North Star {Nicholas Slouch}
This is the tenth post in my North Star November series….a soul centered discussion about depression. Each day this month, I’ll be sharing a piece of my soul’s journey, along with a free pattern to thank you for taking part in such an important conversation! Catch up by reading Day 9. Skip forward to Day 11.
Mindfulness
Mindfulness is a way to start connecting with your body.
When I first started into the world of connecting with my body, I learned with an 8 week mindfulness course I found on Amazon.
It’s about being very present to the current moment.
Mindfulness is as simple as actively feeling the bubbles in your mouth while you brush your teeth. Or tasting the minty spice of toothpaste as it tingles on your tongue. It’s about using your senses to tap into the current moment.
But why is the current moment so important??
Because we like to tell ourselves lies.
Our minds are very busy. If we let them, they’ll constantly take us back into the past to worry on old experiences, or they’ll wander into the future in anticipation of what that might be like.
All these thoughts of past and future help us to navigate life….sort of. Our unconscious programs that create these unconscious thought patterns need past experiences to function. They use past data to control our systems in the here and now.
Living on Auto
This data really isn’t always applicable though…
We can’t create new thought processes, feelings, and emotional states if we’re always running on old systems. The key to breaking the cycle is to experience the present moment….NOW.
Comment and tell me…
How often are you in the present?
I’ve read many quotes estimating that we spend about 50% of our waking hours with our minds chattering so busily, that we’re not even truly present to the moment.
Food for thought.
{Though I do try to check all comments here on my blog regularly, it is not monitored 24/7. If you’re struggling with suicidal thoughts, please reach out for help! This suicide hotline is available 24 hours a day to support you: 1-800-273-8255}
Happy to Share….
This journey has already been more healing to me than I could have imagined. I’ve received hundreds of emails and comments from all of you over the last 10 days, and it means the world to me. Hearing your stories, sharing and holding space for big emotions with you, and remembering that we’re all human (let’s be human together!) has been a real blessing.
Free Crochet Slouchy Hat Pattern
As always, I want to thank you for joining in. This awesome free crochet slouchy hat pattern should help! It features a fun textured design and a cool and comfortable slouch. Be warned, though, it does feature light fingering yarn, so takes a bit of time to work up. Tomorrow I’ll share the knit version.
Please Pay With A Share!
1. Head over to Ravelry, add this pattern to your favorites and queue the pattern listing. This is a great way to help designers connect with new customers, and we always super appreciate you taking that extra moment!
You’ll find the Ravelry listing here.
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3. Scroll down to view the pattern OR if you’d like an ad-free PDF copy of this pattern (or to add the pattern to your Rav. library), simply input your email address into this form and I’ll email one over:
Nicholas Slouch Hat Crochet Pattern
Average Head Circumference Size Chart
19-20.5″ (48.25-52cm)
20.5-22.5″ (52-57cm)
21″-22″ (50.75-53.25cm)
22-24″ (53.25-61cm)
Materials
- Yarn: Approximately 285 yards of Super Fine (1) yarn for smallest size and approx. 450 yards for largest size I used Loops and Threads – Woolike
- Crochet Hook: Size 4.25 mm (G/6) OR whatever size is needed to obtain gauge
- Yarn or Tapestry Needle
Gauge
10 sts and 6 rows = 2 inches (5 centimeters) in Double Crochet
***It is important to check your gauge!***
Abbreviations
- CH: Chain
- SC: Single Crochet
- DC: Double Crochet
- SC2tog: Single Crochet next 2 sts together
- FPDC: Front Post Double Crochet
- BPDC: Back Post Double Crochet
- **: Repeat the section in between the two
Child 3-10 Year Pattern
Chain 100
Join in the round by slip stitching first and last sts together
Round 1: CH2, DC into each chain around, slip stitch into first stitch (100 total sts. CH2 does not count as a stitch in this pattern)
Round 2: CH2, *FPDC next stitch, BPDC next stitch* Repeat around, slip stitch into first stitch
Repeat Round 2 until the ribbed section that you just created measures approx. 1.5 inches (3.75cm) from the starting chain edge.
