Author: beverly

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10 Crochet Essentials

 

 

10 crochet essentials. If you want to learn how to crochet or improve that skill, these are things you will need to know.

But first, before we get into the nuts and bolts of those essentials, I want to take a moment to show the latest addition to Abbey & Lincoln, the Flowers and Bees sweatshirt. It’s a cozy short, 100% cotton and perfect for gardeners, nature lovers and flower enthusiasts. It’s available in the shop right now in a multiple of sizes and colors.

Now, let’s talk crochet.

I admit: I still like knitting better. I find I am doing more and more crochet projects because crochet is faster and the movement is more artistic, but I like the looks of the end result better when it’s knit. But crochet is still growing on me. Most of the people in my knit group crochet and as I continue to do more of it and hear people say they want to learn how to do it, the more this list became necessary. So, if you want to jump on the knitting bandwagon, here are some ‘good to knows.’

Slip Knot and Foundation Chain

You are either going to start your project with a slip knot or a magic loop (more on that later.)

The slip knot is where it all begins. It’s the starting loop on your hook and the foundation of every crochet project. The foundation chain is the first row of chain stitches that anchors your work. Mastering a uniform chain tension will set you up for success in your project.

Tips:

  • Practice making your chain loose and even, as it will help the rest of your stitches stay consistent.

Let me say for the record that I hate calling a stitch a chain. The entire thing is a chain, the individual things are stitches. So when the instructions say ‘chain 6’. I’m ok with that. When they say place your hook in the second chain, there is no second chain; there’s a second stitch. Putting away my soap box now.

Single Crochet (SC)

The single crochet is one of the simplest stitches but also one of the most versatile. It creates a dense, textured fabric and is commonly used in amigurumi, scarves, and blankets. Single crochet is often the first stitch beginners learn and is a foundation for more advanced stitches.

Tips:

  • Keep your tension relaxed to avoid making stitches too tight.
  • Single crochet is great for creating solid pieces without holes.

. Half Double Crochet (HDC)

The half double crochet stitch (my personal favorite) strikes a balance between the height of a single and double crochet. It creates a thicker fabric with a bit more drape than single crochet, making it ideal for sweaters, hats, and cozy scarves.

Tips:

  • The extra yarn-over in half double crochet adds height to your stitch, so use it when you want a less dense fabric but still good coverage.

Double Crochet (DC)

Double crochet is a taller stitch that creates a looser, more open fabric. This stitch is perfect for airy garments, lightweight blankets, and projects where you want to work up rows quickly.

Tips:

  • Double crochet is ideal for lacy patterns and blankets that need more drape.

Treble Crochet (TR)

The treble (or triple) crochet stitch is the tallest basic stitch. It produces an open fabric and adds height, making it perfect for lacy designs, shawls, and scarves.

Tips:

  • This stitch is great for creating open, airy patterns. But be careful with tension, as it can get too loose.

Magic Ring (Magic Circle)

The magic ring is a technique used for starting projects in the round, like hats, amigurumi, and doilies. Unlike a foundation chain, the magic ring allows you to pull the loop tight, leaving no gap in the center of your work.

Tips:

  • Practice pulling the ring tight to avoid gaps in the center of your circle.
  • Use this technique to create a more polished look for round projects.

Increasing and Decreasing

Increasing adds stitches to your row or round, while decreasing removes stitches. Mastering these techniques opens the door to shaping garments, hats, and intricate designs.

Tips:

  • To increase, simply add two stitches in one stitch space.
  • For decreasing, crochet two stitches together to reduce stitch count gradually.

Front and Back Post Stitches

Front and back post stitches add texture and dimension to your work by working around the post (vertical part) of a stitch rather than into the top loops. These techniques are commonly used for creating ribbing, cables, and basketweave textures.

Tips:

  • Experiment with these stitches to add texture to blankets, sweaters, or home decor items.
  • These stitches can be a bit tricky at first but add a lot of dimension to your projects.

Color Changing

Adding color changes adds life and creativity to your projects. Mastering this technique allows you to create patterns, stripes, and even pictures within your work.

Tips:

  • Make color changes at the last yarn-over of the previous stitch for seamless transitions.
  • Weave in loose ends as you go to keep the back of your work tidy.

