texture to my hat and I think it really finishes the hat off. Grab a pom pom for your own hat, make one for yourself or leave it as it when finished, you really can't go wrong.

Download the FREE Pattern

Download the FREE Trinity Stitch Crochet Hat from Yarnspirations. This pattern was originally part of the 3-2-1 gift-along that we did together. Now they offer the pattern on their website.

Download the FREE Trinity Stitch Crochet Hat

Download the other FREE patterns that are part of the 3-2-1 Gift Along with Marly Bird and Yarnspirations.

Green circular patch with a stitched outline featuring a lowercase letter "r" in the center.

Don't forget to like the pattern on Ravelry!

One Ball Crochet Hat Video Tutorial

Here is the video tutorial that you'll need to assist you if you get stuck trying to work on this hat pattern. It shows you how to work the trinity stitch. Moreover, it provides all of the other details that you'll need to finish this project, even as a beginner.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Is this hat worked in the round?

Honestly… no! This hat is worked flat and then seamed together, which makes it super beginner-friendly. You'll start with the brim and then add stitches along the side… it's easier than it looks!

What new stitch will I learn with this pattern?

So here's the thing… you'll be learning the trinity stitch! It uses basic stitches you already know, and the main new technique is an exaggerated decrease called a single crochet three together. If you can already decrease in single crochet, you'll pick it right up!

Do I have to add a pom pom?

Yes! Well, kind of… Adding a pom pom is totally up to you! I love how it adds texture and really finishes the hat, but you can absolutely leave it off or make your own. It's your hat, after all!

Where can I get the pattern?

You can download the FREE Trinity Stitch Crochet Hat pattern from Yarnspirations! It was originally part of a gift-along we did together, but now it's available right on their website.

What if I get stuck while making the hat?

Don't you worry! There's a video tutorial included that will help you along the way. It shows you how to work the trinity stitch and all the other details you'll need to finish the hat, even if you're a beginner.

Creative Crochet Projects Book Review

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Book reviews on the Marly Bird site are written by team member Kathryn unless otherwise noted. Kathryn also writes book reviews for Happily Hooked Digital Magazine. This review of Stephanie Pokorny's Creative Crochet Projects originally appeared in the August 2021 issue of that magazine. Get the book.

DISCLOSURE: This post contains affiliate links. I receive commission from those sales.

creative crochet projects

Crochet blogger/ designer Stephanie Pokorny creates mesmerizing, whimsical crochet creations. I think of her as a true crochet artist. So, of course, I was intrigued and excited when I was browsing through my library and discovered that she has a recent crochet pattern book.

“Creative Crochet Projects: 12 Playful Projects for Beginners and Beyond” is exactly what the title says it should be. It does not disappoint. The book is filled with playfulness, joy, and color.

What To Expect from Creative Crochet Projects

Luxurious crochet hat in grey tones with playful curls, adorned with feathers and beads, worn by a model in a vintage outfit.

Honestly, I wasn’t quite sure what to expect before I browsed through this crochet book. Whenever I think of Stephanie, I think of her Marie Antoinette-style crochet wig. I think of costumes and imagination and magic. Of course, I was sure that her crochet patterns for the book would be interesting … I just wondered how those huge ideas would translate down to projects easy enough for beginners. But, never fear, she did a great job of that.

Inspirational, Creative Crochet Wearables

The first set of crochet patterns in Creative Crochet Projects is all about wearables. This is the part that I personally find to be lots of fun. Stephanie has taken her world (her site is Crochetverse) and distilled it down into a few fun, wearable projects that are also relatively easy to crochet.

Finger Crochet Scarves

She starts this section off with finger crochet scarves. Finger crochet is a great way to really immerse yourself in the tactile joy of the craft. Additionally, you can easily teach kids to finger crochet, so you can get the whole family involved in this project. Huge poms at the ends of the scarves add that extra touch that Stephanie is known for.

Additional Crochet Accessories

There are a few other accessories in this section. Her Bubble Hue Shift Hat is one of the standout pieces. Its rich with color and texture. There are clusters in rainbow stripes topped up with a big fun pom. Craft and fashion are both supposed to be fun and Stephanie really embodies that in her work.

