McCall Pillow Package
Friday, December 26th, 2008Collectible Patterns / Decorative Pillow Patterns
Archive for December, 2008
McCall Creative Sweatshirt Pattern
Friday, December 26th, 2008Collectible Patterns / Sweatshirt Patterns
McCall Doll Clothes Pattern
Friday, December 26th, 2008Collectible Patterns / Doll Clothes Patterns
For the doll collector:
Make your own dollhouse furnishings
1996 McCalls Pattern # 619
Doll Clothes Package
Includes pattern pieces and instructions for a wardrobe for baby dolls in three sizes; doll sizes are small 8″-10″; medium 11″-13″; larger 14″-16″.
$3 plus shipping. Please refer to McCall Pattern # 619 when ordering. Buy McCalls pattern 619 Doll Clothes Package
Occupied Japan Figurine
Thursday, December 25th, 2008Collectible Figurines / Occupied Japan Collectibles
For newbies in crocheting
Sunday, December 21st, 2008Learning the Craft of Crocheting
Suggested Resource: Official Guide to Crocheting
for newbies in Crocheting
Crocheting is not an activity made only for our grannies and for bitter spinsters. It can be done by everyone. Especially, now that clothing trends are now more inclined into the use of crocheted items, popular clothing designers are also smitten by crocheting.
However, crocheting is not only for the plain Jane. One has to have the patience and, of course, the time to be able to do anything crocheted. So how does one actually get herself learn to crochet?
It really is not a hard skill to learn. But it neither is an easy one. In order to get you going, all you need is a good crochet hook, yarns, measuring tape, yarn needle, some pins, and a lot of determination to finish a crocheting project.
Here is a rundown of tips on how to easily learn crocheting:
Hold the Yarn Like a Pro
For newbies in crocheting, holding a yarn could be quite a tricky job. Even if it only takes some time of getting used to, knowing how hold it properly and skillfully is not to be overlooked.
Here is how:
1. Let the yarn pass through your fingers upon holding it. This is how it is done: the little finger, then, beneath the ring finger, then, above the forefinger and the middle finger.
2. Another way to hold the yarn is to loop in the region of the little finger, and then, make it cross the forefinger.
3. Upon holding the hook, imagine how you would hold a pencil or a spoon. That’s how it should be held. In that position, it won’t be hard for you to heave the yarn from your fingers down to the loop in the hook.
As you go along the process of crocheting and you start to get the hang of it, you will learn your unique and most comfortable way of working with the yarn. Don’t be afraid to adopt a new method of holding it. It will help you become more of an efficient crochet craftsperson in the long run.
Size Matters When it Comes to the Hook and Yarn
One should not take for granted the skill of identifying the right hook and yarn to use in any crochet project.
Hooks are identified through different letters and numbers that correspond to certain sizes. In crocheting, the higher the number or letter of the hook, the thicker the hook is. As for yarns, their varieties are identified through names.
Resizing the Crochet Project Through the Pattern
To reduce the size of a project, it is as simple as deducting some stitches. One can skip a stitch in a row and continue with the next to reduce the size of the project. To enlarge a project, it is as easy as inserting more stitches in a row. One can easily join two stitches of the same row together. This will make one produce a solo stitch on the next row prior to it.
Reading a Pattern Like a Book
What can complicate the activities of one that is engaged in crocheting are the abbreviations on a pattern. The use of memory and logic can help a lot in surmounting this little crocheting obstacle. The outcome of being able to memorize these important abbreviations is a much faster pace in crocheting and more efficient hands.
1. Crochet patterns and instructions are worked usually in rounds or rows. It will be indicated on the pattern if you are doing or working in rounds, rows or mixture of both.
2. Crochet patterns and instructions are generally ranked according to difficulty level such as advanced, intermediate, easy or beginner. Choose a pattern with a difficulty level that suits your abilities. Then, increase the level of difficulty as your skill advances.
3. Count the stitches that you have made as you go on with your work to monitor the stitches needed on each round or row as required by the pattern.
4. Verify your gauge by crocheting a sample of about 4 X 4 inches in the pattern. When your gauge results into a larger size than what is on the pattern, then use a smaller hook; when your gauge is smaller, then use a larger hook.
When it’s time for you to actually accomplish a crochet project, make sure that you follow the instructions well and you make your patience a bit sturdier than before. Prepare your devices beforehand to ensure the smooth flow of your crocheting endeavor.
Learn How to Crochet the Easy Way
Sunday, December 21st, 2008Learn How to Crochet the Easy Way
Suggested Resource: One of a kind vintage crochet pattern collection
How to Crochet by patterns
ps. Looking for vintage sewing patterns? click here!
