Filet Crochet. Keeping it neat!

What is Filet Crochet?

Basic filet crochet is a beautiful technique that creates pictures and patterns using a grid of open and solid blocks. It is worked using a combination of double crochet stitches (US terms) and chains, and once you learn the basic structure, the possibilities are endless.

Sneak Peek at My Latest Design: Mosaic Filet Blanket

Here’s a sneak peek at my latest design, a Mosaic Filet Blanket, created using basic block filet crochet.

Many filet crochet patterns are provided in graph form only. These graphs are worked with odd-numbered rows from right to left, and even-numbered rows from left to right.

The heading photo shows my most recent design, the Filet Mosaic Lap Blanket. This pattern uses one chain per block and is currently still in the design stage. Hopefully it will be in my testers’ hands within the next few weeks.

The design contains 125 rows of pattern and will be available in both fully written instructions and chart form.

Stay tuned for the upcoming release.

Tips for Neat Filet Crochet

I do love a bit of filet crochet. Watching the pattern slowly appear is incredibly satisfying. Filet can look absolutely stunning when worked neatly, but getting those crisp little blocks can be tricky.

So, if your filet work is starting to look more like a maze no one is ever going to escape from, here are a few helpful tips to keep it neat and tidy.

• Keep your starting chain consistent. Your foundation chain needs to match the tension you’ll use throughout the project. If you tend to chain tightly, go up a hook size for the chain. Otherwise, the bottom edge of your blanket may bow.

• Maintain even tension. Consistent tension is key to creating neat blocks.

• Watch your stitch height. Tension and stitch height are not the same thing. If you struggle with stitch height, there are many helpful tutorials online that can assist.

• Work into the chain space, not around it. It’s very tempting to crochet around the chain loop instead of into it. But if you want your filet design to really pop, take the time to work solid block stitches into the chain, not around it.

• Stack your stitches neatly. Ensure each double crochet sits squarely on top of the double crochet in the row below.

• Consider a standing double crochet. Chaining three at the beginning of a row can sometimes look messy. A standing double crochet (US terms), or standing treble crochet (UK terms), can create a much cleaner edge.

• Count your stitches regularly. Count each row and section. Discovering you missed a stitch ten rows back is no fun at all.

• Choose your yarn wisely. Some colours show filet work better than others, and fibre content can make a big difference. A flatter yarn such as cotton often creates more defined stitches and sharper detail.

Filet Crochet does not have to be just open and closed blocks. Once you get past the basics of Filet Crochet, you can step into slightly more advanced patterns such as adding blocks that span two normal sized blocks, with chains and Single crochet (USA terms). Below pictures showing a close up of this as an example.

An example of more advanced techniques that can be incorporated into Filet Crochet,

One of my designs is still waiting to find its way to my testers. I decided the original version (which I made a number of years ago) needed a bit of improving. It now sits half-finished, giving me that familiar look every time I walk past it, patiently waiting for me to pick it back up and complete it.

This piece includes more advanced filet squares nestled inside basic blocks, adding extra texture and interest to the overall design.

You can also learn techniques for increasing and decreasing blocks. An example of this can be seen in the photo below, taken from my Fishing for Luck Shawl/Wrap, which is now in the capable hands of my testers. I’m hoping to publish this pattern in early to mid-September.

Fishing for Luck Shawl/Wrap showing increasing Filet Blocks

If you have not tried Filet Crochet, grab your hook and give it a go.

Below my Butterfly Diamond Filet Blanket This pattern is available on Love Crochet (click here), Ravelry (click here) and Etsy (click here).

Butterfly Diamonds Filet Blanket. This is an easy blanket and part of a series which includes, Butterfly Diamonds Blanket, Flower Diamonds Blanket and Dragonfly Diamonds Blanket.

Flower

Diamonds Filet Blanket. This is an easy blanket and part of a series which includes, Butterfly Diamonds Blanket, Flower Diamonds Blanket and Dragonfly Diamonds Blanket.

Above my Flower Diamond Filet Blanket This pattern is available on Love Crochet (click here), Ravelry (click here) and Etsy (click here).

But I Don't Want Gaps! A Linked Double Crochet How To!

