My 52 Week Crochet Challenge: Week 21

Week 21

What is your favourite crochet hook and why?

I have used a few different crochet hooks over the years.  I've used wooden hooks, bamboo ones, plastic, aluminium and steel.  I'd have to say that out of the hooks I've tried in the past, my favourite crochet hook would have to be the aluminium Boye hooks.  They are somewhat easy on the hands (the smaller you get, the harder it becomes, but that's understandable.  Sometimes I use a plastic gripper on the smaller, thinner hooks for a better grip) the yarn slides easily on the hooks and I find it much easier to fit the aluminium hooks into tighter spots.

I cannot stand using plastic crochet hooks.  I once was in a pinch and had misplaced my "G/6-4.25mm" hook and was pattern testing and on a deadline.  I had to run over to Walmart and buy another G/6-4.25mm hook, but to my surprise, they were all out of the Boye aluminium hooks.  All they had were these plastic hooks.  I had no choice but to buy one.  Worst mistake ever!!  I should have just hopped over to Michael's and purchased my hook there instead of wasting a few bucks on a lousy hook that I only used for all of one project before I gave it away (sorry for the rant).  The hook did not sit nicely in my hand and what annoyed me the most, is how the yarn stuck to the hook.  There was so much friction, crocheting became a chore.  I ended up giving the hook away to a very beginner crocheter.  I thought the friction that horrible hook created would help her not drop as many stitches and it would help her go slower so she could pay more attention to detail.  I did warn her that it was a horrible hook but she liked it until she got more confident and now she doesn't know how she ever used it.  It was a Red Heart plastic crochet hook.  I do not recommend them AT ALL!!! 

My 52 Week Crochet Challenge: Week 20

Week 20

It's Christmas in July!  Start by planning and starting your Christmas and/or Holiday projects.

For Christmas this year, I'm going to try and crochet this this beautiful blanket by Red Heart.  It's quite the challenge...or so it seems.  I have not yet attempted to try a spiral pattern, so this will be new for me.  I will be using the recommended Red Heart Soft yarn.  I will post photos as I go along. 

My 52 Week Crochet Challenge: Week 19

Week 19

Have you ever made a crochet item that you've seen on TV or in a movie? If yes, show us a picture. If no, find a pattern you'd like to make and link to it. Hint: The Ravelry forums are a great place to find topics like this!

No, I have not made an item that I've seen on tv or in a movie.  I do love these hats which was showcased on Orange is the New Black and would love to try finding the pattern and make it for the fall.  

My 52 Week Crochet Challenge: Week 18

Week 18

 Name movie or TV show in which someone is crocheting, or that has a crocheted item in it.

Well, this weeks challenge is easy, Veronica Mars the tv show.  They actually feature a lot of crocheted items throughout the series.  Everything from a blue and white crocheted afghan to a pink purse, a necklace, scarfs and hats and even a very pretty top.

Here's a hat worn by Wallace's girlfriend, Jackie, in season 2, episode 13 "Ain't No Mountain High Enough"

and here's Parker breaking up with Logan in season 3, episode 20 "The Bitch is Back"

and Veronica's purse in season 3, episode 2 "My Big Fat Greek Rush Week"

I have just started watching the Netflix Original show Orange is the New Black and have not only noticed a lot of crocheted items in just about every episode, but you actually get to see the older inmates crocheting to keep busy!

My 52 Week Crochet Challenge: Week 17

Week 17

Celebrate the First Day of Summer (June 27,2014) by crocheting a beach or summer fun project.

For this weeks project I have decided to crochet my youngest son a summer hat for the beach.  We will be going on holiday to Prince Edward Island, where the sand and dirt is red because of the high iron content.  I've made his hat using pure white cotton in hopes that we can stain it with the sand, dirt and clay to turn the hat a rust colour.  On the island they actually sell shirts, hats, bags...etc that have been stained with island mud, but I thought it would be cooler if we made our own...or at least try.  I used this simple yet cute hat pattern by Kiel Lemon.  I have augmented it slightly to fit my son's head.
My model having too much fun posing for the camera!  

