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!