There are different methods on how to crochet a particular product. Each method should be according to the type of crochet item that will be made. The patterned diagrams will provide the person the needed instructions and details to proceed in making his crochet. A crochet is hand worked and needs a lot of patience to finish a particular pattern.
The type of pattern he will use must correspond to his skill level in crocheting. He may not want to attempt doing the tough patterns because they may require great crocheting skills. There are patterns, which have basic diagrams and simple instructions for those beginners in crocheting.
Here are some simple basic steps for beginners on learning the steps of crochet:
1. A person must have the right tools and supplies in making a crochet product. There are tools that he can avail cheaply in the market like yarns, knitting needles, crochet hooks, and patterned diagrams. He may also need scissors, size G crochet hook if he chooses to make pompom hats, worsted weight yarns with a variety of colors to choose from, and a yarn needle for doing the stitches.
2. He may begin with his crocheting by holding the crochet hook with his right hand allowing the forefingers to bend the hook of the loop. He may then make his next step by pulling through the knot on the center of the hook.
3. He may slide the loop of the hooked thread to create a slipknot on the hook. He must simultaneously repeat the same process in order to create the chained stitches needed to have a quality made crochet product. The thickness of the chains should just be appropriate on the type of product that is being made.
4. He may perform his next step by bringing back the thread or yarn on the top of the loop making the thread to go around the hook so that it will be double stitched. He may use his forefinger to grab the knot to tighten the chain stitches of the crochet.
5. He may skip the first double stitched chain to proceed on the knot that is not properly hooked on the knot of the loop. He needs to make sure that the chains do not loosen and the strands should be properly aligned with the other threads. It is much better to have a tighter knot on the chains of the crochet to make the product sturdier.
6. He may position the hook center to the next hole of the second double stitch chain. After getting through the hole, he may slide the thread passing into the center of the third double stitch chain that will go on the upper part of the loop. He has now created two loops on the double stitch chain. This will make the loops tighter and stronger.
7. He may return from the first chain bringing back the hook from back to the front and slowly slide the needle to make a knot on the center hole of the first chain. The hook must be carefully pushed through the middle to create a knot from the first loop.
8. Returning from the third loop, he may create another extra chain stitch to make a reversed counter clockwise loop. This is for the purpose of retaining the knot to support the double stitched chains. He may start from the first step anew to create new chains in a new row and create the similar loops alike from the previous rows.
9. He can then create a single crochet stitch on the first loop tightening the next loops of the double stitch chains on the previous rows. He must create an exact replica of the loops if possible to ensure that the following double stitch chains will have similar results with the first made loops. He should not forget to make knot ensuring that all stitches will be intact and will be on their proper places.
To cap the work, he may cut the excess thread and allot at least 6 inches on the last chain stitches for making an extension. These are the only basic steps for beginners, there are much complicated designs that a person may work on once he has mastered the basic crocheting steps.
Make Fabulous Shawls with Crochet
Sunday, December 21st, 2008Make Fabulous Shawls with Crochet
Looking for old country store collectibles? click here!
Suggested Resource: Learn how to crochet, beginner to advanced
Crochet Lessons Series
Crochet is a very interesting hobby. It makes the time spent worthwhile as one can easily observe and admire the outcome of all the effort. It gives so much satisfaction being able to finish one design or pattern.
It even feels better to be able to come up with items that you can use not only as accessories, but as the main highlight of the outfit. One design that you will simply enjoy making is the shawl.
Shawls
The shawl is one of the best companions a woman can find. It is very fashionable. It can be used for a formal event, for an ordinary walk in the mall and very useful in beating the cold season. Any woman must have one in her closet.
Shawls come in different materials. However, there is one that proves to be the best among the rest. It is definitely the crochet shawl. This crochet shawl has proven to be very much loved by the market that some instituted cottage industries for this specific type of shawl.
The crochet shawl is so desirable. This is a good buy. This is also a great gift idea for a girl friend. It is certified that any girl, lady or woman will definitely love the shawl.
Making Your Own Crochet Shawl
If you plan to get a crochet shawl for yourself, why not keep one in your closet that you personally made?
A good advantage of crocheting your own shawl is you get to choose the color of the yarn. You do not even have to be limited to one color. You can combine complementary colors or just whatever suits your taste. You can also determine the size. Make it a just fit. Make it extra longer for more flexibility. You can put in tassels for a more classic look.