My 52 Week Crochet Challenge: Week 16

Week 16

Find a small crochet pattern, such as a square or motif, that has a stitch chart. Work the project from only the chart, without following any written instructions.

I SUCK at following pattern stitch charts so I searched for the easiest pattern I could find that had a chart I could follow.  After several attempts to follow charts in the many many MANY crochet books I own, I found this pattern here by Lana creations; a cute, small little flower.  This challenge was a challenge because to my eyes, everything just blurs together and makes a mess.  I blew up the stitch chart and followed step by step marking off the steps I've completed as I worked.

My 52 Week Crochet Challenge: Week 15

Week 15

Did you know that crochet terminology is different in the U.S. and the U.K.? Google search UK crochet patterns and find a pattern you'd like to "interpret".

Ok, so I'm super behind on my challenges.  June was a super busy month for me and it looks like July is going to be a busy one too.  I wonder if anyone else had a hard time time finding patterns written in UK terms as I did.  I looked around the internet for what seemed like ages to find a nice pattern that was written in UK terms, however it seems that the few projects I did come across were not in my taste.  So I decided to take it upon myself to do something a little different with this weeks challenge.  I'm going to "translate" a US term pattern in UK terms.

My boys birthday is a little over a month away and we are throwing a Pokemon inspired theme party.  For the favours, we've decided I was going to make little pokeballs and a little bag (like my Cute Little Bags) in the pokemon original colours of red, black and white and we are going to put some Pokemon cards in them and call them "deck sacks".  The "deck sacks" pattern is what I'm going to translate....So here it is....

Pokémon Inspired 'Deck' Cases
© Copyright 2014 Nyela d’Endel
 

Please note this pattern is written in UK terms.  

Below you will find a UK to US term chart.

Materials needed

Worsted weight (4) yarn in 3 colours (A-White, B-Black and C-Red )

H/8 - 5.00mm hook

Chain marker

Tapestry needle

No gauge required

Abbreviations **Please note these are UK terms**

Rnd = round
ch = chain
dc = double crochet

htc = half treble crochet
st = stitch
sts = stitches
sl st = slip stitch
dec = decrease
F/O = fasten off

Using your H/8-5.00mm hook and working in rounds. Place a stitch marker in the last st of the rnd and move marker up at the end of each rnd.

**How to change the colour of yarn working in htc rounds.  Start by making an htc as you would normally… insert hook, pull up a loop, there should be 3 loops on your hook, but now use the new colour to pull through all 3 loops on hook.    

With white yarn (A)

Rnd 1 - Ch 16, htc in 2^nd ch from hook and then 1 htc across.  Work 1 extra htc in last ch.  Do not turn, instead, work on bottom loops of the chain and 1 htc across working 1 extra htc in last ch. Place stitch marker (32)

Rnd 2 - 1 htc in each htc around.  Place a stitch marker (32)

Rnd 3 - 1 htc in each htc around (32)

Rnd 4 - 1 htc in each htc around (32)

Rnd 5 - 1 htc in each htc around (32)

Rnd 6 - 1 htc in each htc around (32)

Rnd 7 - 1 htc in each htc around (32)

Rnd 8 - 1 htc in each htc around changing to black (B) yarn with last stitch** (32)

Rnd 9 - 1 htc in each htc around changing to red (C) yarn with last stitch** (32)

Rnd 10 - 1 htc in each htc around (32)

Rnd 11 - 1 htc in each htc around (32)

Rnd 12 - 1 htc in each htc around (32)

Rnd 13 - 1 dc in each htc around (32)

Rnd 14 - *1 dc in next 4 dc, ch 8, skip 8 stitches, 1 dc in next 4 dc*.  Repeat from * to * around (32)

Rnd 15 - 1 dc in each dc and each ch space around (32)

Rnd 16 - 1 dc in next 4 dc, 1 htc in next 8 dc, 1 dc in next 8 dc, 1 htc in next 8 htc 1 dc in next 3 dc and 1 sl st in last stitch around (32)

F/O and weave in all tails inside the bag.

