Loocahswit

I have already made 5 projects since I learned how to crochet. 3 are finished, the other 2 are halfway. I called these projects Test Beginner's Projects since they are my very first projects as I'm learning my way in the crochet world. On this post I will try to show each one and the stitches and skills I've learned throughout the time I spent working on them. (Note: I'm sorry if the images are blurred, I only used my phone in taking them.)

TBP1:: Headband
On this project I learned how to make a crochet button and how to apply increasing and decreasing stitches (other refer to this as adding and dropping crochet stitches). I also learned how to combine a basic stitch and a type of stitch I found from the Lion Brand website, the Crochet Cable Stitch. The cable stitch was a challenge for me, but when I finally got it, it became a breeze. I was also overwhelmed when I finally learned how to drop crochet stitches. And also imagine my thrill when I finished my crochet button....Oh, I was so happy indeed... ≧^◡^≦... So here they are....

crochet button

the body of the headband, end not yet weaved

at the other end of the body i put a loop to insert the crochet button

button ready to be sewed on the other end of the body

button sewed and hooked and ends weaved

showing the back part of the headband against the wrong side

another pose for the headband... :)

final pose for the finished headband...

TBP2::Pillow Case

On this project I learned how to create granny squares and how to join them. I was so excited about this project. When I first learned how to crochet, the very first question that came to my mind was "how do they make those squares and join them?" I was saved by this site and the author has a tutorial on joining squares. There are different ways on how to join them but the way that appealed to me the most is the joining squares as you go. This technique is challenging and unique and I like to do things that are challenging and unique. As you can see my squares are not even. But I know through time and more practice, I'll be able to master it. I'll post the finished pillow case soon. I'm still struggling in sewing the squares to an old jacket that I cut to make the other side of the pillow case....

TBP3:: Hat

To be honest, I had a hard time making this one. I actually unraveled the stitches several times just so I can get to the size that will fit my head. But I struggled, until I just finally decided to let it go. When I can already buy the yarn as stated on the pattern that I'm following, then I guess I can be able to make nicer hat. The tutorial for the flower I got from attic24. The flower is easy to make and the button I got from an old blouse.

TBP4::Coin Purse

From this project I learned how to make shell stitches and a cute little button flower. The 2 shell stitches I used for this project are the Basic Shell Pattern and Shell Pattern 1 from the Lion Brand website. When I already finished the part for the body, I was faced with a small problem: how to join the sides together. I don't want the purse to be flat. I want it to be slightly bulky and has enough room for small bills and coins. So I decided to make shell stitches for the sides. The result was awesome! :) The idea for the little pink button flower also came from atti24. It was supposed to be a Japanese quince flower, but because I was using a thread yarn, I got a difficulty holding it, so I just decided to finish stitching the curled petals and drop the adding of a little yellow yarn in the center. Then I sewed it to the purse and the result was still amusing...Here it is...

front part of purse, with the little pink button flower nicely holding the

overlap to the body of the purse; i used the Shell Stitch 1 for the overlap

back part; notice the Basic Shell Stitches I used for the purse

side part; i used shell stitches to join the sides of the body of the purse

that gave more room for coins and bills

I don't have a picture for the scarf yet. It's still on progress. But I hope the result will also be a joy. Well, 'til next time.... (>‿◠)✌

♥♥♥♥♥

I was searching for more crochet patterns and ideas today. It finally dawned on me what I would be concentrating for my future projects:: openwork and laces. Although there are a lot of projects already created for this on the internet, it still caught my interest and imaginative mind. The MyPicot website offers a lot of free patterns that I know can help me accomplish what I have in mind.

For openwork and laces one can create different styles and patterns from home decor to fashion. I think I'd concentrate more on creating scarfs and accessories. I did a little research on where to buy components for creating accessories and found a place near my area. I'm also planning to create these projects using thread yarns. Most of the patterns that I see always uses the usual yarn for crocheting or knitting. I will try to experiment using thread yarn for my projects.

I'm now on the stage of organizing my backpack for the journey in Crochet World since it's now getting heavier and heavier as I discover more about it. Having the knowledge to what kind of project I would specifically want to create also gave me the knowledge on what kind of materials and tools I will be using. Right now I'm using Monaco yarn thread or crochet thread and a steel hook.

image from:: www.monaco.com.ph

image from:: needlepointjoint.com

I learned that yarn hooks are different from steel hooks. The steel hooks or thread hooks are the ones used for crocheting yarn threads. Yarn hooks are designed for yarns. Vogueknitting provides the detailed knowledge about hooks and sizes.

Yarns have their own story. I might fill an entire blog talking only about yarns. There are so much to learn about yarns. The experience would be like stepping into a botanical garden, filled with colors and vibrant. For kids, it would be like entering a room filled with different kind of candies and chocolates! There are different fiber types but usually they are classified by their weights. Vogueknitting provides more detailed information about yarns.

Learning how to the read a pattern or a chart is I think one of the most challenging phase in my journey. I was hesitant and a little intimidated at first. To be able to read a pattern you must first to learn the basics. (Of course!) When you already know the basic stitches next thing is you have to learn the abbreviations and terms. Most patterns use crochet abbreviations so educating yourself about it is relevant. There are usually two kinds of crochet terms used by crocheters: the British term and the American term. I usually check this first when I read a pattern. The term used determines what type of stitch you are going to use. Mypicot provides a clear explanation about this topic.