Blocking

Blocking is the finishing technique that makes your work look professional and polished. It involves wetting or steaming your piece and shaping it to the correct size and shape. Blocking helps stitches relax, and it’s essential for projects like lace shawls and garments.

Tips:

  • Use rust-proof pins and a blocking mat for best results.
  • For delicate yarns, steam blocking is often gentler than wet blocking.

 If I were to add one more, it would be gauge. I don’t often pay attention to gauge because it really isn’t essential with what I make. I can even make hats and disregard gauge. But if you’re make more fitted garments, this becomes important to the sizing is correct.

There you have it, the things you need to know to have hours of relaxing and productive fun with crochet!

 

 

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So, You Want to Learn to Knit

So you want to learn to knit.  OK, this post isn’t going to teach you how but you can consider it a preliminary class on what you will need to get to that knitting place. 

But first, you will notice the photo is crochet. And you would be right. They’re the latest hooded scarves. Just wanted you to know there were others out there and already in the shop. Now, on to the knitting.

I take a knit or crochet project to work on when I do a craft show. One, there is always a lull and I might as well be productive and two, it shows I do the actual work. This always causes at least one person (more than one) to comment how they always wanted to learn how to knit or crochet because their mother, grandmother, great aunt, a friend of a friend’s second cousin once removed on her father’s side, knew how and they made gorgeous stuff and they should really pick it up again.

If this is you, and you want to get into knitting, I will go over some of the things you need to know. Knitting is fun, relaxing and productive. It is also a sport. As much as I would like to think absolutely everyone can learn to knit, not absolutely everyone can. But for those fortunate few (million) this is one of the greatest skills in the world.

First, the materials

There are things you will need in order to start any project:

Yarn (or some kind of fiber, let’s start with yarn) Acrylic is the most affordable or you can go to any of the natural fibers. Purely preference

Knitting needles – you can knit with two to five needles. Let’s start with two. The yarn label will give the recommended needle size. I suggest starting with bamboo needles as they don’t slip as much as metal ones.

Scissors – you will have to cut something

Tape measure

Yarn needle – you will need this to weave in the ends.

Stitch marker (optional but fun)
Row counter – which can be as simple as a pen and paper 

Knitting – Let’s start at the beginning

There are only two stitches in knitting: the knit stitch and the purl stitch. There are two other pseudo stitches: the yarn over and the slip stitch. Every pattern will use at least one of these. In order to start, you will have to cast on. Once you’re done with all the knitting and purling, you will then cast off.

 Casting on is the action that gets your first yarn onto your needles so you can work them. The two most common cast ons are the long tail cast on. There are other styles and you can learn them as you need them. But when you first learn, you will likely be taught one of those. There are dozens of YouTube videos that can show both methods. 

The Knit Stitch – Right handed knitters

This stitch is the foundation of knitting. To make a knit stitch, hold the needle with the cast-on stitches in your left hand and the empty needle in your right. Insert the right needle into the first stitch from left to right so the needle ends up behind the left needle, wrap the yarn around the right needle, and pull it through to create a new stitch on the right needle. Slide the old stitch off the left needle. Repeat this process until you’ve knitted all the stitches on the left needle.

The Purl Stitch:

This stitch is the complement to the knit stitch. With the needle in your left hand, insert the right needle into the first stitch from right to left so the right needle ends up in front of the left, wrap the yarn around the right needle, and pull it through to create a new stitch. Slide the old stitch off the left needle and repeat for each stitch on the row.

Binding Off:

Also called “casting off,” this technique finishes your knitting project and keeps the stitches from unraveling. To bind off, knit the first two stitches, then use the left needle to lift the first stitch over the second stitch and off the needle. Continue this process until one stitch remains. Cut the yarn, leaving a tail, and pull it through the last stitch.