  

UK to US terms

 

UK	US
ch - chain	ch - chain
dc - double crochet	sc - single crochet
tr - treble crochet	dc - double crochet
htc - half treble crochet	hdc - half double crochet
sl st - slip stitch	sl st - slip stitch

 

Life is Crazy

Well, I'm really behind on my posting.  I've complete several projects but just haven't had the time to post anything.  Hopefully I will get some time to sit down, upload my photos and write about what I've been up to.  In the mean time, I hope everyone is having a wonderful summer. 

My 52 Week Crochet Challenge: Week 14

Week 14

Crochet in public sometimes this week and tell us about your experience.
52 Week Crochet Challenge

So I'm a little behind on my challenges this month because my lovely sister and brother-in-law from over-seas came down for a visit.  She just left to go back home and will be really missed by all.  We await your next visit eagerly.

This challenge was super easy since I usually carry small projects around in my purse.  I usually do my work while waiting for appointments or when I'm sitting in the car waiting for my son to finish his piano lesson, but to do this weeks challenge, I took my hook and a ball of 100% cotton yarn and sat on a bench at the park, one evening while my kids played, and I crocheted a slouchy hat.

Some people stopped to watch me.  One lady asked what I was making, when I told her she said "That's so neat!  You are literally making something beautiful from string and a stick, how cool!"  Most people, though, paid no attention to me.  I saw a couple of parents from the neighbourhood who I know.  They stopped by to say "Hello!" but no comments on what I was doing.

On a different occasion, I took a small ball of acrylic yarn and whipped up a baby beanie with some bear ears while at a different park.  There weren't many people there.  One little boy asked what I was making and when I told him, he just walked away and went back to playing.

People at the doctor's or dentist's office don't ask what I'm doing or making...usually.  There are those occasions where you have an older lady, who also crochets, comments on a pattern or project, but mostly people pay no attention to me.... they are usually engrossed with something on their phone or tablets!

My 52 Week Crochet Challenge: Week 13

Week 13 

Find a new crochet tip to try this week.  A good place to start is at Crochet Central: Tips and Tricks.
52 Week Crochet Challenge 

A new crochet tip eh?!  There are lots of them out there.  I've been crocheting for 7 years now and have come across a ton through out the years that I currently use, so I decided to check out the website recommended for some new ideas and there were a ton of handy tips and tricks, some, I never would have thought of.

I liked the one where people were storing their yarn in clean, empty pop bottles for neat and tidy storage (I don't actually have any empty soda bottles at home right now to use for a demonstration).

Another great tip was placing your yarn (especially when working with multiple colours) in a colander and sticking their yarn through different holes to keep things from tangling up.  That was a great idea!

But the new crochet tip I found this week that I actually really like, is by Stacey Trock of Fresh Stitches Amigurumi.  It's what she calls the "The Sloppy Slip Knot".  I actually prefer this method now, when working with my amigurumi projects.  I'll be honest, I'm not sure if I'll use this method all the time, when working in the round, because I do like using the magic ring, but it's a great alternative!      

Another great tip I read was when finishing up for the day and you want to keep you work from unraveling, place a bobby pin or safety pin in your last loop to hold it securely, so it won't pull through.

Also, you can use a bobby pin as a stitch marker.  It doesn't shift around too much and is thin enough to stitch around.

There were some great new tips and tricks I learned this week.  Another great challenge!

Corner to Corner Afghans Are All the Rage... or so it seems!

So it seems that everyone is crocheting these awesome corner to corner (c2c) afghans lately...or maybe I'm just noticing them more since I've totally fallen in love with this technique!!  Since it feels as if everyone is raving about the c2c way of crocheting, I decided to try it out.  I ended up finding it to be a super quick and easy pattern, and I just love the textured look the finished project gets from this style of crochet.  I also love how fast the rows work up.