It all starts with an idea. You want to make something, but you have a few things you want this item to have. You start a checklist:

1. No Gaps.

2. You don't want it to take forever.

3. You would prefer fewer stitches.

4. You find single crochet (US) rather annoying and when it comes in abundance it is enough to make you just want to sit down and cry. You don't feel a great deal different about Half Double Crochet (US).

Never fear as there is an answer and it is Double Crochet (US). Not ordinary Double Crochet but Double Crochet with super powers. Linked Double Crochet ticks all the boxes and is actually a fun stitch to do. It isn't hard and can be rather addictive.

How do you work this amazing stitch you ask?

Just keep scrolling and all will be revealed.

The concept is really quite simple. Double Crochet (US) has those tiny little bars that sit across the centre of each stitch. To get rid of that gapped look between the stitches you just join those little bars.

But let's start at the beginning of the row!

How to create that first linked stitch.

Linked Double Crochet (US). How to start a row. Steps outlined below:

Step 1: Chain 3. This counts as your first stitch.

Step 2: Insert your hook into the 2nd chain from the hook and draw up a loop. This has created the connection to the first stitch.

Step 3: Insert your hook into the next stitch and draw up a loop.

Step 4: Yarn over and pull through 2 loops on your hook.

Step 5: Yarn over and pull through 2 loops on your hook.

Now for the rest!

Continue creating Linked Double Crochet (US). Steps Below:

Step 1: The orange line indicates the bar that sits in the middle of each Double Crochet.

Step 2: Insert your hook down through this bar and draw up a loop.

Step 3: Insert your hook into the next stitch and draw up a loop.

Step 4: Yarn over and pull through 2 loops.

Step 5: Yarn over and pull through the remaining 2 loops on your hook.

And done! You have created a Linked Double Crochet (US)!

Linked Double Crochet is a very useful stitch. Any time you want a solid look but dread the thought of working in Single Crochet (US), think of this stitch instead. It is so versatile and can be great for anything from basic wash clothes to clothing. It can be worked flat or in the round and the little line of bars that form in rows give it a unique look.

Linked Double Crochet (US)

Now to the boring stuff!

No pattern or photograph may be reproduced or distributed — mechanically, electronically, or by any other means, including photocopying, without written permission of Auburncraft Design. Please do not copy, rewrite, or redistribute any of my work as your own or otherwise. Just because you can copy does not mean you should. Please do not resell my patterns. This post may contain affiliate links.

Checking Gauge. Does it Really Matter?

I speak to so many people about their crochet projects, and the question of gauge comes up often. Many will admit that they NEVER check gauge. I know, I often don't bother.

Sure at times you can just pick up your magic wand (hook) and start hooking away and everything will turn out wonderful.

This won't always be the case. The necessity to check gauge, can very much depend upon the type of project you are making. Things like blankets, scarves and dishclothes will give you a free pass, as it really doesn't matter if they are a little bigger or smaller.

Clothing is one area that can end in disaster if gauge is not checked.

Checking gauge may be a pain, but it is much better to do so, than to find out half way through that gorgeous vest/coat/top etc pattern, that you spent a fortune on yarn for and fell in love with, could fit half your family inside it and still have room, when sadly you were making a size small.

Or that cute baby hat you wanted to gift to a newborn actually fits you. You could wait to this baby is a teenager to gift it, cross your fingers the newborn is blessed with a huge head or resolve the issue by checking gauge.

If gauge is not checked you can also find yourself running out of yarn. Yarn quantities stated in a pattern, will be dependant on your project turning out the same size as the designers. This can then make that blanket ( yes, the one that gauge didn't really matter on) unfinished. You ran out of yarn on the last few rows, as yours is several inches larger than the designers, so you need an extra Skein or two. Then you find yourself in panic mode, as maybe you can't get this yarn any longer, or perhaps you can but the dye lot is SO different, that extra skein stands out like a neon light.

How to Check Gauge:

1. Using the yarn your project requires, and the stitch used in the pattern, make a 4"/10cm x 4"/10cm square.
2. Place your square on a flat surface and lay a tape measure horizontally over the stitches.
3. Count how many stitches you have in 4"/10cm.
4. Now turn the tape measure vertical and count how many rows you have in 4"/10cm.
5. If your measurements show that you have less stitches than the designers, you need to go up a hook size till you have the same.
6. If your measurements show that you have more stitches than the designers, you need to go down a hook size till you have the same.

