Somewhere along my travels today I came across this link: Carewear.org
They have a database of hospitals and various other organizations that accept handmade donations. You can look at the entire list or search by state. They also offer free patterns for you to make baby items for charity.
I encourage you to look up your home state and find a hospital or other organization and donate something that they are in need of. It will make you feel good, I promise! :)
Monday, March 15, 2010
Sunday, March 14, 2010
Chainless Crochet
Dislike that unsightly seam created by the ch 3 while working in the round? Or the uneven edge when working in rows? Well TXCr1cket has a solution! She has several videos on her You Tube Channel that eliminate the need for the chain stitch.
How cool is this? Have a look:
How cool is this? Have a look:
Friday, March 12, 2010
Seed Stitch Charity Cowl
*This pattern has NOT been tested. If you find any mistakes please leave a comment here and I will correct.
Also, I don't have a pic to post just yet, so if you work this up and would like to share a link to a pic in the comments section it would be greatly appreciated!
MATERIALS
(US) size H hook
1 skein Caron Simply Soft yarn; Blue Mint (or desired color)
tapestry needle
GAUGE (worked in seed st)
15 sts = 4 inches
14 rows = 4 inches
FINISHED SIZE
Adult-One Size Fits Most (9 inches tall X 26 inches around)
SPECIAL STITCHES & TECHNIQUES
"back hump" of starting chain: Turn your starting chain over so the back is facing you, notice the single strand in the middle of the chain forms a "hump". Your stitches will be worked into that hump. For more info see: http://www.stitchdiva.com/custom.aspx?id=191
(This method for working into the starting chain gives a more finished look to the beginning edge of your work. If you are uncomfortable with this method, the traditional method of working into the starting chain may be used.)
FPdc (front post double crochet): yo, from the front, insert hook around the post of the corresponding dc of the previous row, yo and draw up loop, yo, draw through 2 loops, yo, draw through 2 loops.
BPdc (back post double crochet) = yo, from the back, insert hook around the post of the corresponding dc of the previous row, yo and draw up loop, yo, draw through 2 loops, yo, draw through 2 loops.
Closing the beginning chain: Thread tapestry needle with the tail from the beginning ch, working on opposite side of starting chain, insert needle on right side and under free loops of 2nd dc made in round 1, pull snug but not tight (it should look like the top of a sc) and secure end at base of first ch of starting chain.
leaving 6 - 8 inch long tail, ch 106, do not join (See note above)
Round 1: working in the back hump of starting chain (see note above) dc in 4th ch from hook and in each ch across, join with sl st in top of beg ch 3. (104 sts)
Rounds 2-4: ch 3, work FPdc in next st, (work BPdc in next st, work FPdc in next st) around, join with sl st in top of beg ch 3.
Round 5: ch 1, sc in same st, dc in next st, (sc in next st, dc in next st) around, join with sl st in beg sc.
Round 6: ch 3, sc in next st, (dc in next st, sc in next st) around, join with sl st in beg ch 3.
Rounds 7-26: Repeat rounds 5 and 6.
Round 27: ch 3, dc in each st around, join with sl st in top of beg ch 3.
Rounds 28-30: Repeat rounds 2-4, fasten off. Close beginning ch. (see note above) Weave in ends.
Also, I don't have a pic to post just yet, so if you work this up and would like to share a link to a pic in the comments section it would be greatly appreciated!
MATERIALS
(US) size H hook
1 skein Caron Simply Soft yarn; Blue Mint (or desired color)
tapestry needle
GAUGE (worked in seed st)
15 sts = 4 inches
14 rows = 4 inches
FINISHED SIZE
Adult-One Size Fits Most (9 inches tall X 26 inches around)
SPECIAL STITCHES & TECHNIQUES
"back hump" of starting chain: Turn your starting chain over so the back is facing you, notice the single strand in the middle of the chain forms a "hump". Your stitches will be worked into that hump. For more info see: http://www.stitchdiva.com/custom.aspx?id=191
(This method for working into the starting chain gives a more finished look to the beginning edge of your work. If you are uncomfortable with this method, the traditional method of working into the starting chain may be used.)
FPdc (front post double crochet): yo, from the front, insert hook around the post of the corresponding dc of the previous row, yo and draw up loop, yo, draw through 2 loops, yo, draw through 2 loops.