I got about 15 rows in and decided to turn it into a pillow case for a decorative pillow I have that's in need of a new cover.  I have only finished one panel so far and will need to come up with a boarder idea.  Here's a link to the Corner To Corner Afghan video.  Check it out, it's super quick and easy; great for beginners who know how to double crochet and are confident enough to try something new!!!  Give it a whirl!   The c2c afghan works up so soft and cuddly and would make a great baby blanket, perfect for a baby shower gift! 

Side note, I chose the green and pink stripe so it ties in with this beautiful tapestry I own.  Purely a personal touch!

My 52 Week Crochet Challenge: Week 12

Week 12

What is the best crochet tip you learned that you use all the time?  Please share links too.
52 Week Crochet Challenge 


Week 12's challenge is not much of a challenge, but it is a great question!  For me, the greatest tip I learned, and it's one that I use every time I crochet, when working with different colours, is how to switch between colours without having to tie little knots; it was revolutionary!  I couldn't believe it, no more trying to hide those pesky little knots within my projects.  No more weaving in tails through out my projects.  No more hoping I tied my knots tight enough so that it doesn't pull out and look loose and untidy.

Unfortunately, I do not remember the site where I had found this tip the first time.  It was on YouTube, but for the life of me, I cannot find it.  Here is a link to a different tutorial video that teaches how to easily change colours while crocheting and how to hide the tails while doing so WITHOUT knots, and below you will find my photo tutorial of how to do it!  Enjoy!

My version of how to change the colour of yarn when crocheting

Start by making an sc as you would normally....

... insert hook, pull up a loop, there should be 2 hoops on your hook.

tie a slip knot on your hook with the new colour and then  use the new colour to pull through both loops on hook and voilà!

Now, when you go to make your next sc (or hdc, or dc, or tr....same rules apply, add new colour when there are 2 hoops left on the hook...or in hdc's case, 3 hoops) leave the tails from the end of the original colour (in this case blue) and the tail from the new colour (white) on top and slide your hook under.

 Then yarn over and pull up a loop and finish like a regular sc (y/o and pull through both loops)

 This way, the tails are hidden under the new sc. 

 Continue this a few more time to secure the tails and make sure they can't come undone.

 I usually do it anywhere from 4 to 8 stitches, and ta-da, no tails to weave in!!

This has been the best and most used tip I've come across so far.  I wish I could remember the link to the lady who posted the video I stumbled upon to give her credit for teaching me this method because it has become my go-to method for changing colours!! 

Plants vs. Zombies inspired Cherry Bomb

My kids are huge Plants vs. Zombies fans (Plants vs. Zombies is a registered trademark of PopCap Games).  They loved the computer game so much we had to get it for the Xbox and my son's Nintendo 3DS.  When they are not playing the game, they are acting it out.  One kid will pretend to be a plant and the other will be a zombie and then they have at it.  They read Plants vs. Zombies books and collect PvZ stickers.  Santa brought them PvZ figurines to play with because that's all they wanted for Christmas.  They are totally obsessed with the game.  I have searched high and low for PvZ Crochet Patterns and have come across a few really nice ones, but I have yet to find a pattern for the Cherry Bomb which is my youngest son's favourite plant in the game, so I thought I'd have a go at it and try and write up a pattern for him; this is what I came up with.
I hope the pattern makes sense.  Please let me know if there are any mistakes and I'll address them right away.

Cherry Bomb inspired by Plants vs. Zombies

©Nyela’s Nook 2014

Materials needed

Worsted weight (4) yarn in Red, Brown and Green H/8-5.00mm hook G/7-4.25mm hook polyester stuffing Black, white and green felt (for eyes and teeth) Black yarn (for mouth) tapestry needle chain marker Fabric glue

No gauge required

Abbreviations

Rnd = round

Ch = chain

sc = single crochet

hdc = half double crochet

dc = double crochet

tr = triple crochet

st = stitch

sts = stitches

sl st(s) = slip stitch(s)

dec = decrease

F/O = fasten off

The Cherries

 

Make 2

Using your H/8-5.00mm hook and work in rounds. Place a stitch marker in last st of every rnd and move the marker up at the end of each rnd.