Crochet Owl Wrap

Which brings us to my favorite piece in the whole book: The Asymmetric Owl Wrap. As you know if you’re familiar with Stephanie’s work and/or read the aforementioned June 2020 feature, she really stands out for her costume pieces. In fact, when asked back then what inspires her, she said:

“I am inspired by imagination, costuming, color, shapes, and graphics that POP! I love to be able to transform with crochet in the sense that when I put it on it creates a mood or feeling. Brightly colored rainbow pieces make me happy. Costume pieces allow the imagination to run wild. My favorite thing is that we can literally create ANYTHING we want. Crochet is magical in that it can be so much more than a flat object. I view my yarn as a sculpting tool more than anything else. How can I use this fiber to build and mold and layer to achieve my goals?”

Taking Costumes to Wearable Pieces

crochet owl wrap by stephanie pokorny

When I look at the owl wrap in Creative Crochet Projects, I see all of that inspiration distilled down to something wearable. It’s one of those pieces that is a little bit costume – it’s got an owl hood after all – but is also totally functional. You don’t have to wear it to a costume party; you can absolutely wear it as a fun every day piece.

The Fun of Playtime Projects

The second half of the book is a selection of crochet projects that are meant for kids (or adults?) to play with. This, again, embraces the beautiful tactile nature of the craft of crochet. In the 2020 interview, before Stephanie listed all of those other inspirations that I already shared above, she said that she’s most inspired by her kids. This is a mom who makes things that her kids want, drawing inspiration from their imaginations as much as hers. You can see that in the pieces here.

Children's Crochet Food and Kitchen Playmat

stephanie pokorny quote

The Rollaway Kitchen Playmat is a great example from this part of the book. It’s a crochet mat that has stove burners and dials, soap, a kitchen sink with bubbles, and lots of other kitchen fun crafted on to it. It’s colorful and tactile. And yet, it all rolls up into one easy piece for storage. It’s great for little kids to play with, pretending to make dinner alongside as you do, and yet quick to put away.

Foldable burgers and hot dogs as well as a sliceable watermelon offer more fun projects to make for kids. The watermelon is designed as a play toy for kids but I have to note that it looks to be the right size for a comfy whimsical pillow that would look great on many couches. These aren’t the kinds of crochet patterns that you can find just anywhere. They’re one of a kind and truly original, which is why it’s worth checking out the book.

Crochet Mobile for Kids

My personal favorite from this part of the book is the Bee-Unified Mobile. It’s a children’s mobile designed with a beehive as well as bees and flowers that hang off of it. I can see it mesmerizing children as it hangs over their cribs. However, I also think it makes a really fun art piece for adult décor as well. Bees are important and this is a great conversation starter.

Well-Written, Clear Book for Beginners

crochet book review

Creative Crochet Projects truly is a book that works for beginners. It has tons of information about yarn types, hook sizes, how to crochet even basic stitches, changing colors in crochet and more. Throughout the book are helpful lessons that apply to specific projects, such as How to Work a Chainless Foundation Row for the Bubble Hue Shift Hat. There are detailed written instructions as well as clear photo instructions.

Stephanie mentioned in that previous interview that she always asks her pattern testers to be really hard on her. Then she corrects her patterns accordingly, adding notes where necessary to make sure everything is clear. You can see that effort come through in these finished patterns.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Is Stephanie Pokorny's book really good for beginners?

Honestly… yes! The book has tons of info on yarn, hooks, and even basic stitches. Plus, there are clear photo instructions and lessons for specific projects.

What kind of projects are in the book?

So here's the thing… there are wearables like scarves and a really fun owl wrap, and then there are playtime projects like a crochet kitchen playmat and cute food items.

What was your favorite project from the book?

Oh, that's a tough one… but I think my absolute favorite has to be the Asymmetric Owl Wrap. It's got that costume vibe but is totally wearable for everyday!

Are the playtime projects just for kids?

Well, they're definitely designed with kids in mind, like the Bee-Unified Mobile. But honestly… I think a lot of them would make super fun and whimsical decor pieces for adults too!

Is the book easy to follow?

Yes! Stephanie really asks her testers to be hard on her, and you can tell… the instructions are clear, and she adds helpful notes where needed. You'll be able to follow along!

