Crochet Me

Crocheting Red

Toni Rexroat — Thu, 09 Feb 2012 15:00:00 GMT

If February has a color, I would say it is red-from deep burgundy reds to bright candy apple reds. During February we wear red to promote women's heart health, and red is the color most frequently associated with Valentine's Day. Red is a color that gets noticed, and I think that everyone needs a few red garments and crochet accessories in their closet. Here are a few of my favorite red crocheted accessories:

		If you are looking for a quick gift this Valentine's Day, there is still time to whip up a pair of Betty's Button-up Mitts over the weekend. These easy mitts are a great way to use all of the mismatched buttons you have been collecting, and this bright pop of red is perfect with any outfit on a chilly day.
Betty's Button-Up Mitts Interweave Crochet Accessories 2010
		For a little more warmth, check out the Seamed Mittens. These warm winter accessories begin with a long chevron cuff and are worked flat before working the single seam.
Seamed Mittens, Interweave Crochet Fall 2008
		Shawls are another great way to add red to your wardrobe. If you aren't ready to commit to a bright red, I love the deep burgundy of the Dragonfly Shawl. Web like crocheted lace takes its inspiration from the wings of a dragonfly. This elegant shawl would look lovely with that little black dress for a romantic evening out.
Dragonfly Shawl, Interweave Crochet Winter 2008
		The Guinevere wrap is the perfect accessory for a stylish tunic dress or a great pair of jeans. I love the feminine ruffle edging and the beautiful halo of the mohair yarn.
Guinevere, Wrapped in Crochet
		The Crochet Bobble Beret may be classified more as a pink than a red, but these sister colors are closely enough related for me. This chic crochet hat creates texture by crocheting bobbles that form on the wrong side of the fabric as you work the beret.
Crochet Bobble Beret, Knitscene Fall 2009
Add a little red to your wardrobe this February with great accessories. You can, of course, work any of these patterns in a different color, but grab some attention and crochet with red this month. You can find more great accessory patterns in the Crochet Me Shop. Best wishes,

Felt an Easy Crocheted Gift

Toni Rexroat — Mon, 06 Feb 2012 15:30:00 GMT

Are you looking for the perfect quick crocheted gift? I love the easy Felted Trivet and Coasters from Gifted by Mags Kandis. You can quickly whip up several sets in a couple of evenings, and these fun circles are perfect for crocheting newbies. The felting process means any imperfections will disappear in the wash, and because you use a larger hook to create loose stitches, it is easier to see where to put your hook.


Felted Trivet + Coasters from Gifted

After you have finished crocheting the project to be felted, the magic begins. Let's look at the felting process:

Felting: It's a word that inspires delight and fear, excitement and apprehension. I've washed my fair share of completed wool sweaters and even once was given a vest that, amazingly, fit me perfectly despite the fact that it had been washed and felted. But I have also experienced the wonderment of creating a project, carefully placing it in the washer and checking it, perhaps too often, to witness its transformation into a dense, slightly fuzzy fabric. If you have never felted before, there are a few things to remember.

Choosing the right yarn is essential for felting. Synthetic yarns with bases such as cotton, linen, or nylon do not felt. Yarns with an animal fiber base such as wool, alpaca, or mohair make wonderful felting yarns. The yarn should not be superwash because it is treated so that it does not shrink in the wash.

The most important thing is to swatch. Create a few swatches and play with the felting until you get the desired finished fabric.

The hook size generally called for in a felting pattern creates a very loose stitch. If you are creating your own pattern, a good rule is to go up several hook sizes from the recommended hook size. Notice the looseness of the stitches in the first unfelted swatch below.

Left to right: Unfelted swatch, partially felted swatch, finished felted swatch

Felting requires supplies you will generally find at home. You can felt in your kitchen sink, but a washing machine will make the work much faster and easier. Place the crocheted fabric in a zippered pillowcase or lingerie bag. This keeps fibers loosened from your fabric out of the plumbing and plumber bills out of your mailbox.

Toss the bag in the washing machine along with a couple of towels or old blue jeans to help with agitation. Set the washing machine to the lowest water level and the hottest water setting. Remember that with hot water, colors may run so don't add towels or jeans that may stain your crochet or towels or jeans you don't mind being stained by the yarn. Add a small amount of mild detergent or soap.


Felted Yule Bling from Gifted

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Consult your pattern for an idea of how long to felt the project. The longer the crochet is agitated in the washer, the more felting occurs and the denser it will become. The second and third swatches above were felted for differing lengths of time. You can see that the third swatch is much denser, and the stitch definition is almost completely obscured. If you are unsure, it is a good idea to check it after the first 10 minutes and then again every few minutes after the crochet begins to visibly felt. Rinse the fabric in cold water to stop the felting process.

Once you know the best length of time for felting your selected yarn, you can begin your project. When it is done, follow the felting instructions above. While the fabric is still wet you can block the project to any shape. Use towels, bowls, or anything else the proper size to form the felting around. If your felted item is flat, like the Felted Coasters, pin them to shape on a blocking board. Then let it air-dry.

Felted crochet is a magical process and creates great quick gifts. Try out this fun technique by purchasing your copy of Gifted: Lovely Little Things to Knit and Crochet by Mags Kandis and creating exciting gifts this Valentine's Day.

Best wishes,

Crocheted Doily Art

Toni Rexroat — Sat, 04 Feb 2012 12:00:00 GMT


Project 40/40 at Fort Bema in Poland

According to a translation of their blog, project 40/40 is a joint venture between the Bemowo District Office and the Outdoor Art Foundation in Poland.

Fort Bema was built was build near Warsaw in the 19^th century by the Russians. For over a hundred years, the barrack at the abandoned Fort Bema have been first Polish street gallery open twenty-four hours a day.

Recently, artists Maniac and NeSpoon installed their own exhibition, combining stencil art and lace doilies.You can check out more great photos on NeSpoon's page. I love the juxtaposition of crocheted lace and abandoned architecture.

If you are in the Warsaw area, you can visit this gallery through May 2012. Just don't forget your boots and bring a flashlight if you venture in at night.

