I started crocheting in 2004 and I quickly became hooked, no pun intended. After a short time, I started altering patterns and putting my own twist on them. Then it was just a short jump to designing my own patterns.

My goal is to provide well written, easy to understand patterns. All my patterns have been tested and edited for errors. You will find standard abbreviations (sc, hdc, dc, etc.) but I tend to use less symbols and more words when writing my patterns. I remember how confusing it was for me in the beginnning-( sc [2hdc] 3X ) 5X huh??? I also include pictures and explanations for less common stitches and/or techniques. Most of my patterns are rated Easy +. So, if you have some experience with crochet you should be ok. If you are brand new to the craft, make a couple of beginner projects then please come back and try mine. lf you ever have a problem, please email me and I will be happy to help you.

In 2010 I found a great group-Halos of Hope-who distributes handmade hats to chemo centers around the country. I knew I had found my niche. I started making silly hats that would hopefully brighten a child's day. My two boys often are my inspiration on what to design. If it gets two thumbs up, I know I've got a winner! Halos of Hope has since closed its doors but there are a number of other great chemo hat collection organizations. If you make them a hat (most prefer without earflaps), please make one in soft cotton or cotton blend yarn. Bald heads are very sensitive.

I mostly self-publish but some of my designs have been published in Stranded, Crochet Today!, Crafty Ever After, Crochetvolution, Tangled, Crochet 1-2-3, I Like Crochet, and Happily Hooked with upcoming designs in Knit Picks publications and Crochet World.

Please visit my website for Tips and Tricks, Crochet Funnies, Blog, Downloadable and Free Patterns. www.CrochetByDarleenHopkins.com