Zen Knitting

Gauge is the number of stitches per inch and the number of rows per inch produced when working with a particular size of yarn and a specific hook. Gauge varies from crocheter to crocheter, even when they are using exactly the same yarn and hook. To get beyond this problem a swatch, or small sample piece is made in the stitch pattern using the size of yarn and hook.

A swatch will help you determine if you meet the patterns intended gauge. For the best results, make a crocheted swatch of at least 6 inches square and then measure the stitches in the center of the swatch to determine gauge.

Often a crochet pattern doesn’t suggest a gauge swatch. It may say instead 4 stitches and 4 rows = 1 inch. To make a swatch make about six inches of chain. Lay the piece flat on a table. Count how many stitches there are in one inch. This is your stitch gauge.

Next, count the number of rows in one inch. This is your row gauge. Row gauge becomes important, when complicated stitch patterns repeat after a number of rows. If the shaping must take place at a certain row and your row gauge is different from the pattern gauge, shaping won’t be done at the proper time and your garment may not fit properly.

Usually, if your stitch gauge matches, the row gauge will be close enough for most purposes.

If your gauge is larger than the one described in the pattern, use a smaller hook try another swatch. If your swatch is smaller, then you’ll need to increase your hook. As hooks vary between manufacturers, you may find that switching hook brand can help you to reach the right gauge.

-A swatch should be at least two inches square.
-Always make a square swatch – it’s easier to make an accurate count.
-Try not to force your tension, but crochet just like you always do.
-If you naturally crochet tightly, use a size larger hook than recommended.
-If you naturally crochet loosely, use a size smaller hook than recommended.
-If your foundation chain is too tight or too loose, begin the pattern with another size hook.
-Always measure the swatch on a hard, flat surface.

http://www.officialguidetocrochet.com/beginning-crochet.html

Both a skill and a hobby, crocheting is the joy of many women who get to spend their time in the most pleasant of ways: embroidering, knitting, decorating and more. Varied colors, diverse materials, different objects, sometimes they all get to have a little thing in common: the beautiful crochet flowers used for embellishment. Watch crochet flowers for just a second and you will see that they look perfectly inspired from a joyful child’s drawing: the colors and the shapes are a lot bolder than you’d expect Mother nature to have made them: this is actually the art of “flowery transfiguration”.

You can make crochet flowers of almost any type of yarn, and then apply them as decorations on a variety of objects such as hats, pillow dresses, tables cloths, bags and so on. According to the season you may toy with models and colors to match holidays in a variety of motifs; variations also result from the choice of rejecting a repetitive pattern. For instance, not all crochet flowers on a table cloth should look the same; you can always improvise in terms of petal and flower center sizes. Even the same flower can have smaller and larger petals in a perfectly artistic combination.

In case you use pointed crochet flowers to decorate a specific house item, you could easily scatter some smaller round ones too in between the larger decorations. As for models, colors and materials, the Internet is probably the richest source to find new challenges and tips for improving skills of the kind. Magazines also provide good sources of inspiration for someone who’s trying to find new ideas for crochet flowers making. Presently, there are even companies that supply you with all the yarn types you may need; simply place your order and have them delivered at home.

You could choose to even attend some craft classes and learn the secrets of crochet flowers making, but many people think they could more easily succeed by trial and error than otherwise. If you are a beginner it is probably a good idea that you start by crocheting simple models, using just one type of yarn. Color variation and more exquisite patterns can only be achieved when you have developed your skills to a certain level already, and you are actually ready to move to the next difficulty level. Many women even discover that they get to improvise various models on their own, without having to check in a magazine or ask for advice. Enjoy it!

Coils are easy to crochet and can be used to make many different accessories and toys. Remember those cute toy dolls with arms and legs like springs.

Different yarns produce different sizes of coils. Use cotton thread, metallic thread or baby yarn to make very thin, delicate coils. Use several thin coils of the same or many different colours to use as Accessories; purse handles, belts, necklace chains, gift wrap ties.

1. Crochet a chain about 5 times as long as you wish your finished coil.

2. Make three stitches in each single crochet; your choice of stitch will determine your width; double or half double crochet stitch.

