Late last week, after the zillionth request for help finding the  issue of Crochet Today that contains the popular Raspberry Beret pattern, I decided to design another worsted-weight beret. Because who doesn’t love a quick, fashionable accessory? And thus was born the Blackberry Beret. This hat takes just one skein of worsted weight yarn– I used Berroco Vintage (color: Pansy) and Malabrigo Merino Worsted (color: Water Green) to whip up these two versions. I had friends over on Sunday and figured that it would be a great opportunity to strong-arm them into modeling the berets. And model they did! Little did they know that they were nervous for nothing, since I really wanted to show off the back of the hats. But click here and you’ll see that they’re beautiful even without the hats. (Thanks Vianna and Heather, you are now famous on the internets!)

Blackberry Beret is available for $4 on Ravelry and Etsy (if you aren’t a Ravelry member,  you can also click this link to be taken directly to the checkout to purchase this pattern, if that’s your preference).  I was in the middle of designing this pattern when I unexpectedly received a special issue of Crochet Today called “Must Have Gifts” in the mail. And what do you know, it contains the original Raspberry Beret. I don’t own the rights to this pattern–so I can’t sell it or give it to adoring fans–so if you want the pattern, run to your nearest bookstore and get it while you can. Must Have Gifts also has two of my other patterns from previous issues,the Snuggly Slippers and Always Blooming Bouquet. Be sure to check it out.

Also due out shortly is my Petal Beret pattern from Inside Crochet, Issue 10 (October 2010). This is a UK publication that can be downloaded online or purchased at Barnes and Noble,  Borders and the like. The pattern will also be available individually (via yours truly) in 6 months, if you want to wait for the American terminology–but there are lots of great designs in the  mag so I encourage you to go pick it up if you can find it in your area. I love, love, love this hat and it’s truly one of my proudest designing moments.  I crocheted it from one skein of Malabrigo Lace (that I happened to pick up during my book tour in Portland last year), and the resulting fabric is totally worth that tiny -but not too tiny!- hook. I really enjoy working with lightweight yarns in crochet. Although they may take more time, I feel like the smaller stitches give me more room to play around with, plus they produce delicate lace and eyelets rather than the “holey” look that people associate with crochet. I love working with Inside Crochet because they generally let me weigh in on yarn choice, which really makes a difference in my designing. I noticed that I’m more inspired when I know that whatever I come up with will have a chance to see daylight in a form that’s close to my original idea. So, look for more designs from me in future issues- I hope!

If you’re counting, that’s three berets in the last two weeks (the third being Stellar–check out Raveler Marysb’s purple/blue rendition!). I can quit anytime, I swear.