Once you’re comfortable with the knit and purl stitches, you can start making simple patterns. Here are a few beginner-friendly patterns to try:

  • Garter Stitch: Knit every row. This creates a stretchy, bumpy texture that’s perfect for scarves and blankets.
  • Stockinette Stitch: Alternate between a row of knit stitches and a row of purl stitches. This creates a smooth, “V” pattern on one side and a bumpy texture on the other, often seen in sweaters and other garments.
  • Ribbing: This pattern is created by alternating knit and purl stitches in the same row. For example, a “2×2 rib” means knitting two stitches, then purling two stitches across the row. Ribbing is commonly used for cuffs and edges because it’s stretchy.

As with any new skill, learning to knit requires patience and practice. Here are some tips to help you along the way:

  • Start Small: Begin with small projects like a dishcloth or scarf. These projects are quick to finish and help you build confidence in your skills.
  • Watch Tutorials: Videos are incredibly helpful for beginners to see how to hold the needles, yarn, and how to execute each stitch. There are plenty of free tutorials available online.
  • Don’t Worry About Perfection: Mistakes are a part of the learning process. If you drop a stitch or knit one stitch incorrectly, don’t be discouraged. With practice, these mistakes will happen less frequently, and you’ll learn how to fix them.
  • Count Your Stitches: It’s easy to accidentally add or drop stitches, which can alter the shape of your project. After each row, quickly count your stitches to ensure you have the correct number.
  • Practice Tension: Consistent tension helps your stitches look even. New knitters often knit too tightly or too loosely. Try to keep your stitches loose enough to slide easily on the needle but tight enough to maintain a neat appearance.
  • Gauge: Somewhere along the line, you will learn about gauge. It is making sure the measurements of your piece are accurate. Not so important on somethings but very important on others.

When you finish knitting, it’s time to complete your project with a few finishing touches:

  • Bind Off: Use the binding off technique mentioned above to secure your stitches and give your project a clean edge.
  • Weave in the Ends: Use a tapestry needle to weave the loose ends of yarn into your project. This step not only makes your project look neat but also secures the ends so your knitting doesn’t unravel.
  • Blocking: This optional step can improve the appearance of your project, especially if you’ve made a lace or intricate pattern. To block, soak your project in water, gently squeeze out the excess, and pin it flat to dry. Blocking evens out stitches and can help your project hold its shape.

Explore Patterns and Projects

After mastering the basics, you’ll be ready to tackle more complex patterns. Here are a few project ideas to inspire you as you continue learning:

  • Scarves: Scarves are classic beginner projects. You can practice different stitch patterns and learn how changing yarn types affects the look and feel.
  • Hats: Hats introduce circular knitting and decreases, giving you a chance to expand your skills.
  • Blankets: A basic blanket with simple stitches is a great long-term project and provides plenty of practice.
  • Washcloths or Dishcloths: These small projects are excellent for practicing stitch patterns and make useful, eco-friendly items.

   Join the Knitting Community

One of the joys of knitting is becoming part of a welcoming community of fellow crafters. Many knitters join local knitting groups, online forums, or social media communities where they can share their projects, learn new techniques, and gain inspiration. Consider joining sites like Ravelry, where you can browse patterns, track your projects, and connect with other knitters around the world.

 

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The Aphrodite Shirt – Revised

The Aphrodite Shirt – Revised. I decided to redo the graphic for the Aphrodite Shirt. (You can get it here.)

The election here is over and I think the entire nation was stunned. That’s about all I can say about it.

I’m getting ready for the show tomorrow. I have a few new items to add to the pile. Mostly hooded scarves. The show is in Gurnee and we did it last year and had a good time. It seems with each show, artists are required to give something for a raffle. I am going to print out a pattern and provide the yarn and needles or hook to make it. That seems like a good prize.

Sales are down this year and they were down last year and that is not the sign of good personal economy. We will see how things go tomorrow. We should have a lot of space for me to have two tables: one with the home stuff like towels and scrubbies and the other with the hats and scarves and headbands. I do have a $ amount in mind for success. It’s only $175. I think the highest price I have is $40 From what I’ve been reading, shows are touch and go. When they’re good, they’re very good and when they’re bad – well. 

I am going to be optimistic. These shows are almost always fun and it’s rare I don’t make anything. It’s from 9-3 so I will still have a big chunk of the day left. Hope springs eternal.