You’ll now be working in continuous rounds.
Place stitch marker.
Round 3: SC each stitch around
Round 4: *2 SC in next stitch, SC each of next 15 sts* Repeat 5 more times, SC each of next 4 sts (106 total sts)
Round 5: *SC each of next 8 sts, 2 SC in next stitch, SC each of next 8 sts* Repeat 5 more times, SC each of next 4 sts (112 total sts)
Rounds 6-8: SC each stitch around
Round 9: *SC each of next 8 sts, SC2tog, SC each of next 8 sts* Repeat 5 more times, SC each of next 4 sts (106 total sts)
Round 10: *SC2tog, SC each of next 15 sts* Repeat 5 more times, SC each of next 4 sts (100 total sts)
Round 11: SC each stitch around, slip stitch into first stitch
Round 12: CH2, DC each stitch around, slip stitch into first stitch
Round 13: CH2, *FPDC next stitch, BPDC next stitch* Repeat around, slip stitch into first stitch
Repeat Round 13 until your project measures approx. 4 inches (10.25cm) from the starting chain edge.
You’ll now be working in continuous rounds.
Place stitch marker.
Rounds 14-23: Repeat Rounds 3-12
Round 24: CH2, *FPDC next stitch, BPDC next stitch* Repeat around, slip stitch into first stitch
Repeat Round 24 until your project measures approx. 7 inches (17.75cm) from the starting chain edge.
You’ll now be working in continuous rounds.
Place stitch marker.
Decreases:
Round 1: *SC2tog, SC each of the next 7 sts* Repeat 10 more times, SC last stitch (89 total sts)
Round 2: *SC2tog, SC each of the next 6 sts* Repeat 10 more times, SC last stitch (78 total sts)
Round 3: *SC2tog, SC each of the next 5 sts* Repeat 10 more times, SC last stitch (67 total sts)
Round 4: *SC2tog, SC each of the next 4 sts* Repeat 10 more times, SC last stitch (56 total sts)
Round 5: *SC2tog, SC each of the next 3 sts* Repeat 10 more times, SC last stitch (45 total sts)
Round 6: *SC2tog, SC each of the next 2 sts* Repeat 10 more times, SC last stitch (34 total sts)
Round 7: *SC2tog, SC the next st* Repeat 10 more times, SC last stitch (23 total sts)
Round 8: *SC2tog* Repeat 10 more times, SC last stitch (12 total sts)
Round 9: *SC2tog* Repeat around (6 total sts)
Continue to SC2tog until the hole at the top of your hat is nearly closed. Fasten off. Use your yarn or tapestry needle to weave your yarn end through the last few sts and cinch them into a close. Cut yarn and secure and weave in all ends.
Teen Pattern
Chain 106
Join in the round by slip stitching first and last sts together
Round 1: CH2, DC into each chain around, slip stitch into first stitch (106 total sts. CH2 does not count as a stitch in this pattern)
Round 2: CH2, *FPDC next stitch, BPDC next stitch* Repeat around, slip stitch into first stitch
Repeat Round 2 until the ribbed section that you just created measures approx. 1.5 inches (3.75cm) from the starting chain edge.
You’ll now be working in continuous rounds.
Place stitch marker.
