Crochet

Patterns, projects and techniques

GREETING 2008 – A GOOD YEAR TO CROCHET

by

irish-new-yr-image.jpg
Do you make New Year’s Resolutions? I don’t. I figure that if I’m really interested in making a change in my life, I need not wait for January 1 to make that change. Of course, there’s nothing wrong with making resolutions. In fact, it might be a good thing. Today, on NPR, I heard a ‘specialist’ speak on New Year’s Resolutions. He had some good things to say, but the most valuable information came from a caller. The woman stated that she had the most luck with change in her life by stating things in a positive manner – ‘I’m a non-smoker’ – was her solution. She had attempted to quit smoking many times and only when she began to see herself as a nonsmoker, to identify herself in a positive manner rather than feeling like she was depriving herself of something, she was able to affect change in her life.

new-yrs-resolution.jpg
What a great idea! So, I decided that I’d make some resolutions for a change. So, now I see myself – or will attempt to see myself – as:

an organized crocheter

a crocheter who finishes a project before she starts another

dolar-clip-art.jpg
a crocheter who sticks to her yarn/pattern buying budget.


Well, I think there’s probably not much hope for the first two – but I’m going to give it a try.

What are your Crochet Resolutions for 2008? Come on – SHARE. Post them so we can all see. After all, it’s well known that once you write something down, you’re more likely to follow through with it.

So, let’s see what ideas everyone has……

Comments

  1. My crochet resolutions are to finish as many of my WIP’s as I possibly can and if I dont feel like finishing them, frog them and reuse the yarn. I have too many projects going. My problem is I lose interest quickly. So here’s to my cleaning out my WIP bin and everyone getting all the things I said I was going to make them but never finished 🙂

    Happy New Year!

  2. Henceforth I shall be deemed StashKiller! I haven’t been crocheting a lot but I’m still buying yarn! I shall either use what I have or get rid of some.

  3. First resolution: is to say the nice things to people that I think…so-I love this site. I have it in my favorites and check it every day. I love the interesting and varied topics. Thank you so much. I appreciate your effort.
    Crochet resolution: or should I say promise to myself. I will try to make at least one new, different thing every six weeks. We sell one week out of every six, and the rest of the time I am making the same things over and over. I will also try to add one new crocheted item to my repertoire each time.
    Last resolution: Before I throw something away, stop and think what I might be able to use an item for. Too easy to toss what you get disgusted with.

    Glenda

  5. Since I have been crocheting for almost a year….these are my first crochet resolutions.
    Try to use up stash yarn. Maybe difficult since I have so many sized and colored balls left.

    Only buy yarn for a project I plan to do. Unnecessary yarn buying because it is on sale or free shipping after $45. Of course this does not apply to my Christmas $$ that I plan on buying random yarns on sale online….

    I need to not be so afraid of making a wearable. I need to be challenged more and need to try to understand patterns more and construction of a sweater.

    Need a well written explanation on how to sew squares together.

    Find a basic class on sewing…it would help my crochet skills.

    Do some sort of charity crocheting this year.

    GINA,

    YOU HAVE A VERY AMBITIOUS LIST FOR 2008.  GOOD FOR YOU!  HOPE WE CAN ASSIST YOU

    AS YOU CROCHET YOUR WAY THRU THE YEAR!

    JD

  6. what a great idea, thinking of yourself in positive scenarios as an alternative to the dreaded “resolutions!” 🙂
    in that light, i will add that “I see myself:”
    -finishing the stoles for xmas 2006!
    -making the Seraphina Shawl i bought all the yummy yarn for last summer!
    -as a confident (not hesitant!) crocheter!!

    organization and budget aren’t my friends, but i think we might actually be able to negotiate a peace this year, if i just keep my chin up and pretend i am not ocd/add, LOL!! (i really am, and it makes having a crochet hobby very interesting ;))

    HAPPY NEW YEAR, JD, and everybody!!

  7. YOU are all filled with great ideas for 2008 and with very KIND words for my blog. THANK YOU! It makes my day to hear that my blog and my ideas are enjoyed and appreciated.

    Christi has some great ideas for stating things positively. Glad to hear those.

    Glenda, for a relatively new crocheter is certainly headed in the right direction – learning more and taking care of what you already have around you.

    With crafting especially, recycling (re-using and re-purposing) is dear to my heart. I’m always saving buttons, scraps of fabric, bits of yarn, etc for my crafting. As I’ve written earlier, just the right button can MAKE a design – but I hate to spend $4 on the button when I can find one in my stash of buttons I’ve cut off worn garments or from bags of buttons I’ve purchased at thrift stores or garage sales. Same goes for yarn. I have a lot of ‘new’ yarn and a huge amount that I’ve rescued from thrift stores and other sales.

    I’m grateful and encouraged by the resolutions of others. Thanks so much for sharing your thoughts!
    jd

  8. My resolution is to crochet more and surf less!!! No more spending 3 and 4 hours a day on the computer!!!! I’m also going to concentrate on using my stash. Stash killer!!!! That’s awesome, Kris!!!!

