To Crochet or Not to Crochet? That is the question!

Have you ever bought some really soft yarn or fabric and want to start a project right away? You get started, then decide that what you are making is not worth using the extremely soft, expensive yarn on. I actually had this experience the other day.

I had purchased some Bernat yarn just before Christmas just because it was on sale. I got home and started to make a lap blanket.Well, I had done about 3 rows and decided that if I was going to spend all that money on yarn, I might as well make it worth it. I undid my work, and started again, this time beginning a twin blanket. Needless to say, i undid my work again, and now I'm making a double bed sized blanket. I'm pretty sure this is my final change, and should have it done in a few months due to the large size of the yarn and the amount of free time I will have.

Even though I've had difficulty deciding what to make with this yarn, I know the project is going to turn out great and I will be happy with the outcome.

Potential New Creations for the Upcoming Year

There is always room for improvement in a business and I am looking to expand my product line. Is there an item that you would like to see be created and become popular? Comment what you would like to see! If it is possible and becomes one of our more popular items, you will receive one for free!

Hunting and Military Fashion

It is very easy to make camouflage items. All you need is your usual hook and some variegated yarn. Variegated yarn is yarn that was dyed multiple colors in a certain pattern. When this yarn is crocheted, it gives the item a camouflaged look.

Camo hats are great for hunting season or a gift for a friend or relative who served in the military. Many families where I am from enjoy hunting and use a lot of camouflage. Sometimes a camouflage blanket or infant sized hat is in order if they are expecting. Or maybe your house has a military or hunting themed room. A blanket would make a nice touch lying across the couch.

Does your family use a lot of camouflage things? Then maybe something crocheted that is the same pattern would be a nice addition to your collection. Find me on Facebook, send me a message, and place an order today!

Dishcloths

If you’ve ever purchased cheap dishcloths from a store, you know they don’t last very long. Now there is something available that will last a very long time. Handmade Creations by Laura makes dishcloths out of special yarn that does not stain easily, is machine washable, and retains its shape the entire time it is in use. They also can double as a hot pad for under casserole dishes if needed because of their thickness. I made my first dishcloth in 2013 and am still using it today.

Dishcloths make great gifts any time of the year. So when they are washing their dishes or wiping up a mess on the kitchen table, they can think of you.

The Number One Rule When Purchasing Yarn

This meme could not be more true. Unless you are making something really small, you should rarely only be purchasing one skein of yarn at a time. For large projects, do not purchase skeins of yarn one-by-one. Always get enough for the entire project when getting your supplies.

The reason for this is how the yarn is made. Make sure each skein is from the same dye lot by comparing the lot numbers. A sample of what you should be looking for is provided to the right. Each number represents a different dye bath, and if the numbers are different, the dyes may not be the same in other yarn (of the same color) used in the project. It is easy to miss the difference in the yarn until the project is completed.

I learned this the hard way when I made my second blanket. I was fortunate enough that my mother provided me with all the yarn for the first blanket (she clearly knew what she was doing), but I was flying solo with the second blanket. I purchased 3 skeins one week, then got the other 3 about two weeks later. I was so excited that I had started and finished an entire project all on my own. I stepped back to admire my work and noticed there was something strange about this blanket. I then saw the strange stripe-like difference and was a little disappointed. Fortunately for me, the stripes were fairly symmetrical and it still looked good. So learn from my mistake and don't do what I did.

My Second Blanket

Is Crocheting the Hobby for You?

Do you think you have what it takes to be a crocheter? Well, here are some questions to ask yourself to make that decision:

Will I be able to afford keeping this hobby alive?

When getting started, you have to purchase materials. Hooks are easily found for sale for reasonable prices online or in stores. You can start out using cheap yarn (average yarn cost: $3) or you can even crochet using strips cut from plastic bags, old clothes or linens. You can find many free patterns you can find online. You can make this hobby as cheap or as expensive as you wish. It all depends on how much money you are willing to spend.

Do you like flat surfaces or textured surfaces?

Crocheted items produce a textured feel. If you aren't a fan of textured fabrics, crochet might not be for you. If you would rather produce something flat, sewing may be a better hobby choice for you.

Are you patient?

If you tend to be an impatient person, learning how to crochet may not come as easily to you as it would to a person who has a great amount of patience. One item may take hours or even days to make. If you want instant gratification on your item, you may just want to go to the store and purchase the item made by someone else.

How are your math skills?

You will need math skills such as counting, adding, and multiplying. When starting an item, you have to be able to count the number of chains and adding and multiplying to create your own patterns as well and double checking your stitches to make sure the item will turn out as the pattern calls for.

So, do you have what it takes? Give crocheting a try and let me know how it goes - I'd love to hear from you!

Where do you get supplies?

Crochet hooks: I got my crochet hooks from Amazon. There are many sellers on there that have really good deals. If you absolutely can't wait to get crochet hooks, check a local craft store such as Michaels, Hobby Lobby, AC More, or Joann Fabrics. They all should carry crochet hooks, but they will cost a little more than if you buy online.

Yarn: Almost all craft stores carry some type of yarn. I have found the average cost of yarn is $3, but some places may be more or less. Also, online shops such as eBay is a possibility if you find a highly respected seller. I've gotten skeins of yarn on eBay for as low as 60 cents at times. Finally, you can purchase yarn from the brand itself. For example, I enjoy using Red Heart Yarn. I can go to their website and order it there. It may be a little more pricey that way, but if you're in a fix and that is your only option, it's a great way to go.

Crocheted Items Around the House

The craft of crochet is not only for apparel items. Grammy Joan would make all sorts of things. Here are some around the house ideas that you can easily find patterns for in books or online.

                                             
                               couch cushions                                                flower pot vase covers


                                                              
                             accessory holder                                             appliance covers

So you see, you can make more than apparel items. I hope this inspires you to pick up a crochet hook and try something new.

Limited Edition Scarf

Over the past month, I've been working on a new scarf pattern. I decided that instead of finding a pattern off the internet or out of a book, I would make my own design. I enjoy a challenge, and this one I was able to conquer.

I am only planning on making a total of 5 (maybe a few more depending on the amount of response I receive) with the price set at $25 each. I decided that I would share the pattern for others to attempt if they wish.

Hook: Size H

Stitches: hdc = half double crochet

               dc = double crochet

               ch = chain

      Note: skipping 1 stitch creates a hole. Yarn will be weaved through these holes and creates                          fringes at the ends.

Start with 25 chains. I find that I have very tight stitching, so gauge the number to chains to a 6 inch width.

Row 1: do the entire row in hdc

Row 2: 4 dc, ch 1, skip 1 stitch, 9 dc, ch 1, skip 1 stitch, 9 dc, ch1, skip 1 stitch, and finish the row              with 5 dc

Row 3: 9 dc, skip 1 stitch, 9 dc, skip 1 stitch, and finish the row with 10 dc

Repeat steps 1-3 until you have made the scarf to the desired length.

Now that the scarf part is finished, find a type of yarn that you would like to use for fringes. Using three strands of the yarn, weave it in and out of the holes, tie knots at the ends of the scarf, and even up the fringes.

Congratulations! You now know the pattern for this beautiful scarf, so why not give it a try?