As my friend, Jane, would say: "And the love fest continues.." The love fest with crochet, that is. This time, I crocheted this uber-cute clutch. Yesterday, while I was wasting time engaging in social media on Twitter, I came across a tweet from Leisure Arts announcing a free pattern from Drew Emborsky (The Crochet Dude) called, Berry Sweet Clutch. I took one look and was in love. Then I saw how easy the pattern was, and I was in lust! So I grabbed me some Lion Brand Yarn Vanna's Choice in Magenta & an Addi crochet hook, size 6 mm, and got hookin'. It worked up SO fast. And the flap decreases are PERFECT for the newbie: simply leaving stitches unworked on the end in every row.
This clutch fits everything a gals needs: A compact, credit card, chocolate bar, & a lipstick!
So whether you're a newbie, like myself, or an advanced crocheter, this project is cute, fun, & fab! It works up with very little yarn, in a jif, and looks like you spent hours on it. I happened to make this project for my DD, so Vanna's Choice was perfect: durable, reasonably soft, washable, and came in a bazillion colors (My DD has already requested a metallic version.). For a little added umph - one could put a cute clasp or decorative button on the front. Since it IS a clutch, you don't need a fastener, but a decorative touch, if not over-powering, might be cute. Also, since the body is a rectangle, it would be fairly simple to line it with some funky, bright fabric.
I am by NO MEANS a crochet expert! Anyone will tell you that! ;p But I am the type of gal who has to learn by watching and needs things explained to me. I noticed that some videos showed the ACTUAL stitch, but not how to do the 2nd row. OR they showed one how to perform the stitch in a work in progress, but not how to get to that point. I also noticed that there are as many ways to perform these stitches as there are crocheters. Some crocheters ch and then turn. Some turn and then ch for the next row. Some ch 2 at the end of a dc for a cleaner edge while most ch 3. Some work into different stitches than others for various reasons. So, if you're a newbie to crochet, please don't get discouraged. It can be overwhelming to read and watch so many variations. But like knitting, as long as the stitch is formed correctly and you like what you've created - GO WITH IT!
So here is my very amateur attempt at bringing crochet to newbies. I apologize for my camera resolution. I may need to re-record the videos. Below the tutorials, I have links for beginner crochet projects. So practice a bit and then give 'em a go!
Following PDXKnitterati's lead, I decided to make myself some stitch markers. And goodness knows if I can make them, so can you. I was able to get every one of these items in the beading aisle of JoAnn Fabrics. You could absolutely buy them at jewelry and beading supply stores. But I found them to be very inexpensive at the craft discount retailer. I will list the brand I purchased in parenthesis although the brand is not important.
In this tutorial, the pictures are above the corresponding step.
Cut a comfortable length of wire. I threaded my beads onto the wire and doubled the length plus 1/2" for the loop length.
Step 2:
Bend your wire in half (w/o leaving a crink) and thread a crimp tube up the bottom two ends until you see a loop.
Step 3:
Pull the crimp tube up until the loop is the size you want it. Using the crimp tool (See video instruction directly above from Blue Moon Beads on how to use the Crimping Pliers), crimp the tube to secure the loop.
Step 4:
Place beads on the wire in a configuration you like.
Step 5:
Thread another crimp tube so that it is sitting below the beads you just threaded.
Step 6:
Crimp the tube, using the crimp tool to secure the beads.
Step 7:
Snip the excess wire below the 2nd crimp tube off.
NOTE: Not being a beader by hobby, I didn't realize how important a beading mat was until I had seed beads flying about. Save yourself some trouble and invest in a beading mat to work on.
I am currently booking guests for the 2010 Stitch & Dish Web Show. Past guests have included Jennifer Hansen of Stitch Diva Studios, Dawn & Kelly of Namaste Inc., Amigurumi Designer, Amy Gaines, Jeny Staiman..
What I am looking for:
Designers of knit or crochet patterns for demo Spinners for demo
Knitters/Crocheters who want to demonstrate a new technique
Authors of fiber arts books for interview
Hosts of fiber arts related shows, podcasts, vodcasts, or popular blogs to interview
Owners of fiber arts related businesses for interview
Crafters who create knitting/crochet related accessories for demo
What does one need to participate?
Web cam Headphones
Internet Connection
Stickam Account (free)
When does the show air?
Fridays, 8p EST Is the show live?
The web show is a LIVE, interactive show. The viewers interact with the host and guest via chatroom or webcam (their choice) How do I inquire about booking? Contact me: knitpurlgurl@gmail.com
Here's a pic of the delish yarn I WON from The Yarn Side Twitter contest. It's Glorificus in "Talk to the Waves" colorway. It's a 435yd fingering/sock weight yarn. It's super soft 80% Superwash Merino, 10% Cashmere, & 10% Nylon. Yummy! This would make a cute shawl or pair of socks!