BPdc (back post double crochet) = yo, from the back, insert hook around the post of the corresponding dc of the previous row, yo and draw up loop, yo, draw through 2 loops, yo, draw through 2 loops.
Closing the beginning chain: Thread tapestry needle with the tail from the beginning ch, working on opposite side of starting chain, insert needle on right side and under free loops of 2nd dc made in round 1, pull snug but not tight (it should look like the top of a sc) and secure end at base of first ch of starting chain.
leaving 6 - 8 inch long tail, ch 106, do not join (See note above)
Round 1: working in the back hump of starting chain (see note above) dc in 4th ch from hook and in each ch across, join with sl st in top of beg ch 3. (104 sts)
Rounds 2-4: ch 3, work FPdc in next st, (work BPdc in next st, work FPdc in next st) around, join with sl st in top of beg ch 3.
Round 5: ch 1, sc in same st, dc in next st, (sc in next st, dc in next st) around, join with sl st in beg sc.
Round 6: ch 3, sc in next st, (dc in next st, sc in next st) around, join with sl st in beg ch 3.
Rounds 7-26: Repeat rounds 5 and 6.
Round 27: ch 3, dc in each st around, join with sl st in top of beg ch 3.
Rounds 28-30: Repeat rounds 2-4, fasten off. Close beginning ch. (see note above) Weave in ends.
Saturday, March 6, 2010
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Friday, March 5, 2010
Here Comes Peter Cottontail
Today is bright, sunny, and warm. I hope Spring has finally sprung! We had entirely too much cold and bad weather this year. I'm ready for some color! Spring Fever has definately set in, and here's my proof:
The bunny I came up with on my own...
But I'm sure you recognize these guys:
Mama chicken and her baby pastel chicks were a staple in our house when I was little. I hadn't thought about them in years until a friend wanted me to make her some recently. This is what I came up with:
I have the patterns written and will post them tomorrow. Hope you enjoy!! :)
The bunny I came up with on my own...
But I'm sure you recognize these guys:
Mama chicken and her baby pastel chicks were a staple in our house when I was little. I hadn't thought about them in years until a friend wanted me to make her some recently. This is what I came up with:
I have the patterns written and will post them tomorrow. Hope you enjoy!! :)
Thursday, March 4, 2010
Knitting Daily
I watched a tv show today that kind of took me by surprise. I had set the DVR on a whim a few days ago when I saw the title. The show was Knitting Daily. The episode was #110: All About Texture. Although I do knit, my expertise in that area is pretty much limited to simple dishcloths and other simple projects. So I thought what could it hurt, I might learn something new. And learn something new I did, but not about knitting!
I was happy to see that the show is crochet friendly! Kim Werker, billed as their "Crochet Ace," is one of the regulars on the show. On today's episode she met with Robyn Chachula who showed her a different kind of double crochet stitch. It is called a "Linked Double Crochet" (abreviated Ldc). It creates a more solid fabric that is great for wearables. She used the stitch when designing her Rosemary Sweater which was featured in the fall 2007 issue of Interweave Crochet. Robyn is also offering a free download of the Rosemary Sweater via the Knitting Daily webiste.
In addition to the crochet segment, they talked about different yarns and thier textures. Even though the information was primarily geared toward kitters, I think there was much to be learned by crocheters as well. After all, yarn is NOT knitting exclusive! I will definately be watching Knitting Daily on a regular basis.
If you want to check it out, it's on PBS. You can look for the show in your area on the Knitting Daily website.
I was happy to see that the show is crochet friendly! Kim Werker, billed as their "Crochet Ace," is one of the regulars on the show. On today's episode she met with Robyn Chachula who showed her a different kind of double crochet stitch. It is called a "Linked Double Crochet" (abreviated Ldc). It creates a more solid fabric that is great for wearables. She used the stitch when designing her Rosemary Sweater which was featured in the fall 2007 issue of Interweave Crochet. Robyn is also offering a free download of the Rosemary Sweater via the Knitting Daily webiste.
In addition to the crochet segment, they talked about different yarns and thier textures. Even though the information was primarily geared toward kitters, I think there was much to be learned by crocheters as well. After all, yarn is NOT knitting exclusive! I will definately be watching Knitting Daily on a regular basis.
If you want to check it out, it's on PBS. You can look for the show in your area on the Knitting Daily website.
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