Today's free pattern from Annie's Attic is a lovely little beret that fits sizes 0-18 months. It is adorable and you could easily switch the colors or make it in a solid, pastel. I am in the vicinity of needing a beret size 7, so I will pass this one up today, but it is adorable. I'm thinking solid white with little pink roses, but I'm the feminine one that puts roses on everything.
Free Pattern Annie's Attic
Monday, May 25, 2009
Friday, February 27, 2009
Crochet News and Charity
Salvation Army Fabric Fair and Pittsburgh Knit and Crochet ...
PR Newswire (press release) - Feb 4, 2009
4 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- Once again, the Greater Pittsburgh area's knit and crochet... community is stepping forward to support The Salvation Army's
The 'You Name It Club' meets every Friday to socialize, craft
Lincoln Standard - Feb 23, 2009
HAMLIN - Every Friday a group gathers in the basement of the Hamlin Public Library from 9 am to 12 pm to quilt, crochet, and chat. It's a good group, ...
When the Next Wave Wipes Out
New York Times - Feb 25, 2009
That Yarn Store, a hangout for crochet-heads, didn’t survive a bad winter. And what will become of the storefront that once housed Blue Heeler, ...
‘Making good on something bad’: Teddy bear, crocheting programs ...
Jackson County Chronicle - Feb 4, 2009
The workers’ skillful hands diligently sew and crochet with whatever materials they have in front of them, paying careful attention to detail and making ...
Senior Circle Stitchers create blankets and quilts
Mt. Vernon Register-News - Feb 20, 2009
The women also crochet coverings for premature babies and newborns at a pediatric unit and Angels’ Cove. At times they meet other needs of community members ...
The slouchy beret is a fashion trend!
Examiner.com - Feb 20, 2009
$19.90 Two tone crochet french knit beret. Great quality, soft and will keep your head warm. Easy to carry and the hottest look for the season! ...
Did You Know?: Club reservations are now being accepted
Friday Flyer - Feb 19, 2009
Ellen Iacono, who has been active at the Senior Center since it began, is considering starting a class to teach people how to crochet. ...
Milan Fashion Week: Missoni
Telegraph.co.uk - 1 hour ago
The knit techniques ranged from fine, gossamer-light and open-work crochet effects through to the familiar Missoni zigzags and a dense, geometric jacquard. ...
IWCC Shelby County Center offers March continuing education
Atlantic News Telegraph - Feb 19, 2009
Crochet a Lapghan - Learn to crochet a granny square lapghan. Will also learn a different pattern block or design each week which could include a ...
Jocelynn Brown
DetNews.com - Feb 13, 2009
"I learned to crochet from my mother when I was 8 years old and other than just a chain, my first completed project was an afghan. ...
Volunteer for project that salutes veterans
Bangor Daily News - Feb 23, 2009
HAP volunteers from across the country will knit or crochet hat and scarf sets and slippers for the VA centers to distribute to veterans who need them. ...
Pittsburgh Knit and Crochet Festival to start on Feb 14
Fibre2fashion.com - Feb 5, 2009
Once again, the Greater Pittsburgh area's knit and crochet community is stepping forward to support The Salvation Army's efforts. The 5th Annual Pittsburgh ...
Organization of the Week: Knit 1, Purl TU
The Collegian online - Feb 16, 2009
The group comes together to learn, show off our work, exchange tips and knit or crochet. Some people who come don’t know how and want to learn, ...
FEB. 15 ATCHAFALAYA VOICES: Writing from our readers
The Daily Advertiser - Feb 15, 2009
3, 1928, brothers Clarence and Orlien Crochet were the driver and occupant of the rice truck. They stopped by to purchase liquor. ...
Company passes down to the next generation
Daily Comet - Feb 15, 2009
Starting next year, “John is going to be the one who will be doing our floats and following in his grandfather’s footsteps,” Crochet said, though McGee will ...
Betty Jane Garver
Mansfield News Journal - 1 hour ago
Betty loved to crochet and was a loving mother who enjoyed spending time with her family. Surviving are a daughter and son-in-law, Shirley and Skip Stehle ...
It Takes A Shopaholic To Know A 'Shopaholic'
Hartford Courant - Feb 12, 2009
Or I would cut off the extra limb, crochet the edges and cover the hole with an attractive leather patch. (Never mind that I could more easily do open heart ...
