Wednesday, January 25, 2012

Twisted Crochet Fringe Tutorial



I have always loved home decor trims and fringes, because of their rich look.  I have been researching them recently, and wanted to try to emulate this look in crochet.  I discovered this technique for making fringe, and I think it has a lot of possibilities.  The look of it can be changed by using a different thickness of yarn, using a variegated yarn, and by including beads.  

The following is a step by step tutorial on how to create this fringe.

1.  Make a chain the desired length of fringe.


2.  Insert hook in first ridge on underside of chain, then wrap yarn around hook and pull up a loop that is 5" (13cm) long.  I use an index card, so I will get the same measurement every time.




3.  Remove the index card and put the hook back in the loop, then turn the hook clockwise 20 times.



4.  Next fold the twisted loop in half and let it twist back on itself.



5.  Slip stitch back into same ridge.


6.  Repeat these instructions in each of the remaining ridges.




Below is a close up of a 2 color version with the beginning chain in 1 color, and the first row in another. This is the back side of the work.  I like the way these 2 colors blend on this side, so I decided to make it the right side of the work for this fringe.


To add beads to this trim, thread beads onto yarn before beginning.  After twisting every other loop, and before slip stitching back into the same ridge, pull a bead down all the way to the trim edge, then make the slip stitch back in to the same ridge, enclosing the bead in the stitch.



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Monday, January 16, 2012

An Interesting New Place to Share Your Craft: Hobzy!



Thanks to Kathryn Vercillo and her informative Crochet Concupiscience blog, I recently found out about a new social networking website for crafters, called "Hobzy".  I was impressed by the way the templates showcase members photos.  I think that is what makes Hobzy special.  Initially, I decided to try making a collection of some of my crochet jewelry pieces.  I had so much fun with the layout, that I divided my crochet accessories into categories and made four more collections!  I already have a portfolio of work on Ravelry, but it is nice to have things divided into collections and presented so beautifully. Here is a link to the collections I created.
Hobzy went live last October, and is a free to use website that gives you 250 MB of online space to display items that you have created. Additional space is available for a monthly fee. Their mission is to "provide a stage to showcase your handywork to a global audience". 
Sign up for the site takes only a few seconds, then you are given the opportunity to create a "collection". This is basically a dedicated page for your hobby. Each collection gets a unique theme and URL. You then upload pictures to your collection. You may share the URL with people outside the Hobzy community, so that they can view your work.  Hobzy users can become "watchers" of your work, favorite your images, and leave comments on them.

So, if you have a little free time, try making a collection of your work.  I am betting that you will want to make more than one!







Saturday, January 7, 2012

A Child's Version of the Tendril Wrap


Now that it is cold enough in Kuwait to wear shawls and wraps, I have been getting the chance to wear the Tendril Wrap I made for myself out of camel's hair yarn.  (By the way, in case you are wondering, camels hair yarn is surprisingly soft)!  My daughter had been admiring the wrap, and asked me if I could make her one.  I remembered that I had the sample I sent to Interweave, when I made the change in how it was constructed.  It is only 3 repeats of the pattern, and I was hoping it was enough to go around her.  I knew she wouldn't deal well with a loose wrap, so I stitched a vintage button from my button collection on one of the top corners.  Conveniently, on the other side was a loop that fit it perfectly.  When we finally had it buttoned on her, I was amazed that it looked as if I had made it especially for her.  It was wonderful to be able to please my daughter, and recycle a swatch at the same time.  Now we wear our wraps together whenever we get the chance!




Full View of  Child's Wrap

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