Best wishes,

Getting More Crochet for Your Money

Toni Rexroat — Thu, 02 Feb 2012 12:00:00 GMT

Crochet a sweater with five skeins of yarn. Yes please! I am always looking for ways to stretch my yarn a little farther. And I found my excellent tips and exquisite patterns in Robyn Chachula's new book Simply Crochet. Robyn shares with us


Float Cardigan by Robyn Chachula

Not all stitches are created equal. Have you ever noticed that sweaters with tall stitches, like double or treble crochet, usually drape and flow easier than single crochet sweaters? The reason for this is actually quite simple. Those little squat stitches, like single crochet, use more yarn than their taller counterparts.


	Sidney Cardigan by Robyn Chachula

So why do those taller stitches use less yarn? Well, think about how the single crochet stitch is made. You insert your hook into the row below and yarn over, making a very short stitch. Though the treble crochet also has to pass through the row below and come up; on tall the rest of the yarn overs, it only has to pull through loops on the hook and does not go through the row again. That little extra yarn you need to go through the row with the shorter stitches really starts to add up. Another way of thinking about it is to consider the amount of "air" between the stitches. Single crochet stitches are so short and squat and crammed together that they have little space between the stitches, while treble crochet stitches are long and lean and have lots of space. The more space or "air" in the fabric, the less yarn you will need.


Spa Shawl Top by Doris Chan

Now, how can you use this information to your advantage? When choosing a stitch pattern to use, keep in mind the airiness of the stitches. Lacy stitches tend to use the least yarn, while cables tend to use the most. If you have your eye on some beautiful but expensive yarn, look around for a project that uses a lacy stitches pattern or tall stitches to get a lot of bang for your buck. On the other hand, if you really have your heart set on creating some fabulous cables or you've fallen in love with a dense stitch pattern, go with a less expensive yarn or try making smaller projects, such as a scarf or a hat.


	Giselle Vest by Simona Merchant-Dest

You will find more tricks for using your yarn economically as well as tips for organizing your yarn stash in Simply Crochet: 22 Stylish Designs for Every Day by Robyn Chachula. Order your copy today and begin crocheting a beautiful wardrobe with innovative patterns that fit your yarn budget.

Best wishes,

Help, My Hat's Too Short

Toni Rexroat — Mon, 30 Jan 2012 12:00:00 GMT

I love making hats! With the arrival of each new issue of Interweave Crochet, I browse the pages for new hat patterns. And I know that I am not alone. Crocheters whip up dozens of hats.


Atomic Hat, Interweave Crochet Fall 2011

We crochet them while we are on vacation, waiting in line or at a sporting event, visiting with friends at crafty night, and relaxing at home on a quiet evening. I have been known to whip up a hat or two while sitting in a long meeting.


	Atomic Hat with crocheted ribbing brim

Over the years of crocheting hats, I have made just about every possible mistake-from too big to too small and from too long to too short. The issue I still fight is length. My hats frequently are too short for my head.

So, what do you do if your hat is too short? Tighter than normal tension, caused by an effort to create crisp cables and not enough attention to gauge, meant that my second Atomic Hat was about an inch too short even after blocking.

I learned to create crocheted ribbing as an edging for sweaters, like the Belcarra Cardigan (below) in Interweave Crochet Winter 2010, but this technique is the perfect addition to hats as well. It allows you to add length and makes for a great snug fit. Working the crocheted ribbing in the next hook size down is also a great option if your finished hat is too big.


Crocheted ribbing

I learned to create crocheted ribbing as an edging for sweaters, like the Belcarra Cardigan in Interweave Crochet Winter 2010, but this technique is the perfect addition to hats as well. It allows you to add length and makes for a great, snug fit. Working the crocheted ribbing in the next hook size down is also a great option if your finished hat is to big.


	Belcarra Cardigan, Interweave Crochet Winter 2010

Adding ribbing to the edge of a project is an easy technique. Simply join your yarn to the edge of your project and chain the number of stitches required for the length of ribbing desired. For my ribbing, I chained seven stitches. Turn and single crochet in the back loop in each chain across. When you reach the edge of the garment again, slip-stitch in the next row-end adjacent to your join to attach the ribbing. Slip-stitch in the next row-end to begin the next row of the ribbing and single crochet in the back loop only across each stitch of the ribbing. Repeat these last two rows until you have worked the ribbing all the way to the edge of the project. I work a row of slip stitches to join the first and last rows together.

So add a little ribbing to your finished projects-whether it is the hem of a fabulous sweater or the edge of a crocheted hat. Find great projects and learn more new tips and techniques by subscribing to Interweave Crochet today.

Best wishes,

P.S. You can find more information on ribbing in my How to Create Crochet Ribbing blog.

One Snappy Shrug

Marcy Smith — Fri, 27 Jan 2012 10:00:00 GMT

A couple of weeks ago, I set up my crochet goals for 2012. One is to make a project from each issue. I started with the Winter 2011 issue, since it's on the newsstands now.

So, on New Year's Day, I set about crocheting the Aslan Shrug. I had already wound three hanks of Lorna's Laces Shepherd Bulky in my favorite color: pinkpurpleorange (Lorna's calls this Bittersweet).

It was uncommonly warm on New Year's Day in my part of the world, so my sweetie and I packed a picnic basket and went to a local lake beach. There, I made my first couple of rounds:

(The yarn kind of looks like festive licorice whips there, but it's really gorgeous.)

Pretty soon after, I had a few more rounds:

It's pretty speedy and the yarn is really scrumptious to crochet with—it's smooshy and the color change is mesmerizing.

When the sun left, so did the warmth, so we headed to a coffeeshop, where I did a few more rounds:

When we were all full of latte, we headed home. And I kept crocheting. So fast that I didn't take any pictures. Before I went to bed, the shrug was done.

It took 2 hours and 51 minutes (including 11 minutes of error-recovery time, which was totally my fault for getting excited and forgetting to actually follow the stitch diagram).

(Yes, I did write down my stop and start times. I can be geeky like that.)

My daughter loves it, which is saying a lot because she's 13. When I put it on she said: "Yeah, business in the front, party in the back." It's like that.