Talking with movie fashion designer Patricia Field St. Louis Post-Dispatch
Beware the yarnbombers
Canada.com - 4 hours ago
Thus was born Knitta, the world's first gang of derring-do darners and crochet commandos. Their mandate is simple: cloak everything from bar stools to ...
A wonderful feeling of helpfulness
TheReporter.com - Feb 23, 2009
This got me thinking: Perhaps more citizens of Vacaville who can knit or crochet could make gloves, mittens or scarves, as well as afghans, and donate these ...
Lydia O’Neal
Daily Comet - Feb 12, 2009
Lydia Lucille Crochet O’Neal, 88, a native of Morgan City and resident of Houma, died at 4:15 pm Tuesday, Feb. 10, 2009. Visitation will be from 10 am to ...
Stonington Continuing Education: You’re never too old to learn
Stonington Times - Feb 18, 2009
Whether you’ve always wanted to pick up a crochet hook or a digital camera, try the tango or make goat cheese, Stonington Continuing Education offers a wide ...
Youth swimmers improve to 8-0
TownTimesNews.com - Feb 19, 2009
13-18 200 Free Relay: J. Demirs, S. Blatherwick, Katie Crochet, S. White, 2:01.28; V. Mone, Y. Malik, C. Luddy, N. LeRoy, 2:18.84. ...
Fellman cabin 4
Los Angeles Times - Feb 17, 2009
I made the curtains from old German velvet trimmed with crochet on the bottom and lined in cotton. They warm up the room, and when they're closed you can ...
Fellman cabin 13 Los Angeles Times
Finish, carpet can trip up a staricase
Kansas City Star - Feb 7, 2009
Author Treena Crochet is especially adept at showing how to treat woodwork as an important element of interior architecture and design. ...
Very Hungry Caterpillar Crochet Cloche Hat
Babble Australia - Feb 9, 2009
So you can only imagine how excited I was when I discovered this Very Hungry Caterpillar Crochet Cloche Hat. Click behind the fold to read more about this ...
Group knits outfits for new ministry
Point Pleasant Register - Feb 16, 2009
“We knit or crochet anything when there is a need,” Tribble said. “This is a talent that God has given us to serve Him and others. ...
Bronx Arts Ensemble sets annual jazz concert
YourNabe.com - Feb 12, 2009
The Bronx Council on the Arts and the Huntington Free Library present a free “lower-making crochet workshop on Sat., Feb. 21, from noon to 3 pm at the ...
Feb. 26 notes from the reuben hoar library
Littleton Independent - 12 hours ago
Bring in your knitting and crochet projects in progress, any questions, and completed projects for 'show-and-tell.' Crafters of all experience levels are ...
Organization knits to warm up needy
SJU The Hawk - Feb 10, 2009
Currently, WUA is a nationwide organization comprised of volunteers who knit and crochet... afghans, clothing, and accessories to help those in need.
Animals seized from a Moss Bluff home
KPLC-TV - Feb 7, 2009
Fisher's neighbor Larry Crochet says he knew she had a lot of animals but he thinks she had good intentions. "She's a very nice lady, she's a caring person. ...
Crochet News
Spring Knit & Crochet Show will be in Portland
The Oregonian - OregonLive.com - Feb 25, 2009
26, for the Spring 2009 Knit & Crochet Show that will be the Doubletree Hotel in Portland May 14-17. The show is The Knitting Guild Association's National ...
Crocheting to the music
The Original Irregular - Feb 25, 2009
Lorna Luce and Dory Coffren (the Weares sisters of Salem) crochet dish clothes recently, during the performance of A&E Hill Country Music at the Salem ...
Investigation stalls in crochet needle case
News Courier - Feb 23, 2009
By Jean Cole The investigation into a man’s claim that he awoke with a crochet needle in his urethra appears to be stuck. Limestone County sheriff’s ...
Investigator: Girl cut man's neck in self defense News Courier
AMIGURUMI, Grim Reapers and Zombies
NewsOK.com - 12 hours ago
There are several people on my Christmas list that need to get the Death amigurumi (the Grim Reaper in crochet), in their stocking. This is my therapy, ...
Calendar of Events
Russellville Courier - Feb 25, 2009
Community blood donations, 9 am to 5 pm, American Red Cross Blood Donor Center, 1003 W. Main St. Strong Woman exercise 9 am, Crochet Club, Canasta and Pitch ...
