Working in the Round Deux

I thought I'd make working in the round a bit easier. Sometimes I forget to do that!  This is more to learn the skill than to make something.  Although, you could make the large hole in the middle be a button hole if you wanted to attach it to something...

Start with 8 chs.

Insert hook into the first chain and make a slip stitch.

Insert hook into the chain loop you have just created.

I continued on making sc in the loop.  It looks like I stopped at 13 for some odd reason.  At this point you are just practicing, so just make whatever fits.

At this point you make a choice (or follow the pattern if you are doing something other than practicing). 

You can either make a slip stitch in the top of the first sc.

Make a chain.

And continue on, making two sc in every other stitch and one in the other.

OR you can create a sc in the top of the first sc...

 

...and continue on.

There are a couple of differences and reasons why you'd choose each.  When you use the slip stitch method, the end of the round is much more obvious.  The downside, is that when you are making a larger item (like a hat) there will be a line going down the side where the end of row is.

When you choose to use a sc instead, you have to mark the end so that you know when you need to change or where to count from.  The great thing about it is you can have a completely invisible end with no seam. 

Have fun and please ask if you have any questions!!

Multi-Colored Daisy Scarf

I've been making these scarves for a while now and one of these days I'll get the pattern completely written out.

I thought it'd be fun to make one for my 6 yr old that was a variety of colors rather than the ones I normally do.

What do you think?

Half Double Crochet

To make a half double crochet (hdc), make a chain of your desired length.  Yarn over:

Insert hook into the third chain from your hook:

Yarn over and pull a loop through the chain.  You will now have three loops on your hook:

Yarn over and pull a loop through all three loops that are on your hook:

You have made your first hdc! 

Generally, to turn and make another row of hdcs you will work to the end and chain 2, then turn. 

I like to use hdcs when I want a look/feel that is softer than using a sc, but firmer than a sc. They are a nice in-between stitch.

I'm working on a mermaid toy for my daugter...

...and it looks like it's related to a snowman.  I think I'll try using a pattern next time!

Charity Links

Check out the new page at the top for charity links.  There are SO many people out there who are crocheting, knitting, sewing and anything else they can think of to help other people! 

If you want, we could choose a pattern and I could help you with it so we could donate to some of them!

Free Bootie Pattern

I can't actually take full credit for this pattern.  Several years ago at a church activity, a sister was teaching crochet and she gave out this pattern.  I had a baby with me, so I couldn't sit down and learn it then, but she sent me home with a pattern and her sample booties.  I have since lost the pattern, but by looking at the booties, I have reconstructed it.

Here is is:

Newborn Booties

Make 2:

Ch 8

Row 1: sc in 2^nd ch from hook and sc to end; 3 sc in last ch.  Working in free loops, sc across (15 sc)

Row 2-8: ch 1, turn; sc in each sc in back loop only.

Row9: Ch 3, turn; dc in each sc, join to first dc.

Round 10 & 11: (do not turn) ch 3, dc in each dc around, join to first dc of round

Round 12: ch 1, (dec with sc over two dc) twice, dec with sc over 3 dc, (dec with sc over two dc) twice.  (use hidden type for better visual appeal).  FO leaving long end.  Weave end through sc of last round and hide end.

Ties: ch 50, FO.  Weave into top of bootie leaving room to tie a bow over ankle.

Alternate flower ties: ch3, dc in first ch, sl st in chain (ch 2, dc in first ch, sl st in chain) twice.  Continue on with 50 ch.  Before cutting off, weave chain through bootie.  (ch 2, dc in first ch, sl st in chain) three times in 3^rd chain from hook.  FO, weave in ends.

Meeting Time

At our last crochet group, we decided to start doing this once a month on the first Thursday of each month. Since we've gone through the basics and everyone is at a different level, I want to continue to mostly just have us come and crochet.  We can each work on a different project with maybe a few tips thrown in.  I don't want to keep adding new things each time.  Let's just have fun and learn together.

As always, if you need ANY help in between, don't hesitate to call, text or email me!