Altering your hook size and yarn choice can often fix many gauge issues, but not all.

In many crochet articles, you will see them mention Lifters, Riders, and Yankers.

• Lifters pull up on the loops, making them higher than the working row.
• Yankers pull their work tight, making it very snug
• Riders keep stitches closer to the working row.

I know my own stitches tend to be shorter in height and tighter, or closer to other stitches, than most peoples.

This was really evident during the testing process of my Billy Thunder Tote. My testers were having cupping issues (circle would not lay flat) with the mandala type bag. It took a lot of work, but we finally got the pattern through testing. Many of my USA Treble stitches were the same height as the testers USA Double crochet. A few adjustments had to be made, and stitch heights for each row, added to the pattern to make it user friendly and suit most.

If after you have tried adjusting hook size, and still cannot meet gauge, it may be your stitch heights causing the problem. Fixing this is possible, and best tutorial I have found to address the stitch height issue is by Crochet Ever After (click name).

Billy Thunder Tote. Beaded both sides.

So, next time you are itching to start that new project, stop for a minute and think about gauge. It may save you a lot of trouble later.

Funky Buttons! Make Your Own to Add Flair to Crochet!

Below I outline how to make the spiral buttons and the flower button.

Spiral Button:

I am on the home stretch of a freeform crochet masterpiece (in my own mind) that I have been working on for ever! It is a hodge, podge mess of flowers and anything else I think of at the time. Made from pure wool and quite heavy to work on.

I started this possibly 18 months or 2 years ago. It has been in and out of the naughty corner quite a bit. I have frogged (unpulled), redone, frogged again, changed my mind multiple times, and I even took to it with the scissors recently. The heading picture is of my coat in progress.

Despite all this frustration, it is now starting to look like a coat, or vest. I am yet to decide if I can tolerate doing sleeves on it.

My mind is now turning to buttons. I need unique buttons for this unique jacket. They must be a statement of epic proportions! Something that reflexs the hours of frustration this coat has brought me. I have looked high and low for these gems but with no success. Nothing has yelled 'these are the ones' at me. I had to find something that I feel is unique enough to do justice to this piece of freeform.

Last night I had a light bulb moment and today I created my own buttons using polymer clay. I want to share this easy way of making your own unique buttons with you:

Materials:

• Polymer clay in two colours (available at most craft outlets).

• A rolling pin

• A wooden kebab skewer (or a darning needle will do)

• Acrylic gloss varnish

• Paint brush

• Knife

Step 1:

Roll your clay out into two thin sausages, no more than 5mm thick.

Step 2:

Put the two pieces together with one length slightly longer to begin the curving. Slowly roll your pieces together. When you are at the size of button you require, cut the clay on an angle.

Step 3:

Gently rub at the ends you cut to work them into the rounded shape you need. Squash the button flat and gently rub to make certain the pieces grab together. I wanted an oval shape so I squashed my circle a little.

Step 4:

Using your wooden kebab skewer or darning needle, push holes into the top of the button. If making more than one button, place the first button with holes on top of any following buttons to find exact placement.

Step 5:

Place your buttons on an oven tray and cover with foil. Bake in a slow oven for approximately 15 minutes. Allow to cool.

Step 6:

Paint with Acrylic Gloss varnish making sure to brush out an bubbles. Allow to dry.

My buttons are roughly 40mm in size. Enjoy your unique handmade buttons!

Flower Button

This little button is for a new Tote bag I am working on 'Field of Flower', which will hopefully be in the testing stage soon.

Like many of my other projects it is a unique bag and the name says it all. I wanted a button that would reflex that. I decided to make a flower this time!

I have mentioned before that I don't have a huge array of tools for specific things. I tend to use what I have at hand. You will see what I mean below with my use of an old lipstick lid.

Materials:

• Polymer clay in two colours (available at most craft outlets).

• A rolling pin

• A wooden kebab skewer (or a darning needle will do)

• Small round object to make petal shapes (I used an old lipstick lid).

• Acrylic gloss varnish

• Paint brush

• Knife

Step 1: With colour 1 of your polymer clay, roll a piece into the a ball about the size of a walnut.

