There are several videos available for learning this stitch, but I wanted to have my version accessible for my students. I demonstrate it first with extra large yarn/hook so that you can see the stitch anatomy easily. Then I switch to a worsted weight yarn for a more conventional view. I also include a tip on how to keep your work from curving.
*UFO = unfinished objects in your stash
Do you cringe when someone asks you about your unfinished projects? It seems the world is divided into two classes of crocheters: those who work on one project at a time, and finish it before starting another, and those who have multiple projects going at once. The folks in the latter category sometimes are looked at as impetuous and unfocused. “Do you ever finish anything you start?” they are asked. It is even considered a defect of character, like the inability to stick with a project is some sign of discontent or lack of discipline.
A process can be defined as a continuous action, operation, or series of changes taking place in a definite manner.
On the contrary, I have observed that people who are engaged in a variety of projects tend to be more relaxed than their counterparts. To them, their craft is all about the process, not the finished item. Whether it is the feel and color of a new yarn or the excitement of learning a new stitch, each project is an adventure. To these crocheters, it is the action of crocheting that is satisfying. Interestingly, these same people may have three or four books they are reading or multiples of other interests.
The next time someone inquires about your UFOs and WIPs, how will you respond?
Wednesday WIPs is taking a backseat today for two reasons: I’ve way too many WIPs, but I have a lot of finished projects I want to show off. It doesn’t help much that I’ve been gone for so long. What with two trips in two months under my belt, who has time to write. Additionally, I’m still publishing two newsletters a month for The Yarn Store at Nob Hill, teaching classes, and now getting ready for craft fair season.
One project that took quite a bit of time and effort was getting a teaching plan and patterns ready for a project for The Yarn Store (TYS). The store wanted to reach out to the university crowd by offering kits at a reasonable price. The kits are for either crochet or knit and include how-to instructions for beginners, five patterns, yarn and tools in a pouch plus lessons with an instructor. Another woman did the knit portion, and I did the crochet portion. I wrote three original patterns, a photo-tutorial on a granny square scarf in chart form, and an adaptation of the Amazing Grace headband. Since starting this blog, I’ve been updating my color scheme in my patterns, so you’ll notice that they coordinate well with the blog. I also like the bi-fold style layout which looks like this:
I had to put the watermark on them because they are for sale on Ravelry and in TYS kits. Here is what the others look like.
Continue reading “Here Is What’s Been Keeping Me Busy”
Improve your grades!What do these things have in common? Crafting, specifically knitting and crochet. Scientists, educators, and therapists agree that occupying the hands occupies the mind, redirecting the synapses into constructive conduits. Additionally, making and gifting are proven boosters to self-esteem and interpersonal relationships. Continue reading “Improve Everything! (Except maybe your wallet.)”
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.
Fruit of These Hands 