Crochet on the Brain



My “Rasta” Slouchy Beret



I want a hat that is large enough to cover up my braids when I’m trying to do a braid-out. For some reason my hair is never dry by morning when I’m taking the kids to school. Then, when I wear my hair out, the hats that I see at the store are just not big enough for my hair…lol! So, I’ve decided to make my own. That way I can make it as big as I need to.

Which brings us to the slouchy beret that I’ve been working on since early September.  I found the beret crochet pattern on YouTube (my second home).  It was posted by Bethintx1 in four seperate videos where she takes you through it step by step.  The color I used (Limelight) is not really something I would wear out but the hat turned out kinda cute anyway.  I did a couple more increase rows to make a “Rasta” style hat.  I’m gonna start the pattern again (the first try was for experimentation) and make a few variations this time. 



Back View
used double
crochet throughout



The yarn I’m using is called, “I Love this Yarn,” and is available at Hobby Lobby for about $3.50 (USD) per skein.  I like that it’s acrylic for easy washing and is super soft which makes it nice to work with.  It’s not only perfect for my budget but it comes in so many fabulous colors.  My second beret is going to be done in the color “Ivory” which will be a fun look for the winter months. 

 

YouTube is a Natural Girls Best Friend

I’m a YouTube fanatic!  I love it so much I even started making my own videos.  Before I decided to go natural, I discovered tons of videos where ladies would explain what they did for longer, healthier hair.  When I noticed how damaged my own hair was, I turned to the internet for an answer.  All of these videos kept popping up.  Some were about the best flat iron to use, while others showcased hair styles that required little to no heat.

Not knowing where to begin, I used the YouTube search bar to locate videos on growing african american hair longer.  I found a video by Saleemah Cartwright, founder of  Hydratherma Naturals.  It was a picture slideshow of her hair from completely shaved to length down her back! I later found MacherieHair’s video (no longer posted)on how she does a silk wrap after doing a rollerset for straight and bouncy hair.  This one was a shocker!  In the beginning her hair is completely wrapped in saran wrap.  Then she starts to comb it out…whooaa!  Her hair was long, healthy and full of body.  So that was all it took…I was completely hooked. The videos about growing healthy hair led me to where I am today.

The Natural Hair community on YouTube is growing larger by the minute.  I joined in the Fall of 2008 and can see that there are a lot of new naturals hitting up the site.  It’s fun to share our experiences and give advice to those who are starting their journey.   It’s a great resource for naturals because you get to see how others care for their natural hair.  Since everyones’ hair texture is unique, you get a better idea of how a style or technique may work for you. 

I still check out YouTube videos when I’m looking for a cute new style or to watch product reviews.  I stop by each day to respond to comments and questions from my own subscribers.  You can check out my YouTube Channel here.  See you on the Tube!