Round 3: SC each stitch around
Round 4: *2 SC in next stitch, SC each of next 16 sts* Repeat 5 more times, SC each of next 4 sts (112 total sts)
Round 5: *SC each of next 9 sts, 2 SC in next stitch, SC each of next 8 sts* Repeat 5 more times, SC each of next 4 sts (118 total sts)
Rounds 6-8: SC each stitch around
Round 9: *SC each of next 9 sts, SC2tog, SC each of next 8 sts* Repeat 5 more times, SC each of next 4 sts (112 total sts)
Round 10: *SC2tog, SC each of next 16 sts* Repeat 5 more times, SC each of next 4 sts (106 total sts)
Round 11: SC each stitch around, slip stitch into first stitch
Round 12: CH2, DC each stitch around, slip stitch into first stitch
Round 13: CH2, *FPDC next stitch, BPDC next stitch* Repeat around, slip stitch into first stitch
Repeat Round 13 until your project measures approx. 4 inches (10.25cm) from the starting chain edge.
You’ll now be working in continuous rounds.
Place stitch marker.
Rounds 14-23: Repeat Rounds 3-12
Round 24: CH2, *FPDC next stitch, BPDC next stitch* Repeat around, slip stitch into first stitch
Repeat Round 24 until your project measures approx. 7 inches (17.75cm) from the starting chain edge.
You’ll now be working in continuous rounds.
Place stitch marker.
Rounds 25-33: Repeat Rounds 3-11
You’ll now be working in continuous rounds.
Place stitch marker.
Decreases:
Round 1: *SC2tog, SC each of the next 7 sts* Repeat 10 more times, SC each of the next 7 sts (94 total sts)
Round 2: *SC2tog, SC each of the next 6 sts* Repeat 10 more times, SC each of the next 7 sts (83 total sts)
Round 3: *SC2tog, SC each of the next 5 sts* Repeat 10 more times, SC each of the next 7 sts (72 total sts)
Round 4: *SC2tog, SC each of the next 4 sts* Repeat 10 more times, SC each of the next 7 sts (61 total sts)
Round 5: *SC2tog, SC each of the next 3 sts* Repeat 10 more times, SC each of the next 7 sts (50 total sts)
Round 6: *SC2tog, SC each of the next 2 sts* Repeat 10 more times, SC each of the next 7 sts (39 total sts)
Round 7: *SC2tog, SC the next st* Repeat 10 more times, SC each of the next 7 sts (28 total sts)
Round 8: *SC2tog* Repeat around (14 total sts)
Round 9: *SC2tog* Repeat around (7 total sts)
Continue to SC2tog until the hole at the top of your hat is nearly closed. Fasten off. Use your yarn or tapestry needle to weave your yarn end through the last few sts and cinch them into a close. Cut yarn and secure and weave in all ends.
Adult Female Pattern
Chain 110
Join in the round by slip stitching first and last sts together
Round 1: CH2, DC into each chain around, slip stitch into first stitch (110 total sts. CH2 does not count as a stitch in this pattern)
Round 2: CH2, *FPDC next stitch, BPDC next stitch* Repeat around, slip stitch into first stitch
Repeat Round 2 until the ribbed section that you just created measures approx. 1.5 inches (3.75cm) from the starting chain edge.
You’ll now be working in continuous rounds.
Place stitch marker.
Round 3: SC each stitch around
Round 4: *2 SC in next stitch, SC each of next 21 sts* Repeat around (115 total sts)
Round 5: *SC each of next 11 sts, 2 SC in next stitch, SC each of next 11 sts* Repeat around (120 total sts)
Rounds 6-8: SC each stitch around
Round 9: *SC each of next 11 sts, SC2tog, SC each of next 11 sts* Repeat around (115 total sts)
Round 10: *SC2tog, SC each of next 21 sts* Repeat around (110 total sts)
Round 11: SC each stitch around, slip stitch into first stitch
Round 12: CH2, DC each stitch around, slip stitch into first stitch
Round 13: CH2, *FPDC next stitch, BPDC next stitch* Repeat around, slip stitch into first stitch
Repeat Round 13 until your project measures approx. 4 inches (10.25cm) from the starting chain edge.
You’ll now be working in continuous rounds.
Place stitch marker.