Incinerator contractor files lien against city, others
SW Iowa News - Feb 25, 2009
Paul "Jack" Lewis, owner of Spencer Enterprises of Bedford was contracted to do the cement work for the foundation the incinerator sits on by Crochet ...
Art Openings, Events and Museums
The Oregonian - OregonLive.com - 7 hours ago
"I Crochet Portland" by Jo Hamilton will include her first attempt to crochet a painting of sorts. Opening reception 6-8 pm Thu, March 5; through March 31. ...
FRIENDS AND NEIGHBORS
Tri County Leader - 14 hours ago
She loves to get lost in a good book with the cat curled up in her lap and she still enjoys crocheting. "I learned to crochet watching my grandmother," ...
Hooked On Crochet : The All Impressive Afghan Crochet Pattern
마인드스포츠올림피아드 - Feb 24, 2009
The other super thing about the wide variety of an afghan crochet pattern is that you can take on a project like this at any skill and experience level. ...
County Parks and Rec offering new crocheting class
Citrus Daily - Local Citrus County News - Feb 22, 2009
The Citrus County Parks & Recreation Division is offering Crocheting classes at the Lecanto Community Building with instructor Laura Boetto. ...
Crocheting with care
Knoxville News Sentinel - Feb 20, 2009
By Kristi L. Nelson (Contact) Reeseann Wyatt can barely remember a time in her life that she didn't have a crochet hook in her hand. ...
Man awakes wih crochet needle stuck into urethra
News Courier - Feb 19, 2009
... night to Huntsville Hospital to take an unusual report from a man who told officers he’d awakened with a crochet needle stuck into his urethra. ...
Crocheting: Not just for grandmas
Rock Hill Herald (press release) - Feb 21, 2009
By Andrew Dys - The Herald FORT MILL -- Certainly, the first thought when somebody mentions the word "crochet" is a granny in a chair. ...
Century celebration
Timmins Daily Press - 1 hour ago
She loved to sew, crochet and knit and would even purchase old coats and make them into pants for her children. Among Vien's passions was her Catholic ...
Need to knit? Crave Crochet? Borrow a page from these
Bangor Daily News - Feb 16, 2009
By Ardeana Hamlin Wrap it up and scarf it up with Kristin Omdahl’s book “Wrapped in Crochet: Scarves, Wraps and Shawls.” The book’s scarf section features ...
Bristow/Brentsville/Nokesville community events
Inside NoVA - 8 hours ago
Thursday, 6 pm, Nokesville Neighborhood Library hosts its weekly knitting and crochet class. » Friday, March 6, 7 pm, the Brentsville District High School ...
Down Cellar in Basking Ridge has a knack for knitting
Scarlet Scuttlebutt - Feb 24, 2009
An open crochet meeting is held the third Wednesday of each month. Advice and conversation are included. Smalley said her shop is filled with creative ...
Knit & Crochet Festival to offer classes, shopping
Pittsburgh Tribune-Review - Feb 10, 2009
"He makes knitting needles, also, and crochet hooks," says festival organizer Barb Grossman of O'Hara. Last year, more than 1500 people from multiple states ...
Hats off to the troops: Mesquite seniors knit caps for soldiers ...
Star Community Newspapers - Feb 22, 2009
West was eager to help McKee with the knitted and crochet caps project. The military holds a special place in West’s heart -- her husband and five of her ...
Charity knitting and crochet group meets up at Charity Craft Center
Community Impact Newspaper - Feb 16, 2009
Jodi Rogers of Texas Home Health Hospice will lead a charity knitting and crochet group at the Charity Craft Center located at The Stitching Studio, ...
At Your Library
Chetek Alert - Feb 25, 2009
Projects in "Wrapped in Crochet," by Kristin Omdahl, highlight unusual edgings and motifs, colorwork, lace, ruffles, tiers and more. ...
Orangeburg Crochet Club honors members, supporters
Orangeburg Times Democrat - Feb 15, 2009
Decked out in red and sporting their distinctive crocheted berets, the Orangeburg Crochet... Club honored the spirit of St. Valentine and club members at their
Spreading warmth a stitch at a time
Midland Mirror - Feb 25, 2009
Liz Cascagnette loves to knit and crochet, and is hoping to turn her passion into a helping hand by starting a local chapter of the Blankets for Canada ...
Engineer hooked into a second career making crochet designs
Pittsburgh Post Gazette - Feb 9, 2009
By Susan Banks, Pittsburgh Post-Gazette What do you get when you cross a structural engineer with a crochet enthusiast? You get Robyn Chachula, ...