*Note* I crocheted one cherry with normal tension and the other cherry with tighter tension making one cherry ever so slightly smaller than the other.

Rnd 1 – Ch 2, 6 sc in second ch from hook (6)

Working in back loops only (not necessary but I liked the effect it had on these bombs)

Rnd 2 - 2 sc in each sc (12) Place stitch marker here and move up at the end of each rnd.

Rnd 3 - *2 sc in next st, 1 sc in next st* repeat from * to * (18)

Rnd 4 - *2 sc in next st, 1 sc in next 2 sts* repeat from * to * (24)

Rnd 5 - *2 sc in next st, 1 sc in next 3 sts* repeat from * to * (30)

Rnd 6 to 10 - 1 sc in each sc (30)

Rnd 11 - *1 sc dec with next 2 sts, 1 sc in next 3 sts* repeat from * to * (24)

Rnd 12 - *1 sc dec with next 2 sts, 1 sc in next 2 sts* repeat from * to * (18)

Using the black white and green felt, cut out and glue on the eyes.  Sew on the mouth with black yarn and cut out 2 small square teeth with white felt and glue into place. Stuff the ball using polyester stuffing.

Rnd 13 - *1 sc dec with next 2 sts, 1 sc in next st* repeat from * to * (12)

Rnd 14 - *1 sc dec with next 2 sts* repeat from * to * (6)

Rnd 15 - 1 sc dec with next st, 1 sc dec with 4th st.  F/O leaving a long tail and secure.

With a tapestry needle, pull excess yarn through to the bottom. Insert the needle in the next gap and pull back up to the top pulling taught, repeat this step once more. You should end up with a little indent to place the stem. Hide excess tail inside the Cherry.

The Stems

Crochet with the G/7-4.25mm hook and brown yarn

First stem, for larger cherry

Ch 17, 1 sl st in second ch from hook and continue slip stitching across (16)

 F/O and leave a long tail for attaching to cherries. Attach this stem to the larger, looser crocheted cherry.

Second stem, for smaller cherry

Ch 21, 1 sl st in second ch from hook and continue sl sts across (20)

F/O leaving a long tail for attaching. Attach this stem to the smaller, tighter cherry

Attach the 2 stems together by slip stitching through both stems at the very top twice.  F/O and weave in ends.

The Leaves

Make 3

Crochet with the G/7-4.25mm hook and green yarn

Ch 10, 1 sl st in second ch from hook, 1 sl st in next ch, 1 sc in next ch, 1 hdc in next ch, 1 dc in next ch, 1 tr in next ch, 1 dc in next ch, 1 hdc in next ch, 3 sc in next ch.  Do not turn, instead work on bottom loops of the chain and 1 hdc in next ch, 1 dc in next ch, 1 tr in next ch, 1 dc in next ch, 1 hdc in next ch, 1 sc in next ch, 1 sl st in next ch, 1 sl st in next ch and 1 sl st into first sl st.  F/O leaving a tail long enough to fasten the stem. 

Attach by sewing all 3 leaves to the top of the stem (where they are connected) and weave the extra tails into the leaves.

 

Please note that I am not the most skilled at drawing and cutting out shapes.  My eyes and teeth are a little off!

 

My 52 Week Crochet Challenge: Week 11

Week 11

What kind of crocheter are you? Do you like to follow a pattern exactly as written? Do you like to “wing it” and make things up as you go? Are you a little of both?
52 Week Crochet Challenge 

For me, as my crocheting year have progressed, I'd have to say I'm a little of both (and I say that very loosely) but it depends on what I'm making.  I usually (95% of the time) follow a pattern letter for letter but sometimes I feel an extra step, my personal touch (eg, a cute scalloped edge or extra increases or rounds for sizing or embellishments for decor) may enhance an already awesome pattern.  I don't really "wing it" since I only started making my own patterns recently (and that too, a lot of time and effort goes into creating one...even a simple one.  I'm still learning!!) unless it was a quick scarf for my son when he was a baby or some wash cloths with my left over cotton yarn.  As I said in Week 10, I use to have a difficult time reading patterns and ended up having to rewrite them in order to understand all the abbreviations, so I never, ever, EVER would have tried adding or subtracting from a pattern, and forget "winging it", I wouldn't have even entertain such a crazy idea.  But over the years, I've gotten much more comfortable with my skills and now I do what feels and looks right for a pattern, to me.         

