Crochet hints and tips

Click  here to see their suggestions: http://www.stitchandunwind.com/crochet-tips-and-tricks/

Note: links are in US crochet terminology.

Admirable Crocheters: the basics of crocheting with Arne and Carlos

If you'd like some lovely Scandinavian crocheting chaps to show you how to crochet a snowflake, here's the video (in which they do aim to accommodate both UK and US crochet terminology):



You can find more Arne and Carlos goodness including free patterns (some crochet, some knitting) on their blog:
http://arnecarlos.com/blog/





I have their book, Knit and Crochet Garden, which is full of beautiful patterns (except for the dolls, I don't find myself at all drawn to their dolls.  Something about the way they do faces...).  If you're buying the book, check the edition (published in UK vs published in US) if you want to be particular about having UK or US terminology.

Note: links are in UK crochet terminology.

Note: links are in US crochet terminology.

Work of My Hands: Angular Scarf #1

So my newsagent had the 2016 Interweave Crochet Accessories magazine...

...and rather admired this Angular Scarf design by Darla J. Fanton (Ravelry link):

Image source: pattern on Ravelry

...and fished out a skein of Hawthorne Cottage  wool/nylon sock yarn (colourway 556, turquoise/grey) and a 4mm hook (yes, 4mm, the pattern recommends this and I'm going for a bit of drape.  I didn't swatch or try to achieve gauge, I'm just going to keep going till I'm up to yarn chicken time, and it will be the size it is)...

It's proving to be an easy pattern to remember and I'm making happy progress (I had to attend a number of meetings this week, and it came with me).

If your newsagent doesn't have the magazine, you can:

view all the patterns in it on Ravelry here and/or 

buy a digital download copy at the Interweave store here.

Truthfully, I have a bunch of WIPs.  I do crochet.  But it's good to share/record links to useful crochet things on this blog too, and there are waaaay more of them even than my rather epic collection of Works In Progress...

(I must do a Yarn Bowl post one day.  While I know there are beautiful timber/pottery artisan-made ones out there, I like repurposing op shop/Goodwill/Oxfam finds.  The one above is a small/medium size stainless steel mixing bowl.  Contains the yarn and lets it slide free very happily.)

Note: links are in US crochet terminology.

Circles in squares pattern

This fun blanket (great colour choices!) was shown on Facebook then sold on Etsy (and made by Patchwork Heart, blog entry about it is here).  This pattern could make a simple sweet/bright baby blanket, or work for a child or adult.  It's got a lovely graphic quality.

Hand made crocheted blanket

				Hand made crocheted blanket A beautifully soft unique childrens blanket measuring approximately 100cm square and 660g in weight. With the attractive shapes and vibrant
				View on www.etsy.com	Preview by Yahoo

She sourced the pattern from the excellent tutorial on Just Do/Made by Do blog, which has clear step by step photos:

Just-Do: Circle in Square, a Tutorial

				Just-Do: Circle in Square, a Tutorial Hello ladies! Thank you for joining me today. On my last post I received a question about the pattern I used for the circles. I’m sure it must already be out there ...
				View on madebydo.blogspot.nl	Preview by Yahoo

http://madebydo.blogspot.nl/2013/02/circle-in-square-tutorial.html

Note: links are in US crochet terminology.

Crochet Purses

Some wonderful ladies at a knitting and crochet group I attend are constantly making items for the Red Cross fundraising stalls they hold regularly.

I saw this pattern and thought of them - simple to make, cool to look at, attractive to buy... and useful for children to transport little treasures, as they like to do.

Image source: http://anisbee.canalblog.com/archives/2012/05/13/24247781.html

They're here on the creator's blog (in French): 

http://anisbee.canalblog.com/archives/2012/05/13/24247781.html

There's a detailed step by step photo tutorial here (in French):

http://www.pureloisirs.com/rubrique/tricot-crochet_r5/le-porte-monnaie-en-crochet_a179/1

And here on Ravelry:

http://www.ravelry.com/patterns/library/porte-monnaie-2

If you do a Google Translate version of the tutorial, it's still a bit iffish to follow, because it's an automated translation that hasn't quite grasped crochet terminology.... (although I gather it's in US crochet terms).

So I wrote out a version of this in English (and UK terminology) for the Red Cross ladies. My French is spotty and school-level, but between the French, the photos and my trial and error... it's done.

The other sticking point* was the zips: for charity fundraising, zips at standard retail prices would add to the cost of making, and reduce the revenue going to the Red Cross.  But I lucked on a cache of small zips at several op shops and gave them to the ladies.  Any op shop with a haberdashery section probably has some zips, if you're looking....   (*sorry!)

Here's my English version: not for any kind of profiting, but just to help you if the photo tutorial isn't enough. If you're puzzled at any point, check back there first.

