Crochet Rag Rug

Ever since I found out that you could crochet a rag rug I have been dying to figure out how. There is an adult education class devoted to that in Lincoln, ME but that doesn't help me down in Boston. Again Ravelry comes to my rescue! It led me to Vintage Chica's tutorial. Rag Rug Tutorial


I immediately went to work cutting up some old stained outfit that I had stashed away. I love the idea of recycling some of my favorite slightly damaged outfits. It was really easy to make, the tutorial explained the process very well. I used one skirt and three t-shirts. It took longer to cut up the clothes into strips then to crochet the rug. Rug measures 2’ by 1.5’

Ingredients:
Hook - 15.0 mm (P/Q)
Fabric - 1 skirt and 3 shirts cut into 1.5 inch strips

Anything you can do I can do better!

Crochet gets a bad rap. In reality crocheters can do anything knitters can do, and most likely they can do it faster. I have wanted to cable for the longest time, I knew it was possible, I just didn't know how. Three words: Front Post Stitch!



What better way is there to practice a new skill then to make a scarf? I found this awesome pattern in Crochet Today December 2006 issue.
http://www.coatsandclark.com/NR/rdonlyres/A871F022-8B5C-404F-8942-32C8ADFD3086/54630/cables.pdf


Ingredients:

Hook - 6.0 mm (J)

Yarn - Manos del Uruguay Manos Silk Blend

3 skeins = 450.0 yards (411.5m)

Color - Olive

Sassy Crochet Flower Pin

Working at Spark Craft Studios I have to occasional design new classes and events. I was recently asked to come up with a Crochet Wine and Craft project and developed this gorgeous flower pin.



Ingredients:
11 yards Manos del Uruguay in Flame (flower)
Five yards Worsted Lambs Pride in Kiwi (leaves)
Crochet Hook - Size G
One pin back
One decorative bead for flower center
Coordinating embroidery floss or thread to attach components
Hot glue gun (optional)

Flower Pattern:
ch 5 and join with sl st to form ring.
Rnd 1 – make 10 sc in ring. Join with sl st.
Rnd 2 - Working in front loop only of ea sc in previous rnd, ch 8, sl st to same sc. *Ch 8, sl st to next sc. Repeat from * to end of rnd. Join last ch 8 loop to first with sl st. (11loops)
Rnd 3 - Sl st to back loop of sc *ch 3, skip 1 sc, sl st in back loop of next sc. Repeat from * four more times
Rnd 4 – *Sl st into next ch-3 space (1 sc, 1 hdc, 1 dc, 3 tr, 1 dc, 1 hdc, 1 sc ) in same ch-3 space. Repeat from * four more times. Sl st to first sl st. Fasten off.

Leaf Pattern:
ch 12
Row 1 - *Sl st in 3rd ch from hook, sc in next st, hdc in next 2 sts, dc in next 3 sts, hdc in next 2 sts, sc in next st, sl st in last st. Rotate work to crochet down opposite side of foundation chain.
Row 2 – Sl st in first ch, sc in next, hdc in next 2, dc in next 3, hdc in next 2, sc in next, sl st in last ch

Do NOT fasten off. Continue to make second leaf. Ch 12, turn. Follow directions for first leaf.

Finishing:
Weave in ends. Attach flower to leaves with a few tacking stitches, keeping the leaves evenly arranged behind the flower. Attach decorative bead to center of flower, working through all layers of flower and leaves and pin back. Hot glue gun threads around pin back for extra strong attachment.

Rainy Day Sheep

I have been home sick and bored out of my mind. The Amigurumi craze is irresistible. I found a really cute crochet lamb pattern online and made it yesterday while I was at home in bed. I used Lion Brand Moonlight Mohair in Tundra for the body and head, lion brand worsted weight black for the legs, ears and tail. I used pink crochet cotton for the mouth and nose and am on the lookout for some buttons for the eyes. This little cuttie measured 5 1/2 inches from nose to tail.

Crocheting with Wire

I feel that with all my knitting lately I have been neglecting my crocheting.

I learned how to crochet about 12 years ago and I love to make jewelry. Put them together and what do you get? Crochet with Wire. By just using the chain stitch, beautiful beads, and a little planning, you can make gorgeously unique jewelry. Here is a necklace that I made as bridal jewelry with sterling silver wire, freshwater pearls and swarovski crystals. You could easily make this for bridesmaid jewelry, or for everyday wear, by adding color with glass beads, faceted stones, and dyed pearls.