Here is an example of a simple pattern from Favecrafts :: Baby Blue Hat

Materials:

Lion Brand Cotton Ease, 50% cotton, 50% acrylic, 1 skein (207 yards/188 m), Lake#110 or a medium-weight (no.4) worsted-weight yarn
Size of hook: G/6/4.0mm crochet hook

Gauge: 1 inch = about 4 sts and 3 rnds; finished hat measures about 17 1/2 inches in circumference.

Instructions:
Body of Hat:
Rnd 1 (RS): Ch3, 10hdcs in 3rd chain from hook, join, do not turn.
Rnd 2: Ch2, [2 hdcs in next st, 1 hdc in next st] 5 times, join to top of 1st hdc (15 sts).
Rnd 3: Ch2, 1 hdc in same st, [2 hdcs in next st, 1 hdc in next 2 sts] 5 times, join to top of 1st hdc (21 sts).
.....and so on....(read the entire pattern here).

Materials:

Lion Brand Cotton Ease, 50% cotton, 50% acrylic yarn, 1 skein (207 yds/188 m)
(shown here, Lake # 110) or a medium-weight (no. 4) worsted-weight yarn
Size G/6/4.0mm crochet hook

GAUGE: 1 inch = about 4 sts and 3 rnds; finished hat measures about 17 1/2 inches in circumference.

Instructions:
BODY OF HAT:
Rnd 1 (RS): Ch 3, 10 hdcs in 3rd ch from hook, join, do not turn.
Rnd 2: Ch 2, [2 hdcs in next st, 1 hdc in next st] 5 times, join to top of 1st hdc (15sts).
Rnd 3: Ch 2, 1 hdc in same st, [2 hdcs in next st, 1 hdc in next 2 sts] 5 times, join to top of 1st hdc (21 sts).
Rnd 4: Ch 2, 2 hdcs in same st, 1 hdc in next st, [2 hdcs in next st, 1 hdc in next st] 9 times, 2 hdcs in last st, join to top of 1st hdc (32 sts).
Rnd 5: Ch 2, 2 hdcs in same st, 1 hdc in next st, [2 hdcs in next st, 1 hdc in next 2 sts], 10 times, join to top of 1st hdc (44 sts).
Rnd 6: Ch 2, [2 hdcs in next st, 1 hdc in next 3 sts] 11 times, join to top of 1st hdc (55 sts).
Rnd 7: Ch 2, 1 hdc in next st and each st around, join to top of 1st hdc (55 sts).
Rnds 8 and 9: Repeat rnd 7.
Rnd 10: Ch 2, 1 hdc in next st and each st around, skip last st, join to top of 1st hdc (54 sts).
Rnds 11 through 14: Repeat rnd 10.
EDGING:
Rnd 1: [Ch 2, 1 dc and 1 sc in next st, sl st into next st] all the way around (27 "spikes" around), fasten off.

Read more at http://www.favecrafts.com/Crochet-for-Baby/Baby-Blue-Hat/ct/1#UkLzq1GQ5zJvTHjM.99

Materials:

Lion Brand Cotton Ease, 50% cotton, 50% acrylic yarn, 1 skein (207 yds/188 m)
(shown here, Lake # 110) or a medium-weight (no. 4) worsted-weight yarn
Size G/6/4.0mm crochet hook

Another challenging phase in crocheting is the reading of a diagram or a chart. The rate on my knowledge about this is 4. I still have a lot to learn. A chart for a certain motif or a simple and textured pattern is easier to read. One time I tested my knowledge by reading a chart on a simple hat pattern. From there I learned the basics. I kind of freak out once I see charts for tops like bolero or lace jacket. There are also other charts that uses hard-won and elaborate symbols. I will learn all of these as I continue my journey on crocheting. You can learn about crochet symbols and how to follow a diagram via the Mypicot website. The website provides a clear and understandable guide on how to make stitches while familiarizing yourself with the terms and symbols. There are also other blogs and websites that show images and pictures on how to do the stitches. Youtube is also a very good resource to learn the basics of crocheting. You can also check the Lionbrand website for tutorials. They provide videos and illustrated instructions that are easier to follow and understand.

Here is an example of a granny square chart/diagram:

image from:: www.thehookandi.com

Another important thing to consider is the tension. This is one of my struggles while learning how to crochet. It's so hard to make even stitches! I thought that maybe I was pulling the yarn too tight or I'm not holding the hook correctly. I was relieved when I learned that I am not alone (sigh). I learned that it's a common problem of all crochet beginners.This blog post informed me a lot about tension.

image from:: fatcatcrochetcorner.blogspot.com

Another thing that I think I should be reading more about is gauge. Every time that I encounter the word 'gauge' or even seeing it in a pattern, panic starts to boil inside me. A post from Crochet With Passion pointed out that gauging is very important and shouldn't be overlooked by anyone who is learning to crochet. And so my next challenge is to educate my self more about gauging.

It didn't took me an overnight to learn all of these things. They said that practice makes perfect. Well, I guess that if you are following a perfect system then the result of your practice will be perfect. But a baby didn't started from running too. First he has to learn to stand up by himself and have the courage to take that first step.

So.....Now that my baggage is organized I guess I have more room for new discoveries.....
♥♥♥♥♥

Saturday, November 23, 2013

TBP::Test Beginner's Project

Wednesday, November 20, 2013

Organizing Rooms