I always love it when my friends wear the gifts I make them :) Kristiina seems to really like the hat and fingerless gloves I made for her Birthday. 

She removed the pom-pom from the hat, but I knew that she probably would prefer it without, so I made it removable! She calls the gloves her "driving gloves" and finds them comfortable for long drives.  With Kristiina's reaction to these gifts, I will have to make more for other friends! 

This hat was fairly simple to make. I had to research a new stitch, but once I practiced the stitch a couple times it was straightforward.  I found the pattern here: http://www.allcrafts.net/f.php?url=crochetme.com/patterns/simple-cable-hat
and I thank Sarah Margaret Crittenden for her pattern!

I didn't use a pattern for these gloves. I started with a tube that was the right width for my hand and wrist. I worked in rounds in front loops only and when I decided I was ready for the thumb hole I just created a string of 4 or 5 single crochets and attached it appropriately to the other side of the glove. This cut the glove into two sections, thumb and hand.  I continued working in rounds, first I finished the thumb hole and then slip stitched back to the crease spot between the finger and thumb to continue working in rounds to finish the main finger section. I made the second one to match. 

This is really the first thing I've made without a pattern. I enjoyed it, but it was simple.  I can't imagine trying this on something more detailed... Eek!

I spend hours searching the internet for crochet projects that are at least somewhat in style right now.  Most of the hat, scarf, glove and mitten patterns out there are very old looking.  If you have a crochet project that is funky, send it my way please!  I'd like to see what you're making right now.