I started a Flickr group to share your photos, discuss the lessons and ask any questions you may have!

Come join!

I have found so many fun things to do with my polymer clay this was my first try at a pen for Candace on her birthday.

I always knew that this stuff would be a good time but didn’t think it would be this fun! You basically construct everything as you normally would, bake at the same time and degree that the instructions say, just be careful when touching the pen tip after baking as it will be quite hot.

Then thanks to Joanna’s tips on making canes in different colors I came up with this. It makes me so happy to write with it.

See all the posts in the Crochet School…

Today’s lesson will be a summary of the basics to get you started with crochet. The topics I will be covering are:

Common Terms and Abbreviations
How to read a pattern
Gauge swatches
Basics: Chain, single crochet
Turning your work

Got your supplies? Great!!! Let’s get started

Common Terms and Abbreviations

This is a list of common terms and abbreviations that you will come across when reading crochet patterns. Learning these terms and abbreviations is a huge step towards reading a pattern.

beg: begin(ning)
ch: chain
dc: double crochet
dec: decrease
est: established
hdc half double crochet
inc: increase
lp(s): loop(s)
rep: repeat
rev sc: reverse single crochet
rnd: round
RS: right side
sc: single crochet
sl st: slip stitch
sp(s): space(s)
st(s): stitch(es)
tog: together
tr: treble crochet
WS: wrong side

Often there will be different / new abbreviations that will come up on a new pattern. More times than not, the author of the pattern will define and describe the abbreviations at the beginning of the pattern.

I recommend printing off a copy of the common abbreviations to have beside you for quick reference as you are learning.

How to read a pattern

First things first: Reading crochet patterns takes practice, so don’t be discouraged if you don’t understand all of the patterns you would like to crochet the first time you read it. The patterns are full of symbols and abbreviations, but once you learn to figure out what is meant, it will all become really clear.

I will start by writing a line of a pattern as you may see it:

Row 1: With size H hook, ch 15, sc in 2nd ch from hook and in each ch across, turn (14sc)
In plain language, this means:

Row 1: With a size H crochet hook, chain 15 chains. Work a single crochet into the second chain from the hook and in each of the chains until the end of the row. Turn your work. (You will work a total of 14 single crochets for this row)

As you can see, the abbreviations are used to shorten the patterns and make things more streamlined. I find it helps to read an entire pattern from start to finish, and write the pattern out in plain language if you need to. Make sure you have a good understanding of what you are going to do before you start your project, it will save you lots of stress and frustration.

Other symbols you will see in a pattern are:

* : repeat the instructions following the single asterisk as directed

For example, the pattern may say: …..*2sc, ch1, rep from * across. This means you will work 2sc, ch1, 2sc, ch1, 2sc, ch1… until you reach the end of the row.

[ ] = work instructions within brackets as many times as directed
( ) = work directions in parentheses as many times as directed

For example, the pattern may say: ….(2sc, ch1) five times (or….[2sc, ch1] five times). This means you will work 2sc, ch1 five different times. So the total amount you would work would be 2sc, ch1, 2sc, ch1, 2sc, ch1, 2sc, ch1, 2sc, ch1. Clear as mud?

I found a great resource for reading crochet patterns, and it explains things so much better than I ever could. Check it out at Annie’s Attic

Gauge Swatches

Gauge is the term that is used to define the proper tension you should work so that your finished project becomes the right intended size. The hook size listed in the pattern is just the size used by the designer to work at the proper gauge, however you may need to change hook size in order to work at the given gauge, depending on if you tend to crochet tighter or looser than the designer. It is especially important to work to the proper gauge when making garments – anything that you want to fit properly. Gauge is not so important with things like blankets or scarves, things that don’t require a specific finished size.

Gauge is usually defined in the pattern by a ratio of stitches and rows to a given measurement such as 16 stitches and 14 rows in single crochet = 4″. This means that if you do 14 rows consisting of 16 single crochet, your completed square should measure 4″ x 4″.

