Tag Archives | crafts

10 Easy, Beginner Crochet Stitch Patterns

Today I would like to share 10 Easy, Beginner Crochet Stitch Patterns.  These patterns can be used to make blankets, afghans, scarfs, tablerunners and many other projects.

I have added some of my favorite stitch patterns.   Most of these patterns are video tutorials but I’m sure you will still find it useful information.

These 10 Easy, Beginner Crochet Stitch Patterns can be made using any size hook as long as the hook size is appropriate to the weight of yarn used.

You can make the pattern larger by using a larger hook and heavier weight yarn.  The opposite would be true for making the pattern smaller;  Use a smaller hooker and lighter weight yarn for a smaller pattern.

Easy Crochet Stitch Pattern, Pic 1

Easy Crochet Stitch Pattern, Pic 1 – Pic 5

Easy Crochet Stitch Patterns

Easy crochet stitches Collage Pics 6 – 10

The best way to determine how many chains you’ll need for your project is to crochet a gauge swatch.  Once your swatch is made you can measure your piece to determine how many chains you will need to get your desired width for your project.

Don’t know how to make a gauge swatch?  Click here:

https://allcraftschannel.com/2015/09/gauge-what-is-it-and-why-should-i-care.html

Purchase your gauge swatch measuring tool here: (Affilate) Gauge Measuring Tool

So grab your yarn and crochet hook and “Let’s Get The Party Started!”

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Non-Slip Soles for Knit and Crochet Slippers

Non-Slip Soles

Non-Slip Soles for my Crocheting or Knit slippers can sometimes be time-consuming.  Very often I rely on the old faithful puffy fabric paint.  Other times I will sew on those non-slip shelf liners that are used in kitchen shelves to keep your drinking glasses and dishes from sliding off the shelves.  Those options work well but many times they are time-consuming and don’t always look very good.   I never want to give someone a gift that could endanger them and slippery soles can be very dangerous.  I had made a pair for my aunt and mother, so I definitely wanted them to be safe while wearing these comfy slippers.

Knit house slippers

Knit slippers with full knit lining

While at my knitting class my teacher mentioned that she uses a different method.  She said it’s fast and seems to work pretty well   Well, the fast part had me intrigued.  She shared a method of using a quick spray method.  She said she uses a product called “Rust-0leum Leak Seal.”  It is a spray that is used to repair leaks on rain gutters, skylights, cracked cement etc.  She told me it’s easily available at hardware stores like HomeDepot   Armed with this new information I made a quick trip to my local Home Depot store.   I went straight to the paint department and asked the salesperson for assistance.  They took me to the caged area where they keep spray paint and other items which can only be sold to adults.  He unlocked the cage and asked me if I wanted the clear coat or a color coat.   I chose the clear coat so that my slippers could look more natural.   I also bought some blue painters tape.   I rushed home anxious to try out this new method and create Non-Slip soles.

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The Craftys Awards – Nominations now open

Craftys Awards time

It’s time for The Craftys Awards and that means nominating your favorite crafter.   The Craftsy Awards were created to celebrate the best of DIY and Crafts.  The categories range from traditional such as knitting, crocheting, sew, and scrapbooking to a category known as “geek crafts.”     The Craftsy awards were launched in 2014.   This is such a great way to recognize our creative community.   Crafters have submitted so many awesome projects that selecting a winner will not be an easy task.

Craftys award

Craftys award

I am so honored to have been selected as one of the judges for this year.  Here is the list of the other judges.  So many talented people on the judges panel.

The Editors of Babble
Marisa Pawelko – Modern Surrealist
Yolanda Soto Lopez – All Crafts Channel
Marly Bird – Yarn Thing Podcast
Beth Kingston – Kingston Crafts
Vickie Howell – DIY Network / HGTV
Ed Roth – Stencil 1
Mark Montano – Big Ass Book of Crafts
Galit Lebow – FoodStirs
Amber Kemp-Gerstel – Damask Love

 

 

 

The best in show winner will receive $1,000 and each category winner will receive $200.

Some of the  Categories include the following.  Please go to thecraftsy.com  to a complete list and instructions/rules to enter:

  • Baby Crafts
  • Craft Blogger
  • Crochet
  • Knitting
  • Decorative Painting/ Mixed Medium
  • Edible Crafts
  • Geek Crafts
  • General Crafts
  • Sewing

The winners will be announced in a Live stream in February 2017 from New York City.  There are so many great sponsors for the Craftsy Awards.   If you are a creator and would like to participate you can nominate yourself or another person for an award.  Please go to the website thecraftys.com in order to enter. and learn all about The Craftys awards.  You will also be able to see the complete list of categories and sponsors.  Each year this event has grown. with over 400,000 votes submitted.

Here is a link with the official rules:  Official Rules

Good luck and get those nominations in.  Let’s do our part to get recognization for all of those awesome crafters out there.

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Crochet Fun Snood – Kids of all ages will love this

Kids of all ages will love this crochet fun snood.  It works up quickly when using chunky weight yarn.  I used the Bernat Blanket Yarn from Yarnspirations.  It is soft and I really like the texture.  I used the color:  Pumpkin spice.  The ears I used the chocolate color.  The ears and the snood can be made in other colors if you prefer.  I think this snood is a fun way to stay warm.  The Bernat Blanket yarn is nice and warm.  I made the adult/teenager size.  You can purchase Bernat Blanket Yarn from your local Joann’s store or go online to Yarnspirations.com  for more selection.

Crochet Fun Snood

Crochet Fun Snood

Please keep reading for instructions and link to Video Tutorial  Continue Reading →

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Ombre Shawl using Caron Cakes by Yarnspirations

I love Ombre shawls, using the Caron Cakes by Yarnspirations I was able to design this beautiful shawl.  I wanted to take full advantage of the ombre effect created when using the new Caron Cakes by Yarnpspirations.  This design allowed me to make a shawl that would show off this beautiful effect.   I want to thank Yarnspirations for sponsoring this post.  This design and ideas are my own.  This shawl will make a great gift or make it for yourself.  Caron Cakes are exclusive to and available at Michaels stores.

Ombre shawl using Caron Cakes by Yarnspirations

Ombre Shawl using Caron Cakes by YarnspirationsSupplies needed to create your Ombre Shawl

Supplies needed for  your Ombre shawl

2 Caron Cakes by Yarnspirations (colorwave of your choice)

Yarn needle

Scissors

H- Crochet Hook  5mm

Square (I used a CD case) to measure your yarn for tassles

Here is a back view of the shawl.  Can you see the beautiful ombre effect not only on the body of the shawl but also on the tassles?  Keep reading to learn to crochet this beautiful shawl.

Back of shawl

Here you can see the ombre effect of the tassels

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