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The Emporia => A Good Yarn => Topic started by: b15erk on March 08, 2017, 09:20:56 AM

Title: Anyone Crochet?
Post by: b15erk on March 08, 2017, 09:20:56 AM
New GChild due in a few months, and I need to get cracking on a few blankets. 

I have a nice utility one in mind, crocheted diagonally.  I did one for Lilya, and it was the most used of all the blankets.

I'd also like to do a pram sized one, I did a nice Daisy one last year, but the details are on the old site, so I'll have to have a root around for the pattern.

I'd love to hear from any crochet-ers out there - just in case I need your help!!

Jessie
Title: Re: Anyone Crochet?
Post by: Ellabella on March 08, 2017, 09:33:19 AM
I used to crochet more than I knitted, it grows so much quicker.

I started in the 60s Granny Squares era.

The crocheted blanket I did for my first GS was still going strong for number two.  I used a cotton/bamboo mix in really vibrant colours.  The yarn did have a tendency to split but gave a soft feel with no fluff.

Enjoy GS/D Jessie, is Liyla looking forward to being a big sister?
Title: Re: Anyone Crochet?
Post by: SkoutSews on March 08, 2017, 09:34:22 AM
Hi Jessie, I recently got back into crochet after a gap of around 30 years.  It was the imminent grandchild that spurred me on! (He has arrived now and is, predictably, gorgeous.) I made a pram-sized baby blanket and a snail.  Yep, that's right, a snail.  He's quite cute, actually.  I'll put photos in the gallery.

I had some help from other TSF crocheters with patterns and also found the 'Love Crochet' site, which has a lot of patterns available, some free, some not.

Looking forward to seeing the results!
Title: Re: Anyone Crochet?
Post by: b15erk on March 08, 2017, 09:50:57 AM
Oh you lovely people!!  My own support group:)

Lilya is taking the responsibility of being a big sister very seriously, but she's still only 3, and the only real difference is that Mummy is often very sick.  DD suffers from hyperemesis, and the poor thing is suffering badly.

Still, things are moving on, and the little mite needs to be warm.

I've found my two patterns:

http://colorncream.blogspot.co.uk/2014/03/flower-square-tutorial-vi.html

I did this last year in white with yellow centres, must see if I can find any pics.

http://www.ravelry.com/patterns/library/spring-into-summer-blanket

The second is one I did using rows of colour, and it proved to be really useful.

SS, I'm intrigued by your snail, Lilya is fascinated by them, and I am often called on to do a 'snail bun' in her hair!

I'm going to oil my fingers, and then the fun can begin!!

Jessie

Title: Re: Anyone Crochet?
Post by: SkoutSews on March 08, 2017, 10:17:19 AM
Two lovely patterns.  I particularly like the Spring into Summer blanket, with no squares to join up and easy to make to your own size.  I've downloaded that one and might give it a go myself.

Here's the link to the Love Crochet Sammy Snail pattern https://www.lovecrochet.com/sammy-the-snail-in-paintbox-yarns-dk-cro-toy-006 (https://www.lovecrochet.com/sammy-the-snail-in-paintbox-yarns-dk-cro-toy-006)
Title: Re: Anyone Crochet?
Post by: Maximum on March 08, 2017, 11:40:51 AM
Hi Jessie, enjoy the new grand child. My youngest daughter is expecting a boy in early July (makes me feel really old). I've not tried the corner 2 corner blankets which seem very popular but probably need to get cracking soon. Hope your daughter gets over the sickness stage soon - I can't think of anything worse than that plus coping with a bouncy toddler. Have you thought of borrowing a Royal nanny!?
Title: Re: Anyone Crochet?
Post by: b15erk on March 08, 2017, 14:18:07 PM
I love the snail!!  I'm sure I'll be able to fit one in at some point:)

The corner to corner blanket is a really quick, easy make, and the edging looks sooo good!  Very useful piece.