Crafters sew up comfort for kids
Cherry Hill Courier Post - Feb 22, 2009
The volunteers packed a room and gathered around long tables to knit, crochet, sew or quilt blankets. "Some people have something they've been working on ...
Making blankets to comfort children News & Observer
Tights fit
London Free Press - Feb 23, 2009
Open weave crochet knits, patterns and sparkling dress sheers are gussied up in grey. Purple breaks away from neutral territory as a strong winter accent ...
Art Night Out- Crochet Wire & Bead Cuff
MaineToday.com - Feb 13, 2009
Using a simple crochet technique, you will combine fine wire with pearls and semiprecious stone chips into a darling cuff bracelet. ...
Arts and Crafts
Washington Post - 21 hours ago
Instruction in cross-stitch, crochet, knitting and needlepoint. $2 drop-in fee. Register. 540-822-5284. STERLING RURITAN CLUB, 7 pm Thursdays, ...
Big-Time Baller
ESPN - Feb 18, 2009
Does that include learning to crochet? "No," Dailey replies immediately. "I don't want to get beat up around the locker room, you know what I mean? ...
Musotica Launches Women’s Crochet Beachwear Line
PR.com (press release) - Feb 3, 2009
Sarah Wallner, owner and designer of Musotica Wear launches sexy-fashionable crocheted... bathing suit and bikini for women who want to look sexy.
The Craft of Crochet
The early development of the craft of crochet is linked to the imitation of lace and lace making.
The word crochet comes from the French ‘croche’ or ‘croc’ meaning to hook.
In the 16th century nuns taught the craft to their students and it became a recognised accomplishment of a high-born lady. Crochet was considered to be suitable only for the rich with the poorer people having knitted items.
In the 1840s crochet instructions began to be published and so crochet became more popular. Before this time crochet had been handed down through families with each generation passing on the skills.
Many older patterns contained just a picture with just a few of the more complicated sections explained, as a consequence you were expected to work from the picture for the majority of the pattern!
Irish crochet is often considered to be crocheting at its highest expression and is done with the finest thread and hooks in intricate patterns, usually displaying a motif of leaves or flowers set in an open web-like background.
When trying to imitate lace very fine threads and hooks were used but nowadays it is more usual to use soft yarns to produce clothing, home furnishings and wall displays.
How to Crochet
When you begin to crochet you start with a slip stitch on a hook. However, unlike knitting, crochet uses this single starting loop to work a row of individual chain stitches. So each new loop is formed by catching the yarn and drawing it through the previous loop.
Then you work back along this series of chain stitches, each new stitch being looped through a stitch in the previous row.
Each stitch is completed when only a single loop remains on your crochet hook, and then the next stitch is worked. Although this may sound complicated in practise it is very easy to do.
By using various combinations of stitches it is possible to create a variety of textures and patterns. These combinations can have descriptive names such as pineapple and popcorn as well as the more usual chain, double, and treble.
An Ideal Craft for the Busy Person
Crochet can be done with the minimum amount of equipment and mess, and is very quick to tidy away.
This makes crochet an ideal craft to do when you’re travelling. There is only your yarn and a crochet hook, and possibly a crochet pattern, to carry. If you drop a stitch or make a mistake it is easy to pull the work back to a ‘correct’ single loop and restart from there.
Crochet Pattern e-books
Crochet pattern e-books are great value and very convenient. You can print out just the instructions for the pattern you are making.
This allows you to have only a page or two for your pattern and you do not need to carry a whole crochet book.
If the pages you’ve printed get damaged or lost it is easy to print the pattern again from the e-book allowing you to complete your project.
Crochet is an interesting hobby. You can crochet straight forward items almost immediately and once you’ve mastered the basics you can go onto the more complicated patterns when you fancy a challenge.
Catherine Calder sells crochet instruction videos that are ideal for beginners. These computer video files show the basic crochet stitches and all the stages to crocheting your first Granny Square. Visit http://www.learnanddo.com/crochet.asp
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Catherine_Calder
Vintage Crochet Patterns: As Old as Time
Crocheting, I bet you've heard of this before. Most people have, it's a hobby as old as time. It's been around for years, and it's been estimated that the hobby started as far back as the 1500s! Unfortunately no proof has ever been brought forth as to when it actually originated.
