Search results matching tag 'crochet'

Re: Looking for amigurumi knit patterns

Edey — Fri, 06 Nov 2009 15:50:19 GMT

Looks-wise I would prefer the knit because of the smoother texture, finer texture. However working knit compared to crochet - crochet is faster, easier to work the shaping. I've never made one, though. Edey

Have You Made Sock Mocassins - Or Mukluks?

Edey — Thu, 22 Oct 2009 15:46:06 GMT

When we were kids we had slippers that were like a combination of knee socks and mocassins and we called them mukluks. The leg portion and instep were knitted or crocheted, but the sole was leather stitched to the sock portion, with short sides on the sole wrapping around the foot.

Has anyone here made these from scratch, knitting the tops and then attaching the sock to the sole?

I'm curious about how you did it, what materials you used for the sole and how you attached it to the sock. Also was the sock a full footed sock, or just the leg/instep portion?

Edey

Plarn!

Michigander Fan — Thu, 24 Apr 2008 00:18:32 GMT

You know how sometimes you have an idea and then you find out others have the same idea? Well, I have been saying for years (every time a palstic shopping bag ripped and my food fell all over the street) "You know, these bags, woven together, would actually be pretty strong!"

It turns out that lots of people have come up with lots of creative ideas for the bags. (I have some reusable string bags which I use most of the time, but even so I often end up with plastic bags.)

You cut the plastic bag into strips, and put the strips together to make a very long strand, and then you can knit with it or crochet with it. The material is called plarn. (Plastic yarn.) People are making bags of all sizes, raincoats, hats, door mats (which remind me of the door mats made from old tires that everyone in my Detroit neighborhood had in the 70s.) and other fun stuff - tissue cozies, etc.

I actually searched on Youtube, and there are instructions for making plarn, samples of things other people made, and a video of women in Africa who make really beautiful bags from the plarn. There is also a woman who has figured out that if you iron plastic bags (using waxed paper) you fuse it together, and then can sew with it. They made a messenger bag with the material.

Of course, it's better to not have all the plastic bags around, but it's a neat concept, putting them to use (kind of like fleece, which is used plastic, right?)

My problem is that I don't know how to knit or crochet. Well, I know how to knit and purl, cast on and off (my German cousin taught me in the 80s) and I know how to crochet (but I can only crochet 1 line that goes on forever; I don't know how to turn the stitch around) . I just can't read a pattern. I checked a couple of books out of the library with a determined Rosie the Riveter attitude ("I can do this!") but I can't. My brain does not work that way. I wonder if Youtube has instructional knitting or crocheting videos as well? If someone showed me, I would get it. Eventually.

Anyone out there making plarn products?

Michigander Fan

Re: Do you knit or crochet? How does it benefit you and your family?

My Family's Interests — Sun, 15 Jul 2007 20:03:05 GMT

Actually, you can do a lot with double and triple crochet stitches! If you look at most patterns, that is what they are made of (plus the single stitch of course) Its the yarn that usually gives the interest. All filet crochet is dble stitch and chain stitch. To get the pattern, you just fill the square in where is says to fill in. It is the counting and keeping track of which line you are on that you have to really watch. I have a xmas pattern of santa and his reindeer in red thread, I have been doing for years. Actually I put it away and forget about it and work on it maybe once a year lol! Reminds me I should dig it out and finish it for xmas!

Re: Do you knit or crochet? How does it benefit you and your family?

My Family's Interests — Sun, 15 Jul 2007 19:56:41 GMT

There are lots of great books out there plus the web of course. It isn't hard to do granny squares. www.lionbrand.com is a great website. They have great pictures and info in the how to section. Easy to understand. That is where I learned to bind off when I was finished knitting. Great patterns. You need to register for free patterns but don't need to buy something. I bought the wool and made the Martha Stewart poncho.

Do you knit or crochet? How does it benefit you and your family?

Jasminzbox — Sat, 14 Jul 2007 04:11:16 GMT

I accidentally hijacked a thread applauding Hobby Lobby. I really really enjoy going there. To the point that my internal financial adviser often forgoes going to that store to avoid temptation. The reason I hijacked it is because I was really happy with the deals at Smiley's Yarn. Pat mentioned that she has nice yarn stash. It got me wondering who else here enjoys knitting and crocheting. What sorts of benefits does it bring you?

My grandmother crocheted. She made afghans, scarves, even skirts and purses. She tried to teach me several times as a child, but I never quite understood. For my last birthday I got myself a how to crochet set to try out my grandmothers beloved craft. I never set the time aside to actually enjoy the gift to myself. Recently I made a concious effort to have hobbies. I was finding myself stressed and always thinking about work/housework/finances. So far I have only made a couple of scarves and a pouch. I really enjoy it! I take the bus to work everyday, which gives me about 2 hours a day in commute. It relaxes me and by the time I get home I am calm and happy. So I took the plunge and decided to stock up on some yarn. I am planning on making scarves and and an afghan as Christmas presents this year. I figure this would be a dual purpose hobby. Toasty family in winter and a happier me!