Friday, April 25, 2014

new crochet pattern - sew simple baby socks by kim miller.

 
 
 
Skill Level: Easy

If you are looking for a last minute baby gift then you will love this crochet pattern! These sweet, little, crochet socks are worked flat and then sewn together along both sides, making them "Sew Simple". Also, since each sock is only a 10 to 14 row repeat (depending on the size made), you can easily make up a pair in an evening or two.

Other than scraps of a contrasting colour, you can crochet a pair of these socks using less than half of a ball of Knit Picks® Comfy Fingering [50 g (1.76 oz)/199 meters (218 yds) per ball]. The pattern calls for a 3.25 mm (D) crochet hook, and uses the following stitches: slip stitch crochet, single crochet, half double crochet, and double crochet.

Also, the pattern includes figure pictures and instructions for 3 different sizes:


• Size 0(0-3 months): 7.6 cm (3”) long
• Size 1(3-6 months): 8.9 cm (3½”) long
• Size 2(6-9 months): 10.2 cm (4”) long

Please note that age ranges are approximate and are intended as a general reference only. Since every child is different, we recommend measuring the child’s foot to ensure proper fit.






(Purchase this pattern and receive 20% off by entering the coupon code "sewsimple20" at the checkout!
Offer valid until Friday - May 8th, 2014)
 
 

 
kim.

Sunday, April 13, 2014

how to make a tassel.

Not only are tassels the perfect embellishment for your crochet projects (or what have you), but they are also a great way to use up left over yarn.

 
First off, grab any piece of scrap cardboard and cut to desired size. Your finished tassel will be slightly shorter than your piece of cardboard. Next, lay a piece of yarn across the top of the cardboard. Starting and finishing at the bottom end of the cardboard, wind yarn around both the cardboard and the piece of yarn lying across the top. I did about 20 wraps.

 
 Pull the top piece of yarn tightly and tie the top of the tassel securely.
 
 
Cut the yarn ends at the opposite end of the cardboard, and remove the tassel from the cardboard.
 

 Cut another piece of yarn and wrap it a few times tightly around the tassel, approximately ½” from the top and tie securely.


To disguise the knot, pass both yarn ends through the center of the tassel as shown.


Trim any excess yarn across the bottom of the tassel.


Voila...a simple, beautiful tassel that will add detail to any project!!!


Another option, that adds both shape and weight to your tassel is to use a bead. To do this start by threading a bead onto a long piece of yarn and tie a knot close to the bead. For the moment, set the bead aside. 


Next, omitting the piece of yarn lying across the top, wind yarn around the piece of cardboard.


Cut the yarn ends at and remove the tassel from the cardboard.


Lay the yarn out flat as shown.


Using the beaded piece of yarn, tie a knot around the center of the tassel. Take care to fan the yarn out evenly around the bead and tie securely.


Again, to disguise the knot, pass both yarn ends through the center of the tassel and trim any excess yarn across the bottom of the tassel. For extra detail, add a bead to the top of your tassel and secure with a knot close to the bead.





kim.