Working into the foundation chain

Did you know that there are many ways of working into your starting (foundation) chain? Each has a different look and feel to it. There isn't one right way; how you choose to work into your foundation chain can affect your overall product. Let's first take a closer look at your foundation chain. (For this, I'm using a large crochet hook to make it easy to see the strands of each chain stitch.)

Anatomy of a chain:

If you look closely at your chain, you'll see that on one side there is a series of Vs. The reverse side has a bunch of bumps or ridges. (The front is the side with the Vs.) Each chain stitch is made up of three individual strands. The top and bottom of the V and the back ridge.

A couple of ways of working into the chain:
1. Work stitches under the top strand of the V only.

Using this method the first row of stitches (single crochet stitches in this instance) has a slight gap between them and the starting chain. The unworked loops of the chain will shift slightly toward you as you work this row. 

2. Work stitches under the back ridge (bump).

This method creates a starting edge that is exactly like the finished edge. (It has the same appearance of a row of single crochet stitches.) The advantage here is that it's easier to add additional rows or edgings to this side of your work.


3. Work under the top strand and the back ridge.

This method is similar to the first one I listed in that the remaining, unworked loop of the chain shifts toward the front of your work as you work the first row. This is typically the method I use mostly because I like to have a little substance to where I work my stitches. It does however make working edgings or additional rows (or working on the opposite side of the chain) a little difficult because there's only one strand of the chain left.

There are a couple of other ways you could work into the chain. For example, you could work under both strands of the V. (I find this a little difficult to do especially if you make your chain stitches tight.) There is also a method of working your foundation chain AND the first row at the same time. (YouTube has a number of videos on how to do this. Here's one. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=A83tzk49DzI)

Pattern: Beginner's Striped Dishcloth

Beginner's Striped Dishcloth

Materials:

H8 (5 mm) Crochet Hook

2 colors of cotton, medium weight (4) yarn.

Gauge: Finished piece measures approximately 9 inches square.

Pattern:

With A, Ch 26.

Row 1: SC in second ch from hook and in each ch across. Turn. (25 stitches made)

Row 2-3: Ch 1, sc in each st across. Turn.

Row 4: Ch 1. Sc in each st across to last st. Begin to sc in last st with A, but change to B with last loop of the final sc.  (See below for a more detailed description for changing colors.)

Row 5-7: With B, repeat row 2.

Row 8: With B, repeat row 4 – change to A in last sc.

Row 9-11: Repeat row 2 with A.

Row 12: Repeat row 4.

Row 13-15: With B, repeat row 2.

Row 16: With B, repeat row 4 – change to A in last sc.

Repeat rows 5-16 until piece measures approximately 9 inches.

With last row (a Row 16 row), do NOT change to A. Sc in last st normally. Ch 10, sl st in same st to form a hanging loop. Finish off.

To change colors during a single crochet stitch:

1. Insert your hook into the next stitch.

2. Yarn over and pull a loop up (through the stitch you went into) with your current color. (You'll have two loops on your hook at this point.)

3. With your new color, yarn over your hook and pull the new color through the two loops. (This should not need a slip knot.) 

4. Continue with your next stitches with the new color. Be careful with the first couple of stitches as you could pull the yarn all the way through. Your goal is to leave a small tail of the new color. 

This method does take some getting used to, but will lead to less bulkiness in areas where you change colors.   In a few days, I will add a tutorial for this method.

National Crochet Month Blog Tour

Among the many ways I'm celebrating National Crochet Month is by participating in the National Crochet Month Blog tour organized by Crochetville. Each day, they will feature one or two blogs or websites from Professional or Associate Professional members of the Crochet Guild of America that will offer a special post or offer for visitors for that day. My date is not until March 30th, but I really want to come up with something great to share with you. Thus, I'm hard at work designing and experimenting. :)

You can click this link to see more about the tour and visit past posts. http://crochetville.com/a-tour-through-crochet-country-natcromo-blog-tour/

What are do you have planned to celebrate your love of crochet?

A few ideas to celebrate National Crochet Month!

Happy National Crochet Month! How will you be celebrating the month? Here's a few ideas for you.

1. Teach someone how to crochet. The Craft Yarn Council has a variety of resources that can help you teach someone to crochet.

2. Take a class. Classes offer new techniques and specialty methods of crochet. There's more to crochet than the three main stitches. Broomstick lace, filet crochet, Irish lace, and so much more!

3. Make something new. Try a new pattern for something you've never made before.

4. Learn a new technique or new stitch pattern. Crochet is capable to do so much. Learning a new technique or stitch pattern might just be the inspiration you need to start designing your own patterns.

5. Help out a charity. Crochet for a charity like Warm Up America (Warmupamerica.org) or another cause. Many children's hospitals will also accept donations of blankets, caps/hats, and possibly even stuffed toys.

6. Give a crocheted gift. I love seeing people enjoy crocheted gifts! It's an amazing feeling knowing that you've made something for someone. (Not to mention that it gives you a good reason to crochet!)

7. Buy a new crochet book and/or more yarn. Nothing inspires me more than a new skein of yarn. :)


I know that I'll be doing a bunch of these this month. What will you be doing to celebrate?

Yarn Bombing: A chance to get involved

Yarn bombing is common in some countries. In the U.S., I haven't heard much done with it. If you don't know what it is, think graffiti but with crochet work. People will cover light posts, benches, and just about anything in public. The challenge (and perhaps thrill)? To leave your piece in public WITHOUT getting caught!

Here's a chance for everyone to help with a very public yarn bombing. A group in California is using granny squares (5x5 inches) to cover an entire museum! Sounds crazy, huh? I urge you to check it out. Follow the link to see their call for granny squares and find the address for where you can send them.

http://www.yarnbombinglosangeles.com/call-for-entry.html


Way to put crochet in the spotlight!!

My Etsy Store

I know it's been a while since I've posted, but life (my anniversary, Valentine's day, etc.) has kept me busy. I have been working on designing some summery items, so stay tuned for those.

I have had a couple of people asking me if I sold any of my crochet work. I typically just make things for friends and family, but I'm not against the idea. If you'd like something made specifically for you, please don't  hesitate to contact me.

Recently, I've added some of my crocheted work to a shop I've set up on Etsy. Here's a link if you'd like to check it out: http://www.etsy.com/shop/KristinsCrochet

New Pattern Available: Beaded Cluster Bracelet

Here's the other bracelet pattern I've been promising. It's for a beaded cluster bracelet.

The pattern essentially clusters beads into five sections. It also uses the same stitch as my pattern from yesterday. (See that pattern here.) If you have problems figuring out the Solomon's or Lover's knot, you can find a video of it here: Solomon's Knot Video. The video doesn't show the stitch with beads though. I'd recommend practicing the stitch with yarn before working with wire. Removing stitches from wire can be difficult, and if done too many times, it can reduce the integrity of the wire causing it to break. 

You can download the pattern here: download now