Behold the GAWGEOUS yarn I got from Birds Nest Yarns. This is 220 yds each of Peacock 100% pure silk yarn in "Blues, Purples, & Teal" colorway. This pic does not do it justice in the least. It's so shimmery and beautiful. It's incredibly soft (silky, if you will). ;p I can't wait to knit up a small shawl in this!!
As you probably know, March is National Craft Month AND National Crochet Month! Getting inspired to get your craft on by learning to knit or crochet? Then the Knitting Daily TV Series 400 Complete DVD Set is for you!
Although I wanted to watch these videos marathon style - I broke them into chunks, 1 DVD at a time, in order to preserve hubby's sanity. (He's not all about the knitting like I am.) The 400 Series contains 4 DVDs and 13 episodes of knitting and crochet how-to goodness. Eunny Jang, Shay Pendray, and Kristin Omdahl pack oodles of amazing techniques and wonderful tips to make your knitting and crochet fun, fast, easy, and gorgeous! I LOVED these shows. I really learned quite a lot. The format flowed smoothly and the segments were all relevant to the show's theme. The shows were well thought out and executed and delivered impeccable knit and crochet instruction as well as entertaining interviews and information.
Eunny really breaks down each technique into very doable language. She even shows a couple of different ways to perform each technique in some cases, giving the knitter the opportunity to work with the option that is most comfortable for them. Her slow, methodical demonstration really makes learning new skills or perfecting current skills a snap.
And thank goodness for Kristin. As you've been reading, I don't exactly have mad crochet skills. Kristin's new "Crochet Corner" started at the very beginning of learning to crochet and advanced all through the series, providing a nice basis for future crochet demonstrations. I have watched and rewatched her segments numerous times. And someday I will conquer crochet!
Shay always interviews the most interesting guests. She brings in designers, fiber professionals, and shop owners who present the latest and greatest in fiber fashion as well as explain how to achieve professional looking garments.
Featured Knitting Daily Season 400 guests include Halycon Blake, Laura Bryant, Lily Chin, Linda Cortright, Jennifer Edgar, Kate Gagnon Osbourne, Cecily Glowick MacDonald, Carol Huber Cypher, Mags Kandis, Courtney Kelly, Adina Klein, Barry Klein, Melissa LaBarre, Dr. Catherine Leslie and her students, Clara Parkes, Linda Pratt, Lisa Shroyer, Karin Skacel, Penny Sitler, and Theresa Schabes.
Here are the show topics for the 400 Series:
401: Fearless Knit & Crochet
402: Fashion Forward
403: Knit & Purl Magic
404: All in the Finish
405: Natural Fibers
406: Fiber Tech
407: Wild About Wool
408: Crazy for Cotton
409: Creative Scarves
410: New England Knits
411: Think Thin
412: On the Edge
413: Trade Secrets
So pick up a copy of this DVD set. This would make a wonderful National Craft Month gift for someone just getting started with knitting or crochet. OR would make a terrific Easter Basket or Mother's Day gift. (Or the perfect little gift for yourself!)
Hubby took the family to IKEA and bought me some terrific storage for my yarn. He bought me this 8 cube bookcase, Expedit, and 8 Drona boxes to put in the shelf. It's hard to picture here because the shelf is laying horizontally on my closet shelf and I couldn't get it all in the shot. But each bin is VERY roomy and allowed me to organize by yarn weight. Some of the best features of adding the Drona boxes to the Expedit shelf are: 1.) My yarn storage doesn't look all messy 2.) Since the shelf sits up on top of a shelf in my closet, I can easily pull a bin down to look for a skein of yarn. (Without the boxes, I would have to try to sort through the yarn about a foot above my head.) 3.) They're roomy and cute!
Here's the view inside one of the Drona boxes. This is a crummy shot because I was holding both the box and the camera. What can I say? I'm a knitter, not a photographer. ;p
Finally, hubby bought me a Vika Amon table (in white) to keep my ball winder and swift set up so that I don't have to drag them out everytime I want to wind a ball. When I get it put together, I'll take a pic.
I finished DD's One Row Lace Cowl. I think I'll crochet another for myself. Such a simple, cute, and relaxing pattern to crochet. Really a super fast project to whip out (especially when crocheted in worsted wt yarn like this one). I used Lion Brand Yarns Vanna's Choice in Pink. Acrylic yarns are perfect for the durability needed to withstand a 5 yo. ;p
Okay, so I have this love-hate relationship with crochet. One minute, it's the greatest thing since sliced bread. I am whipping out amigurumi and cute little bags.. the next thing you know, crochet and I decide to spend some time apart and WHAMMO! I can't crochet to save my life.
