Crochet Tips

For those wanting to begin crocheting, having a mentor and someone to work alongside is a great way to learn. Many websites also offer great instruction for new crocheters, in addition to tips for more advanced projects.

There are a variety of stitches used by crocheters, and it is best when starting out to start small. Practice basic stitches first, such as the slip stitch and foundation chain. Once an understanding of basic stitches is had, then begin to work through reading patterns.

Patterns vary in difficulty, as well, so again, be sure to start small and work at your ability and comfort level.

Here are some tips for beginners, from the website www.allfreecrochet.com, to keep in mind when just starting out.

1. Keep your hands clean

2. Take frequent rest/stretch breaks

3. Keep your crochet necessities in one spot

4. Read through the pattern you plan to use

5. Check your gauge (how the size of your yarn affects your project; is it too small or too large?)

6. Keep your tension consistent

7. Don't be afraid to try a different brand of hook

8. Save a small bit of scrap from your project

9. Stitch markers are your friends

10. Block your work

11. Don't give up. Practice makes perfect!

The PERFECT Image

I found this pic that I can use at my Chesapeake Bay Crochet Store at Shopify.  The home page allows me to tell my story, which I am having fun thinking about.  What exactly do I want to say about my store?  What do I want to say about myself?  All of this can be included.  The sky is the limit!

Finding open source photos to use is perfect.  They are Hi-Res and gorgeous at Unsplash --thousands and thousands to chose from.  I am like a kid in a candy store.

Yarn Reflections

Every person who crochets knows the importance of yarn--it is the principle tool of the craft.  Yarn is available in many weights, fibers, colors, thicknesses and textures.  My own yarn stash covers many touchable yarns from kitten soft to harsh as hemp.  It ranges from the tiniest threads to the bulkiest acrylics.

Cotton and polyester are the most commonly spun fibers in the world. Cotton is grown throughout the world, harvested, ginned, and prepared for yarn spinning. Polyester is extruded from polymers derived from natural gas and oil. Synthetic fibers are generally extruded in continuous strands of gel-state materials. These strands are drawn (stretched), annealed (hardened), and cured to obtain properties desirable for later processing.

The most commonly spun animal fiber is wool harvested from sheep. For hand knitting and hobby knitting or crochet, thick wool and acrylic yarns are frequently used.

My yarn... a small view of a large stash

As you can see, my own yarn is varied in color and texture, weights and levels of softness.

Journal Your Way to Success

Journaling is a method for keeping your thoughts and ideas organized.  I have a large collection of journals.  Most of them are empty.  I carry one with me for when an idea hits me or if I want to jot down an interesting website.  

Nearly all of my business plan was journaled before it was transformed into reality.  

Not only do I write in my journal, I read what I have written as a way to stay focused on the task.  Currently, my task is creating a viable sales site.

As of 2/1/2017, I am still not selling anything.

According to my journal, I need to create Steampunk Barbie Kits to sell with instructions on how to crochet the clothes.  I intend to include stockings, boots, gloves, materials to make a top hat, goggles, gears, ribbons, lace, charms and feathers.  

That is the top of my to-do list for the weekend:  Get a kit together and advertise it for sale