| When we think about going to a day spa, we rarely think about crochet. Even when we are creating an at-home spa environment, we never think about involving crochet, unless we are working on a project while we soak our feet. Perhaps, it’s time to get some to create some crochet items that will assist us in having a wonderful day spa or at-home spa experience. |
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This is the second part in a three-part series for transforming possible crochet mistakes. This time I am exploring extra pieces to a crochet project. Specifically, I have found myself having several extra afghan squares that I didn’t use for an afghan, either because I didn’t finish the project or had made a few too many.
This is where our creativity can kick in. It’s always fun trying to figure out what to do with the extra pieces. So, I came up with a few ideas listed below. I hope you enjoy them and they spark even more ideas for you.
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| There’s a candy store just down the street that sells huge lollipops in every color of the rainbow. Wide eyed children try to reach for the heavenly treats that are just out of their grasp. I suppose the manager has had a few broken lollipops over the years and so keeps them safe on the counter for the splurging parent to snatch. So, in honor of all those little ones who grow teary eyed for lollipops I created this sweet applique. It’s prefect for sewing on onesies or toddler shirts! You can make this project as large as you want by adjusting the chain and yarn weight! |  |
| I love essential oils and learning more about aromatherapy. Occasionally I like to put a little essential oil on my pillowcase before drifting off to dreamland. Since I travel so much, and don’t want to drag my scented pillow along with me, I decided to whip up this pattern. Simply slide the mini “pillow” inside your pillowcase before hitting the hay. The felt inside the crocheted enclosure will keep your essential oil’s fragrance for days. These little pillows, lightly scented with lavender, also work great in the pockets of wool coats in storage to keep moths away! |  |
| There is nothing more frustrating than setting aside time to work on a new project and not be able to find your pattern, yarn or hook. You can spend precious minutes that could have been invested in your project while searching for the needed tools to begin. After accumulating an assortment of crochet necessities I finally decided it was high time to get them in one organized space where I could turn to and find what I needed in a matter of seconds. |  |
Last week we discussed how to start your own crochet guild. Now that you’ve got the basics underway let’s delve a little deeper into fun events and classes you can host!
Guild Sales:
Many guilds host yearly sales where each member has their own table to sell their handmade products. This might be during a local community event or it might be your own special day. Remember to offer literature about your group during your sale to gain new members! Also, have a mailing list where your customers can sign up for an email or print newsletter to stay up-to-date. read more »
Years ago crafting as a group was a way of life. Women gathered from rural areas to share gossip, laughter and tears while creating something useful together. They made gifts for family, quilts to raffle, and in wartimes needed items for servicemen. It encouraged creativity and gave these ladies an excuse to slow down and do something with their hands other than cleaning or preparing the next meal. These quilting bees or sewing circles were the highlight of the week as old friends gathered and new friends were made. It’s a great thing to reinstate if you don’t have a fiber arts guild in your area. Here are a few pointers on how to get one started! read more »
During the holidays I love to give handmade gifts. I think it adds a sentiment that our society as a whole has devalued in the past. Something from the store new and shiny definitely has appeal. Whatever that item might be, it will grow old in time and it will need to be replaced. However, the afghan from Grandma is priceless and is still in use years later! Something handmade is like a hug from a loved one. You can put your heart and soul into this gift. Hand crocheted presents can boast something that no other store bought gift can and that is love… straight from the heart! read more »
Do you crave yarn like you crave food? When you walk into an aisle of yarn, hooks and patterns are you tempted beyond your means? If this is the case, it might be time for your talents to start making you money, so you can support your love. There are several options available to those who want to start their own home business around crochet. I have outlined some below, but it only takes a few creative moments to come up with other ideas to make a little extra crochet “mad money†on the side. read more »
One way of crocheting in the round is to chain 2 and then make a certain number of stitches into the 2nd chain from the hook (you can do so with any kind of crochet stitch–sc, hdc, dc, etc.–but for this tutorial, I’ll be using sc. This tutorial is for both right and left handed people. For left handed pictures, roll your mouse over the image and it will change for you. When you have the desired number of stitches and you join to the first single crochet, you’ll notice a little something–a hole! Right there in the middle. The way around this? The magic adjustable ring, a really simple technique that prevents a hole from appearing.
Making a magic adjustable ring only requires a few extra steps and will give your  in-the-round projects a smooth start. For this one in particular, I’ll make a magic adjustable ring with 5 single crochet stitches. read more »
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Hi! I'm Rachel the crocheter behind Crochet Spot. Read more... |
