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GREETING 2008 – A GOOD YEAR TO CROCHET

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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.

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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

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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?

How to Crochet the Suzette Stitch: An Easy Textured Crochet Stitch for Beginners

Learning a crochet stitch is much more satisfying when you have an actual project waiting at the end of it. The Suzette stitch is especially versatile because its dense, softly textured fabric works for everything from practical cotton washcloths to cosy scarves, hats and blankets.

Here are some Suzette stitch crochet patterns worth adding to your project list.

Suzette Stitch Baby Blanket

The free Suzette Stitch Baby Blanket pattern from Premier Yarns uses the stitch to create a softly textured crochet blanket with a subtle tweed-like appearance.

This would make a lovely handmade baby shower gift, particularly when worked in a washable baby yarn. The stitch creates more visual interest than plain single crochet without introducing large holes that may catch tiny fingers.

Easy Suzette Stitch Blanket

The Suzette Stitch Blanket pattern by Stitching Together is another approachable blanket project for crocheters who enjoy a relaxing stitch repeat.

This is the sort of project you can keep beside the sofa and work on a few rows at a time. Just keep an eye on those skipped stitches—television crochet is wonderful until an extra stitch quietly sneaks in three episodes earlier.

Casey Suzette Stitch Scarf

The free Casey Scarf crochet pattern uses the Suzette stitch through most of the design, producing a cosy scarf with a softly scalloped, zigzag-like texture.

It is a good first wearable project for beginners because scarves do not require complicated shaping. You can also adjust the length fairly easily or use a self-striping yarn and let the colour changes do the decorative work for you.

Quick Suzette Crochet Scarf

For another scarf option, try this free Suzette Stitch Scarf pattern from Hooked by Robin.

The designer includes written instructions and a video tutorial, making it helpful for visual learners who prefer watching the stitch placement before beginning. It is designed as a quick project and would make a practical last-minute handmade gift.

Suzette Colour Block Scarf

The free Suzette Colour Block Scarf pattern is a cheerful option for using several coordinating yarn colours.

Colour blocking also makes this a handy stash-busting crochet project. You can use leftover yarn from other makes, although it is worth choosing yarns of the same weight and similar fibre content so the sections behave themselves after washing.

Chunky Suzette Stitch Beanie

The free Chunky Suzette Stitch Beanie crochet pattern turns the textured stitch into a warm winter hat.

Chunky yarn helps the pattern work up quickly and makes the raised texture especially noticeable. This would be a useful project for craft stalls, charity donations or quick handmade Christmas gifts.

Hazel Textured Crochet Beanie

The free Hazel Beanie crochet pattern combines simple ribbing with the Suzette stitch.

The ribbed brim gives the hat a neat, finished appearance while the Suzette stitch adds texture to the main body. It looks more complicated than a basic crochet beanie but is still built from familiar beginner stitches.

Suzette Stitch Washcloth

For a small practice project, try the free Suzette Stitch Wash Cloth pattern from The Purple Poncho.

A washcloth is one of the best ways to practise a new crochet stitch because it is small, useful and not terribly demanding. Even if the first one is slightly wonky, it will still wash perfectly well.

Use a smooth cotton yarn so the cloth is absorbent and the stitch texture remains clearly visible.

Suzette Ridge Crochet Washcloth

The free Suzette Ridge Crochet Washcloth pattern adds another layer of texture to this familiar stitch combination.

Make several in coordinating colours and pair them with handmade soap for an easy spa-style gift. They are also useful little projects for testing unfamiliar cotton yarn before committing to a larger set.

Corner-to-Corner Suzette Stitch Washcloth

The free C2C Suzette Stitch Washcloth pattern gives the stitch a slightly different construction by working it from corner to corner.

This is a good next project after you have mastered ordinary flat rows. It lets you explore increasing and decreasing while still using the familiar Suzette stitch combination.

Suzette Stitch Afghan Square

The Suzette Stitch Afghan Square pattern turns the textured stitch into a smaller crochet block.

Afghan squares are useful for charity blankets, sampler blankets and portable crochet projects. You can make the squares individually, use up leftover yarn and join everything together once you have enough—although “enough” has been known to become a surprisingly flexible number in my craft room.

More Suzette Stitch Crochet Pattern Ideas

Once you are comfortable with the basic stitch, you can also use it to make:

  • Crochet mug cosies
  • Ear warmers and headbands
  • Fingerless gloves
  • Cushion covers
  • Tote bags
  • Baby rompers
  • Crochet cardigans
  • Lap blankets
  • Double-thick potholders

You can browse additional Suzette stitch crochet patterns on Etsy, including sweaters, baby blankets, beanies, mug cosies and accessories from independent crochet designers.

When choosing a pattern, check whether it uses US or UK crochet terminology. Also check whether it uses the traditional Suzette stitch—one single crochet and one double crochet worked into the same stitch—or a designer’s variation of it. That quick check can prevent a great deal of confused unraveling later.