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The Art of Crochet

The Art of Crochet

A Colorful Thread of Benefits, Diversity, and History  by Yolanda Soto Lopez 

 Crochet is an ancient craft that involves creating intricate fabric by interlocking loops of yarn with a hooked needle. Beyond being a hobby, crochet offers a multitude of benefits, both physical and mental, while embracing a diverse range of possibilities. Let’s dive into the colorful world of crochet, exploring its advantages and a brief glimpse into its fascinating history.

Benefits of Crochet:

Crochet offers numerous physical and mental benefits. On a physical level, it improves fine motor skills, hand-eye coordination, and dexterity. The repetitive motions of creating stitches can also promote relaxation and stress reduction, making it a therapeutic activity. Crocheting can even provide a gentle workout for the hands and arms.

Mentally, crochet stimulates the brain and enhances cognitive abilities. It improves focus and concentration, requiring attention to detail and following complex patterns. Crocheting can also boost creativity, allowing crafters to experiment with different colors, textures, and stitch combinations, thereby nurturing their artistic side.

The Diversity of Crochet:

One of the most beautiful aspects of crochet is its diversity. Crochet patterns and designs span a wide range of styles and purposes. From cozy blankets and hats to delicate doilies and intricate lacework, the possibilities are endless. Crochet also extends beyond traditional items, with modern trends incorporating the craft into clothing, accessories, and even sculptures. The versatility of crochet ensures there is something for everyone to enjoy, regardless of age, gender, or personal taste.

A Brief History of Crochet:

The origins of crochet can be traced back centuries, although its exact birthplace remains uncertain. The craft gained popularity in Europe during the 19th century and later spread to other parts of the world. Initially, crochet was practiced using fingers alone, but the introduction of the hooked needle revolutionized the technique, allowing for greater precision and speed.

Over time, crochet evolved from a necessary skill for producing clothing and household items to a beloved pastime and form of self-expression. With the rise of online communities and social media, crochet has experienced a resurgence in recent years, connecting enthusiasts from all corners of the globe.

Crochet is more than just a craft; it is a journey of creativity, relaxation, and personal growth. Its physical and mental benefits, along with its diverse range of possibilities, make it a captivating art form accessible to people of all ages. As you delve into the world of crochet, prepare to be enchanted by the colorful threads that weave together tradition, innovation, and the joy of creating something beautiful with your own hands.

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10 Tips & Tricks to make you an Amigurumi Pro

Here are 10 tips and tricks to make you an  Amigurumi pro.   Have you always wanted to try crocheting Amigurumi?   Maybe you have already ventured into the world of crochet amigurumi and have had some success or maybe some failures.

Today, I want to share some helpful tips to make your crochet amigurumi so much better.  Follow these tips and tricks and you too can become an Amigurumi Pro.

Amigurumi is a method in crochet used to create mostly toys.  It can be used to make play food, dolls, etc.  The list is almost unlimited.  However, crocheting amigurumi can come with some unique challenges.   I’d like to offer some solutions to the most common problems.   Please note:  Tips are not necessarily in order of importance.

10 Tips & Tricks to make you an amigurumi pro
Amigurumi Dolls, 10 tips & tricks to make you an amigurumi pro

Here we go.. 10 Tips & Tricks to make you an Amigurumi Pro

Tip 1:   Don’t overstuff your items. –  I get this question so often that I think it bears repeating.  So many people write to me to complain that the stuffing in their amigurumi are showing thru the stitches of their items.

I think it’s natural to want to really stuff toys tightly.   Overstuffing your toys is a sure way to stretch out the stitches and have the stuffing show thru to the outside.   Please resist the urge to overstuff.  Use your hands to help give your toys the correct shape.

Remember, most of these items are toys and babies and children prefer soft, cuddly toys as opposed to stiff, hard toys.   (Free YouTube Video tutorial on last page of this blog post.)

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Learn to Crochet a Granny Square

Learn how to crochet a Granny Square on today’s post.  Crochet Granny Squares are so versatile.  They can be used to make scarfs, afghans, blankets, blouses, even coats.  

Today I would like to share a very traditional crochet granny square pattern.   There are many variations of the classic Crochet Granny Square.  Today I will be sharing the classic Granny Square pattern.

Photo of Crochet Granny Square
Photo of Crochet Granny Square

I crocheted this Granny Square using 2 contrasting colors.  You can choose to change colors after each round or keep them to 1 or 2 colors.  

This is the classic crochet granny square which is made with 4 total rounds of stitches.   You can use whatever size crochet hook (the larger the crochet hook the larger the square) and type of yarn.

