Historical San Antonio Treasure: Mission Concepción

Earlier this week, I took a tour of Mission Nuestra Señora de la Purísima Concepción de Acuña or "Mission Concepción" as it is known by the locals here in San Antonio, TX.

Mission Concepción dates back to the early 1700's.   The mission is one of several historical architectural Spanish missions in the city and one that attracts locals and tourists alike.  

Today, the mission serves as a fully functional parish church.

Early History

The early missions were unwalled communities built of wood or adobe.   Much later, as the problems arose between the northern tribes and the mission residents, the structures were encircled by stone walls.    Very skilled craftsmen and artisans were recruited from New Spain and along with the mission Indians, these immense structures were built.  

Artisans preserved the basic Spanish model, modified as frontier conditions dictated.

Enduring the centuries and the elements for over 250 years, Mission Concepción stands as one of the country's oldest original stone churches.   Not only did the mission serve as a spiritual center, it also provided instruction to the local Indians (Coahuiltecan Region in Texas) by the Spanish Franciscan missionaries.

By combining the teachings of Catholic Spain with the native cultures, mission life gave rise to the unique culture of modern-day South Texas.

More Information
San Antonio Missions National Historical Park park link

Project Peace (LaPaz) Charity Program Completed for 2013

Project Peace (LaPaz) charity program has been completed for 2013.   All of the crocheted hats (20 in all) were delivered today to St. Peter - St. Joseph Children's Home (link) along with some other miscellaneous clothing items.

It was a labor of love and commitment.   The children range from ages 4 to 17.  At this time, I'm not sure how many children are housed at St. P, St.J's, but I was told that the campus can house up to 150 children.   I know that there are many services offered there one of which is counseling.   

Here are some pictures of the donated hats.   As always, I thank you for stopping by and visiting my blog page.    I know that there are many talented fiber artists out there (men and women), so please consider donating one or more of your creations to charity.    God Bless

#Crochet Different Version of Ribbed Hat

This is another version of the previous ribbed hat that I posted earlier in November.   I just finished this one but this one is using 3 different colors of yarn.    Actually, I used some left over yarn from another project (a good way to use up your left overs from the stash).

You can download the pattern by going to this link
The pattern is for an adult hat measuring 8 in. in height (I made this to fit my head and it reaches to just below my ears and my head circumference is 22 3/4 in).     If you want to increase the height, just add more rounds to your project.   Remember, that with worsted yarn, your completed project will S  - T - R - E - T - C - H.

The only change to the pattern will be adding the color changes beginning with  round 9 and subsequent rounds.     This is only a suggestion, however, you can add the new color anywhere in your project.

Changing color of yarn is not a big deal, but if you haven't done one before, you can go to this link color change in the round for a tutorial which I prepared.   

I hope that you enjoy this pattern.   As always, I thank you for stopping by and visiting.   I know that there are many talented men and women out there in this craft, so please consider making one (or more beanies) for charity.   Go out and spread some joy.

If you decide to use this pattern and sell your product, kindly link back to this site.  

#Crochet Comfortable Afghan Done in V-Stitch

Several months ago, I started working on a crochet project that was somewhat of a challenge.    I had never attempted to do an afghan, but I had completed several easy scarves.   

I like using the V-Stitch because it's an easy and quick way to work up a scarf.  It took me several weeks to finish the afghan, and I was satisfied with the end result.   I used two colors to complete the afghan and worsted weight #4 yarn.

+Bethintx1 has an excellent video tutorial showing how to work the V-Stitch.

Go to this link to watch the tutorial Crochet V-Stitch.

Written pattern at this Download Free Pattern

   

As always, I appreciate you taking the time and checking out this page.  I know that there are many talented fiber artists out there, so please consider donating one item of your work to a local charity.   Go out and spread some joy.

  

#Crochet Ribbed Border Hat

I've been playing around with the same winter beanie pattern, but I wanted to add a ribbed border to the hat.   In order to make the hat border, you will need to make a Front Post double crochet stitch and a Back Post double crochet stitch and alternate your stitch from one to the other.

Go to this link to watch a tutorial by +Crochet Geek on Front and Back Double Crochet

Go to this link to learn how to crochet Learn How to Crochet

Your winter hat with the ribbed end should look like the ones below:

As always, I appreciate you taking the time and checking out this page.  I know that there are many talented crafts men and women out there, so please consider donating one item of your work to a local charity.   Go out and spread some joy.

You can print the pattern by going to this link Unisex Crochet Adult Hat Ribbed Border

Unisex Crochet Adult Hat with Ribbed Border

Hat circumference 20 ½ in. – Hat height 8 in.
(Hat will stretch 1- 1.5 in)
Fits 21.5 - 22.5 in Adult Head (AVG. MAN'S SIZE)
(FOR WOMAN'S SIZE INCREASE ONLY TO 64 STITCHES)

Skill Level:  Intermediate

Abbreviations:

HDC = half-double crochet

DC = double crochet

SS  =  slip stitch

Rnd = round

Ch = chain

St = stitch(es)

Inc = increase

Fpdc = front post double crochet

Bpdc = back post double crochet

* to * = this means to repeat the stitches indicated within the *  *

Yarn-worsted weight #4 medium

Hook size –  “I” size 5.5mm

Gauge - 8 rounds (HDC) = 3 in.