CROCHET MONEY PURSES (La porte-monnaie en crochet) 

Pattern in French with step by step photos:

http://www.pureloisirs.com/rubrique/tricot-crochet_r5/le-porte-monnaie-en-crochet_a179/1

version below is my English interpretation of that, to assist those bamboozled by French...

My introduction:

These look modern and crisp in light grey and dark grey with a neon stripe in orange or green or pink or yellow, but could also be done with scraps of yarn.

Both samples I made used Spotlight Marvel 8 ply acrylic yarn.  The grey/orange/grey one was done with a 4mm hook and has a denser fabric.  I tried one with a 6mm hook, which made a larger purse with looser texture: I prefer the 4mm hook version.  This isn’t an expensive yarn, but the result is pleasing in texture and colour: the double crochet works well.  One purse used about 30g of yarn.

I thought these would be good for a charity stall because they’re quick to make and have lots of uses, not just as a coin purse.  Kids often have stuff to carry – special toys etc (eg. little farm animals or dolls).

Below are my pattern notes.  Basically, you make a six-sided ‘circle’ with increases, then stop increasing and the rows become the sides of a circular bowl.  Sew in the zip and you have a purse/pouch…you might find there is also a market for the bowls, for bedside tables for change/watch/bits and pieces, too.

If you wanted to make larger bowls, you keep increasing the base (you’ll see below the pattern/maths of the increases) till you have the size you want, then make the sides.  As a bowl, the modern homewares look for these usually involves making these high enough so you can turn over the edges for an inch or so – which also gives a slightly more rigid edge to the bowl.

Instructions for the basic coin purse/pouch

I've used UK crochet terminology.  dc=double crochet   ch=chain (in US terms, sc and ch)

Start with a magic loop (so you can draw it tight and the coin purse doesn’t have a hole in the bottom.  Never an asset to a purse).  Use dark grey yarn.

Rows 1-9 are increasing rows. You start with 6 stitches and end up with 54.

Row 1: 2 ch (=1 dc), 5dc.  Join with a slip stitch.  Add a marker (eg. With yarn or a stitch marker) to note the beginning of the row.  Stitch count: 6

Row 2: 2 ch (=1 dc), 1 dc in the same place, 2 dc in each of the remaining dc.  Join with a slip stitch.  Stitch count: 12

Row 3: 2 ch (=1 dc), 1 dc in the same place, 1 dc in the next dc, *2 dc in the next dc, 1 dc in the next dc*.  Repeat from * * to the end.  Join with a slip stitch.  Stitch count: 18

Row 4: 2 ch (=1 dc), 1 dc in the same place, 1 dc in each of the next two dc, *2 dc in the next dc, 1 dc in each of the next two dc*.  Repeat from * * to the end.  Join with a slip stitch.  Stitch count: 24

Row 5: 2 ch (=1 dc), 1 dc in the same place, 1 dc in each of the next three dc, *2 dc in the next dc, 1 dc in each of the next three dc*.  Repeat from * * to the end.  Join with a slip stitch.  Stitch count: 30

Row 6: 2 ch (=1 dc), 1 dc in the same place, 1 dc in each of the next four dc, *2 dc in the next dc, 1 dc in each of the next four dc*.  Repeat from * * to the end.  Join with a slip stitch.  Stitch count: 36

Row 7: 2 ch (=1 dc), 1 dc in the same place, 1 dc in each of the next five dc, *2 dc in the next dc, 1 dc in each of the next five dc*.  Repeat from * * to the end.  Join with a slip stitch.  Stitch count: 42

Row 8: 2 ch (=1 dc), 1 dc in the same place, 1 dc in each of the next six dc, *2 dc in the next dc, 1 dc in each of the next six dc*.  Repeat from * * to the end.  Join with a slip stitch.  Stitch count: 48

Row 9: 2 ch (=1 dc), 1 dc in the same place, 1 dc in each of the next seven dc, *2 dc in the next dc, 1 dc in each of the next seven dc*.  Repeat from * * to the end.  Join with a slip stitch.  Stitch count: 54

This is the base of the purse.

Rows 10 – 28 make the sides of the purse.

Row 10: 2 ch (=1 dc), 1 dc in each dc, Join with a slip stitch.  Stitch count remains 54

Rows 11-15: As for Row 10.  2 ch (=1 dc), 1 dc in each dc, Join with a slip stitch.  Stitch count: 54.

Change to orange yarn

Rows 16-17: 2 ch (=1 dc), 1 dc in each dc, Join with a slip stitch.  Stitch count remains 54

Change to light grey yarn

Rows 18-28: 2 ch (=1 dc), 1 dc in each dc, Join with a slip stitch.  Stitch count remains 54

The crochet is finished.  Weave in the yarn ends. Pin in the zip and sew it with grey thread.  If it’s a little long, line up the top of the zip with one side of the purse and let the bottom of the zip sit down in the purse (see the grey example).  I used doubled thread and did a backstitch every fourth stitch or so for strength.  