Step 2: Flatten the ball with your rolling pin.

Step 3: Using your lipstick lid, mark the petals by pressing this into the clay.

Step 4: With a sharp knife, gently cut away between the petals.

Step 5: Smooth the edges with your finger.

Step 6: With colour 2 of your polymer clay, roll a piece smaller than your first colour into a ball.

Step 7: Flatten the ball with your rolling pin. Using your lipstick lid, cut a neat circle. Smooth the edges up with your finger.

Step 8: Place the colour 2 circle on top of your flower.

Step 9: Using your wooden kebab skewer or darning needle, push holes into the top of the button. If making more than one button, place the first button with holes on top of any following buttons to find exact placement.

Step 10: Place your buttons on an oven tray and cover with foil. Bake in a slow oven for approximately 15 minutes. Allow to cool.

Step 11: Paint with Acrylic Gloss varnish making sure to brush out an bubbles. Allow to dry.

My Flower button measures approx 50mm

Filet Crochet. Adding Flowers. So you want to know HOW!

I enjoy a bit of Filet crochet and have done my fair share over the past few years. while Filet crochet is fabulous on its own, it can be so much more than just blocks and spaces.

I have to say I love flowers! Flowers make me happy!

I have a couple of patterns in the design stage that incorporate 3D flowers into the filet or hole spaces of the work. This may look harder than it actually is. In reality it is a simple technique and can be done in two different ways. It does not remain exclusive to just filet crochet, but can be done on any crochet by adding in a filet hole where you want the flower.

The two methods are:

As you go, using the same colour yarn or, after completion of your filet piece and using a different colour.

Here I outline these methods:

Method one: Worked in different colour yarn:

Adding that 3D look to filet work. It's easy!

USA TERMS:

• Step 1: Attach yarn with a slip stitch into the top chain space of your Filet hole. Into this space work (sc, dc, tr, tr, dc, sc) one petal made.

• Step 2: Rotate your work to the right. Around the side of your dc filet stitch work

• (sc, dc, tr, tr, dc, sc).

• Step 3: Rotate your work to the right. Around the chain space of the previous row work (sc, dc, tr, tr, dc, sc).

• Step 4: Rotate your work to the right. Around the side of your dc filet stitch work

• (sc, dc, tr, tr, dc, sc). Slip stitch to top of first petal sc to close. Fasten off and cut yarn. Sew in any ends.

My latest design 'Field of Flowers'

Method two: Worked as you go, using the same yarn.

• Step 1: Working on a wrong side row, complete your Filet hole. Turn your work so you now have right side facing.

• Step 2: Work (sc, dc, tr, tr, dc, sc) into the chain space just created. One petal made.

• Step 3: Rotate your work to the right. Around the side of your dc filet stitch, work (sc, dc, tr, tr, dc, sc).

• Step 4: Rotate your work to the right. Around the chain space of the previous row work (sc, dc, tr, tr, dc, sc).

• Step 5: Rotate your work to the right. Around the side of your dc filet stitch (last stitch created) work (sc, dc, tr, tr, dc, sc). Slip stitch to top of first petal sc to close. Turn your work and continue on with your project.

3D Flowers. As you go method!

So go on! Now you know how to add a bit of flare or colour to your filet work. Colour the world with Flowers!

A flower doesn't love or hate you, it just exists. Mike White.

Crochet Cushions. Stuffing Cheat.

Yes, getting a cushion insert for your newly made crochet cushion is probably the best option. This is especially true if you want the cushion to be easily washable.

This is not always an available option. Maybe this cushion is not your average size or shape, so you just want to add stuffing.

Using stuffing on its own can have its problems. Bits of the stuffing end up popping out through the crochet.

There is a solution to this little issue and I used this method in my, 'Wish Upon a Star' cushion.

Instead of just the usual white fluffy stuffing, purchase some wadding. This is readily available from any fabric store and many craft suppliers. You can usually buy it by the metre/yard.

Cut Wadding to Cushion shape

Most cushions are made in at least two pieces. Prior to joining the piece together, cut wadding to the general shape of your cushion, just slightly smaller. With a darning needle and thread, tack the wadding to the inside of the cushion.