DD's baby is due in August, but we don't know what flavour yet - knowing us it will be another girl.  We don't seem to produce boys:(

The sickness, I'm afraid will last the length of her pregnancy - I pass all the good stuff onto the girls.  We don't do fun pregnancy, so this will be her last I think.  Hyperemesis is horrible, you're not ill, but you feel so awfully sick and nauseous all the time....

Off to practice some stitches now!

Jessie


Title: Re: Anyone Crochet?
Post by: Lowena on March 08, 2017, 17:54:06 PM
I am still trying ( unsuccessfully atm ) to get into crochet. My d.i.l showed me how to start, but it seems I've even forgotten how to do that  :|
Having bought some crochet hooks, I'm determined to have a go  :D
Title: Re: Anyone Crochet?
Post by: Catllar on March 08, 2017, 17:57:07 PM
I crochet sporadically - when I worked for Phildar  I was translating for crochet as well as knitting. I've got a project on the go at the mo which seemed a good idea at the time. I have a dislike of crocheting squares so anything has to be all or nothing - I'm doing a double bed quilt in fine cotton with a tiny hook and I'm blowed if I can see the darned pattern diagram properly - I tried enlarging it but it went Pete Tong so I've shoved the whole thing away. :angry: Will get round to it one day when I get some new eyes!
Title: Re: Anyone Crochet?
Post by: Catllar on March 08, 2017, 17:59:54 PM
I am still trying ( unsuccessfully atm ) to get into crochet. My d.i.l showed me how to start, but it seems I've even forgotten how to do that  :|
Having bought some crochet hooks, I'm determined to have a go  :D

The hardest parts are a) controlling the wool round your fingers and that comes with practice and b) understanding the patterns. I agree they look like double dutch . There are lots of good vids on YouT. Don't give up!
Title: Re: Anyone Crochet?
Post by: Lowena on March 08, 2017, 18:00:55 PM
Thanks Cat.... I'll keep on.... keeping on  :D
Title: Re: Anyone Crochet?
Post by: hernibs on March 08, 2017, 19:05:13 PM
Lovely blankets Jessie - especially the Spring and Summer one - indeed nothing to sew up afterwards.

I have said it before and will say it again....for those of you who are still at the learning stage - google Lucy at Attic 24 and you'll get all the tuition you need...very specific photos too
Title: Re: Anyone Crochet?
Post by: Pearl on March 10, 2017, 07:23:19 AM
You are not alone, Low.  I can knit but find crochet almost impossible.  I hold the hook and wool all wrong and can't tell what is a stitch. If I make a mistake, I have to undo it all.  But I'll keep trying. :wool: :wool: :wool:
Title: Re: Anyone Crochet?
Post by: Ploshkin on March 10, 2017, 07:46:32 AM
I'm the same Pearl.  I knitted a cardigan last year then found that the very nice edging was crocheted  :(  It took me ages to work out how to do it as it was a leaning over backwards stitch but I did manage in the end and it looks really good.  It took my hand about a week to recover.
Title: Re: Anyone Crochet?
Post by: Vegegrow on March 10, 2017, 08:32:34 AM
[quote author=hernibs link=topic=274.msg2336#msg2336 date=1488999913

I have said it before and will say it again....for those of you who are still at the learning stage - google Lucy at Attic 24 and you'll get all the tuition you need...very specific photos too
[/quote]