Have you ever wondered where and when this needlework hobby started? According to the September 1997 newsletter of the Crochet Guild of America, a researcher theorized that the art of crochet could be traced as far back as 1500s in Italy. However, there is no solid evidence for this statement.
But even so, we can only imagine that this craft has been around for the longest time. And it has evolved from making only home décor works to stitching clothes and other fashion accessories as well.
Reminiscing
Crocheting can let you do a lot of things. From small purses to jackets and sweaters, there are a lot of options to choose from. But there are probably some hobbyists that are looking for those old, classic patterns that can usually be seen during the early 1900s or even earlier. To help you in finding those hard-to-look for patterns, here are some resources that you can check out in the World Wide Web.
- Vintage Crochet Patterns. Tabitha Gibbons, the owner of this web site, offers several volumes of crochet patterns books. She sells a wide selection of vintage crochet patterns, from little doilies, rugs, afghans to bed covers and table cloths. By visiting her web site, one can fill out the name and email form to receive a free pattern book.
- Crochet Treasures. “Patterns from the past; Creating heirlooms for tomorrow…” This is the slogan of this web site with a collection of classic patterns. It is a member-based site that offers over 950 vintage patterns to its subscribers. For visitors, it also offers about 25 free vintage crochet patterns for personal use. However, it is not accepting new members at the moment until further notice by the owner.
- Celt’s Vintage Crochet. Yet another vintage crochet patterns site, this really has a wide variety of vintage patterns to choose from. And the best thing about this site is that all of these patterns are for free! It also showcases the owner’s finished projects, most of which are doilies and other table accessories.
- Soft Memories. This site brings you back to the past with its collection of more than a thousand vintage crochet patterns. The patterns are grouped in different categories – doilies, bed jackets and slippers, hanky edgings, potholders, ruffles and flowers, doll clothes, and other home décor pieces. All of these patterns can be viewed and printed out by subscribing to the site. There are also a few free patterns available for visitors to get a peak of what the site has to offer.
- Vintage Crochet Patterns e-book. This sort-of e-book contains 20 wonderful vintage patterns that are easy to crochet and can be hits in fairs and bazaars. Some examples of the patterns available are the crochet work bag, beaded doily, and the wedding ring bedspread. This is a portable document file (pdf) that can be downloaded for free from Crochet and Knitting web site.
- 1800’s to Early 1900’s Vintage Pattern Links. This site, authored by a lady named Martha who is also known as StarGazer, has several links to patterns that were designed way back 1800s up to 1930s. These patterns can be accessed for free. The site also has links to other web sites that offer vintage crochet patterns.
- Antique Crochet Patterns. This section in the web site Knitting-Crochet has almost a hundred of vintage patterns categorized into baby pieces, men’s or ladies’ wear, slippers, tablecloth, doily, and many others. It also offers to convert your knitting patterns to crochet and vice versa. Best of all, these patterns are free to access and print for personal use!
- Antique Crochet Patterns. This one is different from the site above as this is the web site name itself, not just a section. This site offers vintage crochet patterns from 1850s to 1950s and all of these are baby items such as bonnet, booties, hat, jumper, afghan, and a lot more. It also provides free lesson for the wannabes and beginners of this needlecraft.
These are just a few of the tons of resources you can find online that offers hard-to-find vintage patterns. Whether free or fee-based, these sites and resources can surely take you back in time with the wonderful, classical patterns that they offer.
If you are a crochet hobbyist you may seriously consider checking out these online resources. You should be able to find a huge variety of patterns for free, as well as purchasable ones. Whether you're a crochet master, or a novice of this eloquent hobby, these patterns will surely please you in many ways.
To learn more about getting started in crochet please visit www.startcrocheting101.com now.
Crocheting is a great pasttime with lots of history behind it. If you are interested in learning more about beginning crochet or are already involved and would like to further your knowledge, please visit http://www.startcrocheting101.com.
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Paula_Korel
Vintage Crochet Patterns: As Old as Time
Crocheting, I bet you've heard of this before. Most people have, it's a hobby as old as time. It's been around for years, and it's been estimated that the hobby started as far back as the 1500s! Unfortunately no proof has ever been brought forth as to when it actually originated.
Have you ever wondered where and when this needlework hobby started? According to the September 1997 newsletter of the Crochet Guild of America, a researcher theorized that the art of crochet could be traced as far back as 1500s in Italy. However, there is no solid evidence for this statement.