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Cottage Core – The Book Lover Sweatshirt

Cottage Core – The Book Lover Sweatshirt

I love me a good bookstore. I used to go there and get books and those books might never get read. I am a member of a book club now and I’ve read more books in the past year that have nothing to do with knitting or crochet.

When I had to come up with a new idea for a shirt (and a tote bag and mug because…duh) I knew I had to give a nod to my re-ignited love of books. What is different about this one, though, is the graphic works better on a smaller scale. So, of course, I placed it by the heart. Like the other sweatshirts, it comes in 8 sizes and I think 10 colors and it’s unisex so that book lover can be anyone on your list! The Book Lover is available now right there at Abbey & Lincoln.

In knitting news, the afghan is almost done. I have just one more row of squares to add together. And there are two more on the hooks. I have orders to get out and the craft show is this weekend. I am hoping we can get in on Friday and set up. I have to go get the items out of storage and take inventory. I do have a few things to add and I am still working towards the December show where I want to have even more stuff. Pray for me. Though I feel I have been steadily working, I’m not sure I have as much as I should to show for it. Tomorrow is election day and I am working the day. Our precinct is usually slow. There are only about 550 people in it. I think we will have turnout about 40% while someone else said they think we will get about 100 for the whole day. I am curious about that because it will give me a clue perhaps about how people are reacting. The place I am in is decidedly red. We will see if they are motivated to get out. The weather is supposed to rainy but warm. That can be a factor but one that encourages instead of discourages. We shall see.

I hope you vote. I understand if you don’t. But I hope you do. 

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Choosing the Right Yarn for Your Project

Choosing the right yarn for your project can be intimidating but it can also be fun – especially if you have a stash of yarn that calls your name each time you bring out the needles and the hooks.

Once knitting /crocheting has grabbed a hold of you, yarn becomes more than just fiber. It is the foundation of your craft and there are things to consider before pulling a skein and getting down to work.

Your yarn choice will determine the look, feel and the durability of your project. It’s one of the reasons I don’t do socks. Socks just don’t last long enough to justify my time in making them. Though they are quick projects, they don’t strike me as durable or terribly long lasting. On the other hand, friends and family who have my afghans have had them and still use them decades later.

Choosing the correct yarn will result in your project looking, feeling and performing the way you want.

(Read my yarn reviews here.)

What Are You Making?

The first question to ask is what are you making? Well, sometimes it’s the first question. There will be times when you have yarn and ask: what will I make with this. Usually, the project comes first and then the yarn gets chosen. What you make determines what yarn you use.The Aachen Beanie pattern by designbcb

Are you making a garment or an accessory? You’ll want something softer, something with drape and flow and you want to consider wool allergies. You want to keep in mind when it will be used: summer, winter. How much will you need? The price of the yarn could also be a factor.

Making something for the home? Though softness could still be a factor; durability is also a major consideration if the item isn’t precious and is meant to be used. If it’s purely decorative, then color and texture might be the deciding factor over feel.

Accessories, toys, baby items: Softness, durability, perhaps more natural fiber or easy to clean fibers will determine if you’re headed to a LYS of the box craft store.

Yarn Weight and the G – Word

This probably says more about me than about yarn but I don’t know a knitter or crocheter that loves gauge. I simply don’t bother that much with it. But then again, I make items that don’t necessarily have to deal with it. But the weight of the yarn you use will affect the gauge. 

I deal mostly with worsted weight yarn (4) and it is my favorite. My stash also includes some 5 or 6 (think Anniversary cakes.) I have some 3s even a little bit of 2 but I am not a fan of smaller yarn that require small needles and a ton of stitches. The thinner the yarn, the more stitches will be needed. The bigger the yarn, a lesser amount of stitches will make gauge. Yarn weights can go from 0-7 with 0 being so thin, it’s almost non-existent. Yarn weight is a big factor when deciding how you want your project to look and feel. As for gauge, I know how to use it – though I pretty much don’t.