Crochet is on the list to do sometime Hernibs so thankyou for the tip  http://attic24.typepad.com/weblog/
  have bookmarked
Title: Re: Anyone Crochet?
Post by: hernibs on March 10, 2017, 09:44:17 AM
Vegegrow....... Thanks for putting up the link.....Lucy is a good tutor.....I learned to do a ripple stitch from her and if I can do it anyone can.  She lives in Skipton and is one of the team who produce Yarndale....All things woolly in their cattle market premises (suitably cleaned and aroma free) on a weekend in September every year. They ' yarnbomb' their town, decorating the lampposts with crochet etc.  Fun!
Title: Re: Anyone Crochet?
Post by: maliw on March 12, 2017, 12:35:28 PM
I crochet too, I managed to teach myself when I was a student - many moons ago. The last project was a 'car blanket' for DGD as DGS said that she had to have one as he won't share his - he gained it by default after refusing to wear a coat on a cold night a couple of months ago and now won't let it go. The blankets have to stay in the car and be used in car seats - nowhere else, aren't kids funny? Be careful with your patterns as American instructions and British ones are different. Check out https://www.allfreecrochet.com/ there are also knitting and sewing websites with similar addresses. Enjoy.
Title: Re: Anyone Crochet?
Post by: talamasca on March 15, 2017, 17:03:29 PM
Hi, I've been ignoring all things fabric in lieu of the fab wooly stuff after going to Yarndale last year......everything was too lovely to not know what to do with it so I did Beginner, Intermediate and Advanced classes last year and I <3 crocheting now, which is funny because I very nearly didn't go back to the second beginner class..... I was so frustrated, but practice def makes perfect.  I find Bella Coco's video tutorials really good.

I look forward to seeing what you decide to make.  I'm making Sophie's Universe and just about to start Frida's Flower blankets.  I've just finished a Virus shawl and I've made a few other small things too.  I prefer working in the round and Sophie's Universe is a fab blanket because no joining to do :D
Title: Re: Anyone Crochet?
Post by: b15erk on March 16, 2017, 11:29:47 AM
What did I say about the Corner to Corner blanket being quick and easy?  Hhmmpphh.

Not in this case.

I decided to use up some 4 ply, just 2 100g balls of beautiful soft white from a charity shop (45p).  I'm just over the half way mark (apart from the border), and it seems to be taking ages.

However, I do love the look of the 4 ply.

I'll be doing the border in a random colour yarn, but not sure which yet, as we don't know what flavour our new little bump will be:) 

(I'm putting money on pink variations, we have NO blue - yet!)  <3

Jessie
Title: Re: Anyone Crochet?
Post by: Sheilago on March 22, 2017, 08:45:46 AM
I learned crochet from You Tube . Like you I have a grandchild on the way , so Ive  done a couple of blankets. Also made a teddy, but I think I used too large a hook as it was lovely, but a little holey, if that's a word. I thought a child might be able to suck or chew the stuffing out, so I gave it to my mother in law, who has dementia and she loves it.
Title: Re: Anyone Crochet?
Post by: b15erk on March 27, 2017, 10:16:40 AM
Just finished my corner to corner blanket - felt like it was going on forever!  Pic as soon as it's washed.

I'm going to do another in DK, for DD's sister in law's baby shower.  That should be quicker.

Making from stash too, as I must get rid of some stuff.

Jessie
Title: Re: Anyone Crochet?
Post by: BrendaP on March 27, 2017, 15:39:58 PM
There are lots of good vids on YouT. Don't give up!

Be careful with crochet tutorials, USA crochet term and UK crochet terms are a step apart.  ie
UK treble  = USA double
UK double = USA single
etc.  It's a bit like our ground floor is their first floor, our first floor is their second floor etc.
Title: Re: Anyone Crochet?
Post by: Quinkish on March 27, 2017, 19:59:37 PM
Just finished my corner to corner blanket - felt like it was going on forever!  Pic as soon as it's washed.

I'm going to do another in DK, for DD's sister in law's baby shower.  That should be quicker.

Making from stash too, as I must get rid of some stuff.

Jessie

I found the corner to corner style was brilliant for some multi-coloured yarn I had lingering in my stash. I made a blanket for DGS and it now lives on his cot in his green bedroom. It looks very cheerful and the C2C style means the colours were well broken up. It seemed quite speedy to me but I was using DK.

Looking forward to seeing yours!
Title: Re: Anyone Crochet?
Post by: Efemera on March 28, 2017, 09:21:48 AM
I can do basic stitches but can't read a pattern or follow a chart... my problem is I want to tackle complicated stuff before I can do the basics.. I need to have someone show me how to do it.
Title: Re: Anyone Crochet?
Post by: b15erk on March 28, 2017, 09:33:07 AM
Efemera, crochet stitches are easily undone, so find one you like and go for it!  If it's a difficult pattern, I run a piece on the side, so that I can try out my stitch before doing it 'proper'.  I do this with knitting and sewing too.