But even so, we can only imagine that this craft has been around for the longest time. And it has evolved from making only home décor works to stitching clothes and other fashion accessories as well.
Reminiscing
Crocheting can let you do a lot of things. From small purses to jackets and sweaters, there are a lot of options to choose from. But there are probably some hobbyists that are looking for those old, classic patterns that can usually be seen during the early 1900s or even earlier. To help you in finding those hard-to-look for patterns, here are some resources that you can check out in the World Wide Web.
- Vintage Crochet Patterns. Tabitha Gibbons, the owner of this web site, offers several volumes of crochet patterns books. She sells a wide selection of vintage crochet patterns, from little doilies, rugs, afghans to bed covers and table cloths. By visiting her web site, one can fill out the name and email form to receive a free pattern book.
- Crochet Treasures. “Patterns from the past; Creating heirlooms for tomorrow…” This is the slogan of this web site with a collection of classic patterns. It is a member-based site that offers over 950 vintage patterns to its subscribers. For visitors, it also offers about 25 free vintage crochet patterns for personal use. However, it is not accepting new members at the moment until further notice by the owner.
- Celt’s Vintage Crochet. Yet another vintage crochet patterns site, this really has a wide variety of vintage patterns to choose from. And the best thing about this site is that all of these patterns are for free! It also showcases the owner’s finished projects, most of which are doilies and other table accessories.
- Soft Memories. This site brings you back to the past with its collection of more than a thousand vintage crochet patterns. The patterns are grouped in different categories – doilies, bed jackets and slippers, hanky edgings, potholders, ruffles and flowers, doll clothes, and other home décor pieces. All of these patterns can be viewed and printed out by subscribing to the site. There are also a few free patterns available for visitors to get a peak of what the site has to offer.
- Vintage Crochet Patterns e-book. This sort-of e-book contains 20 wonderful vintage patterns that are easy to crochet and can be hits in fairs and bazaars. Some examples of the patterns available are the crochet work bag, beaded doily, and the wedding ring bedspread. This is a portable document file (pdf) that can be downloaded for free from Crochet and Knitting web site.
- 1800’s to Early 1900’s Vintage Pattern Links. This site, authored by a lady named Martha who is also known as StarGazer, has several links to patterns that were designed way back 1800s up to 1930s. These patterns can be accessed for free. The site also has links to other web sites that offer vintage crochet patterns.
- Antique Crochet Patterns. This section in the web site Knitting-Crochet has almost a hundred of vintage patterns categorized into baby pieces, men’s or ladies’ wear, slippers, tablecloth, doily, and many others. It also offers to convert your knitting patterns to crochet and vice versa. Best of all, these patterns are free to access and print for personal use!
- Antique Crochet Patterns. This one is different from the site above as this is the web site name itself, not just a section. This site offers vintage crochet patterns from 1850s to 1950s and all of these are baby items such as bonnet, booties, hat, jumper, afghan, and a lot more. It also provides free lesson for the wannabes and beginners of this needlecraft.
These are just a few of the tons of resources you can find online that offers hard-to-find vintage patterns. Whether free or fee-based, these sites and resources can surely take you back in time with the wonderful, classical patterns that they offer.
If you are a crochet hobbyist you may seriously consider checking out these online resources. You should be able to find a huge variety of patterns for free, as well as purchasable ones. Whether you're a crochet master, or a novice of this eloquent hobby, these patterns will surely please you in many ways.
To learn more about getting started in crochet please visit www.startcrocheting101.com now.
Crocheting is a great pasttime with lots of history behind it. If you are interested in learning more about beginning crochet or are already involved and would like to further your knowledge, please visit http://www.startcrocheting101.com.
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Paula_Korel
Do You Want to Learn How to Crochet
Have you been thinking about learning to crochet? Many
people have told me that they would just love to be able
to crochet, but they feel it would be too hard for them
to learn. They know nothing about yarn, hooks or
even how to begin.
Actually, crochet is not difficult at all. It's only hard if
you think it is, so you have to change your thinking by
looking at the basics of crochet.
Have you ever seen children (or perhaps you have done
this yourself) playing with a piece of yarn or string? They
make a slip knot in the yarn or string using their fingers,
then make a loop and pass it through the first loop, then
another loop through that loop and so on. This is the same
as the basic starting chain in crochet, except you are using
a crochet hook instead of your fingers.
How do you choose your yarn? In selecting your yarn,
there are five basic types: baby/fingering, sportweight/baby,
worsted weight, chunky and bulky. Worsted weight is a
good type for a beginner.
