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

Double Crochet Borders

Adding borders for the double crochet is really easy as it doesn’t rely on any stitch multiples to make it work.

The only area you have to concern yourself with is the corners. Once you do the first revolution around, the rest of the border is set and ready for you to do as many rounds as your heart desires.

The Solarium Throw as seen in the thumbnail has two rounds of double crochet around the granny square afghan. That’s just a suggestion as per the design. If you want more, there’s nothing to stop you. Just keep going.

This diagram shows an easy method for adding a border... Just 3 DC in each corner.  More detailed instructions are found here, at Petals to Picots.

How to Follow a Crochet Stitch Diagram

I found this article here at How to Follow a Stitch Diagram for Dummies page and wanted to share it with you.  If you haven't ever tried this, it is easier to follow a stitch diagram than a written pattern in my opinion.  Try a swatch!

• Following a stitch diagram in crochet isn’t that scary once you understand the symbols and abbreviations. When you read a crochet pattern, the stitch diagram shows only a few rows to avoid repetition and save space. You work it in identical rows consisting of repeated sets of crochet stitches. The pattern tells you how many rows to make to complete the piece.
  Stitch diagram basics:
• When working in rows, the right side row number is placed on the right-hand side of the diagram, which means you work from the right side to the left side. On wrong side rows, the number is on the left-hand side, so you follow the diagram from left to right.
• When working in rounds, you read the diagram counterclockwise, without turning between rows unless the instructions specifically instruct you to do so.
• Left-handed crocheters go in reverse. Stitch diagrams are generally laid out from the right-handed crocheter’s point of view, but a left-handed crocheter can read them just as well if he or she reverses the direction of the pattern, and works from left to right instead of right to left. To work in rounds, a lefty still follows the pattern counterclockwise, but works the piece clockwise, thus reversing the direction of the pattern.

Try your hand at reading a stitch diagram (this one is for a lacy pattern):

1. Make a foundation chain (represented by the row of oval chain stitch symbols) that’s about the width you want.
   
   Make sure it’s a multiple of 8 stitches (to allow for the repeat).
2. Chain 2 more stitches for the end of the row plus 3 more for the turning chain for the first double crochet of Row 1.
   For example, you could start with 21 chain stitches (2 x 8 + 2 + 3 = 21) or 85 chain stitches (10 x 8 + 2 + 3 = 85).
3. Work the following pattern:
   Row 1: Dc in 4th ch from hook, dc in each ch across, turn.
   This means to double crochet stitch in the fourth chain from the hook, double crochet in each chain going across, and then turn.
   Row 2: Ch 3 (turning ch for first dc), dc in each of next 2 dc, skip next 2 dc (2 dc, ch 1, 2 dc) in next dc, skip next 2 dc, dc in each of next 3 dc , rep from to across, ending with last dc of last rep in top of turning ch, turn.
   For Row 2, chain 3 to make the turning chain for the first double crochet stitch and double crochet in each of the next 2 double crochet stitches. For the repeated part of this row (the instructions shown between the bullets), skip the next 2 double crochet stitches, work 2 double crochet stitches in the next double crochet, chain 1, work 2 more double crochet stitches in the same double crochet, skip the next 2 double crochet stitches, and then work 1 double crochet in each of the next 3 double crochet stitches. Repeat this section until you reach the end of the row, ending with a double crochet in the top of the previous row’s turning chain. Turn your work.
   Row 3: Ch 3 (turning ch for first dc), dc in each of next 2 dc, ch 1, skip next 2 dc, 3 dc in next ch-1 space, ch 1, skip next 2 dc, dc in each of next 3 dc , rep from to across, ending with last dc of last rep in top of turning ch, turn.
   Chain 3 for your turning chain and then work 1 double crochet stitch in each of the next 2 double crochet stitches. For the repeated part of this row (the instructions that are shown between the bullets), chain 1, skip the next 2 double crochet stitches, work 3 double crochet stitches in the next chain-1 space, chain 1, skip the next 2 double crochet stitches, and then work 1 double crochet stitch in each of the next 3 double crochet stitches. Repeat this section until you reach the end of the row, ending with a double crochet in the top of the previous row’s turning chain. Turn your work.
   Row 4: Ch 3 (turning ch for first dc), dc in each of next 2 dc, skip next 2 sts, (2 dc, ch 1, 2 dc) in next dc, skip next 2 sts, dc in each of next 3 dc , rep from to across, ending with last dc of last rep in top of turning ch, turn.
   Chain 3 for your turning chain and then work 1 double crochet stitch in each of the next 2 double crochet stitches. For the repeated part of this row (the instructions that are shown between the bullets), skip the next chain-1 space and the next double crochet stitch, work 2 double crochet stitches, chain 1, work 2 more double crochet stitches into the next double crochet stitch, skip the next double crochet stitch and the next chain-1 space, and then work 1 double crochet stitch into each of the next 3 double crochet stitches. Repeat this section until you reach the end of the row, ending with a double crochet in the top of the previous row’s turning chain. Turn your work.
   Rep Rows 3–4 for desired length.
   Repeat Row 3, then repeat Row 4, alternating these two rows until your piece is as long as you want it to be.
   Last Row: Ch 3 (turning ch for first dc), dc in each st and space across, ending with dc in top of turning ch. Fasten off.
   Begin the last row from the right side, chain 3 for your turning chain and then work 1 double crochet stitch in each double crochet stitch and each chain-1 space across the entire row. You should have the same number of double crochet stitches in this row as you have in Row 1. Fasten off your work, and enjoy your pretty swatch.

Creating a Featured Product on Shopify

Shopify will allow a featured product at the bottom of the home page.  (Go to your dashboard and click on your online store link.  Then click on Customize your Theme to add a Featured Product to your home page)

My Steampunk Barbie is a good choice because the entire outfit is for sale... the bustier, skirt, coat, top hat complete with gears, stockings, boots, and gloves.  The home page features the main image and the other images can be seen by clicking on the buy it now button.

My future is to create an entire kit that can be bought or individual items.  Keep watching for updates on the progress of this project, which will ultimately be a huge undertaking.