Comments on: IT’S TIME FOR A CONTEST – win a PRIZE!!

By: Juanita Noble

Juanita Noble — Wed, 17 Sep 2008 02:12:23 +0000

I enjoy crocheting and love to give things to charity I am now making lap ghans for the nursing home in Town would love to have done by Christmas but am having arm trouble so maybe I can have it done by next year.
I learned to crochet very young my first thing was a dress for a very small doll pin.
Crochet is another word for love and enjoyment

By: Lois Hatcher

Lois Hatcher — Sun, 24 Jun 2007 04:59:48 +0000

As a new crocheter, I belive the best tip that I can give is to count, count, count, and believe in yourself and that what you make comes from the heart not only the pattern. So if it is not really exactly like the pattern, who knows, maybe you have created a pattern yourself, but at least you know you have put your heart into it, and that is what crocheting is about, having fun, enjoy what you are doing, giving it your all, putting your love in it and doing the best you can, if you do that, no one can judge you, for you know you have given it your best, its the effort you put into it and just keep on keeping on enjoying what your passion is

By: Pamela

Pamela — Thu, 24 May 2007 19:23:04 +0000

I was taught to crochet by holding the hook like a pencil but as I got older I found my hand cramped after just a few minutes. I tried different positions but the one that seemed to work for me was to hold it like a knife with your whole hand wrapped around it. I can crochet for hours like this without have my hand cramping.

By: Linda from Az.

Linda from Az. — Tue, 10 Apr 2007 05:03:35 +0000

Something that I have all ways remembered is to remember the basics from the chain to the finished project. When I am doing a large project I take a sheet of paper and write all the numbers of the rows on it and mark them off when I am done with that row. It seems to help from getting lost, where you are at.

By: Sherri

Sherri — Mon, 09 Apr 2007 17:12:34 +0000

When wanting to keep your place in a pattern use sticky notes. I find them invaluable. They not only keep your place, but you can write on them as well. If you have repeats, like repeat this last row 21 times, I use tally marks right on the sticky note. I have never lost my place using this method.

By: Anita in Evansville, IN

Anita in Evansville, IN — Fri, 30 Mar 2007 16:58:25 +0000

I always put my pattern on one of those little “lap desks” on my lap to begin a project, that way I don’t have to lay down my work to read the pattern and keep track of what I am doing. It saves me some time.

By: Deb Wolf

Deb Wolf — Fri, 30 Mar 2007 13:54:12 +0000

When beginning a project with a chain row, mine ALWAYS were too tight. I would get a few rows and the chain would already be too tight, no “give”. I now use a double foundation chain (found at weirdmirror). This “chain” will give you a little more flexability and helps eliminate this problem for me. I use a hook 1 size larger than the pattern,turn, then switch hooks. This chain is also a boon when doing purse handles… more stability. The chain has really nice stitching holes on either side and looks finished at this point for a narrow handle. For a little wider handle,sc up one side, 3 sc in end st and sc down the other side and 2 sc in end Fasten off. Wider still, add shells or decorative picots as you wish to dress it up. Attach to the purse or tote with same yarn at the back (I do this before I line the purse or tote so all is hidden….)

By: Barbara Grenier

Barbara Grenier — Sun, 25 Mar 2007 16:21:46 +0000

Just came across this. It has to do with gauge and a swatch before starting a project. We all measure the swatch flat but if this is a garment that it not the way it will be worn. So attach some weights to one end (not too heavy) and hold it up and measure again. You will be amazed at the difference.

By: Leslie from VA

Leslie from VA — Fri, 23 Mar 2007 07:03:50 +0000

I have horrible trouble with ends comming out in very soft yarn. Even if I weave them in, they always seem to come loose. I also have trouble with joining a new color of yarn. A friend of mine gave me a hint to join. Tie a knot and leave tails. Then knot the end of the tails back onto the yarn that you still have to crochet in, just make sure you put the old color knot on the remainder of the old color yarn. I found this much easier when making alot of afghans for Project Linus and didn’t want to take alot of time weaving in the ends.

By: Judy

Judy — Mon, 19 Mar 2007 15:11:07 +0000

To keep the ends secured in a crocheted dishcloth, weave end in, doubling back, and add a tiny drop of fabric glue. This will keep the ends secured through repeated washings.

By: Cindy

Cindy — Sat, 10 Mar 2007 21:59:12 +0000

My tip is to try a recycled craft idea using recycled materials. You will be surprised at what you can crochet with. Plastic bags, VHS tape, cassette tape, recycled yarn from an old sweater, old fabric or jeans cut into strips, ribbon, string, and the list can go on. It’s fun and your project is virtually free. Plus itâ€™s very rewarding to create something out of junk and itâ€™s so eco-friendly. There are lots of websites out there with tips and free patterns so check it out and give it a try!

By: Ruby

Ruby — Fri, 09 Mar 2007 23:11:47 +0000

I’m going to call this “Part 2″
When weaving in ends to keep them from working out double back so it is more secure.
Hope this helps someone!

By: Ruby

Ruby — Fri, 09 Mar 2007 22:54:55 +0000

Ok, I thought of something recently working on an afghan where I am sewing together motifs.
To keep from having so many loose ends to weave in , when beginning to sew weave thru an inch or two first(being sure to pull ’til end of yarn is not visable) then knot it and start your sewing. Now when you get to binding off be sure to leave enough to weave thru an inch or so of work before cutting it off.Hey this will cut down on “weaving in tails” time! Hope this makes sense,because it really works.

By: Ronnie Titus

Ronnie Titus — Fri, 09 Mar 2007 19:27:45 +0000

My tip is to make copies of your pattern and/or chart. Then “blow-it-up” and make it darker, so it’s easier to read. You can mark off the rows/rounds as you finish them and if you ever decide to make the pattern again, you don’t have to worry about “is this from this time or the previous one”. Also, you can easily fold this copy and place it in the bag with all your yarn, so you don’t “misplace” the pattern, and if you change the hook size – just write it on the copy.

By: Rosemary Smith

Rosemary Smith — Fri, 09 Mar 2007 04:35:03 +0000

The thing that I think is necessary is to take the time to do a gauge swatch. I always have to use a hook one or two sizes smaller than recommended. Guess I crochet too loosely. I try to do this when I am wide awake and my mind is focusing solely on my project.