Rounds 14-23: Repeat Rounds 3-12
Round 24: CH2, *FPDC next stitch, BPDC next stitch* Repeat around, slip stitch into first stitch
Repeat Round 24 until your project measures approx. 7 inches (17.75cm) from the starting chain edge.
You’ll now be working in continuous rounds.
Place stitch marker.
Rounds 25-34: Repeat Rounds 3-12
Round 35: CH2, *FPDC next stitch, BPDC next stitch* Repeat around, slip stitch into first stitch
Repeat Round 35 until your project measures approx. 10 inches (25.5cm) from the starting chain edge.
You’ll now be working in continuous rounds.
Place stitch marker.
Decreases:
Round 1: *SC2tog, SC each of the next 8 sts* Repeat around (99 total sts)
Round 2: *SC2tog, SC each of the next 7 sts* Repeat around (88 total sts)
Round 3: *SC2tog, SC each of the next 6 sts* Repeat around (77 total sts)
Round 4: *SC2tog, SC each of the next 5 sts* Repeat around (66 total sts)
Round 5: *SC2tog, SC each of the next 4 sts* Repeat around (55 total sts)
Round 6: *SC2tog, SC each of the next 3 sts* Repeat around (44 total sts)
Round 7: *SC2tog, SC each of the next 2 sts* Repeat around (33 total sts)
Round 8: *SC2tog, SC next stitch* Repeat around (22 total sts)
Round 9: *SC2tog* Repeat around (11 total sts)
Continue to SC2tog until the hole at the top of your hat is nearly closed. Fasten off. Use your yarn or tapestry needle to weave your yarn end through the last few sts and cinch them into a close. Cut yarn and secure and weave in all ends.
Adult Male Pattern
Chain 116
Join in the round by slip stitching first and last sts together
Round 1: CH2, DC into each chain around, slip stitch into first stitch (116 total sts. CH2 does not count as a stitch in this pattern)
Round 2: CH2, *FPDC next stitch, BPDC next stitch* Repeat around, slip stitch into first stitch
Repeat Round 2 until the ribbed section that you just created measures approx. 1.5 inches (3.75cm) from the starting chain edge.
You’ll now be working in continuous rounds.
Place stitch marker.
Round 3: SC each stitch around
Round 4: *2 SC in next stitch, SC each of next 22 sts* Repeat 4 more times, SC in last stitch (121 total sts)
Round 5: *SC each of next 12 sts, 2 SC in next stitch, SC each of next 11 sts* Repeat 4 more times, SC in last stitch (126 total sts)
Rounds 6-8: SC each stitch around
Round 9: *SC each of next 12 sts, SC2tog, SC each of next 11 sts* Repeat 4 more times, SC in last stitch (121 total sts)
Round 10: *SC2tog, SC each of next 22 sts* Repeat 4 more times, SC in last stitch (116 total sts)
Round 11: SC each stitch around, slip stitch into first stitch
Round 12: CH2, DC each stitch around, slip stitch into first stitch
Round 13: CH2, *FPDC next stitch, BPDC next stitch* Repeat around, slip stitch into first stitch
Repeat Round 13 until your project measures approx. 4.5 inches (11.5cm) from the starting chain edge.
You’ll now be working in continuous rounds.
Place stitch marker.
Rounds 14-23: Repeat Rounds 3-12
Round 24: CH2, *FPDC next stitch, BPDC next stitch* Repeat around, slip stitch into first stitch
Repeat Round 24 until your project measures approx. 7.5 inches (19cm) from the starting chain edge.
You’ll now be working in continuous rounds.
Place stitch marker.
Rounds 25-34: Repeat Rounds 3-12
Round 35: CH2, *FPDC next stitch, BPDC next stitch* Repeat around, slip stitch into first stitch
Repeat Round 35 until your project measures approx. 10.5 inches (26.5cm) from the starting chain edge.
