Crochet Lingo!

Have you ever received strange looks from people who are not highly fluent in Crochet lingo?  I know I have.We have our own secret language!Words like:De- Stashing- Parting with some of your precious, precious yarn.  For me not something I do easily.  Try and get some of my yarn, I dare you!Frog or Frogging- Undoing or ripping out your hard done work.  Supposedly as it makes a 'ribbit' sound when you say it.Hoth- Hot off the HookHooker-  Me!  A proud Crocheter.Yarn Barf-  What my yarn usually looks like when I frog something (tangled mess).  I always say I will wind as I go.  But I know it won't happen-Yart- Which stands for, Yarn Aquisition, road trip.  This is where you often drive a ridiculous distance to get one ball of yarn and come home with a car load.These are just a sample of Crochet Lingo.I often see posts online from people just starting their crochet journey, who are quite perplexed at what some of these words mean.  I can understand how Newbies could feel,  especially if you use the Urban Dictionary to try and help you out with some of these terms.  If you want a laugh I suggest you take a look at some of the meanings (according to Urban Dictionary)A Sample of what you get on Urban DictionaryHoth-  The ice planet in The Empire strikes back  where the rebels  get their asses kicked by the empire.

This is The best sequel ever for any movie (so they say).

Frogging-  The act of going out on many dates to find your Prince.That is the only one I would print on here.  The other meanings are 'R' rated and I certainly hope people don't think I am doing any of them, any time soon.  Sure I may be frogging but I am not doing,  THAT!Yart- A slang word for Marijuana. (See this is why crocheters are getting strange looks)Hooker-  I simply refuse to type what the Urban Dictionary describes this one as.  You will have to look yourself.I openly admit to being a Hooker!  And I am proud of it!  But I am not what is described in the Urban Dictionary................................As you can see I am easily amused!I also enjoy teasing Siri on my phone by asking her strange questions.  Sometimes she seems to get annoyed with me.  I asked for the definition of 'Yarn Barf' and she got  quite snippy.  Hardly my fault she doesn't know!I have to say that it seems understandable that at times I get strange looks, especially if people think I am a Marijuana smoking, Hooker who is performing several acts, that do not want describing.  One of which is done in public. (According to the Urban Dictionary.  Frogging. Remember, I said to look it up).

More Than a Crochet Hook!

Yes, Yes!  Crochet is my quiet place.  The calming thing in my life!  But I do, do other things.  When I am not working on my own property, helping my husband with our business or at the gym (I am a gym junkie),  I also enjoy painting and any form of art (well most forms).Over recent months, I have taken an interest in Resin Art.  Not the type where you just pour the resin on to make pretty patterns.  I make a base for my art with air dry clay.  I then attach it to a mdf board.  The resin is then mixed with acrylic paint,  ( I have rather an expert in the family, on all things resin as hubby started working life out as a boat builder).    I love the depth that I can get working with resin.  I am slowly finding what works when starting to pour and what doesn't.  I have also moved from using art resin to resin that is more specific, to boat construction and I find this works better and actually dries better.I find it a little amusing, that I am now the one playing with resin.  When I met my husband he was always covered in the stuff.  I remember prior to our wedding, he was on a resin and glue ban, about a week out.  He also spent a lot of time scrubbing his hands to try and make them clean enough for the wedding.  No doubt I would have married him anyway, if he had turned up with his hands partially stuck together with resin, but he did try to get them half respectable.  So it is a little bit of a reversal.So now when I am not tangled up in yarn, I am covered in resin.  So watch out crazy crochet, resin covered person on the loose.Some of my resin art is for sale.  I just finished a yacht piece and it just needs framing now.   One of my favourite pieces, (which I may keep for myself) is my fish resin art.My mind has always been a whirlwind of ideas when it comes to being creative and I just love the outlets of crochet, art and anything else that happens to jump into my mind.I love finding that item in an opportunity or thrift shop and knowing I can repurpose it into something wonderful.  A few of my favourite things to wear, was once something else, till I attacked it.So from time to time I may put up some of my resin art on this page.  I am just about to start my next piece and the ideas are buzzing (or rattling) around in my head. 

We Have Skills! Zombies Beware!

