How to Tie the Bows on the Tinker's Toolbelt

One of the key details on the Tinker's Toolbelt is the way the bows are tied. I experimented with many ways to tie them, and this method makes the bows lay just right.

1. Tie the top two ties in a half hitch, crossing the right tie over the left tie and wrapping the right tie around the left tie (like you are beginning to tie a shoe), and pull the ties tight.

2. Tie the bottom two ties in a half hitch, crossing the left tie over the right tie and wrapping the left tie around the right tie (like you are beginning to tie a shoe), and pull the ties tight.

3. Take the two ties on the left and make a loop and hold onto that with your left hand. Take the two ties on the right and wrap them around the loop made from the ties on the left, making sure that you begin wrapping from the bottom.

4. Bring the right ties through the loop just created, between the left side loops and the beginning of the right side wrapping.

5. Pull the bow tight and separate the loops.

Tinker's ToolBelt for Interweave Crochet Accessories

It my favorite time of year...time for the Interweave Crochet Accessories Issue! This year, I have a fun belt featured in the issue.

This is a great “on the go” project, because it stays in small pieces until the end when you tie all of the motifs together to make the belt. Two motifs are crocheted together to make each medallion. This gives the belt stability and makes a bolder statement. Make an extra set of motifs in case you want to wear the belt over layers of clothes, so you have the option to make it larger. This pattern could also have a home décor use as an interesting curtain tie-back.

The Valley Yarns Valley Cotton thread used for the sample, comes in 1260 yd cones. In case you would like to know the exact yardage to make the belt to fit a 24” waist, it is: 60 yd [55 m] Madder Brown (A), 96 [88 m] yd Sponge (B), 42 yd [38 m] Amber Gold (C). Each set of joined motifs with ties, requires 10 yd [9 m] (A), 16 yd [15 m] (B), 7 yd [6 m] (C).

Next week I will post a tutorial on how to tie the bows. I tied them in a special way, so they lay straight. I think it is important to show you how I did it, so your belt will look its best. Also, stay tuned for a post about how to use this pattern to make a necklace!

Here is a blog post on how to use this pattern to make a necklace. The Interweave store now has this pattern available for purchase and download.

A Dozen Ways to Wear the Obi Scarf

Last fall I showed you a dozen ways to wear the Ruffles Scarf, so I thought I would keep up that tradition this year with the new Obi Scarf pattern. Before sending the samples off to Interweave, I like to have my own photo session to try out different ways to wear the scarf. It is amazing how different it can look depending on how you wrap it. Whether you decide to wear it as a scarf or a belt it is very versatile. Color choice can really transform the look as well. Contrasting colors used together make a bold statement. The next one I make will be in shades of the same color. I am envisioning shades of pink. There is always one more version I want to make! Can you tell how much I love scarves? 

Here are a dozen ways to wear the scarf. If you make one, I would love to know how you wear yours!

Obi Scarf for Interweave Crochet Fall 2013

Photo By Harper Point

It has been a fun month, having designs out in two different publications. I am ready for fall! Today, I am revealing the Obi Scarf. One of the things that Interweave asked for in their call for submissions for fall, was Asian inspired designs. For a very long time, I have wanted to design an obi style belt. I wanted the piece to be versatile, so I decided to design the obi so that it would be successful as a scarf belt.

I was sent 3 colors of yarn to work with, and the editor told me I could use either the Fawn or the Ocean color as the main background color. I did some drawings with colored pencil to try to decide which combination I liked best, but still couldn't decide, so I made both variations! I think it is nice to see a light and a dark version. I hope that will help crocheters who are making this pattern, decide on what colors they would like to use.

This is a project that will keep you interested, without being too difficult. The end sections are plain with a delightful window pane stitch pattern in the middle. After crocheting the scarf, you get to work surface crochet for the stripes. It is like putting the icing on a cake, the stripes really make it come alive! Sarah Read, the Project Editor for Interweave, has done a blog post about how the stripes are crocheted on her Crochet Me blog.

Like the Ruffles Scarf I had in Interweave Crochet Fall 2012, I did another blog post on some different ways to wear this piece. The sample I made to submit was in another color combination, so you will also get to see a third version. Please stay tuned! In the meanwhile, you can queue it on Ravelry, if you think you might want to make one.

Photo By Harper Point

Photo By Harper Point

The Paris Belt- a Tutorial Inspired by the Kyoto Coat

My favorite part of  the Kyoto Coat that I designed for the 2010 Crochet Guild of America design competition, was the crazy quilt style sash.  Ever since it won the grand prize, I wanted to design a woman's belt inspired by the Kyoto Coat.  It was so fun to make, I decided to write a tutorial to share with readers of my blog.

Kyoto Coat Sash

I suggest shopping for fabrics with a color in mind.  First, choose a print that you love, then choose 4 or 5 more that complement it.  For the belt shown, I chose mostly cotton fabrics, but you may choose any medium weight fabric that can tolerate a moderate iron setting.  Don't be afraid to use the back side of fabrics as well.  I used the back side of 2 of the fabrics I chose for this belt.  

Some patience will be required when outlining the fabric sections with crocheted chains, but if you are diligent, it will really pay off, as it is this detail that really makes the belt.  Enjoy, and please post photos if you make one!  You can download the full tutorial from Ravelry, please see the link below.

Materials:

Paper for making the pattern

A selection of printed fabrics

Medium weight, iron-on interfacing

Wonder under

Ironing board and iron

1 Skein Berroco “Ultra Alpaca Light”

1 Ball DMC Pearl Cotton

Crochet hooks in size C/2 (2.75mm), and D/3 (3.25mm)

Yarn needle

Sewing needle

Rust proof pins


DOWNLOAD TUTORIAL HERE

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