Work a swatch of the yarn you are going to use in the stitch pattern of the piece you are making (ie if your pattern is all single crochet, you will make a swatch in single crochet. If your pattern is a shell stitch, you will work a swatch in the shell stitch). Then count the number of stitches and rows in the measurement given in the pattern. If you find that your swatch has more stitches and rows than the gauge, you are working too tightly so change to a larger hook and try again. If you have fewer stitches and rows in the area, you are working too loosely and should try a smaller hook. You may have to change your hook a few times before reaching the correct gauge. Sort of a pain, but worth it if you want garments to fit properly.

Gauge wont be really important for these lessons, as we are simply making squares for a lapghan. But it is a good thing to know

Slip Knot, Chain, and Single Crochet

How to make a slip knot:

Chain:

Single Crochet:

Turn your work by flipping it over. Once turned, your working yarn and tail will now be on your right hand side, as will your hook.

Many of the organizational tools that I have keeping my craft space sane have been swiped from my husband’s woodshop. This first organizer is perfect for beads/headpins/clasps for jewelry beading. For only $10 from a home improvement store, it came full of bolts and screws, which my husband cleaned out, and left me plenty of space for my beads. It is great because each of the clear trays is divided for different size beads and comes out of the gray holder so I can pass them around the table and lay them out when friends are over making jewelry. As you can see at the top is a screw driver handle that comes out and the screw driver heads are in a pull out tray at the bottom. My favorite parts about this are that I can securely carry my beads wherever I go and it narrowly stores them on my shelf. I use it all the time!

Below are mini magnetic dishes, about 3″ across. My husband brought me home a box of 4 of these dishes from a tool store. They are wide which is great to toss my pins in as I sew without having to precisely stick them in a pin cushion. The black bottom is also magnetic so you can even hang it vertically from a metal cabinet. My favorite part about this is that since the bottom is magnetic if you drop pins on the floor you can just hold this wide magnet over it and gather them up. I hate picking up pins! (I hate nail maintenance more!)

I have toyed with the idea of making an animal or shaped stuffie to set the dish in for decoration, but haven’t yet. Any ideas?

P.S. Check out his shop while thinking about your craft organizational needs. I know my husband is proud when he sees me putting his ideas to good use.

Since we all had a blast doing the first swap, we’ve decided to another one sooner than expected! This swap will be easier and best of all, inexpensive.

In this swap, you will take a tea towel and decorate it with whatever tickles your fancy. You can do stencil, embroidery, applique, beading, whatever you want. You’ll place it in a padded envelope to send, so total it should cost you no more than $5, especially using things you already have. The sign up will start today, May 18, and the item needs to be sent by June 1.

We’re doing sign up a little differently this time, so if you’re interested just leave us a comment in this post. This swap is also limited to the first 20 people who sign up, so if want in, hurry and comment. **Comments have been disabled since our 20 slots are filled. If you missed out, have no fear we will be doing many more swaps in the coming months so keep checking back!

Thank you all so much for your response to the idea of classes for learning to knit and crochet. Due to the demand, I will offer classes for both yarn arts, starting with crochet. Each class will run for 12 weeks on Tuesdays, which I think will be a good length of time for learning the basics I will answer questions as well, I think that I might make one post on the weekend answering questions rather than answering them individually throughout the week, just to save on time for me, but that depends on the anxiousness of the question

As I stated before, each week we will discuss a new technique or stitch, and then there will be a pattern at the end that will allow you to use your techniques just learned. The patterns will be for afghan squares. The idea will be that you can make up a couple of the squares each week, and then when we get to the later lessons you will finish off the squares, seam them together and then you will have a lapghan to show off! The last lesson will be a show and tell lesson, where I will post pictures of everyone’s afghans that they made

To start, I suggest getting a couple of hooks, size G (6, 4.00 mm) and H (8, 5.00 mm), some yarn needles, a tape measure, and some acrylic yarn. I say acrylic yarn because it seems to be the best yarn for learning with, as well as it is super easy to care for (throw it in the washer / dryer). I suggest Red Heart Super Saver yarn, its cheap and comes in lots of colors! You will probably want to grab a few different colors, that way you can make your squares different colors for a fun lapghan! You can make them coordinating or just mix it up, its totally up to you!