    YOU GO LEAH!  use up that stash and stay off the computer!  i need to do the same thing!!

    jd

  9. My new year resolution is on the lines of most of you..
    i need to complete my crochet projects..i have doilies in all stages of completion ..some needing as little as half a round to get them done.
    resolution number one -I want to complete all my crochet projects and work on only two at one time (one in thread and one brain-dead pattern in yarn)
    resolution number two – devote atleast half and hour to one hour every day for working on my non-crochet UFO’s
    resolution number three – bite the bullet and start un-subbing from groups to ensure less time on the net and more time for my crafts
    thanks JD for making me think this through and put it down

    BUT JAISHREE, DON’T UNSUB FROM THIS LIST!  you have too many good ideas.

    jd

  10. My crochet resolutions:
    – I will make at least one new, different thing every month.
    – I will teach tunisian crochet to my aunt Elena.
    – I will dedicate more time to crochet than surfing the net.
    Those are writen with a positive mind. We’ll see next December…
    Thank you for this wonderful site!

    MARU,  THANKS FOR THESE KIND WORDS – AND GOOD FOR YOU FOR TEACHING CROCHET.  WE NEED TO CARRY THE ART FORWARD AND SHARE IT WITH OTHERS.

    jd

Have you read?

Crocheting Christmas Gifts? Make This Supply Checklist Before You Buy More Yarn

I have never met a crocheter who needed much encouragement to buy yarn. The trouble starts when the yarn arrives and the project also needs a smaller hook, stuffing, buttons, a tapestry needle and a shade of green that looks nothing like the one on the screen.

If you are crocheting Christmas gifts this year, a little planning before you shop can save several stops and starts. Pick your projects, check the patterns properly and make one supply list for the whole gift pile. You can still enjoy choosing beautiful yarn. You will simply know what it is for.

This checklist is especially useful if you are making several small gifts, such as ornaments, mug cozies or stocking fillers. If you order supplies online, Amazon Prime may be convenient for eligible items. Check the price, contents and delivery estimate for your address before ordering, rather than assuming every item in your cart will arrive together.

1. Choose projects that fit the time you have

Start by writing down the recipients and a realistic project for each one. A pair of elaborate amigurumi toys may be a joy in September and a rather different proposition in December.

Small pieces are easier to fit around everything else Christmas brings. Our free crochet Santa spiral ornament can be used as a tree decoration or gift topper. If you want more tiny festive projects, CraftBits has a crochet peppermint candy pattern to consider.

Read the entire pattern before adding supplies to your cart. Check the stated skill level, finished size and any assembly or finishing steps. A project that looks quick in the photo may have several pieces to sew together.

2. List the yarn by weight, fibre and amount

For each pattern, note the yarn weight, suggested fibre, colour and required yardage or metres. If you substitute yarn, compare more than the colour. A bulky chenille will produce a very different result from smooth cotton, even if both are labelled “cream.”

When buying crochet yarn on Amazon, check the amount in each skein and calculate how many you need. Leave a little allowance for gauge differences and joining pieces. If the finished size matters, make a gauge swatch with the yarn and hook you intend to use.

If pattern abbreviations or supply details are confusing, our guide to reading crochet patterns explains what to look for before starting.

3. Check every hook size before buying another set

Write the hook size beside each project on your list. Look through the hooks you already own before buying a new set just for one missing size. If you crochet often, a comfortable hook in your most-used sizes can be a better purchase than a large assortment you rarely touch.

For amigurumi, the hook listed in the pattern helps produce a firm fabric that holds the stuffing inside. Changing yarn or hook size can change the finished dimensions and the amount of yarn you use.

4. Add the finishing supplies people forget

This is the part of the list that saves me the most frustration. Depending on your projects, you may need:

  • Tapestry needles for weaving in ends and sewing pieces together
  • Stitch markers
  • Stuffing
  • Buttons or embroidery floss for details
  • Ornament hanging loops
  • Labels, tissue paper or small gift boxes

Check whether a kit includes these items before buying them twice. If you are making toys for a baby or very young child, avoid detachable small parts and follow appropriate toy-safety guidance; embroidered features are often a better choice than plastic eyes.

5. Work out the cost per finished gift

If you are making the same ornament for several people, buying the main yarn colours and ornament hanging supplies in suitable quantities may simplify the job. First calculate how many complete gifts the supplies will make. A big multipack only helps your budget if you will use it.

Include stuffing, finishing pieces and packaging in the total. Scraps from your existing stash may cover some colour changes, so shop your yarn basket before adding another six-pack of red.

6. Give yourself a finishing deadline

Aim to finish crocheting a few days before the gifts need to be wrapped. That leaves time to sew on the last detail, weave in the ends, wash or block pieces where appropriate and package them nicely. I know weaving in ends feels like a task for Future Me, but Future Me is usually busy wrapping presents.

If you decide to use Prime for your crochet supply shopping, check the current membership terms and the delivery date shown for each eligible item at checkout. Then put the parcel aside, make a cup of tea and enjoy the reason you bought it all: giving someone a gift made by your own hands.