Quink, just need to finish the ends off this white beast, then I can wash it, and start on the next.

I could be persuaded to go for a random yarn, I'm fed up of doing white.  ;) Can I be cheeky, and ask how much yarn you used in DK?

Jessie

Title: Re: Anyone Crochet?
Post by: Quinkish on March 28, 2017, 15:09:39 PM
Just looked it up (thank Ravelry) and I used about 900 metres for the C2C part and 280 metres for border of 5 rows of SC (US style).

http://www.ravelry.com/projects/Quinkish/spectrum-c2c-ombre-blanket (http://www.ravelry.com/projects/Quinkish/spectrum-c2c-ombre-blanket)

Title: Re: Anyone Crochet?
Post by: Missie on March 29, 2017, 11:33:41 AM
Yes, Jessie, I've started.  I can now crochet a nice straight-edged dishcloth; cannot tell you how many attempts it took me to master it.

The only thing I now find is that I have to crochet with an on-line tutorial as I cannot remember the difference between American and UK crochet stitches!
Title: Re: Anyone Crochet?
Post by: b15erk on March 29, 2017, 13:58:43 PM
You're not on your own with that Missie!!  I think we all struggle.

Q, thank you for that, don't know why I didn't think to do that!  ;)

I started the DK Corner to Corner in the Random, and it's lovely!  So, instead of using from stash, I need to buy more.  :)
It's crocheting up far Quicker than the 4 ply!

Jessie
Title: Re: Anyone Crochet?
Post by: la scozzese on April 11, 2017, 20:17:27 PM
I can crochet, I usually only crochet cotton because I find wool a bit fiddly to handle with a crochet hook and prefer to knit wool. At the moment no big projects on the go but I'm making some little white flowers for my hairdresser to put in the girls' hair on the day of their First Communion.  :flower: :flower: :flower:
Title: Re: Anyone Crochet?
Post by: FrancesL on April 18, 2017, 17:55:01 PM

I was taught to crochet (& sew) by my mum when I was quite young .  We had great fun as she was right handed and I'm left handed so I sat in front of her rather than next to her.

I didn't crochet much but years later could remember the basics and used YT left handed tutorials to refresh my memory.

I mainly do throws of various shapes, sizes and patterns but it's great to be able to take it away in the caravan to keep me busy.  Im currently working on two simultaneously for our beds in the van (twin single beds). I've attached a photo showing the bed tidies I've made in the van upholstery/curtain fabrics and you can also see a bit of a throw i made (using left over yarn from a much bigger throw) for our old van - i'm using the same pattern but doing large colour blocks rather than 'stripes' in -so far - red, parchment and chocolate brown.


Title: Re: Anyone Crochet?
Post by: Pearl on April 18, 2017, 22:14:46 PM
Lovely, Frances.  I'd love to make a ripple blanket, if only I could crochet.   ;)
Title: Re: Anyone Crochet?
Post by: sewmuchmore on April 19, 2017, 18:11:54 PM
I do in the summer when i didn't have access to a sewing machine. I started this last summer
http://com.yarnspirations.pattern-pdfs.s3.amazonaws.com/Bernat_KW530153_08_cr_cardigan.en_US.pdf
but i still have 1 1/2 sleeves to do.
My trouble is i like to get things started and finished quickly as my attention span is nearly nero.
This year i have decided to go with a patchwork blanket from the Woman's Weekly site. They are all different patterned squares so i will just keep going with the squares and then see what happens.
Title: Re: Anyone Crochet?
Post by: fajita on April 19, 2017, 18:54:19 PM
I had a go last week at making an octopus. I didn't enjoy it, and will not be making another. I'm not a natural crocheter. 

