Crochet

Patterns, projects and techniques

Label Your Crochet

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Why, you may ask, is a Crochet Blog featuring a book that has ‘Quilt’ in its title?  Well, one thing that quilting and crocheting have in common – oh, well, there are several things – is that they are fiber arts, created by hand (some quilts are also machine made), frequently gifted, and need a good way to document who made them and on what occasion.  This book is perfect for doing that.  Although designed for quilts, the tags in it will work perfectly for most crochet projects.

Quilt Labels ISBN 9781592173686

The book contains 60 iron-on transfers of all sizes and for all occasions.  There are complete, well-written instructions for creating the labels using the transfers, tips for adding color to the labels, and a reminder to put a date on all your projects.  The author’s instructions are for sewing the labels to your projects , but I have a different technique that I feel works better for crochet.  Here it is!

 

and here is the product description so you’ll know exactly what the benefit is for your crocheted items:

Aleene’s Flexible Stretchable Fabric Glue. Decorate and embellish T-shirts and other stretchable fabrics with this permanent non-toxic fabric glue. It will stretch without cracking or breaking away from fabric. Can withstand repeated delicate hand washings.

Since the book has so many different labels, you can theme the label to your crocheted item.  You can add color to your label, using permanent fabric markers to add interest.  You can tuck your label in a pocket or underside of a project or you can place it in a prominent position so that it’s a key part of your project.

If you happen to be a person who sews, quilts, knits, and/or crochets, you’ll like this book.  It’s a gem.

BOOK SPECS:

Author is Brooke Smith

Published by House of White Birches, 2011  – book #141330

ISBN 9781592173686

$9.95 USD

 

Comments

  1. Just wanted to add a note that you can also print on fabric using a computer printer, and use the stretchy glue to attach that. Then you are only limited by you imagination as to the style and look of your label

    keep up the good work. I love reading your blog

Have you read?

Crochet Christmas Dove Ornaments With a Printable Gift Poem

There is something especially lovely about a handmade gift that comes with a few thoughtful words. These crochet Christmas birds pair a folded yarn ornament with a decorative poem card, turning a little crochet project into a keepsake.

The design has a rounded head, a tiny embroidered eye and beak, and a forked tail. A broad overlapping section forms the wing, giving the bird that folded, origami-inspired appearance. It is a simple-looking shape with plenty of handmade charm.

A Crochet Bird That Doubles as a Gift Topper

What appeals to me most is the idea of using the bird twice. Tie it onto a wrapped present as a gift topper, then let the recipient hang it on their Christmas tree afterwards. The wrapping gets recycled, the ribbon goes into somebody’s “far too useful to throw away” drawer, and the bird becomes part of next year’s decorations.

Cream would be a lovely choice for a Christmas dove, while cranberry red, sage green and dusty blue offer a different seasonal look. Keeping the wing plain lets the crochet texture and folded layers stand out.

For a personalised crochet gift tag, an embroidered initial is a sweet addition. One small letter gives the ornament a purpose without needing to squeeze an entire name onto the wing.

The Printable Christmas Dove Card

The accompanying printable brings the gift together. Watercolour-style holly, evergreen branches, berries and gold accents frame the card, with space above the poem for attaching the crocheted bird.

The original Christmas poem shares wishes for peace, joy and love, then invites the recipient to hang the dove on their tree. There is also a “With love from” line, so the finished card feels like a complete little present.

I would print it on firm cardstock and attach the bird with a removable thread or ribbon loop. That way, the recipient can lift it off the card easily when it is time to decorate the tree.

It is a thoughtful Christmas gift concept, especially for crafters who enjoy making small decorations with a personal touch. The bird and poem card belong together: a little handmade ornament, a Christmas wish, and something to bring out again next December.