The Pokémon Inspiration Part 2

I have been working on a pattern for some Plants Vs. Zombies inspired toys for my kids because they are obsessed with PvZ and I ended up being really inspired to use features from my PvZ pattern to make a few Pokémon inspired Pokéballs and this is what I came up with.  My kids are also super Pokémon fans, so this worked out well.  Please let me know if there are any errors and I'll fix it up right away.  Enjoy!

Pokéball Inspired Toy

© Copyright 2014 Nyela d’Endel

Materials needed

Worsted weight (4) yarn in 3 colours (I used Red Heart Super Saver yarn)
(A) red (usually red, but you can use any colour.  Here's a list of different Pokéballs)
(B) black
(C) white
G /6-4.25mm hook
H/8-5.00mm hook
polyester stuffing
tapestry needle
chain marker

No gauge required

Abbreviations

Rnd = round
ch = chain
sc = single crochet
st = stitch
sts = stitches
sl st = slip stitch
dec = decrease
F/O = fasten off

Using your H/8-5.00mm hook and colour (A) yarn, work in rounds.  Place a stitch marker in last st of every rnd and mover marker up at the end of each rnd.

Rnd 1 – Ch 2, 6 sc in second ch from hook (6)

Working in back loops only

Rnd 2 - 2 sc in each sc (12) Place stitch marker here and move up at the end of each rnd.

Rnd 3 - *2 sc in next st, 1 sc in next st* repeat from * to * (18)

Rnd 4 - *2 sc in next st, 1 sc in next 2 sts* repeat from * to * (24)
Rnd 5 - *2 sc in next st, 1 sc in next 3 sts* repeat from * to * (30)
Rnd 6 - 1 sc in each sc (30)

Rnd 7 - 1 sc in each sc and join with sl st in last sc of rnd.  F/O with colour (A) (30)

Using colour (B) yarn

Continue working in back loops only

Rnd 8 - join yarn (B) with sl st in same st as the sl st from the previous rnd and 1 sc around.  Sl st in last sc of rnd and F/O with colour (B)  (30)

Using colour (C) yarn and working in rounds and using a stitch marker to mark your place.

Continue working in back loops only

Rnd 9 - join with sl st (as in rnd 8) and 1 sc around (30)

Rnd 10 - 1 sc around (30)

Rnd 11 - *1 sc dec with next 2 sts, 1 sc in next 3 sts* repeat from * to * (24)

Rnd 12 - *1 sc dec with next 2 sts, 1 sc in next 2 sts* repeat from * to * (18)

Stuff the ball firmly (after use, the ball will go limp and won't hold its shape if not stuffed enough) using the polyester stuffing. 
 

Rnd 13 - *1 sc dec with next 2 sts, 1 sc in next st* repeat from * to * (12)

Rnd 14 - *1 sc dec with next 2 sts* repeat from * to * (6)

Rnd 15 - 1 sc dec with next st, 1 sc dec with 4^th st, F/O and secure.  Hide tail inside the ball  

The Pokéball button

With G/6-4.25mm hook

Using colours (C) white, and (B) black only

With colour (C)
 
Rnd 1 - ch 2, 6 sc in second chain from hook.  Join with a sl st to first stitch and attach colour (B). 

With colour (B)

Rnd 2 - ch 1, 2 sc in each st around.  Join with sl st in first sc (do not join in ch st).  F/O and leave a long tail to attach to ball.

Centre button over the black stripe where you did all your joining of coloured yarns (hiding all the joins) and secure by weaving the tail around the button.