It’s been a while . . .

It’s been a while since I last posted. Through the Christmas-New Year’s holiday period, we moved back to our “old” home.  It isn’t quite big enough for two pack rats and three dogs, but it’s more affordable for the time being.

 

I’ve been working on a couple of crochet designs.  One, I hope to publish soon, the the other design will come later.  I’ve also been making a quilt for my lovely niece.  It’s burgundies and blues in a log cabin design.   I had it ready to lay out the blocks to decide on the final design layout, when …….. duh!  I’m one block short!!  So back to the sewing machine & rotary cutter I go.  I was in the middle of the last block when it was time to move, so the project is on a short hiatus.  Hopefully I can get back to it soon.

 

For those who don’t know me, I’m, a single grandmother and have a roommate (or is it housemate?).  We’ve been friends for years and an opportunity arose that allows us to live in the same house sharing expenses and babysitting each other’s dogs.  “M” goes to nursing shool (LVN, then RN) and I stay home making and selling my creations.  We’re not rich,,,,,,, but I love the lack of stress!

 

I’m sort of a “lay” historian and hope to finish my degree after “M” gets her RN completed.  I need my BA then want to get my MA.  I’m a voracious reader, I’ve been reading about ladies in WWII (service women), Henry the VIII’s life and wives and ancient Egypt lately.  I not only enjoy the history, I enjoy well-written novels from a historical perspective.  If you haven’t read Nefertiti by Michelle Moran, take a look at it.  I highly recommentd it.

 

Wow!  I didn’t know what I could come up with to write, but it appears that once startedI can’t shut up!

 

I’m going now to do more reading and work on my pattern so my lovely testers can get started on it.

 

Bye for now

–S–

Before You Start — an Overview of non-Stitch Knowledge in Crochet

I learned to crochet from my grandmother when I was 16 years old, way back in the ‘70s.  I learned to rip out any errors I had made, whether it was  an incorrect stitch, a too-tight or too-loose stitch, or a wrong row stitched.  By striving for perfection and knowledge, working in any new craft one makes errors.  These errors help one learn. 

Non-Stitch knowledge is any base of information that does not involve the actual construction of a stitch, excluding tensions and gauge.  When learning crochet, it is important to learn to rip out (also called frogging).  By remembering to rip out errors, you can make beautiful projects that you can be proud to give as gifts and sell to customers. I think the biggest plus to crochet is that it is so easy to frog and get your hook back in correctly. 

Check your tension as you crochet.  I have found that even tension is more important than gauge, and gauge is important!  By using even tension, the beginning rows of a project are the same width as the ending rows.  Sleeves will set in properly and evenly on both sides, the bottom of a project will be  the same width as the top of a project, one side will be equally full (or narrow) as the opposing side.   

Gauge is important to the crocheter so that your finished project the same size as the pattern.  If you are making a tablecloth and the stated size is 36” x 36”, but your gauge is different than the pattern’s, your tablecloth may be 32” X 32” or 40” X 40” or any other size.  Many things affect gauge:  yarn or crochet thread choices, tension of your yarn or thread, the size of crochet hook used or any combination of the aforementioned.  Because yarns are different thicknesses, textures, and sizes, using a baby weight yarn will provide a smaller project than using a worsted weight yarn.  You can make the same afghan pattern with either yarn, but expect different sizes when changing the yarn or hook from what is used in the pattern specifications.

Types of crochet require different knowledge bases.  Although all crochet work requires the same basic knowledge, Tunisian crochet is worked differently than filet crochet.  Tunisian crochet is worked with an afghan hook (now more commonly called a crochetnit hook or double-ended hook), looks more like knitting, and produces a thicker project.  Tunisian crochet is worked with yarn.  Filet crochet is most commonly worked with the small steel hooks (sizes 00, the largest, to size 14, the tiniest).  Although filet crochet is most commonly worked using bedspread cotton (similar to string), it can also be used when working afghans with yarn.  Filet patterns are more commonly written as charts. 

Crochet provides comfort, whether in giving a gift to a friend or loved one or in giving a gift to a charity organization, something I wholeheartedly endorse.   Crocheting also is also good therapy!  When I’m stressed out, I love to crochet.  I also love to crochet while watching sports or movies.  Finishing a project gives one a wonderful feeling of fulfillment, much cheaper than a therapist!  If you want enjoyment, fulfillment, and a creative outlet, crochet can be your tool. 

We will look at techniques, tools, yarns and threads for crochet in later articles.  Stay tuned!

 

 

 

Hello world!

Hi — I finally entered the world of “blog.”  This blog is for my opinions and patterns.  I love fiber crafts and am always making something.  My family enjoys receiving them as gifts, in fact some are disappointed if I DON’T make them!  LOL

Stay tuned for more posts and for my patterns.