3. As you work, coil the curls.

4. Bind off.

Wide coils can be assembled to create a Toy Doll using a larger hook (No. 4 or 5) and 4-ply or chunky yarn.

1. Crochet a chain about 5 times as long as you wish your finished coil. (doll body requires about 100 ch (20 rings).

2. Make three stitches in each single crochet; your choice of stitch will determine your width; double for body or half double crochet stitch for arms and legs.

3. As you work, coil the curls.

4. Bind off and run 2 or 3 strand of wool down the middle of the coils to secure; not too tight or they will not be “springy”.

5. To crochet a head, chain 3 and join to form a circle. Two single crochet in each stitch around until you have a circle twice the size of the head size you wish. Bind off. Make another half head and join together.

6. Embroider or paint a face. Add yarn hair if you wish.

Tips:

Use any type of cotton thread or yarn.

Experiment with large and small hooks.

Your doll can be very large or very small by using more or less rings.

If you find you want more rings, simply bind off the last ring; make another chain and tie to the end of the finished ring.

Warning:

Be careful not to add or drop a stitch.

Always leave enough yarn at the end to sew your pieces together.

Manhattan, New York – November 13, 2007 – Lion Brand Yarn Company

(LionBrand.com) publishes the largest email newsletter for knitting and

crochet enthusiasts on the Internet, with over 850,000 subscribers

receiving their weekly dose of crochet, knitting and yarn news from Lion

Brand. With such a significant market share, the Lion Brand e-newsletter

has established a reputation for determining industry trends in knitting

and crochet fashions, podcasts, popular yarns, and reporting on the

latest charity organization and yarn related news. As a service to the

industry and knitting and crochet enthusiasts, Lion Brand publishes a

monthly synopsis of news from the previous months’ newsletters.

Here is the monthly news and trend synopsis from Lion Brand for October

2007:

- Articles featured in October included Crochet Block Q&A in the 10/5/07

issue. The 10/12/07 issue included an interesting article on how to

embelish your socks with color in the heel, toe and cuff. The 10/19/07

issue featured a story by Michelle Edwards that explored the joys of

beautiful yarn and making squares for donation to “Warm up America”. On

10/26/07 the Lion Brand design department offered an interesting article

on making Afghans as gifts for the Holidays and Jackie Smyth had

recommendations on three easy to make Afghans.

- Patterns featured in the October 5th issue included a free Basketweave

and Cape Pattern and four new Halloween patterns including: Craft

Spiders and Spiderweb, Crochet Pirate Pal, Crochet Pumpkin Pal and

Crochet Furry Pal. On 10/19/07 new plush throw remakes were featured,

which included a plush throw in Wool-Ease Thick and Quick and a plush

throw in Jiffy.

- Podcasts were distributed by Lion forthe first time this month. In

their first podcasts on 10/16/07 Jessica Abo, visited the Lion Brand

Design Center in New York City. She interviewed Ilana Rabinowitz, V.P.

of Marketing, and found out why Lion has created podcasts and what

listeners can look forward to. On 10/30/07 Jessica Abo and Zontee Hou

discuss listener feedback from Lion’s first podcast. Jessica and Zontee

are once again joined by Liz Shaw, and gave insight into what’s on their

needles and hooks.

- Crochet Blocks featured in October as part of the ongoing series were

“Textured Stripes” on 10/5/2007, “Scales” on 10/12/07, “Circles and

Bobbles” on 10/19/07. “All in a Row” on 10-26-07

Lion Brand archives all of its newsletters online. To view details for

any of the articles or podcasts mentioned in this release, visit

cache.lionbrand.com/cgi-bin/newsletters.cgi and click on the date for

the newsletter you are interested in reading. The Lion Brand newsletter

is a free weekly service for knitting and crochet enthusiasts.

Subscriptions are available online at:

cache.lionbrand.com/newsletterRequest.html.

About Lion Brand Yarn Company

Lion Brand Yarn Company, is a 129-year-old entity and is America’s

oldest hand knitting yarn brand. Throughout its history, Lion Brand Yarn

has been at the forefront of yarn trends while consistently providing

its customers with the highest quality product, service and inspiration

at value prices.

