Time for spring, or at least that's what it feels like.

Time for a spring clean, now there is something we try to ignore.

Time to put the wardrobes back in order.

Time to hang up all those dresses.

And for that reason I set some time aside this week to make some crocheted hangers. These are just the bees knees when it comes to hanging up clothes. Soft to the touch so that fragile material doesn't get damaged. Soft in it's shape so that the hanger doesn't leave too much of an imprint in the clothes hanging on them. And let's face it, they are just such fine eye candy!

I've used left overs of Debbie Bliss Cashmerino, a mix of merino and cashmere, in all sorts of muted yet contrasting colors and crocheted them with a 3.5mm hook.

I'm happy. So is the wardrobe. I may hope.

Edit: For those who'd like to give making these a go, here's how I do it:

Start a chain by making 70 chain stitches. This will result in 12 shells and will cover a child sized narrow wooden hanger. If you want to make a larger size, then add 6 chain stitches for every extra shell. Remember I use wool suited for a 3.5mm hook so if you use a larger hook and chunkier yarn, you might need to resize it. I like using a small hook as it will leave some of the wood exposed and therefore create a lace like effect. But whatever you choose, don't crochet the chain too tightly. Come to think of it, don't crochet anything too tightly as the stitches will be pulled quite a bit when the hanger is being crocheted in place.

Now make 4 double crochets in the 4th chain from your hook. 

Skip 2 chain stitches and make a single crochet in the 3rd chain.

*Skip another 2 chain stitches and make 5 double crochets in the 3rd chain. Skip 2 chain stitches and make a single crochet in the 3rd chain.*

Now repeat from * to* until you reach the end of your long chain. If you counted well you should end by putting 5 double crochets in the last available chain stitch.

Now it's time to turn your work upside down and repeat it all. So you put another 5 double crochets in the chain stitch already containing 5 double crochets, you skip 2 chain stitches and put a single crochet in the 3rd chain which already has a single crochet in it. Repeat this until the end. And cast off by using a slip stitch.

This will leave you with a single band of shells. Now it's time to make a second one. These will be the front and back of the hanger.

Weave in the threads and pick a contrasting color to crochet them together.

For this I put the shell bands with the right sides together leaving the wrong side visible on the hanger (but if you like the right side better, than please do it the other way around).

Now simply crochet the two together by making a single crochet in every stitch through both layers.Before putting in the actual hanger, I like to crochet them together on at least one and a half bottom shell (left and right) and the entire 12 shells of the upper side. This way I avoid having to make the side curves while the hanger is in it. It will also help keep the hanger in place while you finish crocheting. Then I pull this over the hanger and continue to close the remaining 10 shells with the hanger in place. This is fiddly work but it pays off! 

Secure the cast off well and weave in the ends and voilà, a coat hanger to make you happy!

You'll find many patterns like this online. Some may use 6 double crochets at a time, others even 7. Some space the shells out a bit more or use a thicker yarn and bigger hook. It all creates similar effects. But this particular adaption works best for me and my yarn. Have fun!