You’ll now be working in
Decreases:
Round 1: *SC2tog, SC each of the next 8 sts* Repeat 10 more times, SC each of the next 6 sts
(105 total sts)
Round 2: *SC2tog, SC each of the next 7 sts* Repeat 10 more times, SC each of the next 6 sts (94 total sts)
Round 3: *SC2tog, SC each of the next 6 sts* Repeat 10 more times, SC each of the next 6 sts (83 total sts)
Round 4: *SC2tog, SC each of the next 5 sts* Repeat 10 more times, SC each of the next 6 sts (72 total sts)
Round 5: *SC2tog, SC each of the next 4 sts* Repeat 10 more times, SC each of the next 6 sts (61 total sts)
Round 6: *SC2tog, SC each of the next 3 sts* Repeat 10 more times, SC each of the next 6 sts (50 total sts)
Round 7: *SC2tog, SC each of the next 2 sts* Repeat 10 more times, SC each of the next 6 sts (39 total sts)
Round 8: *SC2tog, SC next stitch* Repeat 10 more times, SC each of the next 6 sts (28 total sts)
Round 9: *SC2tog* Repeat around (14 total sts)
Continue to SC2tog until the hole at the top of your hat is nearly closed. Fasten off. Use your yarn or tapestry needle to weave your yarn end through the last few sts and cinch them into a close. Cut yarn and secure and weave in all ends.
This design, a written work and images are a copyright of
©MelodysMakings and may not be copied or reproduced in any way.
You have permission to sell finished products made from this pattern, but please leave a link to my website, www.melodys-makings.com, in your product listing specifying that I am the designer of this pattern. Thank you for supporting me as a work at home mother!
32 Comments On “North Star {Nicholas Slouch}”
Comments are closed.
I have been learning so much from your blog posts. Thank you so very much for sharing. I agree that we need to be in the present more and experience of what the world around us is doing right now.
Yay! I’m really glad to hear this 🙂
I seem to spend most of my time in my head, so much that went someone says samething to me I dont hear what they are saying to me. I know alot of mine is overthinking, even the littlest of things that dont even matter.
Man I could have written this comment a few months ago! Our brains are tricky too…it knows how to pull us back in when we realize we’re so caught up in thought.
I know you are right. I spend a lot of time thinking. I guess it’s because I don’t have a lot to say. It seems that I have spent so much time wondering and learning about myself that I forget to stay focused on the present moment. Thanks for sharing this with me. I’ll let it be a reminder.
LOVE that you have started this blog!!!!
Ah! Thank you!
That is so true. I have to constantly remind myself to stay in the now. Part of being in the now relieves some of the depression. The crochet and knitting also help even if it is a simple pattern. You still have pay attention to put the hook in the right loop or open space, and to hook and pull the yarn through. You still have to pay attention to getting the yarn through the correct loop and over to the other needle. Otherwise you may have a dropped stitch pattern you did not do on purpose!
Yes! Like crafting meditation or crafting mindfulness 🙂
old thoughts in one’s head, difficult to let go. just when I think I have
it conquered it is back again. I like to be busy and crafting so I get a
break from old thoughts. Past is past can’t change life experience
I have heard it all but nagging old thoughts hard to overcome.
I am reading blog just some days I don’t want to think on these things.
Glad you’re dropping by when you can think on them…I know the feeling about only being up to it on some days! Thanks for posting…you are right – those nagging thoughts are hard to overcome!
I find myself always in the present mind thought but on the rare occasion that I’m alone watching a certain show or movie on TV especially around the holidays I find myself remembering the times I used to spend with my grandparents and other family members that have passed on and wishing that they were still with me to see and enjoy my grand kids and children as they grew up and also now. That’s why I try to pass on some of those memories to my grown kids when the chance arises especially with the holiday baking as I still have my grandmother’s flour sifter & cookie cutters.
I didn’t really understand “mindfulness “ until I read your post. I spend a lot of my time “ somewhere else” in my mind. Part of that is to help with ptsd. Part is to avoid pain. And that was okay to get past the really hard times, but now it may just be a bad habit. I will try and try being more mindful. Thank you.