Forget spending hours finding the perfect sandals for that summer dress. Crochet your own! Using free crochet patterns found online, this project is perfect for both the beginner, and a seasoned crocheting expert. Before you know it, your closet will be lined with a pair of sandals for every occasion. Your friends will definitely envy your new found shoe style!

What’s a day at the beach without a killer swimsuit and sandals to match? If you’ve seen those plain Jane white flip flops at the local shoe store, you know where to start. Typically sold for a few dollars a pair, it’s easy to stock up on plenty of flip flops to get you going. Black, white, blue and even gold are a few colors these flip flops generally come in. Keep in mind summer-time birthdays and special occasions when you’re shopping. Most everyone would love a pair of these sandals after they have seen them!

Next comes selecting some flashy and fun yarn colors. Refer to your crocheting instructions for yarn size. Buy plenty of colors to give yourself options! Once you get your yarn home, jump online and download one the many free crochet patterns available. If you are new to crocheting, there are fantastic beginner instructions that don’t take long to learn. Posted video clips and articles will help explain what crocheting is all about. Make it a priority to get familiar with all the tips and tricks of crocheting before you begin.

Starting with your first slip-knot, you’ll discover crocheting to be completely addictive. Inviting a friend to join your adventure only adds to the fun. Being able to chat while you work can make the time fly by. Within a matter of a couple hours, your first pair of sandals will be complete! All you need now is an appointment at the local beauty shop for that fabulous summer time pedicure. Between the sandals and pedicure, your feet won’t know how to thank you enough.

Teddy bears seem to be one of the best-loved toys of all times. They rank right up there with cars, trucks, trains and dolls. They are loved by children and collected by adults. Although they are available in every type of design, fur and fabric imaginable many people prefer making their own teddy bears.

If you have ever visited a flea market or a town festival it is likely that you have seen displays of home-made toys, including teddy bears. Some may be plain and others may be quilted, but few are more beautiful than the crocheted teddy bears.

Teddy bears that are crocheted by hand are always unique and special. They will definitely become heirlooms as their value will only increase over the years. But because of the handmade quality these teddy bears can be expensive to purchase, that is, if you can find them for sale at all.

The solution is to create your own. Crocheting your own teddy bear will make it even more special and it will be very inexpensive. If you already know how to crochet the whole process will be easy for you. And if you do not know how to crochet you can learn very quickly.

There are websites that offer instructions about how to crochet as well as providing patterns that you can download. All you will need to add is the yarn or thread, a crochet hook, and a little time and effort.

These bears can be created at a rather fast pace so you could make enough to give as gifts for Christmas, Birthdays, or other special occasions. You know that these teddy bears will be loved and treasured because the recipient will know that the bear itself was created with love.

If you would like a crocheted teddy bear but simply feel incapable of making your own you can do a search on the Internet for crocheted teddy bears and you will find that there are sites available that sell the adorable little guys. Some even allow you to specify the color and size.

So whether you create your own, ask a friend to crochet it for you, or you simply buy your new friend you should add a crocheted teddy bear to your collection. The truth is that you can never have enough teddy bears!

Your teddy bears are always ready to protect you and little ones from monsters in the dark, they will comfort you when you are ill or sad, and they never tell your secrets to anyone. It is no wonder that we love them so much!

Hello all you nifty crocheters,

Everyone who knows a little bit of anything wants to make money from it. There’s nothing wrong with that, except that you need to be sincere and careful about the means you follow to make money.

Crocheters are without a doubt creative people full of ideas all the time. Some of these ideas are inspired from other people’s work while some thoughts are absolutely original. You may find the thought of creating an original crochet pattern quite confusing. And I agree with you. There are so many stitches and patterns to work from.

It really is difficult to create an original pattern for certain things. Take granny square for instance. The original granny square pattern was probably the one created for the first time way back when. The situation becomes complicated due to lack of a comprehensive database of original crochet patterns created ever in the world!

Anyway, with so many variables, you can still create an original. Consider the following when doing so:

•    Crochet stitches are not copyrighted. You are free to use whatever stitches you like.

•    Understand the difference between original and inspired from. There is a fine demarcation between the two. Take care not to overlap them.