15 st (HDC) = 4 in.

14 st (DC) = 4 in.

5 rounds (DC) =2 in. (Check your gauge-use any size hook to obtain the specified gauge)

START:

1.   Make slip knot and then ch. 2  this will start your ring.

2.   Round 1 crochet 8 HDC into your first ch. next to the slip knot.   Join with SS to top of your 1^st HDC stitch.   You should have (8 HDC st)

3.   Round 2 Ch. 1 (from now on when you begin a new round you will chain 1 before you begin the 1^st HDC in that round) (very important - ch. 1 will NOT count as a HDC stitch here and in subsequent rounds; if you count your Ch. 1 as a stitch, you will be off when you count your completed HDC stitches)  You will make 2 HDC in ea. stitch around and join with SS to top of ch. 1 (16 HDC stitches)

4.   Round 3 Ch. 1- *1 HDC in 1^st stitch, 2 HDC in the next stitch (increase made)* repeat from * to * and join with SS to top of ch 1 (24 HDC sts)

5.   Round 4 ch. 1- *1 HDC in ea. of first 2 sts, 2 HDC in the next st (incr.made) *  repeat from * to * and join with SS to top ch 1 (32 HDC sts)

6.   Round 5 ch. 1-  *1 HDC in ea. of first 3 sts, 2 HDC in the next st (incr.made) * repeat from * to * and join with SS to top ch 1 (40 HDC sts)

7.   Round 6 ch. 1-  *1HDC in ea. of first 4 sts, 2 HDC in the next st (incr.made)  * repeat from * to * and join with SS to top ch 1 (48 HDC sts)

8.   Round 7 ch. 1-  *1HDC in ea. of first 5 sts, 2 HDC in the next st (incr.made)  * repeat from * to * and join with SS to top ch 1 (56 HDC sts)

9.   Round 8 ch. 1-  *1HDC in ea. of first 6 sts, 2 HDC in the next st (incr.made) * repeat from * to * and join with SS to top ch 1 (64 HDC sts)

NOTE:  For woman's size hat, only increase to 64 sts & continue working the pattern rounds but DO NOT INCREASE to 68 sts in other words, work Rounds 9 thru Rounds 16 by working 1HDC in ea. stitch(you will have 64sts in ea. round & not 68).

Round 9 ch. 1- 2 HDC in 1^st st, 2HDC in next st, HDC in ea. st. around until you get to last 2 st. then you make 2 HDC in ea. st and join with SS to top ch 1 (68 HDC sts)

Rounds 10 ch.1 – HDC in ea. st. around and join with SS to top ch 1 (68 HDC sts)

Round 11-16  repeat Round 10 (beginning with round 17 you will now ch. 2 instead of ch. 1)

Round 17 ch. 2 – DC in ea. st. around and join with SS to top ch 2 (68 DC sts) [this round will start your ribbed brim of the hat]

Round 18 ch. 2 – *Fpdc around the post of the next stitch (DC post from previous round 17), Bpdc around the post of next stitch (DC from previous round 17) * repeat from * to * to the end of round & join with SS to top ch 2 (34 fpdc & 34 bpdc)

Rounds 19-22 – repeat Round 18.  Fasten off and weave in the tails.  

"Gratitude will always open the door to more abundance in your life" … author unknown

Project LaPaz

Project LaPaz (La Paz is Spanish for Peace) is a one-man operation that focuses on charity projects.   About three years ago, I taught myself how to crochet .    Over the last few months, I've worked on simple projects such as scarves and winter beanies which I've donated to charity groups such as local children's shelters and care packages going to troops overseas.    I've been working now for several weeks on completing this year's goal of 30 beanies for the children's shelter.

I know that there are hundreds of patterns out there for beanies and hats, but I'd like to share with you what I came up with.    This pattern is a combination of what I've learned over the last two years.   It is a simple pattern for a warm winter beanie which can be made into several sizes with a few simple adjustments.    The photos show some of the beanies which I recently made and which will be going to a local orphanage.    Further on below, you will find a link for the written pattern.    Again as I mentioned before, this pattern is a result of what I have learned and the pattern has worked very well for my projects.  

I hope that you enjoy this pattern.     You may use this pattern to create your own projects and if you decide to sell your product, kindly link back to this site. Also, please consider donating one of your items to a charity of your choice.

I make the hats in different sizes because the local shelters have children ranging in ages from toddlers to teenagers.   

The photo above shows the project (crown section of beanie) with several rounds of HDC stitches.   The project lies flat because I am increasing in each round.    Once I have the crown diameter the size that I want, I stop making increases in each round.    When you begin the next round (without increases), your beanie should begin to curve upward (this is normal in this crochet project) and begin to take shape. 

The photo above shows the project taking shape and curving upward which is normal when you are crocheting a beanie.  Here we have 18 rounds completed.  The more rounds that you make the longer the height (measured from crown to beanie's edge) will be.