So glad you understand it a bit better now! I think being more mindful can be really rewarding…though also a bit uncomfortable as you get used to the new feel of it!
I’m very much in the present, but at times semi in the past-future!
I’m working on my mindfulness training at the moment. Although it is not working all the time, I seem to have moments of tranquility in my head. Leave my thinking mode and just be what I am at that moment. I need that very much struggling not to slide into a burnout again. Thank you for sharing you thoughts lately, it helps
I’m so glad it’s helping! And I know that feeling exactly….like peace in a storm 🙂
When I lay in bed and my mind is noisy I talk to my Father aka God. I like to think He sends me a reminder that it is time for us to renew our relationship. Everywhere is silent as far as I am concerned for I am deaf, and I am an introvert, but too often my mind will not quit making noises. When I feel so alone (not loner) during daytime I feel insecure about myself and about what is going on around me.
I also have to keep busy or else I will fall in the void of darkness and then begin to belittle myself. I also pour my feelings in writing. Reading can shut my mind up from time to time.
Holidays can trigger depression in me for I lost my mama and my best friend who was like a sister to me within two years of each other, and they loved Thanksgiving and Christmas. If I was not married I would have omitted those holidays out of my life, but since my husband had just become an US citizen he enjoys Thanksgiving!
Crocheting can keep me sane at times. Whatever I do above can not be enough once in a while, and I go to bed to cry myself to sleep.
Having a mind that likes to bully me is no FUN! I know for I am there way too often. And thank you for sharing your story, Melody.
A great resource for wisdom is Ram Dass. You can follow him on FB.
As Richard Alpert, PhD, he was a well respected psychotherapist and professor at Harvard. He became friendly with Timothy Leary…yes, THAT Timothy Leary who introduced LSD to popular culture.
Ram Dass has a great website…look for the post…I Crochet.
I’ve done quite a bit of reading about Ram Dass as Richard Alpert actually 🙂 What an interesting man who has conducted some amazingly interesting studies. I didn’t think to ever look for his website – I’ll check it out for sure!
“When you live in complete acceptance of what is, that is the end of all drama in your life.” ~ Eckhart Tolle
Eckhart Tolle – The Power of Now was a book and study course that changed everything for me….very powerful, mindful, enlightening ….
Thanks Melody for the reminder … will dust that one off for a re-fresher course!!
The Power of Now was one of my game changers in the past few months. SUCH a good read….I might read it again 🙂
I am sorry I haven’t been here for you guys. I found out my granddaughter is coming the first week of December. She’s bringing my great granddaughter with her. I have never seen her except in pictures. I been going around in circles. I want to see them then I don’t. My houseis a mess. I can’t make myself do anything. I just sit and let my mind go around in circles. I want to die before they get here. That way I don’t have to see them. Ty very much for this blog to get some of this off my shoulders.
Sending lots of love Janice <3 Remember to treat yourself kindly during this time....it's big to meet a new family member. It's ok if things don't end up going perfectly or if your house isn't in perfect order....they're coming to see you, not your house. You can do this! Keep me posted, ok?
And then there are those of us who have ADD.
I don’t know a lot about ADD, but sending lots of love and hugs <3
Exactly. Thank you so much for these series of posts and for your generosity. Have a blessed Thanksgiving and the Merriest Christmas.
Thank you Rebecca!! You too! Though I hope to see you back here before that 🙂
How can I adapt this pattern for Dk or worsted yarn?
You could go down in the pattern size in order to accommodate the gauge difference.
Sorry.I don’t understand “go down in he pattern size.” And, what size hook should I use? My plans are to make an adult size hat.
Since your yarn is so much larger, you’ll need to use a smaller size of the pattern to make an adult sized hat. I would probably use the smallest size as a (3) weight or (4) weight is much larger than the (1) this pattern calls for.