Warm Chevron Crochet Hat Pattern

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Are you looking for a really warm, cozy, beautiful crochet hat pattern? If so, I'd like to make sure that you know about my Wings of Hope hat. I originally designed this pattern back in October 2020 to raise awareness about pancreatic cancer. That's why I designed it in shades of purple, the color for this cause. However, you can obviously crochet this hat in any color combination that works for you. It's a variation on a chevron crochet hat pattern that an adventurous beginner could complete.

chevron crochet hat pattern for pancreatic cancer awareness

What Do You Need to Know to Complete This Hat?

I believe that an adventurous beginner can complete this crochet hat pattern, especially since I've created a full video tutorial to help you along the way. (Scroll down for that.) Here's what you'll need to know or learn in order to finish the chevron crochet hat pattern:

  • Basic crochet stitches
  • How to crochet in the round
  • How to decrease in single crochet and double crochet
  • Working around the post of a stitch, specifically back post single crochet (BPSC)

If you can do those things, or you're willing to learn with video assistance, then you can crochet this warm winter hat.

Wings of Hope Hat by Marly Bird Ad Free PDF and Free Pattern On Website

What Is The Chevron Pattern?

Chevron is a really popular graphic pattern that you find in everything from flooring to furniture design. Chevrons are v-shaped designs, usually in short rows repeated over and over. There are many different ways to create chevrons using crochet. This hat uses a variation that looks like little wings, which is part of the reason that this is called the Wings Of Hope Hat.

Cozy, Warm Winter Hat Pattern

You can crochet really lacy hats to wear in warm weather as well as really dense hats to keep you warm in the winter. This chevron crochet hat pattern falls into the latter category. You'll use those single crochet post stitches to make a dense brim that fits close to the head in a way that is comfy, cozy, and keeps you very warm. Then you'll use single crochet stitches throughout the rest of the hat. This is a nice dense stitch that keeps cold air away from your head. Top it off with the optional pom pom for that winter look that just says, “yes, I'm so cozy.

Get The Chevron Crochet Hat Pattern

wings of hope hat chevron crochet pattern

You can get the free version of this pattern here on the website or get an ad-free PDF over on Ravelry.

Looking for the instructional video tutorial? Here it is:

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Frequently Asked Questions

Is this chevron hat pattern really warm?

Honestly… yes! It's designed to be a really dense hat to keep you warm in the winter. The single crochet post stitches create a brim that fits close to your head and keeps the cold air out.

I'm pretty new to crochet, can I really make this hat?

So here's the thing… I designed this pattern for an adventurous beginner! If you know basic stitches, how to crochet in the round, and are willing to learn how to decrease and work around a stitch post with my video tutorial… you've totally got this!

What does “chevron” mean in crochet?

Oh, chevron is such a fun pattern! It's basically a v-shaped design that you see repeated over and over. This hat has a special variation that looks like little wings, which is why it's called the Wings of Hope Hat.

Can I make this hat in colors other than purple?

Yes! While I originally designed it in purple to raise awareness for pancreatic cancer, you can absolutely crochet this hat in any color combination you can dream up. Make it your own!

Where can I find the free pattern and the video tutorial?

You can get the free pattern right here on the website, or grab an ad-free PDF on Ravelry. And don't forget to scroll down, because I've included the instructional video tutorial for you too!

Move The Needle: Yarns from an Unlikely Entrepreneur

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Book reviews on the Marly Bird site are written by team member Kathryn unless otherwise noted. Today's book review is of Move The Needle: Yarns from an Unlikely Entrepreneur by Shelley Brander.

Shelley Brander has a successful, creative job in the advertising business when life threw her some curve balls and opportunities and she decided to switch gears and open a yarn store. That led to more yarn stores, more opportunities, scaling back, zigzagging, and moving forward. The Loops Yarn Store led to Knit Stars, as well as the Move the Needle Movement. This book is the story of that journey.

Disclosure: This post contains affiliate links. I receive a percentage of sales from those links. Your price doesn't change. This is a great way to support the free content on my site. Thank you!

move the needle craft book review

Falling In Love With Yarn

There is a lot of smart information about this book about the business of yarn. It also has a lot to share about about women-owned small businesses, the challenges of entrepreneurship, turning your hobby into a job and more. It's all valuable information. But it all starts with the best part, which is that the author is clearly in love with yarn. And her stories of falling in love with yarn are a delight.

I believe wholly in craft as therapy, so I immediately noticed the ways in which she mentions this along her yarn journey. For example, there's a whole section devoted to her stress and anxiety she felt during her third pregnancy and how only knitting could calm her down, even in the delivery room between pushing! She discusses how the tactile nature of the yarn and the repetitive motion of the needles helped her get through labor.