When choosing yarn weight be sure it is appropriate for your crochet hook.

In addition to the written pattern / instructions I have also attached a link for a free YouTube video tutorial for those who prefer visual instructions.  The instructions below are for using 2 colors which will be represented as Color A and Color B, or just A and B.  

I have made every attempt to ensure this pattern is free of errors but on occasion mistakes happen.  Please let me know of any errors in the comments section.  Thank you and enjoy.

Supplies:

crochet hook

scissors

yarn color A

yarn color B

yarn needle

[  ] = work the instructions inside the brackets

dc = double crochet

sl st = slip stitch

ch = chain

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It’s a Merry Llama Christmas! Join the Llama Ornament blog hop fun

It’s a Merry Llama Christmas!

Crochet Amigurumi Llama by Yolanda Soto-Lopez

Crochet Llama

#CrochetLlama #Llama

Cute little Crochet Llama

Today I am so excited to be participating in a blog hop with a group of very talented women.  Llamas are all the rage this Christmas Season.  We have decided to jump on the Llama craze and bring you some very cute Llama theme Christmas Ornaments.  So today we are sharing the #Llamalove

As part of this blog hop, I wanted to share this beautiful Crochet Llama Amigurumi which was designed by Lupita Suarez of Loopy Yarns.  Lupita has done such a great job at designing this cute Llama.  She designed this Crochet Llama Amigurumi to be a soft toy.  I have adapted the pattern by changing the yarn weight and hook size.   A free YouTube video tutorial will show you the techniques and stitches you will need to crochet this cute Llama Amigurumi.  A link for my YouTube video appears at the end of this post.

You will need to go to Lupita’s website to download the pattern in order to be able to complete this Llama Amigurumi.  You can also see some of her other beautiful projects on her Ravelry page.  Here are the links:   Written Llama Pattern  and    Lupita’s Ravelry  Page

If you would like to have your original designed featured as either a YouTube video tutorial on my YouTube channel or as a blog post please let me know in the comments below.  (Full designer credit will be given to designer and links to your blog and/or Ravelry page).

 

Check out what my friends have created for your Merry Llama Christmas fun:

Angie, The Country Chic Cottage

YouTube Video Tutorial  Click Here

Carissa, Creative Green Living 

 

YouTube video Click Here

Caroline, 30 Minute Crafts 

http://30minutecrafts.com/2017/11/ultimate-llama-holiday.html

YouTube Video Click Here 

Jessica,  Mad In Crafts 

http://madincrafts.com/fa-la-la-llama-ornament/ ‎

YouTube Video Click Here

Kristen, Good Knit Kisses 

https://allcraftschannel.com/2017/11/merry-llama-christmas.html

http://www.goodknitkisses.com/santa-sombrero-llama-ornament/

 

Be sure to visit all of my crafty friends and show them some love.  Subscribe to their YouTube channels and join their blog.  As always share with your friends and family.  Sharing is caring.

Looking for my YouTube video for the Crochet Llama Amigurumi?  You can find it below.  Just click on the link.

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Crochet Gladiator Style Flip Flops

Crochet Gladiator Style Flips flops to turn your plain flip flops into fun sandals.   Who says flip flops have to be plain or boring?  Using some basic crochet stitches and a few new techniques (they’re easy) you can go from plain flip flops to personalized flip flops.  Summertime is here and that means warmer weather.  Ok, I admit that I live in Chula Vista, California (Suburb of San Diego) and our “Hot” weather isn’t exactly what others might consider hot.  Hey, living here we get used to a milder climate but even we get our occasional heat wave.

To beat the heat many of us turn wearing sandals and other warm weather accessories.  I admit that I look forward to being able to wear sandals.  However, I am not a fan of plain flip flops.  I like to customize them a little and jazz them up a bit.  In today’s blog post I will share how I turned my plain flip flops into crochet gladiator style flip flops.   You can customize by using your own colors, make them all one solid color or combine colors.  You can even add beads or a small fringe along the top edge.   As always I have provided a free YouTube video tutorial for visual learners.  The links appear at the end of the post.  I used cotton yarn Peaches & Creme from Yarnspirations.  They have a great selection of solid colors and some varigated choices.

If you would like to purchase an Ad Free PDF pattern please click here:  http://www.ravelry.com/patterns/library/gladiator-style-flip-flops

 

Flip flops

Crochet Flip flops

crochet gladiator style flip flops

crochet flip flop

crochet gladiator style flip flops

(side view)

 

 

 

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