Be as innovative as you can be. To have some guide and assistance in making that masterpiece shawl, it is best to get some great crochet patterns.
Finding Crochet Shawls Patterns
The Internet is a good source for most anything, even for some ideas to work on a beautiful shawl. It is very easy to find a good pattern for crocheted shawls.
There are crochet pattern e-books offered in the web. They are very convenient as you can easily print out the pattern and instructions. This dispenses with the need to carry a big craft book when you crochet, especially if you decided to do it outdoors.
There are web sites online that sell designs and patterns per piece. You can easily browse first through the different selections. You get to preview first the expected outcome of the pattern before purchasing it.
Another better option is to get that crochet shawl pattern for free! Simply enter the keywords ‘free crochet shawls patters’ in the search engine and you will be given choices for web sites that give such offer. Click on any results and explore.
Usually, the site you get to choose can also link you to other sites that offer crochet patterns for shawls and for other items. So upon browsing the web site and you failed to find a design that will suit your taste, simply surf to the other links.
Some Tips in Crocheting
When you begin with the crochet shawl project, it is best that you do things correctly. Thus after getting the perfect pattern of a very fabulous shawl, go the extra mile. Be particular with the rest of the details in finishing that crochet pattern. Here are some tips to perfect a crochet pattern:
1. Avoid forcing the hook or putting too much tension when you crochet. The hands should be relaxed. This is to avoid getting the items too stiff or too stubborn to follow the whole pattern.
2. If you tend to crochet tightly, get a larger hook than what is recommended. Same goes if you tend to crochet loosely. Get a smaller hook than what is recommended.
3. Stick to the pattern as much as possible, especially for beginners.
4. Work on the foundation properly. This will determine largely the outcome of your crochet. It is best to continue the pattern with another size of hook if the foundation came too loose or too tight.
Crocheting your own shawl will definitely be a fulfilling experience for you. So do the crocheting properly. Give it all your attention and heart. Make all resources available to get the best outcome. Crochet shawl patterns are made available so you can make a masterpiece with more convenience.
Identifying your crochet yarns
Sunday, December 21st, 2008Identifying the Size of Hook and Yarns
Looking for old country store collectibles? click here!
Related Resource: Knitting Essentials - Learn to knit too!
Crochet Lessons Series
One of the most important crochet lessons that you must learn is on how to identify the right crochet yarn and hook sizes.
Keep in mind that the sizes, whether it is for the hook or the yarn, pertains to the breadth and depth of the item. For instance, the dimension of the hook is specified using different letters. It can also be some numbers, while there are cases wherein hook’s size may use both the numbers and the letters.
In order for you to be able to identify which hook size is appropriate to use, always keep in mind that in crocheting, the higher the letter or number, it simply means that the hook size is getting thicker.
On the other hand, identifying the heaviness of the yarn is also the same as the thickness of the yarn. But unlike the hook size, the yarn size is indicated by a name.
Decreasing and Increasing
In learning crochet lessons, it is also important to learn how to decrease and increase the breadth and depth of the project or pattern.
If you want to decrease the width a project, deduct some stitches. This can be done by skipping a stitch in a row, and then stitch into the next. On the other hand, in order to increase the thickness, all you have to do is to insert more stitches in a row. This can be done by joining two stitches of the same row together in order to come up with a solo stitch on the next row prior to it.
Pattern Reading
It is extremely important for a crochet maker to learn how to read the abbreviations in the pattern. This involves a little time because you have to memorize all of the terms and abbreviations in the pattern.
Knowing them would simply facilitate your process and would make your work faster. It can be very time consuming if you keep on looking back at your guidelines just to know the meaning of a certain abbreviation.
The bottom line is that crochet lessons are significant things that every crochet maker should do. Incorporating them into your work would absolutely make your life making different crochets a lot better.
Crochet Lessons are not that hard
Sunday, December 21st, 2008Crocheting is more than just stitches and yarns
Suggested Resource: Learn how to crochet, beginner to advanced
Some Crochet Lessons to Stitch By
Learning to start making your own garments in a pleasurable way is one of the best things that you can do in your entire life. And the best thing about that is you can feel proud every time you see your friends or relatives wear your masterpiece.
In the same way, crocheting is more than just stitches and yarns. It is, basically, a wonderful activity that almost everybody would love to engage in. Who would not? With all those “calming effect” and sense of fulfillment, learning crochet lessons is the ultimate way to hone your skill.
Contrary to most popular beliefs, learning crochet lessons is not that hard. In fact, in order to get you going, all you need is a good crochet hook, yarns, measuring tape, yarn needle, and some even pins.