And right here is where I should be showing you a picture of the Aslan Shrug in all its Bittersweet finished glory.

But, well, this is where it gets truly bittersweet: I wore it at TNNA in Phoenix. And did I think to have someone take a quick picture? Nooooo. Then I brought it to the Lorna's Laces booth, where Beth tried it on (Amanda couldn't try it on because she was wearing a pinkpurpleorange shirt and it would have been total camouflage.) It spent the rest of the show at the LL booth.

And, then -- then I forgot to pick it up! So, now it's in Chicago and I'm in North Carolina.

When we are reunited, I will have someone snap a picture and I will share it with you on the member gallery.

I do love an instant-gratification project. And you'll find some of these make-it-today-wear-it-tomorrow projects in every issue. Good news for you and for me, since this will help me fulfill my resolution!

(Have you made the Aslan Shrug? Be sure to share it in the gallery—and let us know how long it took!)

Happy crocheting!
Marcy

4 Tips for the Perfect Crocheted Bag

Toni Rexroat — Thu, 26 Jan 2012 20:30:00 GMT

I have a bit of a bag obsession. I own more bags than anyone should possibly be able to use, but I never seem to lack for a crochet project to carry in each one. So I was excited to watch Knitting Daily Episode 809, Carry-All. In this episode, Kristin Omdahl illustrates a few tips for a better crocheted bag. Let me share with you some of my favorite tips:


Cosmopolitan Bag, Knitting Daily TV Episode 809

1. Durable

If I am making a delicate clutch for a special occasion, I reach straight for the silk, but for my well-used market, messenger, or project bags, I want a sturdier fabric. It is important to choose a durable yarn that will not pill and that will wear well. Wool, cotton, linen, and blend yarns are all great choices for resilient crocheted bags. In the 809 episode of Knitting Daily TV, Kristin Omdahl creates a beautifully textured project bag with nylon cording.


Brenda's Basketweave Bag, Interweave Crochet Accessories 2010

2. Sturdy Handle

For me, a bag's handle is one of the most important features. If you are crocheting a messenger bag, such as Brenda's Basketweave Bag, choose a yarn that is sturdy and will be able to absorb the weight of the satchel's contents without stretching. For little bags, such as the Hialeah Bag, there are a variety of handles you can purchase in an assortment of materials. Choose something that feels comfortable in your hand. I love the spiral bag handle Kristin demonstrates on the Crochet Corner. This sturdy handle would be perfect for a bag or purse.


Hialeah Bag, Interweave Crochet Spring 2011

3. Solid

It is important to find a stitch pattern that will keep all of your valuables inside your bag. If you are crocheting a project bag and want to make sure the hooks and stitch markers can't slip out between the stitches, chose a nice, solid stitch pattern. The dense Tunisian stitches of the Swing Satchel create a simple solid fabric. Lacey stitches and motifs can also be used, with the addition of a solid fabric liner as with the Hialeah Bag. On the Crochet Corner, Kristin Omhal suggests experimenting with going down a hook size to create a tighter fabric.


Swing Satchel, Interweave Crochet Accessories 2011

4. Eye Catching

Of course the most important aspect of any crocheted bag is its personality. Choose a pattern that expresses your style and shows of the extraordinary possibilities of crochet, whether that is the bead crochet of the Heading South Rasta Bag or the tantalizing texture of Brenda's Basketweave Bag.

Start your own crocheted bag today and check out Knitting Daily TV. You will find more crochet tips and inspiration from Kristin Omdahl on each episode's Crochet Corner. Order your copy of Knitting Daily TV Series 800 today.

Best wishes,

Seamless Crochet Blog Tour and Giveaways!

Toni Rexroat — Wed, 25 Jan 2012 16:35:00 GMT

If you know anything about author and designer Kristin Omdahl, you know that she's constantly working. It seems as though she never puts down those crochet hooks and knitting needles! When one book is off to the printer, she's already working on the next-sketching, designing, writing and dreaming.

Her latest crochet book, Seamless Crochet: Techniques and Designs for Join-As-You-Go-Techniques is now out in bookstores and local yarn shops nationwide, and we're thrilled to announce the nationwide blog tour with some of your favorite yarn-loving bloggers. You'll learn more about what inspires Kristin's designs, get a closer look at the book's crochet accessories, and garments, and have an opportunity to win free copies of the book at many of the stops. Ready for those tour dates?

Seamless Crochet Blog Tour Dates:

1/25
AllFreeCrochet.com (and giveaway)

1/26
Crochetville.org

1/27
CraftGossip.com Crochet Guide (and giveaway)

1/30
Crochet by Faye

1/31
About.com Guide to Crochet

2/1
She Knits When She Should be Writing (and giveaway)

2/2
Sara Likes to Make Stuff

2/3
Jimmy Beans Wool Blog

2/6
Rebecca Velasquez Designs

2/7
Yarn Thing Blog and Podcast (and giveaway)

live interview with Kristin, 12 pm Eastern

2/8
Hook and I

2/9
Faina's Knitting Mode

2/10
The Crochet Doctor

2/11
Stylish Knits

Seamless Crochet is available now as a book & DVD combo, and also as an eBook and DVD download that you can purchase online and receive instantly. Click here to learn more about the Seamless Crochet eBook & DVD download.

The Moorish Mosaic Afghan: The Perfect Stash-Busting Project

Toni Rexroat — Tue, 24 Jan 2012 12:00:00 GMT

For several years, the Moorish Mosaic Afghan has waited impatiently in my queue as I gathered my yarn—a few skeins from this project, a couple from that project, a left over skein donated by a friend. The color design of this crochet afghan makes it the perfect stash busting project, allowing you to combine various brands of a similar shade, such the yellow and blue yarns I am using, instead of identical yarns from the same dye lot.

This pattern is also addictive. Each of the three motif designs is easily memorized and quickly worked in worsted weight yarn. I've finished all of the triangle motifs that run along the side, and I am about halfway finished with the square motifs.

