Planning Your Crochet Projects

Taking the time to carefully plan your project before you begin to crochet can make a big difference in the quality of the finished product.

First, read through your pattern, taking note of any special instructions. Then select quality yarn or thread in the correct weight for the project and time of year in a pleasing color palette. Quality does not necessarily mean expensive but, to be sure of your results, use a product that is known to stand up to daily wear and tear. Beware of the inexpensive, unknown bargain bin yarns that may turn out not to be such a bargain after all. Also, take care when using older yarn or crochet cotton. Outdated colors can cheapen your project, particularly when used for wearing apparel, accessories and home decor.

If you are making a fitted item or need to make sure that you don’t run out of yarn or thread, work a gauge swatch first. Once you’ve done so, launder it as you would the finished project. It will give you an idea of how the fiber will perform.

Embellishments can be the crowning jewels of your crochet project. Don’t omit them if your pattern calls for them. Select ribbon, buttons and other accessories with the same care and thought that you put into selecting your yarn or thread, and make sure that they are complementary to your project. Don’t be afraid to experiment, but avoid cheap, inappropriate or outdated materials which will detract from the finished look.

Always be sure to use good finishing techniques. Weave in all of the ends securely and with care. If there is hand-sewing involved, make sure your stitches are neat if they are meant to be seen. If they are not, make sure they are invisible. Nothing will spoil the look of a project more quickly than puckered seams or misplaced stitches, especially if they are worked in a contrasting color and will not blend into the background.

Go Green With Make-It-Yourself Market Bags!

Lately, there has been a lot of discussion amongst the members of several Internet crochet lists I belong to regarding the making and use of market bags. It seems that some retailers are considering cutting down on the number of bags they distribute when you make a purchase or possibly discontinuing them altogether. Instead, they are encouraging customers to make or purchase their own reusable bags.

Personally, I think this is a fantastic idea! It gives those of us who crochet, knit, weave, sew, etc., the opportunity to express ourselves with our own unique bags. But the biggest bonus is that it keeps the plastic bags out of our landfills and will no longer pose a threat to wildlife.

With today's prices spiraling upwards at an alarming rate, you can be kind to the environment while also being kind to your budget by making your market bags from scrap or recycled materials. One idea that particularly intrigues me is Marlo's market bag at Marlo's Crochet Corner. It is made from the same plastic bags that the retailers want to discontinue, but it can also be made from bread wrappers, trash bags and most other types of plastic bags. Search Marlo's free pattern index to find the bag pattern and a tutorial to show you how to cut the bags and assemble the plastic "yarn."

There are many other patterns available as well, or you can wing it and create your own. You could use leftover scraps of yarn or thread. (I like to make mine from three strands of crochet thread held together with a G crochet hook.) You might also use strips of fabric and a large hook or needles to stitch up an extra-sturdy bag in a jiffy.

But, don't stop there! Help your friends and family go green, too, by making extra bags as gifts. These bags are fun to make and use and work up fairly quickly. And, when you're not shopping, you can use them to carry needlework or your books to the library, or just about anything else you can think of. The possibilities are endless!

What I'm Doing Now

Yikes! I can hardly believe it's been so long since I posted last, but here's what happened.

I did go on the trip I mentioned in my last blog entry. The trip was great. I enjoyed visiting with my family and cuddling my grandbabies. But, there is always time for crochet! As usual, I packed a duffel bag full of yarn to take with me because I never know what fiber I'll want to play with next. It's a good thing I did because one of my publishers emailed and asked me if I could stitch an afghan for them. They wanted me to swatch it in specific colors which I just happened to have with me. Woo hoo! Thanks to also packing my digital camera, I was able to swatch, photograph and get it approved quickly. An overnight yarn order got the yarn to me in time to begin stitching it while I was still on vacation. It's a good thing, too, because the afghan took me a full month to complete, and I was able to finish it just under the deadline.

As soon as I submitted the afghan, the same publisher had two more design projects for me. I've just finished both of them, and now I'm off again to design four more projects from another publisher. So, the transition from being an editor back to being a freelance designer has been a very busy, interesting and fun time for me. I'm happy to be back!