Sneek Peek

I'm excited about this jacket I'm making. It's my own design and so close to being done, I just had to share it with you.

The nights are getting cooler here. I'm glad I didn't wait to make this. Tonight as I was trying it on to check 'the look' out, my dog thought we were going outside. When even the dog knows its a jacket, I must be almost done.

Thanks, Fefe!

what is it?

I am hoping that someone can tell me what this tool is used for. It is made by Boye. I know it some sort of craft tool, but what?

crocheted wasp nests

It was an experiment. Crocheting wasp nests, that is. The theory behind it was that if wasps, bees and hornets could see a nest that was not theirs, they would leave. That is because they are territorial by nature.

I made these nests up thinking that it had to be the greatest idea ever. No pesticides. But do they actually work? I don't know! I gave them away and lost control of the experiment in the process. Making a mental note not to do that again.

Next time I make them I will leave them in the same tree I took the picture of. Then and only then will I truly know if they work. Why bother? Because I'm thinking that if they work that there would be others that would pay money rather than have to go outside and see wasps flying all around their children while they play in their own yards.

Chain chain chain

Chain woes. We've all had them.

If your chain is too loose--use a smaller hook for the chain and then switch to a larger hook when you do your first row.

If your chain is too tight--use a larger hook for the chain. Your first row will thank you. Switch to the smaller hook on the first row. Less pain in your hands and wrists when you don't have to fight to get the hook in the loop.

If your chain is uneven--i.e. not every loop is the same size--run your index finger and thumb up and down the chain, tugging ever so gently. This will help to re-size the loops so that they are now more uniform in size. Repeat as many times as you need to in both directions. Do this before you start your first row.

Just for a change...

Okay, I admit it. I like to do things a little different once in a while. That is how this little doggie came to be.

Seems that everyone is make amigurumi these days. But what if you wanted to make one like the teddy bears of old? Could it be done with crochet?

Yes it can. That is how I did this one. I made it a dog instead of a bear by changing the ears. It's different. I like it.

Make ahead gift time

Gifts can be made ahead all year long. You know that a gift giving occassion comes up every time you turn around. Why not put your crocheting skills to work on them ahead of time?

Don't stress over who is going to get it. Just make things up and put them away in a safe place. Then when you need a gift at the last minute you can go into your gift box and pick one out.

Less stress for you and yours and no last minute trip to the store to buy something. Plus, you get all that positive attention for being so prepared. And how thoughtful of you to have a handmade gift!

You will be smiling when you get there, and smiling when you leave. Even your husband will appreciate how much easier your crocheting has now made his life.

Have a good one!

Does it get any easier than this?

Just your basic bootie here. Custom make a pair of booties for anyone. It's easy! All you have to do is crochet a piece that is wide enough to cover the foot from the toes to the front of the leg. Keep crocheting that until it is wide enough to go around the foot. Join the edges at the top.

Turn your work so that you are now crocheting the side. Work back and forth until you have the length of the foot and sew up the back. Tie off the toe area and you are done!