In other parts of the book she talks about the creative process. She explores the idea of knitting as “painting with yarn.” She could take “nothing” and make something and it was beautiful and satisfying. This, combined with the endless ways to change up a pattern to make it your own (such as through yarn color choices), made it a satisfying creative outlet for her.

Building a Yarn Store For Everyone

How do you feel when you enter your local yarn store? Hopefully, you feel welcome. You see people sitting in there crafting and know that you can ask them for assistance. You get excited to share what you're working on, get information about the latest yarns, etc. In my experience, we've come a long way towards welcoming all different types of people. For example, many yarn stores used to have a snobby attitude towards crocheters, deterring them from shopping at those places, something that has shifted a bit in recent years. That said, we also have a long way to go.

When Shelley was starting out, she experienced some negativity. For example, she took her children into a yarn store. The other people there were appalled that she would bring them with her. They treated her terribly. When she started her own yarn store, she was deeply committed to making it welcoming and inviting for everyone. She wanted it to be accessible and to reflect the joy people take in crafting. This would set her store apart from others. When other stores weren't doing so, she made yarn winders available so that people could choose luxury yarn and not have to figure out how to wind it at home. She says that she wanted people who came to her store to feel like “yarn should be the happiest part of your day.”

yarn quote

Some Solid Business Sense From Move The Needle

Brander wasn't successful by pure luck or even just because of her passion. She was also willing to learn how to do business. Here are a few tips from her journey:

  • Perfection is the enemy of progress. You can learn this through knitting or crochet; if you're not willing to make mistakes and frog your work then you're not going to get very far in learning the craft. The lesson applies to business as well.
  • Stick to a creative plan. Put a lot of thought into it. Stick to it. You might have to pivot down the road but don't rush to pivot too quickly. Trust your gut as well as the evidence. Eventually you will know that you do have to frog or unravel your plans and that's okay but give it time to work out the kinks first.
  • Advocate for yourself, especially financially. The knitting/crochet/yarn business is heavily dominated by women who in our society have often been deterred from advocating for financial compensation for their work. She gives the example of knitters who say, “oh you don't have to pay me much for that sweater, I just made it while watching TV.” This downplays our value, the value of the craft, and the value of handmade items. Don't underestimate your value.
  • Work on deals that are good for everyone. First, advocate for yourself. But then try to find ways to make that a win for everyone involved whether that's your customers, the people your collaborate with, your social media fans, or your family.
  • Find mentors. We all need them.

Favorite Illustration From Move The Needle

stitches are like people illustration from move the needle book

She goes on to say that when a stitch is happy, it's neither pulling tightly on the stitch next to it nor laying there loose. Many lessons that apply to yarn also apply to life.

Final Fun Fact From Move The Needle

There's a moving section about the experience that Shelley and her family have with their dog. The dog's name is Purl. As you may know, Marly has a dog named Purl as well. Meet the pets on the Marly Bird team here.

Get the Book

move the needle book

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Frequently Asked Questions

What’s this book “Move the Needle” all about?

So here's the thing… this book is the journey of Shelley Brander, who went from a career in advertising to opening a yarn store and creating more yarn-related businesses! It's about her experiences, the challenges of being an entrepreneur, and how she turned her love for yarn into a successful venture.

Can you tell me a bit about Shelley Brander's love for yarn?

Honestly… it's clear she adores yarn! The book talks about how knitting helped her through stressful times, like even during labor… wow! She also describes knitting as “painting with yarn,” which is such a lovely way to put it, right?

Was it hard for Shelley to open her yarn store?

Yes! She faced some negativity, like people being upset she brought her kids into a yarn store. But she was determined to make her store a welcoming place for everyone, where people could feel the joy of crafting and not feel judged.

Does the book offer any business advice?

It sure does! Shelley shares some super practical tips… like “Perfection is the enemy of progress” and the importance of sticking to a creative plan, but also knowing when to pivot. She also stresses advocating for yourself financially, which is so important for us crafters!

Is there anything else interesting in the book?

Oh, there's a sweet part about her dog, Purl… which is funny because my dog is named Purl too! She also shares a wonderful illustration comparing stitches to people, which has a lovely message about how stitches, like people, are happiest when they're not pulling too tight or lying too loose.