Natural, Blends, Acrylic

I was not, and am not, a wool purist. The vast majority of my stash is acrylic and purchased from box stores or websites like Ice or Hobbii. Paying more than $15 for a skein of yarn that does not have at least 800 yards is something I still have to wrap my head around. But you might not be the same and so the fabric may be something you need to think about. You might want to opt for natural fibers like wool, silk, camel’s hair and the like. As I said, my stash is vastly acrylic with a huge side dish of cotton. Since most of my creations end up in designbcb (Etsy), I use acrylic to keep the price affordable. It creates a fabric that can do three seasons comfortably and winter if I double it up. But even workhorse yarn companies are stepping up their games and it isn’t uncommon to find wool and wool blend in box stores though the greater variety can be found at local yarn stores or the more specialized online sites such as Webs.

While considering the blend, you might also want to look at the texture. You can go smooth like most yarns but then there are specialty or novelty yarns that are fuzzy or have ruffles or prongs. These are better suited for knitters or crocheters that have some experience because something these yarns can be unforgiving when a mistake is made.

Other Specialty Yarns

Depending on how your yarn obsession works, you might want to try dyeing your own fiber or at least considering hand dyed yarn by Indy fiber artists. Then there are recycled and upcycled yarns that reuse and repurpose fiber to create something new.

One thing you do want to keep in mind: Buy what you need at the same time. You want to make sure the yarn you have is from the same dye lot or color batch. There is nothing more frustrating than working on a client project, having to get more yarn and the notice the variation in the color. It says it’s the same but it’s just a little off from the last ball or skein and when you check, it’s a different dye lot. Whatever yarn you choose, get more than enough to cover errors and win at yarn chicken.

Once you have some yarn experience, buying on line can be convenient and also a money saver but do plan on going to a local yarn store or a craft store so you can feel the yarn for yourself. The same brand can have two different colors and one will me markedly softer than the other. Dyes can make a difference in a feel of a yarn. Besides, it’s just fun to go to either place and view the variety.

These days, I yarn shop in my stash and it’s an enjoyable experience. Yarn shopping is fun and sparks creativity and imagination. Enjoy yourself in fiber town!

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I Loves Me a Good Tote Bag

Now, y’all know I loves me a good tote bag! The first tote bag, the Mushrooms tote is VERY cute. I have one and I love it. I believe I may have found my niche for graphic design. Having said that, I am excited about this bag: The Autumn Tree tote bag. You know I am itching to have one of these, too. (Shop it here!) Comes in three sizes and the five color choices for the straps! I’m all kinds of excited!

I was so happy with the way the Mushrooms tote looks real time and I am so excited about the mock up of the autumn tree that I decided to create one for each season. I have to find a spring, summer and winter tree – which I don’t think will be all that hard to do – and tweak it to make it what I like. It puts a smile on my face to do something I enjoy with a product I would be happy to tote around! YEAH!!

In knit and crochet news, the granny square afghan is about half done. I don’t think I have enough squares but that will work itself out as I go along. I am blocking each square an am thankful for the blocking squares that I purchased. It is a little extra work but there is something in it that is enjoyable. I am looking forward to it being finished. It has some heft to it so it will nice to snuggle under; especially for those that like a weighted feel.

 

I have orders for hats and hooded scarves so some variety there and the shows are coming up next month so getting a move on with some more knitting and crocheting to have something to sell.

In other news: I will be trying my hand at apple cinnamon rolls. People at church will be my guinea pigs. Pray for us all.

And the world goes on….

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View From the Desk

View from the Desk for today. I have turned on the heater already. I think just once. Then it turned comfortable again.

I am in my careful what you ask for stage. I wanted orders. And the item of the season is the hooded scarf. I don’t want to appear ungrateful (or actually be ungrateful) and with my luck, I would get something else I really don’t want to make over and over. So, I hesitate in complaining that I am making the same thing again and again. 

As I look at the things on my desk, there is no story to tell other than my desk is cluttered with stuff I moved from one place to another. The story is in what you don’t see. Off to the left are the nine blocking squares holding squares for the granny square blanket. Off to the right is Naomi wearing the latest hooded scarf. You don’t see the three books I am currently reading: A study guide on Genesis, The Book Woman of Troublesome Creek and My Friend, Anne Frank.

I am also surrounded by the project bags for the various things I’m working on. Before I almost knew what was going on, I now have three blankets in the works. That kinda excites me because I wanted to get back to making blankets and it seems I am doing it! They are going in the GoImagine shop and I see a specialty thing happening.

