Are you looking for some fast crafting ideas that don't take a lot of time or materials? Part 2

Here is Part 2:

Holly Wreath






Fabric Picture Cards






Oval Patchwork Stars






Simple Symmetry

Are you looking for some fast crafting ideas that don't take a lot of time or materials? Part 1

Here are some great ideas.

Candle and Holly








Christmas Stocking











Christmas Robins




Dove Of Peace

The Chain Stitch

In patterns the chain stitch is abbreviated ch -- as in "ch 3" for chain 3 sts or "skip 1 ch" as an instruction to skip the next st (which happens to be a chain st)

The first step is to make a slip stitch on the hook (the same way one would make a slip stitch for knitting). Here is a video on making a chain stitch from Nexstitch. It doesn't start with a slip stitch, however. It has an ingenious way to start without making a slip stitch.

Or, in words, how to hold the yarn and start to chain, quoting from the booklet from the American Thread Company (since it describes how to wrap the yarn around the hand better than I can.)---- This quotation starts after instructions on how to make a slip knot and assumes that the thread is already hanging from the hook.

"Hold the hook in right hand as you would a pencil, bringing the middle finger forward resting it about midway between the broad bar and top of hook. With the thread in back of hand, place thread between fourth and little finger, across palm side of fingers and over fore-finger, if more comfortable, wind thread over finger once. Do not hold thread too tightly. Hold the hook in left hand, insert hook in loop, pick up the main length of thread on hook (this is termed 'thread over' ...) and pull through loop. Repeat this ch for required length. On this foundation chain may be worked practically any stitch desired."

I hold yarn for crocheting the same way I hold yarn for knitting. (I'm a Continental style knitter.) I hold a crochet hook slightly differently than I do a knitting needle. For crocheting, I have my middle finger farthest toward the end of the hook. For knitting, I have my index finger farthest toward the end of the needle. The fingers in the left hand are also used to pull the thread downward a bit to make it easier to pull the yarn through. Note also that the yarn starts out behind the hook.
----
The chain stitch is a multi-purpose stitch. It serves the same purpose as the cast on in knitting in that it can and usually is used as a foundation row. It also serves the same purpose as the yarn over in knitting in that it's used to make crocheting more lacy. It's used to make picots. It's also used as a substitute for other stitches at the beginning of a row. Instead of making a single crochet at the beginning of a row, one might be asked to chain 1 (or 2). Instead of making a double crochet at the beginning of a row, one might be asked to chain 2 (or 3). (Some people use the lower number -- because a ch 1 is the same length as a single crochet is in height. Some people use the higher number.) I also use chain stitches when I'm going to put crocheting down for a while. I chain a few stitches loosely so that if it unravels, I won't lose any of my work. Then before beginning again, I undo the chain.

Things do even out. Double or triple crochet stitches are often substituted for chain stitches at the end of a row or round.

Our Bits and Bobs "Mom" has posted a CAL that uses chain stitches and would be great practice in chaining. (For beginners, chaining a chain 6 feet long instead of single crocheting a chain 6 feet long is much easier. For those wanting a challenge, here is a link on single crocheting a chain.)

Finally, next Tuesday, I'm going to post directions on making a border on a dish towel. For this, you'll need a terry cloth dish towel (to be cut in half), a size 7 crochet hook, and size 10 crochet thread (100% mercerized cotton). The hook and crochet thread could also be used for the CAL.

Have you done Cross-Stitch and found it to time consuming?

This is a a really great technique and one I am going to try on an ornament later. This ornament is available in the 2007 Christmas Ornaments from the Just Cross Stitch Magazine. Wish me luck.

Stitch 'N Paint is quick option for cross stitchers. This is a technique I found on Leisure Arts website. They have PDF of how to do this.

As you can see they have done this with not only small pictures such as the sun, but with Disney charachters like Eeyore and the Princesses.



If anyone does this technique, please share with us, especially pictures.

Cora

B&B SUPERFAST CAL!

The Materials List is similar to that for the Ravelry KAL

MAterials:
Thin yarn
Crochet hook
balloon
elmers glue
water
bowl


Instructions:

Make a chain 6 feet long.


That's right folks SIX FEET LONG! LOL!!!

Now inflate the balloon. Make a mixture of glue and water 1-1 ratio. Dip the balloon in the water and begin wrapping the chain all around the balloon. Any way you like. once the chain is completely wrapped up lightly apply the mixture to firm it. or you can use spray starch instead. add a coat and dry it, and repeat until it is really firm. Then apply tape to the balloon, and pierce the balloon through the tape. Remove the deflated balloon and attach an ornament hook. Crocheted Christmas Ornament!

Bits And BobS UnRavelled KAL Update

Ok the Ravelry group has started their KAL!

Materials List:
Thin Yarn or Crochet Thread
Size 8, 9,10, or 11 Needles, whichever you prefer
1 Balloon
Elmers glue
A bowl
Water
Scotch Tape
A sewing needle


Basic Instructions:

Knit 50 rows
Bind off.


You can add beads if you like as you knit using the crochet hook method:
Slide an appropriately size seed bead onto your crochet hook.
Pick up stitch off of the left needle using a size 1 crochet hook. Slip the bead off of the crochet hook and onto the stitch that you are holding with the hook. Replace the stitch on the left hand needle. Add beads as you see fit.

Fold the piece in half lengthwise and stitch together. Seam up the top as well insert balloon and inflate to desired size. Then seam up the bottom.

Mix water and glue to a thin consistency. 1 part glue to 1 part water. Dip the balloon in the mixture and let dry. Repeat several times until your knitting is super stiff. you can even sprinkle with glitter while it is wet after the final dip if you like.

Once it is dry and firm. Place a piece of tape on the baloon and insert a needle through the tape. This lets the air out without popping the balloon. Remove deflated balloon and attach and ornament hook.

A lovely lace Christmas Ornament!

"Crochet is Quick"

This is the first installment in several on crocheting. I recently found a booklet , which belonged to my MIL, on knitting and crocheting (or at least the middle 20 or so pages) from, I believe, the American Thread Company (The first 6 pages are missing.). The booklet appears to be over 50 years old. The title of the section on crocheting is "Crochet is Quick".

I'll be posting parts of the booklet. Later, I'll also post directions for edgings -- since knitters occasionally used crocheted edgings to prevent curling -- and other projects (as the mood hits me). The first project is pictured at the right.

But, before we begin, we need some basics:

"What You Need and How To Begin
"Materials
"Crochet work takes its name from the hook with which it is done. It is one of the oldest and most useful needle work arts. It is composed of a few foundation stitches by which every design may be developed.
"Crochet Hooks used, differ in size according to the material and object to be worked. The largest, usually of Composition, Bone, Ivory or Wood are used for the heavier kind of work in wool or heavy cotton, steel hooks are preferred for finer types of Crochet in cotton. The Afghan needle is longer than usual and is the same thickness throughout.
"Crochet threads vary as to twist, size and color. Whenever possible, use the thread recommended in the directions and be sure you purchase a sufficient quantity of the same dye lot. This applies to all colors, including Cream, Linen and Ecru. Wherever 'Gauge' appears, it is important that it be followed.
"Needle gauge means the number of stitches worked to one inch and the number of rows worked to one inch. It is wise to work about a two inch square with the thread and needle recommended. If the stitches per inch do not correspond, the size of needle must be changed. If there are more sts to the inch than given, use a larger hook, and if fewer stitches to the inch, use a smaller hook. Practice until correct gauge is obtained."