https://flic.kr/p/TNQzvD
Title: Re: Anyone Crochet?
Post by: Snowbird on April 19, 2017, 20:36:26 PM
I taught myself to crochet a few years ago following Attic24 tutorials ...even made some bunting triangles for the first ever  Yarndale   I have made a few blankets now and cushion covers  :wool:
Title: Re: Anyone Crochet?
Post by: charlotte on April 20, 2017, 14:52:01 PM
I like crocheting but I don't do it very often, as I find it does not lend itself well to garments, which is what I prefer to create. I did recently crochet my Mum a mounted wild boar head, (complete with real tusks!) which was quite fun.
Title: Re: Anyone Crochet?
Post by: fajita on April 21, 2017, 01:26:41 AM
Pic?
Title: Re: Anyone Crochet?
Post by: Lilian on April 21, 2017, 13:28:24 PM
I can crochet but not made anything for a while.  I have never made anything difficult.  I made this little teddy bear for a charity, spurred on by the craft group I am in.  We all made teddy bears to send off to hospitals for children.  They were all knitted but I converted it to crochet.  :wool:

Title: Re: Anyone Crochet?
Post by: Fiona M on April 21, 2017, 20:12:37 PM
I started doing a bit of easy crochet (granny squares) last year. - my Gran taught me the basics as a child  My puppy means I have to spend a lot of the day downstairs now, (no sewing!) and I needed something I could pick up and put down easily, so I crochet seemed ideal.  I started searching online for inspiration.  I found a lovely blog, the person who writes it has a wonderful way with colour. 
http://www.lookatwhatimade.net/crafts/yarn/crochet/inside-crochet-draught-excluder/
(In particular, her Sophie's Universe blanket is just beautiful, how I would love to make something like that!).
Title: Re: Anyone Crochet?
Post by: b15erk on May 04, 2017, 09:18:10 AM
Finished my Corner to Corner baby blanket!  Just in time too, baby is due anytime.  Not as nice as I first thought, but it will be useful I'm sure.

Pic below, and gallery.

Jessie
Title: Re: Anyone Crochet?
Post by: SkoutSews on May 04, 2017, 09:49:22 AM
That is a beautiful blanket! Lucky baby and new mum.  It's so even and the edging is perfect, it's a great finish.  Where do you get your labels?  Or do you make them yourself?
Title: Re: Anyone Crochet?
Post by: b15erk on May 04, 2017, 10:08:00 AM
Thank you SS!  Lables are home made using transfer paper, Word, and grosgrain ribbon.  Very easy and lots of tutorials on Youtube.

Jessie
Title: Re: Anyone Crochet?
Post by: talamasca on May 04, 2017, 11:06:26 AM
I started searching online for inspiration.  I found a lovely blog, the person who writes it has a wonderful way with colour. 
http://www.lookatwhatimade.net/crafts/yarn/crochet/inside-crochet-draught-excluder/
(In particular, her Sophie's Universe blanket is just beautiful, how I would love to make something like that!).

You should give it a go....it's a fab project.  I only started crocheting last Oct but I've started my Sophie and I'm loving it.....only trouble with Dedri's site is you'll want to make them all....I've started Charlotte's Dream too and I've another blanket on the go as well  :D
Title: Re: Anyone Crochet?
Post by: Tawny75 on May 10, 2017, 15:35:35 PM
[quote author=hernibs link=topic=274.msg2336#msg2336 date=1488999913

I have said it before and will say it again....for those of you who are still at the learning stage - google Lucy at Attic 24 and you'll get all the tuition you need...very specific photos too


Crochet is on the list to do sometime Hernibs so thankyou for the tip  http://attic24.typepad.com/weblog/
  have bookmarked
Can I echo this too.  My daughter is off to Uni in September and wanted me to crochet a blanket for her to wrap up in when she is studying.  I had never done anything in crochet apart from straight doubles or a granny squares.  By following Lucy's very very specific and easy to read instructions I have made her a ripple blanket.  I used all sorts of colours and dd has christened it her Joseph blanket.