If I take a minute and look, I will see the blessings in action. That helps me exhale and realize the Power at work. That brings gratefulness and gratitude. My cup runneth over.

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The Mushrooms Tote Bag

The Mushrooms tote bag – c’mon now, it’s cute!! I will admit, this required very little tweaking but that’s because I drilled down with what I wanted from my AI assistant. Getting it to a higher res was a little bit of work but not as long as if I had to draw it myself. Which is a good thing cuz I can’t draw a straight line with a ruler!

Imma order one for myself. You know I loves me a tote bag! I have put each of my projects in its own tote bag and that way I can pick one up and go. Right now, I have six totes going and that’s because I shipped off two orders over the weekend!

I love this cycle of projects I have going. I work on almost all of them daily and at the beginning of a cycle it seems as if nothing gets done because none of them are finished the first or second days but and then maybe one or two will get done and new ones take their place but then comes that moment when one after the other gets finished and all of a sudden you feel like the most productive person on the planet.

That’s where I am right now. 

I saw the cutest magnetized bookmark and now I want to knit one. Though the version I saw was leather, I think I can do a knit or crochet version. I just have to get ahold of some magnets. I’m sure I can find them through the evil empire. Hold on, let me look. Yep and they’re cheap. I see a scrap yarn project and a craft show small price product in the near future.

 

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A New Hooded Scarf

Hooded scarf in the colorway ShadowberryIt’s a NEW hooded scarf!

I haven’t done a new hooded scarf in a long time. This season is already starting with the hooded scarf being the thing that will sell. So the time seemed right to pull out some of the stash and she what could be used to make a new one.

It was a random (if anything can really be random) act that I ran across the skein of Caron Big Cakes in Shadowberry. I doubt I have another one and this was crying out to be used and voila! It’s already listed in the shop. 

I’m thinking of changing the stitching, too. Maybe it wouldn’t be bad to have a knit version of a hooded scarf. Maybe in wouldn’t be bad to have more of a hood and less of a scarf. These are the kinds of things that run in my mind. I don’t think I will do a redesign any time soon. There are shows coming up and I need to have inventory. (This will be going to the show(s) if it doesn’t sell. I am sure there will be more added. We will see if it’s just as popular in person as it is on line.

In other news, hard to believe

we’ve been back from Europe for a month. Doesn’t seem that long.

Really glad we did the trip. I wasn’t put off by the long flight. The trip back was a little less comfortable than the trip there but they were both bearable once we were in the air. I will say that I doubt I fly Aer Lingus again even if I’m going to Ireland. The agent didn’t come to the counter until a little over an hour to our flight and there was a long line of people. We made it to the gate (on the far side, of course) after going through security – and me being randomly selected – and getting through the passport clearance. They were boarding when we got there. It wasn’t a bad thing because boarding took so long. But it was cutting way too close for my comfort. 

I’m also looking at the Christmas cactus my friend gave me nearly a year ago. It’s still alive but I don’t think it’s going to bloom again. I should probably read up on how to take care of it. 

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The Aphrodite Sweatshirt

The Aphrodite sweatshirt is the second shirt in the Academia collection at Abbey & Lincoln. (Buy it!)

 Don’t know who will be next and I have some ideas roaming in the head space. This is a good topic to explore and design for. Interesting things can happen when you’re designing. The most recent is I love Canva but I am finding Fotor just a little more interesting and a little more deep. The fact it is also inexpensive doesn’t hurt. I may go back to the free version of Canva just to see if I can do the same things on Fotor.

Anyway, the Aphrodite sweatshirt is comfy and cozy and can be casual/lounge wear or running around doing errands wear. 8 size, 10 colors $35 – $49.

In other knitting/crochet news. Someone ordered a hat I haven’t made in quite a while so that’s going to be fun. The things I’ve completed thus far: 4 shirts (tees and sweat) 2 hooded scarfs, 1 cable scarf. I am moving way too slowly. I have shows coming up and the inventory is not that deep anymore. But I believe in my process and I believe it will the plan will work when I work the plan.

That’s what I’m telling myself.