This week I have been on a quest to conquer crochet. I don't care what any knitter says to you: no fiber art is superior to another. Crochet is wonderfully relaxing and I like it for a variety of projects. And while knitting will always be my first love, I enjoy my occassional flings with crochet. (Soon I'll get naughty and throw embroidery into the mix.)
But for some weird reason (I haven't practiced), I was having such a hard time crocheting the simplest of items. So like any pig headed persistent crafter, I picked up a bottle of wine my hook and kept practicing. I think I've finally made a breakthrough.
I'm working on this One Row Lace Cowl by Milobo. DD doesn't have a cowl yet. I've made her a sc scarf, a garter st scarf, a ss scarf, and a cabled scarf (knit), but no cowls. She was admiring the lace cowl I am knitting and asked if I'd make her one. I thought this would be the perfect opportunity to practice my crochet skills. I'm using Lion Brand Yarn Vanna's Choice in Pink (kid-proof, machine washable). So far, it's going okay. This is a great pattern for a newbie like myself. I'm sure there are errors GALORE in my work - but it's fun to practice and DD loves it already.
So, rest assured. Crochet & I aren't fighting. We're just having a disagreement. We are trying to work things out because some things are worth fighting for. ;p
Like any hardcore knitter, on my family's recent outting to Pittsburgh, I took my Eggplant Hermosa Namaste Bag and my Birthday Cowl. During the show intermission, I whipped out the cowl. Yep, I'm a knit nut!
We've all had that one project in which we make numerous, simple mistakes. Well for me, that project is the January Clue of the 2010 Lace Sampler Mystery KAL. Whilst my fellow KAL-ers are completing the February Clue, I'm stranded on Row 7 island of the Jan. clue. Knit 2 rows, tink 3, knit 3, tink 1, rinse, repeat. This is how it has gone for me. And they are the simplest of errors. This KAL is geared for all levels and I'd like to think I've advanced well beyond a beginner level. However, that hasn't stopped me from making beginner-level mistakes.
Alrighty - off to knit, perchance to progress successfully beyond row 7. Pray for me. ;p
FYI: In case you are wondering why the cast on edge is in a contrasting colorway - it's because it's just a provisional cast on and will be removed later when the border is worked on :)
It occurs to me that I haven't blogged - REALLY blogged in a long while.. So here goes nuthin'!
First off, I had the pleasure of attending the Pittsburgh Knit & Crochet Festival Valentine's Day weekend. I wasn't feeling well, so I only stayed a very short while on Saturday - but I had a good time. Unfortunately, this year, I didn't get many pics. But I DID manage to take a pic of the MONSTER angora bunny at the show. I mean this rabbit was MASSIVE. I wish I could've taken him home with me.
One of the niftiest parts of going to the PGH Knit & Crochet Show, was the FREE YARN I got from Cascade! We all got 1 skein each of Cascade 220 in Goldenrod and Black (Steelers' colors dontcha know) and a free Steelers' hat pattern! I thought that was a really nice touch!
I didn't buy much yarn at the PGH Knit & Crochet Festival.. but I DID buy yarn from my FAVE Yarnista, Creatively Dyed Yarn. I got some sock and lace weight yarns: GAWGEOUS!
And as if I didn't have enough WIPs or things to juggle, I joined a Lace Sampler Mystery KAL. The KAL gives clues every month. And every month you knit the clue. By the end of the year, you'll have a beautiful lace sampler shawl. Of course true to form, I am one month behind. UGH! BUT - here's the yarn I have chosen: Knit Picks Shimmer Lace Yarn in Spice colorway:
Last but not least - I got my FREE yarn from the Naturally Caron promotion! I got a FREE skein of Spa yarn in Coral Lipstick colorway! WOOT!
The only way to describe Kelly & Dawn, owners of Namaste Inc., is AWESOME. These ladies dished with us on Stitch & Dish about their amazing company, gorgeous bags, the future of their company, and even gave us a peek at possible future designs! They were even generous enough to give away 1 wallet and 2 Monroe Bags to 3 lucky winners!!!! Aside from a few tech difficulties (video freezing a few times and the delay) and of course, my staggeringly BAD hair day - it was a BLAST. These ladies are fun, caring, and truly an inspiration to women entrepreneurs. Check out their interview and then be sure to visit them online:
I welcome Kelly and Dawn, owners of Namaste Inc. to my Stitch & Dish Web Show tonight!! Come and CHAT LIVE with the owners and have a good time! We'll talk about their nifty bags (including their latest bag, the Monroe bag!) & knitting supplies and they'll take questions from the viewers!
And as a special treat - Kelly & Dawn will GIVE AWAY one of their NEW Monroe Bags (pictured above) and also a Wallet to viewers of the Stitch & Dish Show!
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