It's totally faker crochet! If you are a purist...power to you. Hook yourself some little caps for soap.
I confess I find the gifting of handmade items something of a challenge. It's one thing to give something you've painstakingly hooked, or stitched, or knitted, or sewn to someone else who makes things & appreciates them. It's quite another to gift the same items to folk who've no idea of the time involved. Faker or not - it's all the same to them. So...at this time of year when you're crafting to give I heartily recommend the faker route.
I got lucky at the oppy a couple of weeks ago & picked up a set of 6 crochet coasters which were a bit stained & yick. I slung them in the washing machine & stared at them for a while & wondered if a soap cosy might be just the ticket? Loofah & soap in one...yep! Time to have a crack folks.
Five minutes flat per soap...maybe less.
How to make faker crochet covered soap View more presentations from kootoyoo.
The jar lights I made created quite a bit of interest.
The benefit of using LED lights over tealights is safety & if you're having an outdoor party you don't need to worry about weather as the light would of course be protected by the lid of the jar.
Edit: I used large jars which were purchased very cheaply from a homewares store but used kitchen jars would work too. If you want uniformity with the the lids then perhaps a coat of paint?
The LED battery operated lights that I used were purchased from Bunnings. They are OSRAM brand "Dot-it" lights. They are around the $10 mark but they do just go on & on & on. I've also seen them at lighting shops.
I'm seriously considering setting up something in the garden similar to this brilliant piece of garden art...
freshly installed & 3 months later
which was inspired by Margie's project here.
Of course, you don't really need a how to...it's a speed demon type project. Forge ahead, have a crack & you can't really go wrong. How to contain the light View more presentations from kootoyoo.
& because I wanted to try out the embed feature through Google Docs...
you just need to click the little icon in the top right (open in new window) if you want to print the pdf.
If you liked this idea you might also like the wrapped tealights.
It doesn't rely on tension, hook size, type of yarn blah de blah.
You just need to worry about making sure the rectangle of fabric measures...
circumference x head height = super cute 'x' stitch beanie
I was lucky enough to have recipients easily lassoed by the measuring tape but if you're making for a gift you might like to refer to this excellent size chart found via google this afternoon. Thanks Bev.
How to make a crochet & cross stitch beanieView more presentations from kootoyoo.
I knew the heart wasn't going to fly so The Big Girl & I went for something très sophistiqué. The kid hasn't taken the beanie off since it was gifted. Both The Little Guy & The Date think it's fabulous (& those fellas are a tough craft audience).
There's a pdf here if that helps you out.
It goes without saying that you don't have to be able to crochet to make this beanie. You could follow the same formula & use some lovely wool jersey & the machine. That'd make it super quick.
I can't help it. The hook is superglued to my hand at the moment. The Date's getting heartily sick of taking pics of me so that'll be it for the grown up sized stuff for a while.
This colour can only be described as Pigeon blue because everytime I see it I think of Christie.
I'm still churning out the granny shrugs (not for me) but this deliciously warm, smokey, sleeves-only number is all mine.
Foundation chain to completion in one day (I was at a gym competition). More realistically it's two nights in front of the teev.
Made up as I went along but based on the circled creation of last week which was based on a knitted Sunspun creation.
If you'd like to hook yourself a speedie little number it's super easy...just a rectangle really. You could just dive in & have a crack but for those who like a "pattern" (& I use the term loosely), I have a pdf here.
How It seems that the mulberry granny shrug has inspired a few of you to have a crack yourself. That's super exciting & exactly why this patch of web space exists. Over the weekend Lara & I have worked together to present to you the whole box & dice for the granny shrug enthusiast.
There's something for everyone. This is the master class...for lovely folk who like to follow a pattern, or maybe you need the visual (like me) or perhaps you'd like to watch a dinky video.
If you know how to make a granny square then you know how to make this shrug. Just crochet yourself a couple of lovely granny hexagons.
You can just skip over the "instructions" & make the granny exactly as you always do. Maybe you slip across to the next chain space...ripper knock yourself out. There is no "right" way to make it.
You'll just end up with a lovely curly hexagon...good, that's great...exactly what we want. Just keep checking your sizing after each round to decide when you're done.
Mine have been 9 rounds (in the Wilderness) but depending on your tension & hook size yours might be 8 or 10 or more. Keep folding the curly hex in on itself until you're confident that the fit will be right for you.
the pattern My very favourite crocheter is Lara. She's one of the reasons I picked up the hook in the first place. She likes to be good at stuff & works hard to make sure she gets things right. Well, guess what? She's written a fabulous, fabulous pattern (it might not have posted yet...be patient) for you to print & keep. And spared you all from my effort at a written explanation. Thank you Lara, you're the very best & it was lovely to share the making of the how to with you.
