Category: crochet handy hints

Tassels, Fringes & other Dangly Bits Ebook…

Tassel title pageOver the years of Freeforming, crocheting & felting, I’ve always been on the lookout for interesting additions to my work & Tassels, Fringes & Other Dangly Bits fall easily into that space where a little variety and/or originality is required to complete a project.

This collection brings together a broad selection of 24 Tassels, Fringes & Other Dangly Bits that I’ve used many times over in my work.

Tassels, fringes & other dangly bits will bring some razzle-dazzle to your projects, whether it’s a freeform crochet piece, a scarf, shawl or hat, or even add some pizzazz to your rugs (afghans), throw pillows, bedspreads, lampshades & other soft furnishings.

A few beads, here and there, gives a touch of glitz and glamour plus adds weight to the tassel/fringe so it hangs better.

* Enjoy yourself with these patterns, suggestions & ideas. Experiment with yarns, colours & textures. I’ve tried to cover a broad range of creative ideas in this collection & I hope you find it useful & inspirational

This Ebook (21 pages) brings together a collection of 24 tassels, fringes & other dangly bits & where appropriate patterns are written in both UK & US terminology, with diagrams, charts & photos &, covers the following:

Crochet Abbreviations (page 2)Rainbow Lariat 2

1) Standard Single Tassel (page 3)

2) Standard Double Tassel (page 3)

3) Twisted Cord Tassel (page 4)

4) Crochet Chain Fringe (page 4)

5) Standard Clump Tassel (page 5)

Cherry Red beanie scarf set

6) Ponytail Clump Tassel (page 5)

7) Hooded Tassel (page 6)

8) Clone Tassel (page 7)

9) Off-set Clover Tassel (page 8)

10) Crochet Chain Link Tassel (page 9)

11) Joined Crochet Link Tassel (page 9-10)

12) Barrel Knots (page 10)

Carnival 2

13) Adding Beads (page 11)

14) Adding Single Beads (page 12)

15) Beaded Fringe (page 12)

16) What to do with tassel tail ends (page 13)

17) Hanging Crochet Ball Tassel (page 14)

18)Crochet Circular Medallion Tassel (page 15)

19) Crochet Square Medallion Tassel (page 16-17)Rasta (2)

20) Crochet Diamond Medallion Tassel (page 16-17)

21) Crochet Triangular Medallion Tassel (page 17)

22) Crochet Cork Screw Tassel (page 18)

23) Wet & needle Felting ideas (page 19)

24) How to make Twisted Cords (page 20)

25) How to make Rasta (4)Pompoms (page 21)

You can purchase the ‘Tassels, Fringes & other Dangly Bits Ebook’ from Etsy & Ravelry

& soon on Zibbet & Craftsy

… enjoy!

2 more… No Pattern, Freeform Crochet Lace Scarves….

Cafe Latte no pattern scarfruby red freeform lace scarf

These 2, no pattern freeform crochet lace scarves, have been in my ‘to list’ box for so long I almost forgot I still had them… if you remember, I’ve blogged about these no pattern pieces before so, many of you will be familiar with this freeform technique, for those of you new to freeform its an easy way to get started.

Begin as you would any round crochet motif & work your stitches randomly, no need to complete each round, turn your work at any time & work over your half finished rounds so that you are creating odd shaped pieces any which way you like… this is no thinking crochet, just let the yarn & hook guide the way… incorporate as many stitches as you like… give your ‘creative pixie’ her head, don’t question her/him just allow it to happen…

~~~ for the ruby red one I used an assortment of 100% acrylic yarns, one of which has the tiniest hint of sparkle giving this piece an elegant touch of bling ~~~

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~~~ for the Coffee Latte I used a 4ply 100% cotton ~~~

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Surface Embellishments – Crochet Tips & Tricks Update….

Surface Embellishment: is an important component of freeform, it’s a great way of bringing your personality, your style & your skills to your work & putting your own stamp on your project. There are 1000’s of ways to embellish & I have covered but a few basics that I hope you find helpful & encourage you to experiment…

Rummage through your buttons & beads. Have another look at your embroidery threads & don’t forget those cords & braids that you’ve kept forever & haven’t had a use for; try to think outside of the box; if you’re anything like me & keep stuff simply because you love the colour, texture, sheen or whatever, you won’t have any trouble finding interesting ways to embellish your work.  And, it doesn’t only apply to freeform. A drab pullover, scarf or beanie can sometimes be redeemed with a little extra bling…

So, to everyone who has contacted me asking how to add that extra something to their work, I hope I’ve answered at least some of your questions…

You will find the Surface Embellishment page here – enjoy!

Getting started with crochet left handed

This is a short Getting Started with Crochet update for left handers… 

Because the techniques for holding your hook & yarn are exactly the same for left handed folk as for right handed (except of course that you will be holding the hook & yarn in opposite hands)… I haven’t repeated the text but I thought it might be helpful for you to see it in pictorial form – I hope it makes it a little easier for you  getting started with crochet….

You will find the left handed pictorial here – enjoy!

….&  you will find more Crochet Tips & Trick here

Getting Started with Crochet….

Some weeks ago  a group of mums  invited me to give their kiddies  a crochet lesson. I have to say, I’m always a tad apprehensive when teaching children because you never know what to expect… some will pick it up super quickly while others struggle. Nevertheless, I’m always up for a challenge & this was not different.

I decided the best way to begin was with a pictorial tutorial so that the children had a starting point & something they could refer to when the mood struck to try a bit of crochet…. it proved to be a great success… the afternoon was busy, fun, lovely.

I came home exhausted but very pleased with myself that, in some small way, I’ve helped young people (including quite a few boys) & their mums get started or rekindle their interest in crochet. I’d like to think that, some time down the track, they remember that Saturday afternoon, pick up their hook & yarn & continue…

And then, it occurred to me that I’m often asked what is the correct way to hold the hook/yarn? So, I thought… it wouldn’t hurt for me to post the Getting Started Pictorial Tutorial for everyone struggling with the dilemma of how to hold the hook/yarn…. I hope this little tutorial helps… enjoy & happy crocheting….

Remember there there are more Tips & Trick on this page just click on the links