•    Maintain a crochet ideas journal wherein you can jot down all the ideas you come up with.

•    Develop your ideas one at a time. Some will turn into beautiful articles, while you will seriously question your creativity when working on others.

•    Take notes when working the pattern. Capture information such as the type and amount of yarn used, hook size, final size of the pattern, purpose of the pattern, stitches used in specific rows, average time it took to complete, and any anecdote or personal story associated with the pattern.

•    Use standard crochet abbreviations when writing instructions.

•    Write down the details. For this you can look at a well-written pattern and follow the headings. Otherwise, use one of the several templates available online. Download one such template from:
http://www.lolaness.com/CrochetPatternTemplate.rtf

•    Check the pattern thus written by following the directions written in it. If possible, request trustworthy crocheter friends to follow your pattern. Rewrite directions or improvise the pattern if certain steps are difficult to follow.

•    Include additional information such as photographs, abbreviations, tips, hints and alternate uses.

•    Determine directions for additional sizes if your pattern is that of a wearable. For instance, if you come up with a sweater, make it in different sizes, so readers can make it in the size they want to.

•    Double-check the written pattern for any grammatical or spelling errors. Even a single language related mistake is a complete turn off for many. It immediately diminishes your credibility.

•    Submit the pattern along with its details to crochet web sites or magazines. Some pattern submission links are:

http://www.crochetme.com/submit.html

http://www.leisurearts.com/customer_care/la_information/designs.html

http://www.maggiescrochet.com/pages/designer_guidelines.htm

http://www.breakthroughcrochet.com

Detailed instructions and guidelines about creating and publishing original crochet patterns are also available at, http://www.associatedcontent.com/article/229853/how_to_create_publish_crochet_patterns.html

Good luck being creative!!

Hammocks are a source of great relaxation, as you float and swing from side to side either reading a book or enjoying some time alone. Hammocks can be placed anywhere you choose, from the porch to the garden and balcony in order to have a relaxing view, fresh breeze and quiet.

The Art Of Crochet

Crocheting is known as the practice of creating different types of fabrics from thread with the help of a special crochet hook. The thread is traditionally made of cotton but can be of any other material such as, wire, yarn, silk and nylon depending on what you are trying to achieve. Crocheting was usually used to produce different types of lacey accessories for the house of wardrobe such as, enhancing a dress, curtains, bed shams and hammocks to name a few.

Even though every design and pattern in crocheting is done with one crochet hook, there are several patterns to choose from; depending on the purpose of the item you are about to produce.

Choosing A Crochet Hammock Pattern

When you are looking for a crochet hammock pattern, you must keep in mind the weight that will be placed in the hammock and the amount of weight the pattern is going to allow. The crochet hammock pattern you choose must be enforced and done with a strong thread, such as nylon, which has elasticity with a mixture of cotton for comfort.

There are many crochet hammock patterns to choose from and if you are looking to make one yourself you should consult a crochet book or online sites where they will walk you step by step through the procedure keeping in mind all your needs.

You can also find a ready made crochet hammock both online and in local physical stores where you can actually try the hammock to see how it fits and test the comfort levels. Crocket hammock patterns are usually chosen by the weather in the location you live, the place where you will hang it, who will be using the hammock and how often.

Usually, most hammocks are made for rough use because you will not be able to help yourself from using it once you have it in the house; however, some hammocks are made with material for indoor use and other for both indoors and outdoors.

Make Your Little Place Of Relaxation

Swinging, sleeping or just spending time in your hammock will bring you great pleasure and relaxation whether you do it in the evening over a cup of coffee or in the afternoon with a book and your pet curled next to you; you will find that your hammock will not only be a place of maximum comfort but also your little refuge to absolute bliss.

Most people who crochet have made doilies, motifs, edgings or insertions at some time. If you can make these, you can easily convert them into beautiful clothes for a Barbie doll. The wonderful thing about crochet is that you can easily change the size by using smaller thread or a smaller hook. If you have a pattern that you love but find the motif is too large, you can make it smaller, and vice versa. These are ideas I used many times over the years to make doll clothes.

Remember, there are so many varieties of thread; white, ecru, pastels, bright colours, metallic.

