Tag: tutorial

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

Granny Square Update… Diagonal Granny Square

The Diagonal Granny Square:

Here’s another addition the ever popular Granny Square for those of you who would like to work with 2 colours on the diagonal ~ I came up with this method after searching high & low for easy to read diagonal granny square patterns, I’m sure there are more patterns out there, I just couldn’t find them…

The written pattern for this Diagonal Granny Square is quite wordy ~ hopefully the stitch diagrams will help guide you through – the pattern is given in both UK & US terminology, with colour diagrams (chart), photos & abbreviations

This one is for you, Peggy…… enjoy!

Granny Squares by Halves

In answer to the many requests… here it is, finally… ‘The Half Granny Square’

Free PDF download nowFor granny square lovers who also enjoy utilising this nifty little gem into clothing like vests, jumpers (pullovers) & skirts, to name a few, but don’t like the boxy & unflattering finish that so often result. The half granny square may be just the answer – an easy way to shape armholes, neck & hem lines or used it anyway you like….

I hope you will find the patterns for multi & single coloured granny squares easy to follow & the beginning of a new Granny Square adventure…. Enjoy!!

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