Seeing the stacked motifs reminds me of the fabric quilt squares my mother used to cut out. The squares were cut from clothing we had grown out of or leftover fabric from garments she had sewn for us. I think it was from her that I learned the art of using up every last bit of my crafting fiber. With the yarn that is left over from my crocheted afghan, I will probably whip up one of the Funky Stuffed Toys from the 8 Free Crochet Amigurumi free eBook.

What are your favorite stash-busting projects?

Best wishes,

Crocheting Sweaters from the Top Down

Toni Rexroat — Mon, 23 Jan 2012 12:00:00 GMT

Stepping Stones Cardigan by Kristin Omdahl

The best thing about shopping off the rack is that you can try on multiple sizes to find the best fit. The worst thing is that frequently none of the sizes really give you that perfect fit.

That perfectly tailored fit is the reason I love to make my own crocheted sweaters. You can modify the pattern to highlight your figure, adding extra coverage at the bust or a nip at the waistline. And when it comes to modifying a sweater, the easiest design to alter is a garment crocheted from the top down.


Sera Lace Top by Doris Cha

Top-down sweaters begin with the neckline and are crocheted in one piece from the neckline to the hem. The yoke is worked down from the neckline foundation with increases at the front and back of each shoulder (use stitch markers to mark the increases as you go). The shoulder increases are beautifully defined in Doris Chan's Sera Lace Top. Lace, colorwork, and textured patterning are all easily adapted to top-down crochet.

This construction method lets you try the sweater on as you go, allowing you to determine if you need to add short-row shaping at the bust or move the waistline shaping. I always have to move the waist shaping up to fit my short torso, so I especially love this feature.


Kristi Cardigan by Dora Ohrenstein

After the yoke has been worked, the garment is separated for the front, back, and sleeves. As you work the front, back, and sides of the sweater, you can try it on frequently to check the fit. Sleeves are worked by joining the yarn at the armhole and working in rounds.


Northern Dreams Pullover by Julia Vaconsin

For a perfect fit, download a great top-down sweater pattern today and check out the great sale going on this weekend in the Crochet Me Shop.

Best wishes,

Introducing the Spike Stitch

Toni Rexroat — Sat, 21 Jan 2012 12:05:00 GMT

I agree with Josi Hannon Madera. I love the crocheted spike stitch. This eye-catching stitch allows you to quickly create beautiful colorwork, and learning how to crochet with spike stitches is easy. Spike stitches are created by inserting the hook in a stitch at least two rows below. After yarning over, the loop is pulled up to the height of the row being worked. Yarn over and draw through two loops on your hook just as you would a normal single crochet.

By inserting the hook two rows down, a short spike is created. If the hook is inserted four or five rows down, you will see a much longer spike. Josi Hannon Madera explores the possibilities of spike stitch beautifully in her Spike Stitch Pillow Sham. You can check out the free pattern in the Member Patterns and find out more about this fascinating stitch in her Spike Stitch Introduction in the forums.

Best wishes,

How to Organize an Unruly Stash

Sarah Read — Fri, 20 Jan 2012 22:40:00 GMT

January First, 2012

When faced with a feral stash, you may have heard that the safest course is to curl up in a ball, cover your neck, and play dead. But I believe that even the wildest of stashes can be tamed. And yes, that's my own stash up there, back when it was very wild indeed (a few weeks ago).

The first step in taming your stash is to get ALL of it and spread it out where you can see it. As you lay it out, dvide it by sections, like so:

From experience, I can tell you that this is best done while small children and the yarn-prejudiced are not at home.

Have your empty bins handy, and load the yarn into the bins according to category. Create categories that make the most sense to you. For example, my categories are:

1. Sweater yarn (sweater quantities of worsted yarn)

2. Tee yarn (yarn for short-sleeved garments)

3. Sweaters made of itty bitty yarn (sport and fingering weight in sweater quantities)

4. Lace

5. Cottons and linens

6. Thread

7. Sock yarn

8. Super fancy-pants sock yarn

9. Acrylic and baby yarn

10. Single skeins (not of the cotton, lace, thread, sock, or acrylic variety)

The next step is to build a fort out of your bins.

Then, when you have conquered the world from the safety of your yarn fort, file the bins away in their storage space.

If you know the next few (or many) projects you intend to start, keep them filed in a separate, easy-to-access system. My friend Sheri from The Loopy Ewe blogged about her fabulous baskets, and one of her readers suggested using a hanging shoe holder as a great space saver, which seemed like the perfect solution for me, as my attic studio has no level walls. It's great for holding a small- to medium-sized project worth of yarn, as well as the pattern for the yarn, so five years from now, when you finally get to that project, you remember what it was going to be.

Congratulations! You are now a stash-tamer. You are probably also much more aware of the scope of your stash. I was actually comforted by the process, when I ended up with two extra empty bins that were certainly not empty the last time I did this. That means two things to me:

1. I have two empty bins to fill

2. If I can work through two bins a year, I'm not as close to Stash Acquisition Beyond Life Expectancy as I thought I was.

So...now it's your turn to flash your stash! Come to the forums and share your stash, feral or tame!

Happy End-ings: A Weaving in Ends Primer

Sharon Zientara — Fri, 20 Jan 2012 16:17:00 GMT


Weave in ends as you go, as in the Abelia Jacket (Interweave Crochet, Winter 2011) to save finishing time.

Often times, the difference between a good-looking finished crochet project and a great-looking one is neat and clean finishing techniques. One finishing skill that will become invaluable once you master it is weaving in ends. Here are some tips and tricks to set you on the path to perfect finishing.

Beginning or Ending a Project

Make sure to leave at least a six inch yarn end for weaving when beginning or fastening off any project. To weave in ends during finishing, thread the end through a yarn needle. Take care to work on the wrong side of the work and whenever possible, work into seam allowances.

Insert the needle behind the two loops of each stitch in a row until about half of the yarn has been used.
Next, work back in the opposite direction by skipping the first loop of the last stitch you wove the needle under and work behind the loops to the end. Snip the yarn as close to the work as possible.

Tip: To save time weaving in ends when starting a motif, crochet over the yarn end in the beginning round or row, for about four inches. To finish off, use a darning needle and weave the yarn back in the opposite direction as described above.