& the video Just so you know it was really hard to crochet standing up stradling a tripod & keeping (or trying) the crochet in the frame.
Australian/UK terminology
Yarn You've got a HUGE amount of flexibility here. You want to achieve a good deal of chunkiness & you'll just adjust your number of rounds accordingly so pick something that suits your style. I did make the suggestion the other day to use stash yarns crocheted together to make up the chunky style yourself.
I used Patons "Wilderness" 14ply. I like it...A LOT. It's a blend so purists might like to check out other options but I think it's just the perfect yarn for the job. Here's why... (& where to buy too).
OR you can have a go with 2 balls of 8 ply held together or whatever else takes your fancy. You'll just adjust your number of rounds according to tension & fit. Go nuts. Lara's using two strands of 12ply & is very happy with the result.
Hook I'd say 15mm. I'm really happy with the result I'm getting with the 15mm hook. You need it to be loose so that you get a nice drape with the finished "fabric". We're not going for sturdy here folks...we want the pretty drape.
Making Up I switched to a 2.65mm hook & just used double crochet up the centre back seam.
Then I doubled along the top sleeve seams & single crocheted along the back of the neck opening to give extra strength.
Again if you know how to do it your own way...do that. It will be great.
What, haven't had enough? Here's the steak knife! A round by round for the visual learner. How to make a granny shrugView more presentations from kootoyoo.
Other Stuff There's a flickr group. If you make a shrug we'd love to have it added to the group.
HAC class? There have been a couple of requests for a HAC class for the shrug. If you still think you need it or would like to make it up with a bunch of other girls over tea & biscuits, I'd be happy to run it over two evenings. If you're keen please email me kootoyooATgmailDOTcom & if we get enough interest we'll go ahead.
I've mentioned before that I never use a hoop. Even though I'm really careful & I stretch & ease as I stitch my finished pieces are often a bit puckered. They never look it do they? I'll show you why! This might be the totally wrong thing to do but it works for me. If you're a traditionalist & you're tsking at me now...I'm sorry & don't read on.
First of all you should know that I HATE ironing. I do not iron a single item of clothing. The iron is reserved strictly for crafty activity. When it comes to embroidery however, the iron is my very best friend.
Secondly, I always transfer my designs (or freehand draw them) with a wash out marker. I'm not snobby or loyal about the brand. Whatever is on offer is fine for me. That means that every piece of stitching I do needs a little bath before I press it.
Now prepare your ironing surface. You need a nice squishy towel. This will help absorb the moisture as well as protect your stitches.
Next pull your embroidered piece out of it's bath & give it a gentle squeeze to remove excess moisture. Place it FACE DOWN on the towel.
Now begin ironing the piece. Yes, while it's still wet. You are going to iron it dry. Use a dry setting on your iron & go slowly. Just waving the iron gently over the back of the work. Keep watching (& smelling) your work. Do NOT burn it. Once all the fabric is dry you might notice the stitches & fabric around the stitches is still a bit moist. That's OK, just leave it to dry lying flat.
This piece was fairly simple & really didn't show any signs of puckering but was certainly covered in wash out marker. If you're working on a larger piece I would suggest ironing from the centre of the work out. Smooth & stretch your embroidered piece as you go.
It was so nice to have a bit of time to myself yesterday.
I've had a few emails asking for pointers on stem stitch & again I think that this is the kind of thing best learned by watching & listening rather than still shots or sketches.
I stitched a bit of lettering & thought that I'd share the video. I've kind of adapted my traditionally taught stem stitch over the years. Vick...if you're reading this - click away now. This is my "go to" stitch. I use it for lettering, for outlining & for anything with a curve. I love the flexible nature of this stitch. You can very easily rocket ahead on straight sections & then slow right down & do teeny tiny stitches around sharp turns. It's a forgiver...I like that.
Hoping that this helps you out & you become a (sort of) stem stitcher too.
Now that I watch this video...is it any wonder my stitches are so tight. Just look at how I "correct" each stitch.
I do love French Knots & I trot them out at every opportunity. Time consuming if you cluster them - yes. This lot represents about 4 hours of knotting!
But I remember they were mystifying for such a long time. Maybe it was the quick movement of Vicky's hands...they always seemed beyond my reach. I always ended up in a French mess!
I've had a few people ask about French Knots so I've prepared a little video of how I French Knot. For me the key/secret is the "correction" which you'll here about & see if you watch the video. I hope you find it useful. It's a great stitch to have in your "kit".
I'm working on my video skills. Obviously I was holding the piece too close to the camera...ah well...practice, practice, practice.
Video made using The Flip. Thanks to Flip Video, I love this piece of equipment.
I've posted a little "how to" over at Feeling Stitchy today.