Tack to the back/inside of the cushion piece.

You can then proceed to join your cushion pieces together and stuff as usual.

Join your pieces or sides of the cushion as usual.

The Wadding reduces the amount of stuffing required for the project and prevents any stuffing from popping through the crochet.

Project featured uses Paintbox Simply Chunky yarn. The pattern is available here.

If you appreciate this little cheat, please give my post a like. It is a simple thing but lets me know my efforts are appreciated.

Disclaimer: This post may contain affiliate links.

Beading in Crochet. It's Easy!

My Step Grandfather was one very tough old guy who worked on the railways for part of his life. He had a saying. To be honest he had quite a few sayings, although the one that sticks in my mind the most, probably would not go down too well if said today.

But the saying that comes to mind when I think of beading would be 'There are many ways to skin a cat'. Sure gives a very unpleasant visual if you think about it enough, but he had a point as there are many ways to do the same thing.

Have you ever looked at Beaded Crochet with awe and thought how difficult it looks?

Well that just isn't the case. Beading is easy!

Sure, there are many ways to approach this (like the cat) but I tend to favour using a sewing needle and thread. No, I don't sew them on! I use the needle and thread to place the bead where I want it to go.

Here's How: (Pictures Below)

1. Remove hook from work.

2. Using sewing needle and thread,insert needle through bead.

3. Insert needle with bead through workingloop.

4. Pull enough threadthrough loop to then place needle back through bead.

5. The bead will now be sitting abovethe loop.

6. Gently push the bead onto the loop,while pulling on the needle.

7. Remove needle and thread. Insert hookand continue.

This is a simple method which can be used to add beads to any project.

Photographs have been taken of my latest design coming soon.

Become a Crochet Pattern Tester

What is it all about?

Having a Pattern Tested is a huge part of the Design Process. I would like to think I am perfect, but it is certainly not the case. I make mistakes! My longsuffering testers find these and point them out. We then work together to make certain that the pattern is correct, workable and any sizing issues are sorted out.

I want my patterns to be easy to follow, and mistakes free. Those who use my patterns want the same thing.

What do Pattern Testers get out of the process?

Testers get the first look at original designs. They can take their Crochet skills to the next level. They become part of a select group on Facebook there just for the testers of my patterns. On completion they get a copy of the finished pattern to keep.

My pattern test group brings together people from all over the world. I have testers from Mexico, Alaska, Morocco, USA, Australia, Denmark, Finland, Germany and possibly a few other places I forget.

What is Expected of a Tester?

• Are asked to join the Facebook group Auburncraft Crochet. Guidelines are given out and prospective testers are asked to agree to them.
• Communication between testers and myself is very important to keep me informed during the test process, and to map the progress of the test.
• Must know basic crochet stitches and have experience reading patterns.
• Must be able to complete the project by the deadline asked.
• Must add the completed project to their Ravelry account within a week of completion.
• Must provide 2 plus quality photos (photo credit will be given) to be used in places such as social media and in final pattern listings.

Having an eye for detail is an advantage in testing. When a new design is ready for testing, I will put out the call for testers. If selected you will be given the pattern and details necessary for the testing process to begin. I try to take on board all feedback, but at times I can get conflicting feedback from testers and so if your feedback is not used, it is not a slight towards you. So in saying this, having an easy going temperament is also an advantage to a tester.

If interested, go to Auburncraft Crochet on Facebook.

How to Make a Straight Edge for a Crochet Border

You know how sometimes, edges for a blanket are not always perfectly straight! No matter how hard you try, things just end up wonky!

There could be a heap of reasons for this:

Maybe you have joined shapes together and they are a bit in and out in places.

You could be someone just starting out on the crochet journey, and your edges look a bit like a road in Tasmania (if you have ever been there you will get the reference).

Or like me, on this project I am designing, you find that a Single/Double Crochet straight into the other colours or work just looks sloppy.

Whatever the reason, this little cheat can solve the problem and give you a lovely straight edge to work the remainder of your border from.

The first thing you need to know to achieve this, is how to Surface Slip Stitch.

How to complete a Surface Slip Stitch.

