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How to do a Single Crochet

If you are a “newbie” to crochet,  then here’s a great demo on how to complete a single crochet stitch.  In a pattern, you will find that the abbreviation for a single crochet stitch is SC. My example has been crochet using a large hook, size N and super bulky yarn, category 6, to try to give you the best visual that I can. SONY DSCSONY DSCSONY DSC I started with 12 chains and completed my first SC in the 2nd chain from the hook.  Insert your hook in the single top loop only of the chain to complete your actual first single crochet.   You will have 11 working stitches when that row is completed.  At the end of the row, I will chain 1 and turn and begin my next row of SC stitches inserting through both loops in new row.  SONY DSCSONY DSC  

HERE ARE STEP BY STEP DIRECTIONS ON HOW TO DO THE SC:

You will have one loop on your hook and insert it through both loops on the first stitch of the new row.  Remember, you do not want to go into the chain that you just made.  Once your hook has been inserted, yarn over (yo) your hook and bring that loop back through the double loop.  You now have two loops on your hook.  Yarn over (yo) again and pull that loop through both of the loops on your hook which will leave you with just one loop left on the hook. SONY DSCSONY DSCSONY DSC SONY DSCSONY DSC  You have just completed one single crochet (sc) stitch.  Continue in this fashion for a total of 11 stitches.  When you come to the end of your row, chain 1 and turn your work and repeat the above stitch information for another 11 stitches.  Keep repeating this process. SONY DSC Making a single crochet swatch is fun and you can create many things from just doing this one stitch.  A simple scarf, headband, bracelet, baby blanket whatever you want to make. This is also a wonderful stitch to teach a child who wants to learn to crochet.  Use a large hook size, maybe H or I for a beginner or child, and a worsted weight to chunky yarn (category 4 or 5).  Easier to see the different loops that are created and easy to work with especially for little fingers and hands.

HAPPY CREATING!!

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Shaping Crochet Bowls

I enjoy making crocheted bowls.  I use them for many different purposes – in my guest bathroom for soaps, potpourri, hand towels; as a yarn holder for my SONY DSC crocheting projects, in my work space for paper clips, housewarming gift filled with cookies, etc. you get the picture. My yarn of choice is to crochet with two strands of 100% cotton for these fun bowls but sometimes they can be difficult to stay in their shape.  I have done research and looked up different ways to help a crochet item retain its desired shape.  Tried a few but not all.  Not really into cooking a mixture to put on my crochet project; like the sugar (afraid of attracting ants too) or cornstarch recipes. I have used water and Elmer’s glue which works good.  I use a mixture of about half water and half glue thinning to a paint consistency.   Works for me because I actually use a paint brush to apply the glue mixture.  Most of the time I don’t feel like my project needs to be dipped entirely into the glue mixture.  I will just paint the mixture on the inside bottom of the bowl to ensure that it stays flat.  I also will use a spray bottle with plain water in it and dampen the bottom first with water, then apply the glue mixture.  Air dry on waxed paper.  Just putting the glue stiffener on the inside of the bowl, keeps the entire outside of the bowl the same soft consistency of the yarn.SONY DSC Just made a clever medium-sized handled crochet basket.  This time I sprayed the entire basket with water then used regular spray starch (coated thoroughly) on the outside first, let dry and then repeated process for the inside of the basket.  If you want a stiffer basket, I would suggest using heavy-duty spray starch. SONY DSC One of the hardest parts is finding that right shaping container for the drying procedure.  I used a ceramic utensil keeper, covered it in plastic wrap and placed my basket on it to shape and dry.  You just have to be creative when looking through your cabinets for: bowls, Tupperware containers, measuring cups, plastic yogurt or cottage cheese containers, all potential drying shapers depending upon your specific project. SONY DSCSONY DSC The cotton basket that I just crochet was found on Ravelry as a free pattern, which took me to the designers blog, crochetincolor.com.  Really enjoyed her blog and liked the way she used the HDC (half double crochet) stitch to create a good flat bottom design.   Take a moment and click on the link to check it out!! I have also thought about taking a small piece of cardboard, covering it in coordinating fabric to match the yarn and placing it in the bottom of a bowl or basket for even more stability. Anyways, have fun creating your own bowls and baskets and using them around your home or giving them as gifts filled with little goodies.   Let me know your ideas for stiffening crochet projects too!!

HAPPY CREATING!!

Disclaimer:  This post contains affiliate links – “Commissions Earned”      

Fun and Funky Toddler Beanie

While doing some web surfing, I can across a fantastic blog site called Cre8tionCrochet.com and I really enjoyed visiting and checking out all that was available. SONY DSC I found a free Easter crochet pattern beanie that I liked and thought I would crochet it in a toddler’s size. I used 100% cotton yarn and a size H hook for the hat.  I made mine all in one color and pulled up the front edge of the beanie and attached a big, funky rose.  I might have added an extra row or two for the brim but was enjoying a glass of wine while crocheting and forgot exactly what I did. SONY DSC SONY DSC               I used a size G hook and same type of cotton yarn for the big rose. Anyways, check out her blog and all that is offered there, I know you will enjoy it as much as I did.

HAPPY CREATING!!

Disclaimer:  This post contains affiliate links – “Commissions Earned”

Mother’s Day Sachet

Looking for a quick little gift or need a favor for a wedding shower or maybe you just want to add an accent to highlight a pretty wrapped package then this sachet should work for you. SONY DSC I have just taken two of the Fun, Little Crochet Heart Applique pattern and crochet them together leaving an opening for stuffing.   I placed two hearts, wrong sides together and began at the bottom point with a Slip (sl) stitch.  Then I just made a single crochet (sc) in next stitch, chain (ch) 1, and continued in this pattern all around the two hearts {1 sc-1ch, 1sc-1ch}.  I did a Slip (sl) stitch in the deep curve area of the heart and then continued with the single crochet and chain pattern until I was back at my starting point.  Fasten off and weave in  your ends. **Remember to stop and leave a small opening and stuff your heart with a little batting or cotton balls that have been sprayed with a favorite perfume then continue crocheting until you reach your starting point. My sample was created using Lily Sugar n Cream 100% cotton yarn with a Size G hook.  I wanted a reversible look so I did a pink heart for one side, a white heart for the other side and joined creating my small ruffled edge with a variegated yarn. SONY DSC SONY DSCThis design lends itself to all kinds of possibilities depending upon the type of yarn you use and your hook size to create a larger sachet or pin cushion or smaller more dainty styles.  Also, adding some unique or vintage buttons or ribbons will really give your project that one-of-a-kind personal touch. 🙂

HAPPY CREATING!!

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Crochet Barbie Doll Sweater Dress

Needed to whip up a quick gift for someone who loves Barbies!!  I found this cute, easy to put on,  sweater dress pattern from crochet for Barbie and decided to give it a whirl. I just grabbed a small leftover ball of yarn from my basket and started crocheting away.  My yarn was a little heavier than the recommended yarn choice but, hey, living in the north where winter has been very cold this year, I thought Barbie needed to be dressed a little warmer!!   My biggest concern was that I wanted it to be easy to put on and take off for the little girl who was receiving this present. IMG_20130319_144959 IMG_20130319_145009IMG_20130319_150350 This little dress did meet that requirement so I continued making it.  I actually worked up a simple little ballet slipper as an accessory for the doll too and attached a pretty silk rose to the toe. IMG_20130319_150403IMG_20130319_150409 The gift was a hit so I’m sure I will now be expanding my crochet to include Barbie and her friends 🙂

HAPPY CREATING!!

Disclaimer:  This post contains affiliate links – “Commissions Earned”