Posted in Craft tips, Crochet Technique, Personal

What’s on My Hook

Plus some finished items too. And, yes, I know it is Friday. But I have been working on this post for two days.

It has been over three weeks since I last posted my WIPs, but lest you think I’ve been slacking, here are some photos of what I’ve been doing.

I finished the 4-Hour Fall Sweater sample for the store, even though my own is not finished. I completed the Headband and Fringed Scarf sample for Michael’s, plus the phone cozy and Floppy Hat.  I’ve done everything but weave in ends and block my Blue Curacao. (What an accomplishment!) I had to prepare for the CAL, which meant making sure the correct yarns had been ordered, getting the pattern ready — to which I added two charts and some notes.

blue curacao not blocked
Blue Curacao by Doris Chan, finished but not blocked
fringed scarf
Fringed Scarf sample for Michaels, using Loops and Threads Charisma yarn
20180720_180936
Yarn Store sample of the 4-hour Fall Sweater for the CAL using Universal Yarns Classic Shades Big Time.

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Posted in Craft tips, Crochet Technique

Why Are My Rounds Shrinking?

Have you been losing stitches when crocheting in the round? Most likely, the cause is improper joining. It can  be confusing for new crocheters to determine where to insert the hook to join double crochets made in the round. It is helpful to remember that when you are looking at the front of the double crochet stitches, the loop is to the right of the post. Don’t make the mistake of joining the last stitch to the loop of the second stitch instead of into the beginning chain-3, which as you know is the first stitch of the round (unless otherwise specified.) Hopefully these photos will clarify it for you.

dcjoin 3rd chain
Look for the third chain of your beginning chain-3. Notice the difference between it and the loop for the next stitch.

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Posted in Crochet Technique

What is that hanging from your shawl?

© Anna Murphy, 2018

I am a fanatic about using stitch markers when I crochet. So it comes as no surprise to me when someone comments on all the stitch markers I have hanging on the shawl I’m working on. Often I’ll hear someone remark that they don’t know why they should use markers or even how to use them. I tell them I don’t know how they can crochet without them! I like them so much that I started making beaded ones to sell.

The Yarn Store stitch markers
I’ve sold hundreds of beaded stitch markers over the past few years.

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