See more of Sabine (annisbee) 's crochet on Ravelry - she has some lovely designs:

http://www.ravelry.com/people/Anisbee

Note:INSTRUCTIONS in UK crochet terminology.

Note: links are in US crochet terminology.

Spice of Life CAL: My Mexican Fiesta version

I am not alone in playing with the Spice of Life Crochet-A-Long.:  bright Mexican Fiesta kinda colours were my choice.  I'm using mostly yarn from Spotlight, 4 Seasons 50g wool, and about 18 colours (which is a few more than the original).  There are lots of pictures of completed blankets in a multitude of appealing colour combinations.

As I'm undertaking this with my local knitting and crochet group, I've got Motivation to Keep Up and finish it by June (we're doing a section each month, not weekly).

This is a clever pattern for crocheters both new and old, a chance to practise skills and develop new ones in the context of a blanket (it doesn't have to fit anyone but it will still keep 'em warm!).   The designer, Sandra Paul, notes on her blog the basic skills the blanket requires.

I would recommend reading both the designer's notes and the patterns.  While they are generously filled with links to tutorials and with photos to help you see how do do various stitches, there are sometimes notes on the blog that haven't been put in the pattern.  The pattern is free.

My other suggestion is to use the colour-exchange pages as a guide to the (not consecutively numbered) 129 rows.  And highlight the rows that are trebles.

Designer's blog: http://www.cherryheart.co.uk/p/spice-of-life-blanket.html

Patterns on Ravelry: http://www.ravelry.com/patterns/library/spice-of-life-blanket

There are also threads on Ravelry, Instagrammers with posts, a Facebook group - lots of options if you want to undertake this and engage on social media.

Note: links are in UK crochet terminology.

Admirable Crocheter: Lucy of Attic24

If you like crochet, and have been paying any attention at all for the last while, you can't have missed Lucy of Attic24.  She lives in Skipton in Yorkshire, and has a huge following.

Attic24

				Attic24 brighten your day
				View on www.attic24.typepad.com	Preview by Yahoo

For the good reason that she's making cool stuff in joyful colours with careful, detailed photo tutorials and patterns, all generously free.  Neat ripple blanket, Blooming flower cushion, blankets and flowers and goodness, oh my.  She's started trends and encouraged others and is altogether admirable.  Modern crochet with a nod at the past and an eye to the present.  Crochet for creativity and to keep her family warm.

(And she writes crochet instructions in UK terminology, o happiness!)

She's on Ravelry, and there are also Rav groups of Lucy/Attic24 enthusiasts.

Ravelry: Attic24 - patterns

				Ravelry: Attic24 - patterns
				View on www.ravelry.com	Preview by Yahoo

Note: links are in UK crochet terminology.

How to start crocheting without chain stitch: foundation crochet

Starting with a chain stitch is taught to pretty much every beginner crocheter, and is a hurdle to overcome because it's fiddly and annoying. And as many people chain more tightly than they do other crochet stitches, the beginning of your work can end up with a curling, tighter edge.

(If you HAVE to start with a chain, eg. for v-stitch, then use a larger hook size for the start - eg. if I'm using a 4mm hook, I'll go up to a 5mm hook for the chain and maybe first row).

BUT.... (let me change your life for the better!)

You don't have to start with a chain.  You can use a chainless foundation start (various other names for this: foundation chain, foundation treble etc etc).  What you are doing is creating the base (chain) and the first row (single/double/treble as you prefer) in one go.  In forming each stitch, you make the chain base for the next stitch, then make the stitch you're on.  Chain/stitch/chain/stitch.

Here's a You Tube video - it's in US terms, so it says double crochet where UK term is treble crochet, but it illustrates how it's done.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5t691HnQpBM

And here's a step by step photo tutorial, from a UK blogger so it's in UK terms.

Crochet Corner: Foundation Treble Crochet (ftc)

				Crochet Corner: Foundation Treble Crochet (ftc) How to make a foundation treble crochet stitch (ftr), US: foundation double crochet stitch (fdc)
				View on www.cherryheartcroch...	Preview by Yahoo

It's a really good technique for getting an easier start and less curling. It also gives you a nicer bottom edge than working through the chain can do.

You can do it with double/treble stitches (UK terms) or single/double stitches (US terms).  Or longer stitches (double treble, triple treble etc) if that's what your work requires.

Here's my other tip: staying aware of keeping your stitches level so the bottom edge of your work stays straight.  Keep your stitches at right angles, even if it feels that first loop is loopier than you expect.

It may take you a couple of tries to 'see' what you're doing, but when you do (and you will), it's an excellent technique to have in your bag of tricks.

Note: links are in US crochet terminology.

Note: links are in UK crochet terminology.