5/29/2016

Needlecrafts - Crochet, Bagging Scraps of Fabric

5/29/2016
Needlecrafts - Crochet, Bagging Bulky Yarn & Fabric Scraps
Inspirational images | Pinterest
The past three months have been extremely busy with me getting back to designing crochet patterns. Posting has been somewhat erratic as the process of getting creative and educational craft posts ready takes a lot of energy. Happily, this will be corrected as the patterns start to become completed to my satisfaction. It's wonderful when life comes full circle - I am back to designing, which is my first love but (with a big sigh!) there's a learning curve once again to be disciplined in my work. This particular post highlights how I feel about certain designs - Daniela Gregis bags are so creative and colorful, they make you smile. Precious is not a word you would use in describing these bags but make no mistake they are heirlooms. Recycling is definitely something to consider when you decide to make one of these bags- old jean shirts, sheets, fabric you've hoarded. There's no mystery as Gregis uses very basic patterns for these bags. A small crocheted rug or a larger basket can become a special market bag you'll be proud to carry. Read further for inspiration, free patterns for guidance, helpful tutorials and videos to get you started.

5/10/2016

Needlecrafts - Knit, Yarn Mixology

5/10/2016
Needlecrafts - Knit - Yarn Mixology
All inspirational images | Pinterest
Yarns are definitely my drug of choice. It's the colors, whether solid or multi-colored, the textures and construction that have me filling that "yarn closet" in the basement time and time again. Every year at about this time we travel to Daytona where my brother-in-law and his wife own a beautiful home. My sister-in-law, thankfully, is a crocheter and knitter. She truly understands my habit and willingly goes with me exploring for new yarns. At times this can make packing to go home a bit tricky but somehow I manage to squeeze in all my booty. When you enter a yarn store, you see all these tempting concoctions calling out to you . Do I buy something safe in one weight and color or do I go crazy and buy a little of everything. Well knitters and crocheters, mix it up and go crazy. Work with a variety of yarns and textures in the same color palette or totally patchwork style! Be sure to see all the creative ways to work with yarn textures, free patterns and helpful videos showing you how to read a chart, work the intarsia technique and give you an idea of the types of textured yarn available in the marketplace.