Securing Ends in Color Changes

After a colorwork project is complete, I used to find myself groaning over the idea of all those ends, and it would sit unfinished, like the tell-tale heart, until I couldn't ignore it any longer and I dove grudgingly into the task of weaving them all in.

A great trick I now employ to avoid much of the groaning comes from a traditional tapestry crochet technique. Several inches before the color change, lay a strand of the new color across your work, and crochet over it as you go. Change colors as usual, by completing the last yarn over of the last stitch with the new color, and then begin to work the row as normal. To reduce bulk, work the old color in the same manner, by laying the end across the work as you continue in the new color, and crochet over it.


	Use the invisible fasten-off to shorten finishing time in motif projects, like in the Amaryllis Tunic (Interweave Crochet, Winter 2011)

Invisible Fasten-Off

In rounds or motifs, an easy technique to join the last round smoothly and weave in ends as you go is the invisible fasten-off. It stabilizes the end and prevents unraveling, too. Here's how it's done:

After the last stitch is complete, snip the yarn, leaving at least a six inch end. Thread the end through a yarn needle.
Insert the needle through the top two strands of the first stitch to the left of the beginning chain in the last round worked, as you would normally insert a hook to make a stitch.
Next, working from front to back, insert the needle through the back loop only on the last stitch completed in the round. Weave in ends as described above.

I hope this helps set you on the path to glorious finishing, every time! May all your ends be happy.

*For a video on weaving in ends and color changes as you go, take a look at this tutorial from Kim Werker.

Circles Turned Square: Creating Crocheted Squares

Toni Rexroat — Thu, 19 Jan 2012 12:00:00 GMT

Pinata Bag, Interweave Crochet

Fall 2010

When you were a child, did you have a shape-sorting toy that taught you to recognize shapes? Mine was a round sphere with shapes cut in the side, and you slid identically shaped pieces into the cutouts. The circle had to slide through the circle slot and wouldn't fit into the square cutout. Squares were squares and circles were circles, and the two did not play well together.

Imagine my surprise when I learned that the best way to make a crocheted square was to start with a circle. Granny squares, afghan squares, motif squares, most begin with a simple circle.

Granddaughter Socks, Interweave

Crochet Fall 2005

To create a crocheted square, first begin by working a circle. Some patterns, such as the Pinata Bag, have several rounds in a circle before creating the square shape.

The transformation from circle to square can be accomplished in a couple of different ways. The four corners of a square are shaped with either multiple stitches or a combination of multiple stitches and stitches of greater height. The traditional granny squares that form the cuff of the Granddaughter Socks use twice the number of stitches in the corner space than in the "sides" to create the square.

Babette Blanket, Interweave

Crochet Spring 2006

The folksy, multicolored squares of the popular Babette Blanket uses additional stitches, including chain stitches, to create corners. The corner increases are easy to keep track of in this pattern because they are always worked in the chain space. Keeping track of your corner increases is important; in order to keep your work from reverting to its circle shape, each row requires additional stitches at the corner.

The squares of the beautiful Moorish Mosaic Afghan use a combination of multiple stitches and taller stitches to create their initial transformation. After working the circle, the corners are created with half double

crochet and double crochet stitches while the sides are worked in single crochet. The use of taller stitches creates a

Moorish Mosaic Afghan,

Interweave Crochet Fall 2009

faster conversion. Subsequent rows need only use multiple single crochet stitches to maintain the square shape.

So have fun playing with shapes with a variety of exciting "circles-turned-square" crochet projects. You can find a varity of patterns that utilize the square as well as hundreds of other great projects in the Crochet Me Shop.

Best wishes,

Scarves: The Perfect Accessory

Toni Rexroat — Mon, 16 Jan 2012 15:30:00 GMT

I love scarves! This single accessory can totally transform an outfit, add warmth on a cold morning, and highlight the versatility of stitches and patterns available to crocheters. And with the stunning variety of scarf designs and styles available, I may need another dresser just for my scarves.

I am especially fond of lace scarves. Beautiful swaths of lace showcase the exquisiteness of crochet stitches. Lace also works up quickly and is an economical use of that luxury skein of yarn.

A great lace scarf option is motifs. In her new book, Kristin Omdahl explores new methods of joining motifs as you go that are even more economical. I love the delicate motifs of the Snowflake Scarf, and I would love to work the delicate blossoms of the Blissful Flowers Shawl as a scarf. Seamless Crochet is full of beautiful motif-based projects, each of which could easily be worked as a scarf or shawl. Try them in striking colors to brighten your winter outfits and add some fun to your spring wardrobe.

Scarves are wonderfully warm (whether crocheted in a lace pattern or bulky stitch), and this is an advantage I am especially thankful for in the middle of winter and in early spring. A swath of crocheted draped around your neck provides an ideal way to help your body conserve its heat. Bulky scarves such as the Rapunzel Scarf, worked in superwash merino, work up quickly and pair beautifully with a jacket or sweater. I have been known to wear a scarf around the house on a chilly evening.

With yarn in a brilliant blue, a cheery red, or your color of choice, worked in a bulky textured stitch or a delicate lace, a scarf is the perfect eye-catching accessory. For the perfect lace motif scarf, order Kristin Omdahl's Seamless Crochet today and whip up a closet full of beautiful lace scarves to accent your wardrobe.

Best wishes,

Covering the Helsinki Cathedral Steps with Afghans

Toni Rexroat — Fri, 13 Jan 2012 14:00:00 GMT

Afghans, as far as the eye can see, blanketed the concrete steps of a beautiful white church. I was intrigued and amazed by this photo when I saw it on Pinterest. Following the link brought me to a newspaper article with several more amazing pictures and a short story in Finnsih. I, unfortunately, can't read Finnish. If you can, definitely check out the full article.

But I have never seen that many granny squares in one place! I had to know the story. The online translation software struggled with some of the words in the article, but I think I got the basic story.

The photographs were taken October 1, 2011 on the steps of the Helsinki Cathedral in the center of Helsinki Finland. It seems that the Martha Association and the Textile Teachers Association attempted to set a record and gather one thousand blankets which would be donated to the Federation of Mother and Child Homes and Shelters.