I know embroidery takes some time & it isn't everyone's bag. If you're not into stitching this is pretty quick (just a bit of waiting around for glue to dry) project.
I actually used an old pillowcase to make mine so you could do that too or use lovely new designer fabric or maybe even go wild with the fabric paint. Whatever takes your fancy.
I'll be spending the day (yet again) over at the old house. I'm trying to breathe some new life into the Castlemaine Slate on the front verandah. I wonder about that CLR stuff? I think I'll have a quick "chat" with Mr Google before I head off.
Here's the how to for my wrist cuff. This cuff makes an excellent gift & is a fairly quick & easy project.
You should be able to pick up vinyl off cuts from your local hardware or flooring shop.
Obviously you could stitch text or basic images using the same technique. Just be careful not to make your design too detailed...you'll drive yourself crazy.
How To Make a Wrist Cuff - faux wood & embroidered.View more presentations from kootoyoo.
- You can pick up the print friendly PDF tutorial here... how to make a wrist cuff
I'm planning on doing more "how to" posts this year. I've made myself a rule ... but it's a bit early to say if I'll stick to it. I really enjoy making them & it's all about keeping me motivated.
OR maybe you'd like to come to a HAC workshop to make it with me? If I get enough interest I'll go ahead.
Date: Saturday 6th February 1-5pm Venue: Balwyn TBC Cost: $55 includes all materials & refreshments Email: to register your interest kootoyooATgmailDOTcom with HAC 6th February in the subject line.
Today I ran in the rain, had a terrible coffee, sewed a bit, shopped with the kids, cooked a bit & generally took things pretty easy.
There have been a few questions about the placemat covers so I've put together a HAC "how to".
Gather your supplies... Fabric Fold Over Elastic Pins Sewing machine Circular placemat
If you're planning on doing any embroidery (either traditional or machine), or maybe some other decorative application like gocco or applique - do that before you cut your circles.
Cut two circles approximately 1.5 inches larger than your placemat.
Pin with wrong sides together.
Set your machine to zig zag & stitch the fold over elastic to the outside of the circle shape. You need to stretch the elastic fully. Go slow & remember to keep your needle in your work as you stretch. If you're stumped now's the time to visit Amy Karol's FOE tute...it's a ripper.
Once you're finished the cover should look something like this.
Slip the cover onto your circular placemat & enjoy. Look Liesl it's a shower cap!
x marks the spot Magnetic Corner Bookmark a tutorial
Gather your supplies: Embroidery floss, scrap cardboard (a used cereal box is ideal), calico, scissors, craft knife, needle, fade out marker, adhesive backed magnetic tape.
Step 1: Take a deep breath…there’s a bit of maths here. Prepare your templates. Cut a 13cm (5.1 inches) square from scrap cardboard Cut a right angle triangle measuring: 7.5cm (2.95 inches) x 7.5cm (2.95 inches) with a hypotenuse of 10.5cm (4.13 inches).
Step 2: Cut your magnetic tape to fit & stick it to the triangles so that they come together neatly. Set aside for later.
Step 3: Using your square template as a guide cut out your calico. Leave a seam allowance outside the template of approximately 1.5 cm (3/4 inch).
Step 4: Press your calico square around your cardboard template.
Begin by pressing the corners as pictured above.
Next press each of the sides as pictured. This removes a lot of the bulk in the corners & will keep the folds nice & neat.
Step 5: Remove the cardboard template & fold the square in half to form a triangle.
Press. Fold in half again & press.
Step 6:
Print this template or just trace/draw your own "x".
Unfold your pressed triangle & positioned it right side up. Whip out your fade out marker, check your folds carefully & mark your “x” where you would like it positioned on the face of the book mark. You need to make sure that you mark your “x” in the left hand (or 9 o’clock) triangle of your square. Just bear in mind that the centre seam will run parallel to the spine of the book.
Step 7: Stitch your “x”. Gift…use a speedy stitch like running or back stitch.
Step 8:
Once you’ve finished stitching your design place your work face down on the ironing board & repress the folds.
Step 9:
Position your triangle shapes (magnet side down) inside the seams & fold in half.
Step 10:
Pin to secure.
Step 11:
Running stitch along each of the short sides of your triangle.
Step 12:
Once you’ve completed the running stitch – make the final fold & remove your pin. Now blanket stitch the short side closed to form your “cuff”.
You’re finished & ready to gift.
...
Would you like the premium how to? There are lots more images, printable templates & some extra tips too. All for less that the price of a coffee & delivered to your inbox. CDs & kits also available - over here.
When I learnt to embroider from my highly skilled neighbour she was most emphatic...
"embroidery works in progress should always be rolled"
I'm all about the kit, I have kits for every craft project. So, before I could begin stitching up my quilt project design I had to make up a special quilt project kit.
I thought I'd share with you the step by step.