The Yarn
Once the equipments are complete, the next thing you have to do is to learn how to hold the yarn.
For people who are absolutely newbie when it comes to sewing in general, holding a yarn could be tricky. Even if it only takes some time of getting used to, it is still important to know the proper way to hold it.
Here is how:
1. Hold the yarn in such a way that you will let it pass through your fingers. The sequence would be: little finger—beneath the ring finger—above the forefingers and the middle fingers.
2. You can also hold the yarn by looping the yarn in the region of the little finger, and allow it to cross the forefinger.
3. In holding the hook, it would be better to hold it the way you hold a spoon or a pencil. In this way, it would be easier for you to heave the yarn from your fingers down to your “loop in the hook.”
These are just the basics. Hence, one should always keep in mind that holding the yarn is actually a matter of partiality. So it would be better to always try your preferred position until you feel comfortable doing it.
Afghan Crochet Patterns
Sunday, December 21st, 2008Crochet Afghan Patterns to Make Great Giveaways
Creating an afghan from crochet patterns
Suggested Resource: Learn how to crochet afghans,doilies, mittens, sweaters and more
ps. Looking for vintage sewing patterns? click here!
Crochet afghan cover patterns are one of the popular crochet projects enjoyed by both beginners and advanced crocheters. A crocheted afghan cover is a great giveaway for family and friends. It can serve as a wrap or shawl as well as a blanket during chilly nights. The term afghan was derived from the textiles that are produced in Afghanistan since they are comparable to the shawls and wraps used in the region.
Crocheted afghan covers can be used in various ways. There are numerous crochet patterns for afghan blanket covers. An afghan blanket can be used as a mattress cover for the top of the bed or as a comforter and even as a bedspread. It is important to select the appropriate pattern that will fit the size of the intended project.
Afghans also make great gifts during birthdays and holidays as different motifs can be incorporated into the design. A Christmas afghan can help warm cold winter nights while personalized baby afghan blankets can become family heirlooms.
Complimentary Crochet Afghan Patterns
Free crochet afghan patterns are a great way to put together a beautiful afghan for giveaways or for personal use. Crochet afghan patterns can be very simple or complex depending on the preference of the crocheter.
A crocheter may opt to select a simple crochet afghan pattern that makes use of numerous granny squares that are put together to form the entire blanket. On the other hand, complex crochet afghan patterns may consist of geometric shapes that feature advanced crochet stitches.
Various resources like craft books, crocheting magazines and crafting websites offer complimentary crochet afghan patterns. These patterns provide complete instructions starting from what type of yarn and hook should be used for the project. In most cases, a crochet pattern may also include helpful tips on the differences between yarns.
Crochet afghan patterns can also serve as an inspiration for a crocheter to create their own unique design. Keep in mind that patterns can be adapted to suit the purpose of the project. Crocheters should not restrict themselves strictly to the instructions of the pattern. It is important to exercise some personal judgment that will help enhance the appearance of the project.
Creating an Afghan from Crochet Patterns
Creating an afghan based on crochet patterns is easy. There are numerous crochet patterns for afghan blankets that can be great as gifts or decorations at home. Simple afghan covers can even have a central theme. For example, an afghan pattern may feature a floral design as well as the national flag.
Popular crochet patterns for afghan covers often feature a stained glass design or can be part of a set of patterns. The afghan crochet pattern can be part of a collection that may include patterns for a crocheted pillowcase or coffee table doily. A striped crochet pattern for an afghan cover is another appealing project that both beginners and advanced crocheters will enjoy.
Creating an afghan from crochet patterns can also be the start of a wonderful tradition that a mother can pass on to their daughters. A free crochet pattern for an afghan cover is not only a great way to start but it is also fun. A mother and daughter can learn how to crochet at the same time by following a simple afghan crochet pattern. Once completed the finished product can be given away to family and friends.
Mothers and especially grandmothers will appreciate a handcrafted afghan cover created by a young girl from a crochet pattern. When selecting a pattern for the afghan be sure to choose a pattern and color scheme that would suit the personality of the intended party. The type of yarn to be used should also be considered, as it will directly affect the weight of the finished product.
Afghan blankets also make great donations for retirement and nursing homes. The elderly will certainly cherish the effort that went into creating the afghan. At the same time, they will appreciate the warmth of an afghan.
Afghans are an ideal project for anyone interested in learning how to crochet. Afghans are relatively easy to put together and are a great way to learn the basic crochet stitches. At the same time, afghan covers make excellent gifts and keepsakes that last a lifetime.