They met their goal and then immediately surpassed it by gathering 7,800 blankets. Three thousand eight hundred of these afghans were then spread across the steps of the Helsinki Cathedral and photographed.

I love hearing stories about crocheters around the world! And I am always inspired by what we can accomplish together. Well done to everyone who was involved with this impressive endeavor.

Best wishes,

5 Free Shawl Patterns

Toni Rexroat — Thu, 12 Jan 2012 07:00:00 GMT

A shawl is the perfect accessory! With a crocheted shawl, you can add a touch of sophistication, ward off the cold, or let someone know that you care.

In this exciting free eBook, we have compiled five beautiful shawl patterns, including an elegant and lacy shawlette, a cozy wrap, and the perfect capelet. You will find the perfect shawl for any occasion.

Long chains and solo single crochet stitches create the airy Sprout Chains Shawlette by Kristin Omdahl. This sweet little shawl is the perfect accessory for a pretty dress or to wrap around your neck for a fun scarf. Dainty flowers finish off this easily memorized pattern.

The Flowers for Eryn Wrap by Tracy St. John was inspired by traditional Irish lace crochet. Shell-stitch panels and a mesh border frame the vintage roses. The length of this cozy wrap can be easily adjusted by simply working longer or shorter shell-stitch panels.

The Waffle Lattice Shawl by Elin Nybø is created with simple crocheted chains of varying lengths. The chains are felted to create the soft, fuzzy texture.

Chanson en Crochet by Mari Lynn Patrick begins with a simple crocheted chain at the neck edge before falling effortlessly around the shoulders in bands of elegant lace. This vintage capelet is the ideal opportunity to play with different lace patterns. A row of picot stitches around the neck and lower edges add the perfect finishing touch.

Crochet a Hug by Marcy Smith was designed while drawing on the tradition of prayer shawls. The easy wattle-stitch pattern, comprised of three basic stitches, is quickly memorized and wonderfully meditative. Create one for yourself or several as gifts.

Shawls are the go-to project to pair with that little black dress for a special occasion or to give to a friend in need of comfort. Whether you are looking for an eye-catching shawl for yourself or the perfect pattern for a friend, 5 Free Crochet Shawl Patterns: Inspiring Designs for a Lace Shawl, Irish Crochet Shawl, Prayer Shawl, and More has you covered. We would love to see your work; share your pictures in the Crochet Me member gallery.

Best wishes,

P.S. Do you have friends who love crochet shawls? Forward this link to them so they can download their own free copy of 5 Free Crochet Shawl Patterns: Inspiring Designs for a Lace Shawl, Irish Crochet Shawl, Prayer Shawl, and More

5 Tips for Winter Crocheting

Toni Rexroat — Wed, 11 Jan 2012 20:45:00 GMT

Winter is my favorite time of year to crochet. The change in the weather brings with it an excitement and the desire to work with different yarn fibers and crochet stitches, and I seem to have more free time to craft. But this time of year also means that I have to change my crochet habits.

In the winter, my crochet studio is located, more often than not, in the middle of my living room. In progress projects, which is what I like to call my UFOs even if I haven't worked on them in months, are stack in bags and bins on either side of the couch, within easy reach should I decide to actually finish one of them. I do have a craft room, but the small space is currently filled to overflowing with yarn, fabric, my sewing machine, and other crafting supplies.

I recently read a blog post by Cate Prato, the editor on our sister community Cloth Paper Scissors, about winterizing your studio. Cate has lots of helpful tips that apply to all crafters.

5 Ways to Winterize Your Art Studio for Creativity and Comfort

Here are some of my "winterizing" tips you can use to make your studio more welcoming if your part of the world is cold and dark during the winter.

1. Let in the light. Take down any heavy window treatments to take advantage of every bit of daylight and warmth the sun provides. If you need privacy, hang sheer curtains or openwork lace curtains instead. If your room lacks light because of its location or the shorter days, invest in overhead and task lighting, particularly the kind that mimics daylight.

....More

What tips do you have for crafting in the winter?

Best wishes,

Understanding Fiber

Toni Rexroat — Mon, 09 Jan 2012 15:00:00 GMT

When you are choosing the perfect yarn for a project, one of the most important factors is fiber content-is it from a plant or an animal? Yarns made from plant fibers such as cotton and linen can be perfect for summer garments and accessories with their amazing ability to absorb moisture and keep you cool in the heat. Animal fibers from sheep, goats, rabbits, alpacas, dogs, and even silkworms are known for their warmth and memory.

Even within the category of animal fibers, each fiber creates a slightly different yarn, reacts to dye differently, and will create a different finished fabric. What we call wool can actually be separated into three distinct types, wool fibers, hair fibers, and kemp, each with its own distinct qualities. Understanding the structure of the fiber can help you understand why it creates a different fabric after it has been spun into yarn and crocheted. In the Winter 2011 issue of Spin-Off, Judith MacKenzie looks at the composition and qualities of wool, hair, and kemp. Here is an excerpt of her article:

Hair or Wool: What's in a Name?

by Judith Mackenzie

While this fiber continuum is all very fascinating to wool scientists, why should someone creating textiles be interested? Is there information here that would help us make that perfect yarn for the cloth of our dreams? While I definitely have the mind of a crow, fascinated by shiny new bits of information, I do sincerely think that knowing a bit about wool science is a great help to anyone working with textiles.

For instance, the amount and type of crimp in a fiber makes a big difference in how it should be spun, how it can be finished, and how much loft the yarn will have when it is finished. It will determine the weight of the project, how it will wear, and most importantly, whether the cloth . . . will have natural memory. It is natural memory that gives fiber the ability to retain its shape, and the amount of memory is directly related to the crimp structure....

-from Spin-Off magazine

Whether you are spinning your own yarn or just looking for the perfect yarn for a crochet project, a solid understanding of the qualities of individual fibers is invaluable. Subscribe to Spin-Off today and gain a greater appreciation of individual yarn types, discover how to combine fibers for the perfect fabric, and maybe even learn how to spin your own yarn.