1. Attach the yarn at work edge with a slst.

2. Insert hook through face of work

3. Pull up a loop from back of work through to front of work and through loop on hook.

4. Insert hook into next st. Repeat

5. Once you have that sorted, work a Surface Slip Stitch in a straight line, along the edge of your project that you wish to add a border to.

6. Work your next row of stitches into the top loop only,of your Surface Slip Stitch. This is the loop closest to the work edge. It won't matter if you also hook through the main body of your work, as well. This is up to you (I didn't). For the project shown here, I did a row of Single Crochet/USA Terms, Double Crochet/Uk Terms. The result is a lovely, straight transition into your border, without messy stitches just worked into the raw edge.

Main Picture is of my Latest Design which will hopefully be out testing very soon. Round Leadlight Blanket. This measures 61”/155cm Wide. 

Crochet Sizing Chart for Hats, Scarves and Blankets!

A while back I started a sizing chart, just for my own records, so I could reference it at a later date and easily see just what sizes I had used, for things like blankets, scarves and hats.

I decided to put the information from my own crochet experiences, into a reduced smaller chart.

So while some of these sizes may not be exactly what other charts may say, these are what works for me.

• 

The Mystery of Surface Slip Stitch!

I can do anything with a Big Ball of String, or yarn, as the case may be!We all have our favourite or 'go-to' things.   I know I do.   I have several design techniques that I tend to default to, when working up a new design.I like to work borders for Blankets, one side at a time.  I also like throwing in a bit of Surface Slip Stitch, in many of my designs.Surface Slip Stitch can turn a simple single/double Crochet into a work of art!  A masterpiece of epic proportions!That plain cushion cover can become interesting or fluffy (depending upon yarn choice).It's also a great way to use up left over balls of yarn in your stash.   It is so easy to do too!The main photo shows my Shaggadelic Vest.  This turned out fluffy and warm, using Drops Melody  for the Surface Slip Stitch.Also, my  Wish Upon A Star Cushion.   This uses Paint Box Simply Chunky   I just love the look.Lastly my Dragonflies in Spring Blanket, made from dk Cotton yarn.  The Surface Slip Stitch on this just makes the pattern pop.Three different items and three different looks. How to Complete a Surface Slip Stitch

• If beginning your Surface Slip Stitch at an edge, Slip Stitch to attach your yarn.  If your Surface Slip Stitch begins in the middle of your work or elsewhere, I just start right from step 2 and leave a long tail to sew in later
• Insert hook through face of work
• Pull up a loop from the back of work, through to front of work and through loop on hook.
• Insert hook into next st. Repeat.

 

Introducing Mallory & A 'How To' Cover A Head in Fabric.

Find a person, with a head and wrap it in material.  There, done!No, not really, just kidding!INTRODUCING MALLORY!Mallory has recently signed on, to do some modelling for  Auburncraft Designs.I carried out some extensive interviews, as I am rather particular, as to who works for me. Mallory was the  successful applicant.  Now I know that we are not meant to discriminate and I did try hard not to.  But just quietly some of the other applicants were not all that attractive (ebay has a massive amount of different heads, with different shapes).  So I took my time and waited patiently till Mallory applied for the position.I am finding working with her a dream.  She is rather a bit on the quiet side, but she does exactly as I ask first time and is willing to work extended hours for nothing more than a warm, crochet hat, as payment.Nothing is too much trouble.  Turn that way!  Hold still!  Stay that way for an hour or so! And I hope you don't mind if I cover your head with Glue?Where else could I get such dedication!Now, if only she could do some of those pesky Math Calculations (that have been plaguing me lately) for my crochet.  I did ask her if she would, but she refused to answer!So if you are looking for a model for your Hats, Scarves etc.  And you don't want to pay an arm and a leg for one.  The 'how to' is below!

---

HOW TO COVER YOUR OWN FOAM HEAD

• Get a Foam Head  (I bought my head on Ebay.  There were so many different shaped heads to choose from, but I liked this one.  They are only a few dollars).
• Modge Podge.  (This is a water based glue. I think the MATTE, would possibly give a better result, but I had some Gloss on hand so mine was done in that.  Most large craft places have it, or buy online)
• A paintbrush
• Scissors
• Some scrap material ( I had some batik material leftover from making the Hygge Shawl Cal last year)
• A bowl of water to dip your brush into

Step 1. Cut the material into approx 2 inch squares.Step 2. Using your paintbrush, cover an area on the head ready to attach the material.Step 3. Place a square of material onto the Head.Step 4. Dip your brush into the water and damp the material slightly.Step 5.  Add some more Modge Podge to cover the piece of material.Continue adding pieces of material till the head is covered.  Allow to dry.Give the Head a Name!