While I am not going to be getting any job offers as a I.T. Tech any time soon, my computer skills are not too bad.  And I have always been able to type quite fast.  A few years of high school typing class, is something  that seems to have come in handy in life.  Probably one of the few classes that have.  Learning how to make a banana fritter in cookery, sure never did.  I hate bananas!BUT.... I don't know everything!  What does that button do?  And where do you stick this piece of Code (without being rude).  Widgets, plugins and I, are not the best of friends.I was lucky enough today, to have someone help me to tweak, some of the settings on my blog. This someone was on a first name basis, with these widgets and plugins.I got talking to this person as I marvelled at his skills, knowing how to do things on the computer, that I wish I knew.  I think he also learnt a few things about crochet (whether he wanted to or not).  No doubt much of the information, would go into the 'I really never needed to know that' box, and that is okay.  I know my son's are totally not interested in my crochet and while my husband tries to pretend he is, I am sure he could live without it.  It isn't for everyone!  My daughter does tend to, ooh and ahh, over what I make and I chalk that up to a darn good reason for having a daughter.  While I don't think she will be grabbing a hook any time soon, but she is supportive of my need to be a hooker.Today I showed my computer whiz,  one of my crochet patterns and we talked about the hours it takes to write a pattern and produce a finished item that others can make.  The process of testing the written work,  to try and make sure it doesn't have boo, boo's in it.  Uk terms vs USA and the many things involved in the pattern writing process.  I think he may have been surprised.I know many people look at those of us who crochet and instantly we are shoved into the  'Granny' corner. (no offense to any Grannies out there).  Crochet isn't just for Grannies.  People of all ages crochet.Thing is, we all need to stand tall and proud.  We have skills.  We know things!Crochet is creative.  Whether it be, by someone else's pattern or your own grand design.  It uses math skills and techniques that take time to master.  We speak another language and we use terms  like 'frogging' and W.I.P.S.  Crochet is a fantastic stress reliever.  Trust me on that one, as I have a grown child, who is a professional in a very dangerous sport.  Crochet is useful!I also stand by my theory, that if ever there is a Zombie Apocalypse and the world is falling apart, people will be begging me to make them a rug or jumper.  And did you know that I have seen people crochet with wire?  A chainmail suit has to keep those zombies teeth away.   And if that fails, a crochet hook to the head of any insistent zombie, will also come in handy.So for those who don't appreciate a handmade crochet item, take note.  Whoever made it, has given up many hours of their time to produce this masterpiece. So marvel at their skills and make them feel their work means something to you.And if anyone wants a  crochet chainmail suit, any time in the future, please form a line to the left. Image is of my Wish Upon A Star Cushion.  Find the link in my Paid Pattern section of the blog. 

Sacagawea Poncho

A comfy and warm Sweater style poncho.Sacagawea Crochet Poncho with Sleeves comes in two sizes. Small/Medium and Large.It is designed for comfort of fit and will obviously be larger on a small than a medium if you are purchasing the small/medium size . It is also available in a Large. I may do other sizes at a later date but for now this is it.The pattern is available in Uk terms and USA termsMany hours of work has gone into the designing and producing of this pattern, You are purchasing this pattern for personal use only. Please do not copy, rewrite, or redistribute this pattern as your own or otherwise. Please do not resell my patterns.You are welcome to sell items made from this pattern, but please credit me as the designer and add a link to purchase my pattern in your sale.Please note my patterns and my images are copyright protected, please do not use my images to sell your items.This pattern has been tested by a large group with varying abilities in crochet.Materials7mm hook6mm for sleeve bands and pocketsC1. 5 balls Lion Brand Scarfie Col203 Ochre Navy S/M 285m/312yd per ballC1.6 balls Lion Brand Scarfie Col203 Ochre Navy L 285m/312yd per ballC2.1 Ball Stylecraft Chunky Cream Col 1002 148m/162yd per ballDarning NeedleScissorsMeasurementsNeck to Poncho Point. S/M 31”/ 78.5cm. L 36”/91.5cmArmpit to Armpit S/M 18”/46cm L 20”/51cmAcross back S/M/18”/46cm L 20”/51cmSleeve length from shoulder S/M 26”/66cm L 27”/ 68.5cmGauge12 stitches to 4”/ 10cm8.5 Rows to 4”/10cmThis pattern is available on ravelry

