Crochet Tip #2: Crocheting Large and Repeating Pattern

In crocheting large patterns, one of the problems that will arise is how to finish the whole pattern or project. Along the way, you'll get bored and suddenly you'll lose the interest of finishing your project due to monotony (repeating the same steps way too many times).

I don't know with the other crochet enthusiasts but for me, repeating steps with way too many stitches is very boring. If you're experiencing the same, don't worry, I found one good solution to that problem.

Since repeating the same steps is the problem, starting a new project helps. But what kind of project? One that is easy to make and won't take too long for you to finish it. Best examples are appliques and embellishments. You can make flowers, animals, beads and many more. You can also try making coasters, granny squares and many more. You can also start with a new project with large patterns like a blanket or perhaps a bag that you've been wanting to make. You don't have to burden yourself finishing it right away (well, unless of course if you have deadlines) but just make sure that whenever you start a new project, you must be able to finish it (again, not right away) so that it won't add-up to your pile of unfinished projects. ;)

Project 4: Fat Bottom Bag

Note: This post is long overdue.

If you've been reading my previous posts. I posted about my bag preference -- wide and spacious. After long hours of searching for a nice crochet bag pattern, I finally found one that's easy to do (beginner-friendly)

For the pattern, you can click here.

This project is a good practice for your half double crochet stitch (hdc) plus you'll be able to learn how to increase (v-stitch) and decrease stitches (hdc2tog). Now I'm working on altering this pattern to make a bigger version of this bag.

Things I used in this project are:

• 7 skeins of Red Heart Medium Worsted Weight Yarn (shade 10) -- approx. 35 m per skein
• 5.0 mm crochet hook
• tan-colored cotton cloth for lining
• sewing thread to match your lining cloth
• yarn and sewing needles
• stitch markers -- Why? Click here.

Reminders:

1. Count all the stitches to avoid errors.
2. Make sure you don't add additional chains when doing the single crochets on the edges of the bag.

All in all, this pattern is really worth a try! *thumbs up*

2 boxes full of goodies

Getting addicted to crochet means getting addicted to yarns! I've been reading posts about where to buy cheap yarns but I still don't have time to leave the house because my little boy doesn't have a babysitter yet.

Fortunately, I live in Manila where everything is accessible! I happened to browse on Coats Manila Bay Inc.'s Facebook page. It is actually the local manufacturer and distributor of Red Heart acrylic yarns, Caron yarns and threads, etc. in the Philippines. I decided to try contacting them if I can order yarns directly from them because it can be cheaper than the ones I get from the nearest yarn shop. After one call to their Customer Care, I found out that they accept orders! Yey! I took the email ad of the person who takes Red Heart orders. After few email exchanges and bank deposit, voila! YARN DELIVERY!!!

Now I'm one happy crafter! Yeehawww!

PS. Next time, I really have to experience that yarn bodega in Rosario, Pasig! I heard that it is a must-visit place for yarn addicts!

Crochet Tip #1: Counting Stitches Easily

Stitch Markers

Stitch is a word you often encounter on crochet tutorial videos and crochet patterns. This can be a single crochet (sc) or half double crochet (hdc) or double crochet (dc) and so on. 

In crocheting, particularly with large patterns, counting stitches can be difficult specially if you are still new to the craft. The use of stitch markers is a huge help. Less confusion and stress for you since you can easily count the markers. :)

You can buy stitch markers on craft stores that sells crochet materials or you can use alternatives like safety pins, paper clips, etc.

In my case, I'm using safety pins to mark rows since it's cheaper than buying plenty of stitch markers. :)

Project 3: Lacy V Shopper's Tote Bag (with alterations)

I don't know with the other girls but I am really a huge fan of tote bags because I'm the type of girl who just put everything inside. I don't want the hassle of opening way too many zippers whenever I put something in or take something out of my bag. I want my bag to be huge and spacious that's why I decided to make this bag plus it would be a practice for my beginner crocheting skills.

Do you wanna make one?

You can copy the pattern from this site:
http://www.freewebs.com/capscrochet/patterns.htm?blogentryid=4029022

Or you can download a PDF file from this site:
http://www.ravelry.com/patterns/library/lacy-v-shopping-bag

I also attached a lining on it so that I can use it better. If you don't know how to make a lining for this bag, click here.

Note: I altered my own creation so it's up to you if you want to alter your own or follow the original pattern.

Materials used:

• 17 skeins (15 grams approx. 35 meters each) of Red Heart High Bulk Acrylic yarn 
• crochet hook size 8.0 (4.5 mm)
• 1/2 yard navy blue Geena silk fabric
• black sewing thread
• sewing needle
• yarn needle

Yarn shades used:

• 8313 -- multicolor (bottom shade) 
• 0035 -- lavender (middle shade)
• 0048 -- navy blue (top shade)

Project 2: Scallop Hat

After the Mickey Mouse coaster success, I thought of another project that's a bit challenging than the previous one. Take note, just a bit of challenge, so I decided to make a scallop hat.