Best wishes,

Looking Back, Looking Forward: Crochet Resolutions

Sarah Read — Fri, 06 Jan 2012 23:37:00 GMT

It appears to be January again.
That means it's time to take a look at last year's resolutions, give myself a report card, and set new goals for this coming year. I think I might need an extra cup of hot cocoa to get through this!

Last year's goals:

1. Work from the stash. Grade: C.
I was pretty good at using up stash yarn this year! Unfortunately, I also replaced that used stash so quickly that the space it occupied didn't even have the chance to see sunlight. My one comfort is that if I hadn't kept using up the yarn as quickly as possible, we'd have to move the furniture onto the roof to make room for the new stash.

Goal: Reality:

2. Craft selfishly. Grade: D.
I did make myself a shawl (a BIG shawl, to be fair), and a hat. But...that's it. I did what I always do and made a lot of gifts. I blame this generous crafty nature for the onslaught of yarn (see goal 1). I couldn't make that baby toy out of alpaca lace! I had to go get cotton. My built-in loophole for last year is still serving me well in bailing myself out of this failing grade.

3. Finish projects. Grade: B.
I did, I did! I finished a lot of things. Not everything, alas, but the work-in-progress pile shrunk considerably. I am the proud owner of fewer than 10 WIPS. Ok, that sounded better in my head. However, I have not added to it at all. I would give myself an A, but I cheated a little and ripped out two big projects that I knew would never get done.

4. Spin 4oz fiber/month. Grade: F.
I...don't even want to talk about this one. I seem to have mistaken this rule for acquire 4 oz of spinning fiber a month.

5. Teach someone to crochet. Grade: A+.
I am happy to say that I have taught over a dozen people to crochet in the past year! The + is because one of them is a recovering knitter. I'll continue to convert/teach as many people as possible in the years to come!

Ok, so about this whole 2012 thing. Apparently I need to be more reasonable, as far as what I can really achieve in terms of goal-making. So we'll start there!

1. Be kind to myself. I just want to point out that giving myself huge lists of behavior-improving laws is not the best way to start the year off with this goal in mind!

2. Finish a few sweaters for myself. This is a bite-sized version of my "craft selfishly" goal from last year. That was too broad, so I'm narrowing it down for a better chance of success. Plus, I have two in progress already, so it should be well within reach. Please note the lack of commitment to a specific number of sweaters that must be made in order to achieve this goal. That is key in keeping with goal number 1.

3. Don't pretend like I'm not going to crochet holiday gifts this year, and then realize in October that that's exactly what I'm going to do after all. That was awful. Accept that crafting gifts is just what I do, and start in June. But not before June!

4. Continue to stash bust. This is going to be a lot like last year in that I need to work pretty fast in order to stay ahead of the incoming yarn. I may have slipped and signed up for two sock yarn clubs... So I need to make way for two dozen skeins of yarn that should be landing in the next 7 months. Oops! Basically, I need to make a couple of chunky sweaters. This works well with goal number 2.

5. Crochet less. Yeah, that's right. No need to adjust your monitors. And yes, I know this is in direct violation of goal number 4. What I'm really saying is that I need to spend more time cooking and getting a garden established at our new house, and I'm ashamed to say I know from personal experience that that is really hard to do with a hook and yarn in hand! I get so buried in projects that I sometimes forget that there are other hobbies that I enjoy. So: Crochet smarter, not harder. For the record, I'm calling this now: I am so going to fail this goal. But I'm going to try!

Ok, there are five new craft goals for 2012! Now I can cross "make five craft goals" off of my broader "life goals" list. What are your craft goals for the year? How did you do last year? Shall we commiserate? Please don't tell me you aced everything.

New Year's Resolutions: Crochet Style

Sharon Zientara — Fri, 06 Jan 2012 17:38:00 GMT

Cheers to the New Year!

I crossed the finish line for this year's handmade holidays, albeit huffing and puffing (I found myself packing my suitcase with as-yet damp shawls tucked between old pillowcases, and feverishly stitching the last rounds of a hat on the flight). Much as I lamented the endeavor, the feeling of giving each person something in which I stitched my thoughts and my love for them was unparalleled. And doing so made it all the more satisfying to then turn to my stash, and dive headlong into exploring stitching for stitching's sake again. That being said, I leave you with a brief drill-down of my crochet New Year's resolutions, and humbly invite you to join me on these adventures. I'd love to hear what you all have come up with to keep those hooks going all year long. Let's make 2012 a year filled with joyous crocheting.

1. Try something new.
New techniques, new fibers...anything outside your comfort zone. Never tried thread before? Pick up a ball and try your hand at a few simple motifs. When you're finished, you'll have a handful of coasters and a new skill under your belt. How about Tunisian? A six inch by six inch swatch can make a great potholder. How about exploring the possibilities of silk? Treat yourself to some luxury with a single skein and fall in love with a special scarf or shawl to give or to keep. Endeavor to challenge yourself with something you've never done. You can jump over to our technique videos and get some inspiration.

2. Design.
Have your ever changed the length or width of a pattern to better suit your tastes, or changed the neckline of a garment to a personal preference? Then you're already a designer! Start with something small, like a hat or a special accessory. Maybe there's a certain stitch pattern that inspires our creativity. Perhaps a new baby could use a cute amigurumi, or a friend needs a huggable blanket. Dare to design! Oh, did I mention we LOVE new designers? Visit our submissions page, and share your creations with us.

3. Start and finish something BIG.
Do you stick to one-skein projects or accessories? Try your hand at a garment. Start with something simple, with minimal shaping in a color or a fiber that really rocks your socks off. Make it special. How about an heirloom? To me, there is something so extraordinary about a project that may take a year or two to complete, but it lives with you and becomes a part of your identity. And when completed it can be cherished, and passed down. Try an afghan or a tablecloth; something that can be loved and enjoyed. How about downloading the free Chain Reaction Afghan Project Patterns?

What other daring chances have you decided to try your hands and hooks at this year? Let's share and challenge ourselves together. And Happy New Year all. May you find your hooks constantly occupied, and your yarn baskets running over.