Beading adds a wonderful look to Barbie’s clothes. Ribbon is run through small holes and either tied or you can place a small piece of velcro on each end.

Any motif can be filled in or very lacy; simply place the lacy motif over a piece of fabric lining and tack the corners.

Barbie’s dimensions are:

Bust: 6″

Waist: 3 3/4″

Hips: 5″

To make a cape:

Crochet any square motif.

You will want it an inch wider than Barbie’s shoulders.

Crochet a beading row and run small ribbon through the beading.

Tie around Barbie’s shoulders.

To make a skirt:

Each skirt will have either elastic thread around the top to make a full skirt or sew up the back to 1″ from the top and put ribbon beading around the top.

Remember that the elastic must go over Barbie’s hips so it must measure 5 1/2″ when stretched.

Also remember to leave enough elastic to tie. After you tie, run the ends back through the top and snip leaving at least 1/2″. I put a dab of liquid sewing on the ends to keep from unravelling.

Crochet two motifs larger than Barbie’s hips and join.

or

Crochet several small motifs and join (this can be made in different colours for a patchwork look).

Crochet a picot or ruffled edging around the bottom.

To make a pinafore apron:

Crochet one large motif for the bottom of the apron and a smaller motif for the apron bib.

Crochet beading on the top of each motif and join the two motifs.

Run ribbon through the beading for ties.

To make an easy top:

Use your favourite insertion pattern. Crochet two; each measuring 6 1/2″ wide and as long or as short as you wish, depending on whether you want it midriff, waist length or longer. Join the sides to the arm pits and join the insertions at the top with just one or two stitches so it will pull over her head.

A Slinky Dress or Top from Elastic Thread:

Using elastic thread (gold metallic is the fashion right now), crochet a square in sc 5 3/4″ wide and choose your length (waist, mini, knee or full length). This dress will be sleeveless and slide onto Barbie. It must be narrower than her bust or it will slide down. Add a gold ribbon around her waist.

To make Beading:

Join thread at corner; * ch 2, sk 2 ch, dc in next ch; repeat from * across.

Run ribbon through beading.

Whether you are just learning to crochet or you are a veteran, everyone likes to have easy crochet patterns that they can complete very quickly. When a beginner uses an easy pattern and does not have any problems completing a project, this provides incentive to do more and more projects and to graduate to more difficult ones with intricate stitching details. One of the easiest patterns to crochet is that of an afghan made of Granny Squares. There are two basic stitches in this pattern and you can make it as large or as small as you wish.

You need to use weight worsted wool and a Size G crochet hook. You can have all the same color or you can use contrasting colors so that you have all different colored squares in the afghan. Many people who do a lot of crocheting use this type of project to use up all the extra pieces of wool that they have lying around.

To get started making a Granny Square, you make a loop with an end of the wool. Insert the needle through the loop to pull the wool through. This makes a chain stitch and you need to make eight of these stitches. Then you join the loop that you have on the needle to the beginning loop to make a circle. To do this, simply insert the needle through the knot at the end and wrap the wool over the needle pulling it through. From now on you work within the circle that you just made.

You will need to use the double crochet stitch and the chain stitch for the rest of the pattern. Start off the second round by chaining three stitches. This is equivalent to one double crochet and it is how you will begin every round. After you chain the three stitches, wrap the wool around the needle and insert it into the circle, pulling the wool through the circle. Then wrap the wool around the needle again to draw it through two loops on the hook. Repeat this again so that you have one loop left. This is a double crochet stitch. For the rest of this round, make one more double crochet stitch and chain three. Make three double crochets and chain three stitches, three more times, ending with a chain three. Join to the top of the chain three with which you started the round.

The next round allows you to make your corners so that you have the shape of a square. You start off in the same way as you started the previous round. In each chain three space, you make two sets of three double crochets and three chains. These will be the corners of the square. When you start the third round, you always do the two sets in the corners, but now you will have chain three spaces along the sides. You only do one set of three double crochets in these spaces.

You can end the square at any point once you complete a round and you think the square is large enough. Now you can start another square of the same color or use a different color. As you complete the squares you sew them together to make an afghan.