Fingering and baby yarns are very fine, sportweight
is usually 3 ply (ply means the number of strands that
are twisted together to form the yarn). Worsted
weight is a 4 ply yarn. Chunky and bulky are
heavier yarns.
Yarns can be made of synthetic or natural fibers.
Acrylics are popular and easy to work with and
wash. Cotton yarns are very easy to work with
and make great crocheted dishcloths, an easy
project for beginners.
For a beginner, you will want to stay away from
using the fuzzy and fur yarns. They are soft and
very pretty, but more difficult to work with as it
is hard to see your stitches. You can try them later
as your crocheting skills improve.
To choose your yarn, just look at the labels. They
will tell you what you need to know. Some yarns
even have free patterns inside the label. You will
want to save those in your pattern collection, even
if you are not interested in making the item right
now. It's always great to build a pattern collection
for later use.
Next you will choose your crochet hook. Hooks
can be made of aluminum, plastic, wood or steel.
Steel hooks are very small and used in fine work
such as doilies and lace.
As a beginner, you will be learning with the worsted
weight yarn so you will want a H (5.00mm), I (5.5mm)
or J (6.00mm) hook. As you learn to crochet, you
will want to build a collection of the many different
hook sizes.
The problem I have found that most beginners have is
getting the hook and yarn working together. But as
with anything, practice makes perfect. It doesn't take
long before you will get the hang of it and be in the
flow.
Before you actually make an item you should do some
practice pieces. Start out making a chain of about 15
to 20 chains. You do that by making a slip knot by wrapping
the yarn around your finger and pulling loop through, then
put the slip knot onto your crochet hook. Pull on both
ends of the yarn to tighten and adjust the slip knot. Then
bring your yarn over your hook from back to front, grab
the yarn with your hook and pull through the loop on your
hook. Repeat until you have 15 to 20 chain stitches.
Now you will use the single crochet (sc) to make your
practice piece. In the second chain from your hook
(just count two chains away from the hook) and insert
your hook into that chain. Put your yarn over the hook
and draw that yarn through the chain stitch. There are
now 2 loops on hook.
Bring your yarn over the hook from back to front, and
draw it through both loops on hook. One loop remains
on the hook. You have completed your first single
crochet stitch.
Keep repeating the single crochet stitch until the end
of the chain row. If you started with 20 chains, you
will 19 single crochet stitches in this row as you skipped
the first chain and began in the second chain from your
hook.
To do your next row of single crochet, first you make
a chain stitch by wrapping the yarn over your hook and
pulling it through the loop on your hook. Now you turn
your work so that the last sc you made on the previous
row is now at the beginning. Make one single crochet
stitch in that stitch and in each remaining stitch of the
previous row. Repeat this for every new row.
You will notice that there are two loops on the tops of the
completed single crochet stitches. You put your hook
through both those loops. I have noticed that a mistake
that some beginners make is by only going through one
loop of the single crochet. That is a variation that works
well in some patterns, but you will learn that later as your
skills improve.
Keep working your sample piece for practice until you
get the feel for crocheting. This will help you to learn
how to hold your hook in a way that makes it easy to
grab the yarn and it will also help you to get your tension
on. You may find that you are crocheting too loosely or
too tightly at first. As you practice, you will learn how
to keep your tension uniform throughout the whole
project.
Once you have practiced and feel you are ready to try
an easy pattern, you can do a search online for a scarf
pattern, which is what most beginners start out with.
Or, as mentioned before, dishcloths are easy patterns
for beginners.
By searching online you will find everything you need
to know about crochet. There are free patterns, charts
with crochet abbreviations used in patterns, charts for
hook sizes, etc.
I am sure that you will enjoy your crochet experience.
I find it very relaxing, a great stress reliever. It is also fun
to work with the different yarn colors and textures. It is
great to be able to make items for yourself and as gifts
for family and friends.
You can do it while you are watching TV, or while sitting
in a doctor's waiting room, or traveling as a passenger in
a vehicle. Just get yourself a crochet tote bag (or crochet
one yourself) and you are ready to go.
I hope this information has been helpful to you in making
your decision to take up crochet as a hobby.
By Sue Norrad of http://www.crochetandknitting.com where she offers her own original crochet pattern designs for free. You will also find many craft resources such as a Craft and Pattern Search Discussion Forum, craft supplies, charts, and much more.
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