Project Complete

In the illustration above, you have a chain followed by a HDC (half-double crochet stitch).   In the pattern below, you will chain before you start a round.  It is very important that you NOT count the chain as a stitch otherwise you will be off in your count of stitches for each round.   If the round calls for 16 HDC, then you will have 16 HDC plus beginning chain.  Do not count the beginning chain as a stitch.

Go to this link to print the pattern:  Crochet Beanie Pattern

Crochet Beanie in Half Double (HDC) Crochet

Skill Level:  Intermediate

Abbreviations:

HDC = half-double crochet

SS  =  slip stitch

Rnd = round

Ch = chain

St = stitch

* to * = this means to repeat the stitches indicated within the *  *

Yarn-worsted weight of your choice (I used Red Heart for these projects)

Hook size –  “I” size 5.5mm

Gauge – not that important because beanies stretch and every head varies to some degree in size.  When I make the beanies, I usually use the crown diameter to gauge the size that I’m aiming to get.

I use the following mathematical formula which I’ve seen on several tutorials on the internet to measure head circumference: 

Let’s say that you want to make a beanie with a hat circumference of approximately 21 in.   Divide 21 by 3.14 equals 6.687 in.(round to 6.75in).  This means that I will work my project with a crown diameter = 6.75in. in order to obtain a hat circumference of approximately 21 in.     The smaller your crown diameter, the smaller your hat circumference will be and vice-versa.

If you have started a beanie and your crown work in progress (rounds)measure 6.5in. then you take 6.5 and multiply by 3.14 and it equals approximately 20 in. hat circumference.

These are the formulas that I use when I make the beanies. One very helpful site and blog which I like and which has helpful tips and tutorials is www.oodles-4-noodles.com    There’s also an excellent site which gives approximate head sizes for infants, teenagers, ladies and men’s head circumference.   Please go to the following site for more information:  www.bevscountrycottage.com 

Beanie Pattern for Adult Size (women & men) approximate 21 in. hat circumference & 8 in. height from top of beanie to edge (note: a crocheted hat will stretch approximately ½ - 1 in. when worn)    This hat fits me snug but comfortable and my head measures 22 3/4 in. around.

Note: This pattern is NOT worked in a spiral.  You will join ea. round with a SS (slip stitch)   Also important, on each round of increases, you will end with an increase(2 st. into the last stitch)

1.   Make slip knot and then ch. 2 (this will begin your circle)  

2.   Round 1 crochet 8 HDC into your first ch. next to the slip knot.   Join with SS to top of your 1st HDC stitch.   You should have (8 HDC st) 

3.    Round 2 Ch. 1 (from now on when you begin a new round you will chain 1 before you begin your first HDC in that round) (very important - ch. 1 will NOT count as a HDC stitch here and in subsequent rounds)  You will make 2 HDC in ea. stitch around and join with SS to top of ch. 1 (16 HDC stitches)

4.    Round 3 Ch. 1- *1 HDC in 1^st stitch, 2 HDC in the next stitch (increase made)* repeat from * to * and join with SS to top of ch 1 (24 HDC sts)

5.    Round 4 ch. 1- *1 HDC in ea. of first 2 sts, 2 HDC in the next st (incr.made) *  repeat from * to * and join with SS to top ch 1 (32 HDC sts)

6.    Round 5 ch. 1-  *1 HDC in ea. of first 3 sts, 2 HDC in the next st (incr.made) * repeat from * to * and join with SS to top ch 1 (40 HDC sts)

7.    Round 6 ch. 1-  *1HDC in ea. of first 4 sts, 2 HDC in the next st (incr.made)  * repeat from * to * and join with SS to top ch 1 (48 HDC sts)

8.    Round 7 ch. 1-  *1HDC in ea. of first 5 sts, 2 HDC in the next st (incr.made)  * repeat from * to * and join with SS to top ch 1 (56 HDC sts)

9.    Round 8 ch. 1-  *1HDC in ea. of first 6 sts, 2 HDC in the next st (incr.made) * repeat from * to * and join with SS to top ch 1 (64 HDC sts)

Round 9 ch. 1- 1 HDC in ea. stitch around (64 HDC sts)

Rounds 10-Rounds 21 – Repeat Round 9 for each subsequent round. you should have 64 HDC sts in ea. round beginning with round 9

When you complete Round 21 join with SS to top of ch 1 and fasten off.    Weave in all tails including any tail you had left when you began the circle.   Project complete (Note: this pattern can also be worked using a Double Crochet stitch as well).

There are many variations to this pattern if you search the internet.    Remember you can use the same pattern to make the beanie for a child or teenager.  You will be making less rounds and also your crown diameter will be smaller (see the recommendations below).    Hat Height will also vary according to the size of the person you are making the hat for.  Optional: If you want to have a brim on the beanie, work an extra 6-8 rounds to allow for the brim to fold up.

Recommendations  -  Crown diameters of your work in progress – these are only approximate sizes(use as guideline only)

Crown diameter – 3-4 in. for preemies

Crown diameter – 5 in. for infant 3mos-6mos

Crown diameter – 6 in. for toddler – 10 yrs

Crown diameter -  7 – 7 1/2  in. for teenager-adult