Tag Archives | yarn crafts

Fun, Crochet Summer Handbag

Summer is a great time to crochet and this fun, crochet summer handbag is the perfect project.  I made this crochet summer handbag using t-shirt yarn.    I used a product from  Hoooked Zpagetti.  I was given this product when I attended the Association for Creative Industries (Formerly CHA – Crafts and Hobby Association).    Learning of new products if always a highlight of the event.

There are many video tutorials for making your own t-shirt yarn.  You can find tarn (t-shirt yarn) at many stores.  I’m not beginning to see this material used in many different projects including handbags, rugs and even some stuffed animals.  I hope you enjoy this project.   I have also included a link to the video tutorial for visual learners.

Crochet Summer Handbag

This is a crochet summer handbag made using t-shirt yarn

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Chunky Yarn Crochet Cowl – It’s Super Fun and Easy

A chunky yarn crochet cowl makes a comfy and fast project.  Using chunky yarn means you’ll whip right thru your project.  Using Bernat Roving Yarn from Yarnspirations I designed this crochet cowl.  I chose two of my favorite colors.  I selected Plum and Quartz Pink for my chunky yarn crochet cowl.  This yarn is so soft.  It is made using 80% acrylic and 20% wool yarn.  That means it will be nice and warm without being too hot.   It is really soft and feels great against my skin.If you haven’t tried this yarn you are in for a treat.  This is my first it using it and I know I will be using it often.  I love discovering new yarns and fibers.

 

Chunky Yarn crochet cowl

Chunky Yarn Crochet Cowl using Bernat Roving yarn

It’s already warm in my town of Chula Vista, California, however much of the USA and World is still chilly.  This cowl is a nice way to layer up.  It can easily be worn under a sweater, jacket or even just a top.   The picot edge gives it a nice touch.  You can wear it standing up over fold it over as in the photo above.  The project can be made in a single afternoon and would make a great gift.

Crochet Cowl collage

Crochet Cowl collage

Here is what you will need:

2 skeins of Bernat Roving Yarn (Choose contrasting colors)

1 Stitch Marker

Scissors

Yarn needle

K Crochet Hook  ( 6 1/2 mm)

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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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Crochet a Knit Stitch and Fair Isle Hearts Hat

Fair Isle Hearts Hat

Today I will share my newest hat;  a hat using the knit stitch and Fair Isle Stitches.  It was inspired by a knit hat that was released by Caron yarns a few years ago.  It was on a little handout that you get from the yarn aisles.   I used the Simply Soft by Caron yarns by Yarnspirations.  The yarn is so soft and silky.  You can choose your own color combinations.  I think a white and red or pink and red would make a great Valentine’s Day hat.   I have included the free written pattern along with the free YouTube video tutorials.  You will find them on the following pages.

Crochet fair isle

Crochet – Fair Isle and Knit stitch

 

To purchase an Ad-Free PDF written pattern please click on the link below:

PDF Heart Hat pattern 

 

 

 

 

 

This hat should fit most women and older children.

Materials:

2 Skeins of Simply Soft yarn by Caron in the color of your choice.   1 will be the main color and the other the contrasting color.

4 Stitch markers

scissors

yarn needle

measuring tape

row counter

Crochet Hook (5.5mm)  I hook

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Learn to Knit – Learn the Garter Stitch

Do you want to learn to knit the garter stitch?

Did you put “Learn to knit” on your 2017 list of goals?  The garter stitch is one of the easiest stitches to use for making blankets, scarfs, and lots of other fun projects.  The garter stitch is made using the basic knit stitch.  Aside from learning to cast on the knit stitch is usually the second stitch knitters learn.  The garter stitch is made by knitting every row.  It is perfect for watching TV while knitting.  You don’t have to worry about counting stitches or getting lost.  In these photos below I will try to explain how the stitch is made.     I used a bulky yarn and a size US 10 1/2 knitting needle ( 6.5mm) below.  Using this size needle and yarn weight I later went on to cast on 35 stitches and made a nice scarf.     *Please note:  I am knitting in the continental style below.  I find this style to be easier for those who crochet (right handed) and want to learn to knit. I think this is because the yarn is held in the left hand.  Since crocheters have already learned to hold the yarn in their left hand and control the tension this is a natural transition.  That of course, is just my own opinion.

 

Garter stitch

Knit Gart Stitch

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Garter Stitch

After you have cast on the stitches called for in your pattern you are ready to begin.

  1. Just as in the knit stitch the yarn will be coming from behind your needle (photo 1)
  2.  Insert your empty needle from the left to right  (Photo 2)
  3.  Pull yarn thru with needle  (photo 3 and 4)
  4. Slip off your needle   (Photo 5)
  5. Repeat for all stitches on your needle  (photo 6)
  6. Turn work
  7. Repeat 1- 6

That’s it!  You are knitting the garter stitch

Photo 1:

Knitting needle

Yarn behind knitting needle

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Photo 2:

Knit stitch needle position

Inserting needle to work knit stitch

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Photo 3:

knit stitch

Getting ready to pull yarn thru needle to knit stitch    

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Photo 4:

Knitting

Knitting stitch – pulling yarn out thru front 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Photo 5:

slipping stitch off needle

slipping stitch off knitting needle

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Photo 6:

knit garter stitches

working garter stitches

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

If you want to see a video tutorial I have uploaded one to my YouTube Channel  the “All Crafts Channel”  Click below to enjoy it.  Please share this post with others who enjoy knitting or want to learn to knit.   Please leave any questions or comments below.  Enjoy!

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