Butterfly Diamonds Blanket

 Butterfly Diamonds Filet Crochet BlanketButterflies nestled inside a diamond shape!This is a fun blanket that works up quickly.3.5mm hook4mm hook for borders and surface slip stitch7 balls Yarn Sirdar Snuggly Col 0321 Pastel Blue 164m balls1 Ball Yarn Sirdar Snuggly Col 0303 Cream 164m ballsThe pattern is comprised of basic stitches and some surface slip stitch. Filet Crochet technique.Finished size: 94cm/37” x 85cm/33.5”This pattern is worked from the bottom up, but the Butterflies will be upside down at this stage. On completion the top becomes the bottom. This makes the Butterflies sit the right way around.The pattern is available in Uk terms and USA termsMany hours of work has gone into the designing and producing of this pattern, You are purchasing this pattern for personal use only. Please do not copy, rewrite, or redistribute this pattern as your own or otherwise. Please do not resell my patterns.You are welcome to sell items made from this pattern, but please credit me as the designer and add a link to purchase my pattern in your sale.Please note my patterns and my images are copyright protected, please do not use my images to sell your items.This pattern has been tested by my fabulous testers.  They do a great job. Also available Dragonfly Diamondsand Flower Diamonds 

This pattern is available on Love Crochet   ravelry

And Craftsy

Wish Upon A Star Cushion

Star Light, Star Bright,

First Star I see tonight…..

Who doesn’t love Star’s.

This is a fun cushion. 15 pages of pattern with pictures. Both Uk and USA terms are available.

The pattern is comprised of simple stitches and some surface crochet. There are pictures to help along the way.

I love surface crochet.  Fun to do and is visually appealing.

Paint Box Simply Chunky yarn (available here) was used and I thoroughly enjoyed working with it.

1531 - 1640 yards (1400 - 1500 m)

Measurements

18 inches/45.5cm from Star Valley to Star Valley

25.5 inches/65cm from Star Point to Star Point

This pattern has been tested by my wonderful testers, but we are all human and if you do find a mistake please contact me.

This pattern is for your personal use only, so please do not copy, or change and redistribute it, or claim it as your own.

If you post pictures of, or sell any finished items made using this pattern, please credit me as the designer and link back to my page.

Available on my ravelry page.  Scroll through the pattern to find it.

Take A Leaf Neck Warmer

This neck warmer pattern works up quickly and uses one ball of most Aran yarns. Yarn used for pattern is Red Heart Unforgettable in the colour Petunia.It is a fun pattern to make.  You can watch the leaves slowly forming.Other Yarns suitable: Lion Brand Ice Cream, Moda Vera Bouvardia or really any Aran yarn, just check gauge.Uses 5.5mm hookThe pattern is available in both USA and UK terms and has some pictures and graph to help with written instructions.It has been tested by a wonderful group of testers with great results but if you do find a mistake please let me know.Items made from this pattern can be sold but please credit me for the pattern. Please do not copy or distribute this pattern. It is for personal use only.Pattern is available on ravelryEnjoy!

That First Row

I keep asking myself, why I keep starting new designs.  It's not as if I don't have enough!I have about a million on the go at any one time. Then an idea just jumps into my head and before I know it, I have started another one.  Some could say they are multiplying like rabbits at my place.I can't say I am a fan of that very first row.  It is usually slow and tedious. You can't just breeze through it.  It seems to take forever!  What did you do today dear?  I started a row on my scarf.  Anything else?  Nope!  No, not really!I hate it when I finally have that row done and realise that I must have counted wrong and I have one too many chains, or stitches.  Or maybe not enough.  If I actually get it right  and it works out fine, I am rather chuffed with myself.This one is going to be a scarf.  It is designed along the lines of a blanket I am also designing (which is only partially done as I have too many WIPS).It's kinda like a sickness!  You know, you have a million WIPS and don't really need another one.  But then I did have that dark grey yarn, just begging to be used.  And I think it is going to look really pretty.  That is if I ever get it done.WHAT THE HEART WANTS SCARF.  Coming Soon to a ravelry store near you. (or just a click away)

One Ball of Yarn!

