Saturday, October 27, 2007

Crocheted Belts for Fun and Profit

Crocheted belts are quick and easy thanks to todays fashion trends. The biggest difference between a belt and a scarf is the width. Some scarves can be used as belts.

With this in mind, you could crochet some motifs and join them to make a belt. You can add fringe on the ends and make it long enough to tie around your waste. Or, you can put 2 D-rings on one end to hold the belt together. Or you can use two large rings, such as two plastic or metal bangle bracelets.

The possibilities are endless. Buckles are readily available. Add some ribbon to your crochet or beads.

You are not the only one that wants one. You can finally support your crochet habit by simply making belts and selling them faster than you can make them. Try it and you will see.

Have fun with this one and I will talk to you later.

Your Sandi

Wednesday, October 24, 2007

Messenger Bag from motifs



This messenger bag was created using 3 crocheted motifs. I crocheted a panel for the sides and the bottom so that it could hold more. Then I threaded a tapestry needle with a long length of yarn (the same yarn I made the bag with) and used an assortment of wood beads. I tied a square knot onto a plastic ring on each end. Then I sewed the rings onto the bag.

I measured the finished bag and added one inch to those measurements to know how to cut fabric for the lining. After cutting the fabric, I sewed a seam on three sides with the right sides together. Then I hand sewed the liner into the bag.

I hope that this helps you to see how easy it is to make your very own messenger bag. The greatest part about being able to do this is that you can have something that is uniquely yours. It's okay to be different. In fact, it's great!

Later Gater,

Your Sandi

Tuesday, October 23, 2007

A doily a day keeps the stress away

Christmas will be here before too very long. Let's see...I need a new purse to match my new outfit in time for the parties that I want to attend. I mustn't use last year's bag. I need extra cash. Hmmmm.

Oh! I know! I will crochet a doily and I might as well put lots of beads on my thread before I even make the first chain stitch. Using a bead stitch, I can incorporate the beads into the pattern. Then I will take a piece of satin and sew that in as a liner. I will make a drawstring using three strands of the same crochet thread I made the doily with. A simple chain stitch will do. For a strap, I could string some of the beads I have already.

I can't wait to show all my friends. I will be the envy of all the women at work with this bag. That should solve my cash flow problem, too. heh heh heh

Later Gater,

Your Sandi

Sunday, October 21, 2007

Shagging your crocheted dog


How do you put 'hair' on your crocheted dog? It's a lot like hooking a rug. You can even use a latchhook to do it with. Or, if you prefer, you can put the 'hair' on with a crochet hook just like you would put fringe on an afghan. The only thing different would be you use one strand of yarn.


Cut the yarn into different lengths for a shaggy look. For a more uniform appearance you would cut them all the same length. You can just add a 'hair' wherever you want it until you feel the area is as 'hairy' as you want it to be.
Your Sandi


Wednesday, October 17, 2007

crocheted wedding dresses

It started out like this: I loved collecting Barbie dolls. Then I learned to crochet. Turns out the two go hand-in-hand. I started collecting patterns to crochet Barbie doll clothes. The patterns I picked out got more and more intricate over the years, until one day I found this crocheted wedding dress pattern that was fashioned just like Princess Di's.

Well, you know I just had to have it. I didn't care one iota what it cost, either. It was so awesome to look at--little tiny pearls stitched right into it. I loved it! Too bad I couldn't make it in my size. But that's okay, I didn't really need a wedding dress at the time. I wondered all these years if anyone else felt the way I did. You know, wishing they had the most beautiful crocheted wedding dress in the world? I wondered what a dress like that might cost.

Life goes on. I am sure after all these years that I could make one in human size very much like the one that was made for a doll. I'm sure I would never have to worry about money, if I would just go ahead and make it.

Today is a new day. Perhaps tomorrow I will start on that awesome crocheted wedding dress. If not for me, or you, then maybe for a lucky Barbie doll. It's nice to think about, at any rate. A goal to reach for.

Later Gater,

Your Sandi