I think these would make a great (& almost free) gift for any stitchers in your life.
So no more scrunching or folding people...it's all about the roll.
PDF how to available here.
How To Fabric Covered BoxView more presentations from kootoyoo.
Since I posted the granny square necklace I've had a few emails & comments asking for a little how to.
If you know how to make a granny square you can easily make one of these sweet necklaces. You don't need to follow a pattern at all. Just have a go. I think that all you really need to know is that I used embroidery floss, & a 3mm hook (but I'm super tight - so maybe choose something smaller).
If you are a rule follower (like me), it's all there in the slide show.
I've chosen a traditional granny square because in my opinion if it ain't broke...don't fix it. I love everything about a granny square. You can read about all about it here.
How To Make A Granny NecklaceView more presentations from kootoyoo.
I'm not trying to teach anyone how to make a granny square. There are plenty of tutes around for that. My "pattern" uses Australian/UK terminology so if you're in the US you'll need to double where I say treble.
There's a PDF tutorial here if you'd like to "print & keep".
You might like to try
Purl Bee (US terminology) Sarah London on Flickr (Aus/UK terminology) & Pip has put together a few posts on granny squaring too.
It's not even a how to. It's just a "now lay, now cut, now sew". So easy, super cute & re-usable. Of course that last bit makes me love it most of all. If you make one you'll be able to use this cover on notebook after notebook after notebook.
How To Make A Fabric Notebook CoverView more presentations from kootoyoo.
You can pick up the PDF tutorial here as well as the PDF menu planner if you decide you'd like to make yourself a full year menu planner.
I've had these pics kicking around since I made the big girl her pencil case last year.
I thought the "how to" might be of use.
I always buy my "magic disolving stuff" from Bustle & Bows. They know what I mean when I ask for that but you might want to call it Aquasol or water soluble plastic if you're asking for it in store.
This is not only useful for embroidery but I imagine many other crafty pursuits. I saw a similar product used to create a super fluffy critter on a blanket recently.
How To - Embroidery On Dark FabricView more presentations from kootoyoo.
You can pick up the PDF How to - Embroidery on dark fabric here.
I made another video & timed myself but the whole thing was such a disaster - it was axed before it even made it to air.
I've been making lots of these pincushions lately. They came about from the fortune teller folding & then the fat quarter folding.
Nothing remarkable in the construction of this super quick pincushion but I think that they finish up as something quite beautiful for very little effort.
How To Make A Simple Square PincushionView more presentations from kootoyoo.
Once all this was finished I had a vague memory of my grandmother having a pincushion constructed in the same way out of a Bargello sampler.
I think that these would look excellent as samples for the seam-along.
You can see variations on the theme in felt with a pinked seam & in a heavy cotton with a frayed seam.
The PDF tutorial for How to make a square pincushion can be downloaded here.
Yesterday while I was waiting for all the muffins to cook I spent some more time in the pool room trying to sort everything out.
I love to fold. The pillowcase collection looks magnificent but the other set of shelves is looking a bit sad.
I've seen a bit of sorting & folding going on around the place & this morning I popped in here. It made me want to rush out & buy lots & lots of lovely new fabric. (contradiction?) Then I remembered...I don't do that.
So, I got to work with the vintage sheeting. This little exercise required the use of my maths brain as well as my very rusty dramatic skills...OK so I totally got stage fright & the video is pretty awful but I had fun with the logistics. I set myself up a ghetto rig for the flip & away I went.
How to fold a fat quarter...the video.
This may or may not be an original way to fold squares of fabric. I was trying to hunt down a folding technique last year as I seemed to remember this sort of thing from Patchwork House when I learnt to quilt (about a million years ago). But Mr Google turned up nothing. I combined my memory of nappy folding (which I also loved) with my idea of how I remembered the fat quarters at Patchwork House.
Formula: width of shelf (w) x 4 is the size to cut your squares.
So...if you're a collector of fabric & your shelves are six inches wide you need to be buying 24 inches of fabric to make them fit snuggly on your shelf.
I think this looks cuter. Don't eat the popcorn though...the last thing you want is a mouth full of Tarzan's Grip.
And now for the gifting part...
I fashioned this gift from tin cans I'd saved but it would work just as well using a milk carton (in fact, now I think of it that would probably work even better...darn it). Then I embroidered the popcorn piece & the red stripe once. Next, I scanned & mucked around with it in publisher until I was happy with the placement.
Anyway...if you'd like to make a cute gift box for a movie ticket & popcorn gift then head over & pick up the jpegs sized & ready to print:
surround & lid (if you don't want to go with the real popcorn like I did).
Then adhere to your chosen recycled container.
...I had to have a go with the milk carton - I'm happy.
Absolutely basic "present wrapping" construction - no words required...