Tadaaaaah! Here's my finished product:

I'm so happy that it turned out great! My stitches have improved a bit but I still have to practice so that I could follow the recommended gauge. ;)

Do you wanna make a scallop hat too? Perhaps for your daughters or nieces or goddaughters or for yourself? 

Click here for the pattern. Enjoy and keep crocheting! ;)

PS. If you think you can't follow the gauge, you can add more rounds on the base. 

Project 1: Mickey Mouse coaster

Before I decided to start crocheting, which was two weeks ago, I already had some projects to accomplish in mind.

The first one that caught my eye when I searched for beginner crochet patterns online is this Mickey Mouse coaster since my son's an avid fan of Mickey Mouse.


So, to get this project started, here are the materials needed:

• Crochet Hook: H/8 or 5 mm hook
• Black Yarn: (4) Medium Weight or Worsted Weight
• Yarn Needle/Tapestry Needle

I know I mentioned on my previous blog the importance of using a not too light or not too dark shades of yarn for beginners. This project is the reason why I discovered its relevance. It made counting stitches a very difficult job! HAHA!

Anyway, if you're brave enough or confident with your eyesight, then let's get going.

Here's the full pattern:

Abbreviations:

Ch = chain

RD = round

Sl st = slip stitch

Sc = single crochet

Notes:  The Ch 1 never counts as the first stitch

Center of Coaster

Ch 2

8 sc in 2^nd ch from hook

RD 1 - Ch 1, 2 sc in each st around. Sl st to ch 1 space to join. (16 total sts)

RD 2 - Ch 1, *sc in next st, 2 sc in following st* repeat 7 times.  Sl st to ch 1 space to join. (24 total sts)

RD 3 – Ch 1, *sc in each of the next 2 sts, 2 sc in following st* repeat  7 times.  Sl st to ch 1 space to join. (32 total sts)

RD 4 -  Ch 1, *sc in each of next 3 sts, 2 sc in following st* repeat 7 times.  Sl st to ch 1 space to join. (40 total sts)

RD 5 – Ch 1, sl st in each st around.  Sl st to ch 1 space to join. (40 total sts).  Tie off

Ears  (Make 2)

Ch 2

8 sc in 2^nd ch from hook

RD 1 - Ch 1, 2 sc in each st around. Sl st to ch 1 space to join. (16 total sts)

RD 2 - Ch 1, *sc in next st, 2 sc in following st* repeat 7 times.  Sl st to ch 1 space to join. (24 total sts)

Tie off leaving a 6 inch tail.

Using a large needle and 6 inch tail, sew ears onto the top sides of the coaster.

Weave in all loose ends.

This pattern is from: http://tampabaycrochet.blogspot.com/2012/04/mickey-mouse-ears-coaster-free-crochet.html

Here's my finished product:

Sorry for the uneven stitches, as I've mentioned, this is my FIRST PROJECT. And I finished this the day after I started crocheting. HEHE. ;)

Crochet Newbie

Crocheting was once a frustration of mine.We didn't tackle crocheting in elementary and high school so I never learned.

Alas! There's this 4-month break due to the shifting of classes from June to August and my planned practicum didn't push through because my 2 year-old son doesn't have a babysitter. To cut the story short, I got bored and I  thought of something that could make me busy at home while babysitting. So that's when I decided to start learning how to crochet.

I didn't have the luxury to pay for crocheting classes but instead, I had Professor Google and Professor YouTube.

Here are the tutorials I watched to learn the basics of CROCHET:

With those videos you could learn the important stitches that every newbie should know.

Here are the basic materials you'll need to get you started (though it's already stated in the video):

• Crochet hook size H  (In my case, since my budget's tight and in this country, crochet isn't practiced that much, so I had size 7.0 and 8.0--japanese size)
• Medium-colored Yarn *take note on the medium-colored, trust me, it is very important to start with not too light and not too dark colors because you'll be counting stitches.

Where to buy the fore-mentioned things:

National Bookstore (Crafting Section)

       -They have local-branded yarns (Red Heart and Familia). They also have crochet hooks but they have the small sizes.

Dreams Yarnshoppe (3rd Flr., Glorietta 5)

       -This shop is the bomb! They have a wide variety of yarns from local to imported brands. This indeed is a real YARN HEAVEN. The owner of the shop offers a crochet class also, so if you're a beginner and you wanna have a formal class in crochet, feel free to visit there and inquire. :)

Buttons and Wraps (3rd Flr, near the mall exit towards MRT Ayala)

       -I bought my first hook and yarn here. Their hooks come in sizes and the biggest is 7.0 and 8.0 (double-end). They also have Monaco yarns and some crochet threads.

Powerbooks (Crafting Section)

       -They have Red Heart Super Saver and Art Attack yarns. They also have a double-end crochet hook with size 3.5 mm and 5.0 mm.

If you're just starting to discover the wonders of crocheting, I strongly suggest you visit National Bookstore. Whatever you'll find there is enough. 

And when you're somehow used to crocheting, you can start doing projects. You can find lots of free beginner patterns online. You just have to seek Prof. Google's help. 

Happy crocheting! ;)