My Next Project

I am still very busy making new items to sell here, on Facebook and on my ETSY Page. Everyday, I crochet, update blogs and websites and think about what I will work on next.

I have perfected my fingerless mitten pattern. For now, this image is of my fingerless mittens Mirasol Sisa Yarn in Stardust which is 60% lambs wool and 40% alpaca in the first stage: The Basic Mitten.

Fingerless Gloves

My creation is completed. As with any new crochet project, there are issues that must be resolved before I can offer the pattern for sale: Tweaks in wording and verifying that I didn’t miss a step.

These gloves were made with scrap yarn, so I am working on the real thing now, with real yarn purchased for the specific purpose of creating a pair of PERFECT fingerless glove. Well, as near perfect as I can make them.

I am not a machine. There may always be variations in stitches, or tiny imperfections that add to the overall beauty of the project. Anyway, enjoy the next step in my crochet creation project.

I used Red Heart Soft Yarn in cherry red, Patons Beehive Baby Sport Weight Yarn in Angel White and Susan Bates Silvalume crochet hooks size G and H

The Next Step

Work is progressing on my new creation: Fingerless Mittens.  They are starting to look like what they are!

Now the fun part begins.  They will have a lacy crocheted trim and have a couple of buttons added to each one.  They should be finished today.

Creativity

I have wasted many, many hours scouring the Internet for crochet patterns to match the vision I have in my head of items I want to produce.  What a load of rubbish!  What I mean is, I am working really hard to reinvent the wheel.  Why would anyone want to do that?

I have created my own patterns for crocheted items previously. Click here and here for examples of patterns available for digital download through my Etsy Store.

So, I am now working on a pattern for fingerless gloves, or more precisely, fingerless mittens because there is a thumb hole, but not individual holes for fingers.  I have ripped out stitch after stitch in an effort to create my patterns.

This it the first half of a pair of mittens:

Fingerless Mitten

Yeah, I know what you're saying.  It doesn't look like a glove or a mitten or anything else recognizable.  Well, maybe half of an orangutan mitten, but why would anyone want to put mittens on an orangutan?

I agree.  Stay tuned of the next iteration of my invention!

I Have Been Busy

I have been working feverishly to create items for my online store that can be found here and here.  I have sold several items on ebay recently and have even sold some items directly to interested individuals.

The key was finding what people wanted to buy and not concentrating on what I wanted to make.

Also, price control has become an issue for me.  If it is priced too high, no one wants it, even if the item is hand-made.  If it is priced too low, then the entire market for hand-made crafts is diluted.

Fingerless Gloves/Wrist Warmer Steampunk or Boho Style: Red with black ruffle trim and large vintage buttons

Fingerless Gloves/Wrist Warmer Steampunk or Boho Style: Blue chenille, lace trimmed with vintage white/rhinestone buttons

Fingerless Gloves/Wrist Warmer Steampunk or Boho Style:  Blue chenille, lace trimmed with vintage white/rhinestone buttons

Fingerless Gloves/Wrist Warmer Steampunk or Boho Style: Red with black ruffle trim and large vintage buttons

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!

Health Benefits of Crochet

I found this article here about the healthful benefits of crochet as well as other types of needlework.  I realized a long time ago that crocheting helped me deal with stress and having a chronic illness makes this doubly important.

"Need a reason to craft more? Or to tell your family when they ask about the hours you spend making scarves? Crocheting and knitting are good for you!
Benefits of crocheting and knitting include

• Reduced stress
• Better ability to cope with illness (physical or mental)
• Decreased risk of cognitive impairment as you age

But why do knitting and crocheting help? 

Relaxed, repetitive motions such as the ones used in crochet and knitting can help calm down the body and the brain. Have you ever come home and sat down to work on your current project after a bad day? Not only does working on something you enjoy help, but the actual motions involved assist in creating a better mood. Our blogger Kathryn Vercillo has gathered many stories of how crafting can help people through illnesses here on her blog. She also shares her own story of crocheting through depression.

Knitting and crochet also help with fine motor skills and keeping your fingers and hands feeling good as you age. Additionally, all patterns involve some aspects of math, keeping your mind sharp and letting you practice math skills. Seeing how math operates in the "real world" is especially helpful for kids: they can see concrete examples of the skills they are learning in the classroom. 

Crocheting and knitting are often done in groups, either formally or informally. Whether you take a class, have a regular monthly guild meeting, or just get together with your friends every once in a while to chat and work on projects, chances are you have first-hand experience with how well knitting and crocheting go together with social activities. Being among friends can help combat loneliness and isolation, which can contribute to health problems. 

Schools and prisons are very different institutions, but there is a trend in them for crocheting and knitting groups. Social skills are worked on in both groups, and the calming effects of crafts can be especially useful. Schoolchildren practice following instructions and using math in everyday situations. Prisoners often work on projects for charities, such as hats for the needy, or blankets for animal shelters. 

How has crafting helped your health? Share your stories on social media with the hashtag #redheartyarns. 

For more information, visit the Craft Yarn Council's page on health benefits." 

Free Crochet Pattern Dishrag

These crocheted dishrags are super-simple to make.

Dish Rag Free Crochet Pattern  9 inches by 9 inches

Materials:
Worsted Weight Cotton Yarn
Size K Crochet Hook
Tapestry needle, Scissors

CH 28
Row 1:  In 3rd CH from hook DC, DC in each CH across.  (25 DC) CH 2, turn
Row 2:  HDC in each DC.  CH 2, turn
Row 3:  DC in each HDC.  CH 2, turn

Repeat rows 2 and 3 until piece measures approx. 9 inches, ending with a DC row.

Finish off.  Weave in loose ends.