Everyone who signs up, completes the lessons, and sends me a picture of their completed lapghan with feedback on the lessons will be entered into a draw, and I will randomly choose a winner. The prize will be a box of goodies to help you expand your crocheting skills!

Terms and Abbreviations
How to read a pattern
Gauge swatches
Basics: Chain, slip stitch and single crochet
Turn

Lesson 2

Half double crochet, double crochet and triple crochet

Lesson 3

• Shell stitch
• Popcorn stitch
• V stitch
• Puff stitch
• Bullion Stitch

Lesson 4

Increasing and decreasing

Lesson 5

How to create ribbing (2 different methods)

Lesson 6

Cables

Lesson 7

Tunisian crochet

Lesson 8

Changing colors in crochet

Lesson 9

Weaving in ends, blocking

Lesson 10

Joining / seaming

Lesson 11

Finishing techniques (crab stitch, ruffles)

Lesson 12

Show and Tell

Disclaimer: The lessons are just a general outline of what to expect, and may change from week to week depending on the questions / feedback I may receive!

The lessons will start next Tuesday!!

ETA I removed the note to sign up, since it isn’t necessary and I don’t want to confuse anyone!

I previously posted about going nuts with the no-sew bond to make my bags stiffer, and thus was eager to try the roll hanging next to it on the rack at the fabric store: iron-on vinyl. My first attempt was on a bag for a swap partner who likes to carry her groceries home in her own bags.

I ironed the vinyl to the entire piece I had cut out for a large bag lining, then sewed the bag together. I thought it might be good for carrying home cold groceries so the moisture wouldn’t soak through the fabric bag. (Let me know swap buddy if you have found this to be a good idea.) This might work well also for lining diaper bags since I know I have spent much time cleaning up spilled juice or a busted hand sanitizer bottle from the bottom of the bag. It is easy to iron on and the result is waterproof and very shiny!

I thought I had a brilliant idea to make diaper changing pads; cut a square, iron on my vinyl and serge the ends, but the vinyl cannot be machine washed, so obviously that won’t work. But I must find something else! What have you used iron-on vinyl for? Any ideas that have worked well for you or things I could try? (I have 2 yards of it left!!)

I have a friend Amy who is a beading genius. I’m sure there is some official name for these people that make incredible creations by stringing beads together. I’m going to call her this for now. Here’s some of her stuff she was finishing up for the Cuirim Craft Fair. She’s a genius I’m telling you!

She spends hours on this stuff.

I swear there is a difference between “artists” like her & my friend Joanna and “crafters” like me and my girlz. I mean, Amy and Joanna actually feel their work. When they finish something it is like they have given a piece of their soul. Not me I just try it out and if it works I’m like, cool! Then I try something else. I love that there are different ways to craft. It’s not that I feel less than them or anything they are just a different breed. I’m just thrilled to see art like theirs. That they spend any time with “crafters” like us is just a gift.

I stenciled this then gave it to Amy. She spent hours beading it for me before we made it into a bag. Here’s the way the bag turned out. Sweet work Amy – thanks so much!! Brian and Kirsten are going to love it. We are going to give them this bag with the fat check we made from the Cuirim Craft Fair in it.

I have been throwing around the idea of doing a learn to knit or crochet series. I would post weekly with new tips and tricks, plus different stitches. I would also post a pattern each week that would pertain to what was taught that week. So like a knitting / crochet class, but online.

I know there are a lot of sites that show the basic stitches, but I would make each lesson more involved than I’ve seen. Plus with weekly patterns to do before the next lesson, it would be a great way to learn how to knit or crochet!

Is there any interest in this? Would you like to see this? Would you find it helpful? Please comment!

ETA:  I removed the poll – not sure why it wasn’t working

Been working on a few things. Thanks for your help with this yarn I just couldn’t do anything but a scarf. I know it’s getting warm here too but it is going to be soo yummy this winter. My winter self will thank my spring self for knitting it.

When I bought this yarn I also picked up this ginormous spool of yarn. I was inspired to make Lucy an Easter dress. And here it is. Good thing I had a plan B. Maybe it will just be a summer time dress