Make Lemonade and Clay Hook Handles!

How To Make Your Own Clay Handles, At The Bottom of Page.

When life gives you lemons make lemonade!  So the saying goes!Over the past 10 odd years, I have made that much lemonade that I could open a lemonade franchise, to rival any of the big companies!  This week alone would be a great script for a TV Soapie, with all that has been thrown my way (I wonder who would be cast to play me?). I got so sick of making lemonade, that I dug out my crochet hook and became a hooker instead.  Or rather, I now sip my lemonade, whilst tuning out to the world around, fully immersed in my crochet.And a

As far as this year is concerned, all I know is that I will be rather glad when October is gone and hopeful that November brings good luck with it.

From talking to people it would seem that many crochet to relieve the stress, from their day to day lives and all the things that keep piling up on us.

There's Martha, who has whipped up ten scarves, six pair of gloves and 40 hats in the last month.  She did not strangle one person during this month!  Thank goodness for the crochet! And Sally is doing well!  She has made 5 blankets in the past two weeks!  She may be buried neck deep in blankets but she hasn't driven off the edge of a cliff yet.  Well done!

Crochet is a type of therapy!  It may cost pretty much the same as if you had to pay someone to analyse you, but you do end up with a ton of wearables and gifts for those around you.

So yep!  I crochet so I don't punch people!  And if you want me to punch you, just try and take my crochet away! Maybe the prisons should be implementing a compulsory crochet program!

Lemonade anyone!-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

I just love my Clover Crochet Hooks! BUT, starting out on my crochet path, I ended up with a ton of cheap Aluminium Hooks.

I prefer a handle that is slightly wider, than what, these provide. With Polymer Clay and a few minutes of your time you can make those cheap hooks useful again. AND IT'S FUN!!

I have and always will be, one to improvise. I don't have a heap of clay sculpting tools. I use what I have. This includes Darning Needles to scratch in the size and another hook to make the little groove in the clay (you don't have to have a groove but I like one).

Material:

• Polymer clay in various colors. I used Fimo but there are many different brands available.

• Straight blade or sharp knife

• Heavy rolling pin (and quite a bit of muscle)

• Non stick Baking Paper

• Crochet hooks to cover

• Extra 1.5 to 2mm hook for making groove

• Solid surface or chopping board

• Darning Needle

• Sculpey Bake & Bond Glue

• Baking Tray

Directions:

1. Choose the colours you wish to work with and break or cut off approx half a block of each. (if using Fimo).

2. On your solid surface, spread a layer of baking paper.

3. Roll your blocks out, so as to make them more workable. Then mix the two together to combine the colours.

4. Roll the combined clay out flat and about 5mm thickness. With a knife cut a piece that will be wide enough to wrap around the hook and long enough to cover the hook, where you want the handle to be.

5. Add a small amount of Glue to the hook, where the clay will be.

6. Position the hook on the clay and gently wrap the clay around it.

7. With your fingers, work at the spot where the clay meets, till the join does not show any longer. Then gently roll the clay (with the hook inside) to make sure you have a smooth, uniform handle.

8. If necessary, trim the top edge and also cut the edge where the hook protrudes so it is even and at the right position for you.

9. Using your 1.5/2mm hook, gently press the side or handle of this into the spot you want a groove (I put two grooves in mine, see the picture in the heading). While holding your 1.5/2mm in position, roll your clay covered hook back and forth to get the groove around the hook.

10. At the top of the hook handle, use your darning needle to scratch the size into the hook (this is very necessary to know what size your hook is later).

11. Place the clay covered crochet hook onto a baking paper, covered oven tray. Cook in the oven at 275 degrees F for 15 minutes. Add extra time if your clay is thicker.

12. Take out of oven, allow to cool.

Once you have the hang of making your own, you can get adventurous.  Make shaped handles and add moulded little characters to the top!  The sky's the limit!