How Much Yarn Will I Need for That?

Toni Rexroat — Thu, 05 Jan 2012 16:00:00 GMT

One of my resolutions this year is to spend more time designing. Like many of you, I have at least a million project ideas in my head, scribbled in notebooks, and dancing tantalizingly around each skein of yarn.

Once you have chosen the type of project you are going to crochet, the next step is to choose the yarn. Sometimes you can work from stash yarn, and sometimes a project just begs to be worked in a fiber, color, or weight that requires a trip to the yarn store.

Whether you are using a yarn from your stash or purchasing new yarn, it can be difficult to gauge how much you will need. If you end up with too much, well, there's always another project, but if you end up with too little, it can be difficult to find the same yarn or dyelot again. I have found a secret weapon: the Crochet Handy app, which helps you determine the amount of yarn needed.

First choose the type of project. You can select from baby sweaters, bags, ponchos, scarves, skirts (both knee-length and calf-length), skull caps, and sleeveless tops. If you are working a top with long sleeves, add 35-40% more yardage.

After you have chosen the type of project you are going to make, specify the size. For bags, there is sizing for purses, clutches, book bags, large totes, and more. For sleeveless tops, choose from bust circumferences of between 28" and 56". Each project type comes with information for multiple sizes.

Don't forget to designate what yarn weight you will be working in. A sweater crocheted out of fingeringweight yarn requires more yardage than one in worsted weight. The type of stitch you are working in also affects the amount of yarn needed, so specify whether you will be working in single, half double, double, or treble crochet.

Determining the amount of yarn you need for an undesigned project will never be an exact science, but the Crochet Handy app will help you make an educated calculation. Download your copy today and create some of your own original designs this year.

Best wishes,

A Year Filled with Amigurumi

Toni Rexroat — Mon, 02 Jan 2012 06:00:00 GMT


Pucker the Goldfish

Happy New Year! The first few weeks of the New Year are always so invigorating. Everything seems fresh and new and anything seems possible. It's in these first few weeks that we create New Year's resolutions. And the best resolutions are, of course, the crochet ones. What will your crochet resolutions be? Will you learn how to Tunisian crochet or finish at least four garments? Maybe you want to crochet more for family and friends?


Ellie the Giraffe

The trick to New Year’s resolutions is to set attainable goals and to write those goals down where you will see them all year long. I like to write them on my calendar. And what better place to plan my crochet resolutions than a crochet calendar?

I am really excited about this year's calendar. The Crochet Me 2012 Amigurumi Calendar features a new inspiring amigurumi photograph each month. This led to my first New Year’s resolution: crocheting these incredibly cute amigurumi.


Polar Lucibear

One of my first goals is to whip up Pucker the Goldfish, a symbol of good luck in the New Year, by the end of January. All of the patterns for the amigurumi featured in the calendar are available in the Crochet Me Presents the 2012 Amigurumi Calendar Projects eBook. I have already started Ellie the Giraffe as a present for my new niece or nephew, due in April. And who can resist the Polar Lucibear's sweet little face? I may just have to make all thirteen.

Before you begin your own amigurumi, let me share a piece of advice from Stacey Trock, who created Frankie the Lobster. "Amigurumi should be fun, not frustrating. Don't get too caught up about positioning the ears 'just right' . . . whatever looks cute to you is right!" So whether you are enjoying the entertaining photographs of the wall calendar or the fun patterns or both, let these little amigurumi bring a smile to your face.

Be sure to check out more tips and advice the designers shared on the Amigurumi topic page. And get started planning your own crochet resolutions with your own amigurumi calendar. You can purchase your copy of the 2012 Amigurumi Calendar today for 50% off!

Best wishes,

Add Some Beading to Your Crochet Embellishment

Toni Rexroat — Sun, 01 Jan 2012 01:00:00 GMT

I have embellished my jeans with crocheted embellishments and handstitching. It is a great way to add a your personal style to mass produced jeans. Today I read a blog post by Jennifer, the Beading Daily editor. I think I may have to add a bit of beading to my jeans along with the crochet.

Beads make fabulous jewelry, as we all know, but there are so many other crafts that you can do with beads! Crafts with beads can be things for home décor or special objects (like my French beaded flower wedding bouquet) or using beads to embellish clothing.

Since I wear jeans pretty much every single day (one of the perks of working from home), I love to dress them up with special embellishments. Using beads to embellish your favorite jeans is a fun weekend beading project! Before you get started, here are a couple of tips to help you along:

Choose a pair of dark wash jeans for a dressier look.

. . . more

Best wishes,

Teach Someone to Crochet in 2012

Toni Rexroat — Sun, 01 Jan 2012 00:15:00 GMT

December is a wonderful month filled with celebrations and gift giving. This year I gave my mother a project bag, several luscious skeins of worsted weight alpaca, and the promise of teaching her how to read a pattern. She has knitted and crocheted from sight and her own imagination for years, but this year is the year for her to learn to read written patterns.

Teaching someone to crochet is a fabulous gift that contains to give joy and creativity long after the wrapping paper has been thrown away, the decorations have been taken down, and normal life has resumed. I heard a wonderful story of a family friend who gave her mother enough yarn for an afghan, a simple afghan pattern, and crochet lessons for Christmas. Her mother was looking at several months of boring bed rest with lots of time to fill. The gift of crochet will continue to fill this mother's life with peace and creativity in the coming years.

My niece turns seven the beginning of the New Year. She is beginning to show a real interest in crochet, so I am planning on teaching her to crochet. For her birthday, I am giving her a couple of skeins of yarn, in bright pink and purple of course, several large hooks, a few fun notions, and several crochet lessons. I can't wait to share my love of crochet with the next generation.

I am already putting together a list of simple projects for her to make. Perhaps the In a Jiffy Juggling Balls, or she can make her own hat and scarf with the Peppermint Hat and Scarf pattern also in the Beautiful Handmade Gifts free eBook. In this coming year, give the gift of crochet to your loved ones; it will be a gift to yourself as well as you share your love of crochet.

Best wishes,