I was going to write about my red yarn on my interstate trip but……….., I had only taken a few balls of yarn (well a truckload really as I have stated how I pack to travel in other posts).I ran out of Stylecraft Batik in Storm and was sure, really sure I had one ball left at home.

On arrival home, I went to the spot where it should be and no Storm.  So I tore through the plastic stacking containers that it could possibly be in.  Nope!   Of course by this time I was getting a little frantic, I was a woman on a mission.  Yarn was flying everywhere!  I went through the yarn cupboard and every possible little spot that I shove yarn (and there is a few).If anyone had come across me in my search they would have seen me throwing balls out of the way.  Nope, Nope, not here!I eventually had to come to terms with the fact that, I did not have another ball.  How annoying!

 I only have one and a half rounds to go in this colour. How selfish of the Yarn!  To add to the annoyance I have approx 10 balls of Batik looking at me and not one of it is the colour Storm.I stared at all the Batik I had, for quite a while, hoping one would turn into the colour Storm, but my powers or perhaps my magic wand were just not working today.So I have placed an order.

Of course I cannot just order one miserable ball.  That would be silly wouldn't it?  It would be lonely!  It just would not do!My order grew slowly, (well not that slowly, as I wanted this and this and this) and I am now, not sure, but the company may have to hire a private plane or a cargo ship,  to ship my parcel.  It may well take up way too much room anywhere else. My Leadlight Design is stuffed into the naughty corner with my Pumpkin Spice hat.

And  so I wait in Frustration for that one ball of yarn!

Travelling with my Magic Wand (Hook)

Trusty 5mm packed and ready for travel!

You really know that your obsession with hooking is getting a little over the top when you have to catch a flight and you purchase an extra bag to pack your crochet in.

Then I find myself struggling through the airport with two huge bags, my computer and of course the bag that just has to go onboard, as it has my WIP in it, that will keep me sane during the flight.The Flower Diamond Blanket that is in testing has to go, as all my wonderful (and patient) testers will no doubt find the odd boo, boo (don't lie, they will probably find heaps of boo boos for me to fix) that I have made and so I need to check my stitches on that.I have to take my Leadlight Blanket as I truly must get more done on that and it would probably sulk if I left it behind.

Then there is that project, that the idea just jumped into my head and is marinating slowly.  I did the first couple of rows of it.  That just has to come.Then we get to the WIP that will keep me amused during the flight.  It has to be simple enough that I can focus on it with all the distractions onboard and small enough so it won't take up a seat on its own (Lets face it, flying costs enough without having to buy an extra seat for the crochet).  This just has to be onboard with me so I can immerse myself in my crochet and pretend that I did not just sit beside yet another person with an obvious cold (or it could be bubonic plague) and that they also seem to be half in my seat.  I can forget that we just sat on the runway for 40 minutes due to, too much traffic and that the person across the aisle has a child with an obvious ear infection (well obvious to me).

Heaven forbid if something horrible happened mid flight, we could probably grab my suitcase out and tape the yarn to the plane to cushion the landing (yes I pack that much). Or I could quickly wip up a parachute using yarn, hook and anything else that I happen to have packed.  I can see the Headlines 'WOMAN SAVES PLANE WITH JUST A HOOK AND A BALL OF YARN AND IT LOOKED GREAT TOO!'.

My crochet also gives me something to do while I wait to catch this plane….THAT IS SUPPOSED TO BE HERE AND IS AN HOUR LATE!

Sure, I get the odd look from people who see me working away.  The odd comment like 'Oh, look.  That lady is knitting like you do, dear.' GGRrrrrr!

But at times you get into some great conversations with someone, who is also a crazy crochet person.

Mind you I have, had my share of issues with travelling.  Getting through security has its troubles.  The amount of times I have had to stand red faced as I was sure I had taken the scissors out of my carry on bag, only to have the scanners find them tucked in a side pocket.  Then I have to apologise and say goodbye to the offending item as it is taken.

And they always seem to pick me to do that extra check on.  Maybe it is because I looked guilty (due to the scissors incident, or the fact that yarn is spilling out everywhere as the security tried to look for said scissors).

I have also had the odd crochet disaster in transit.  I will tell that tale next time I write.  Think I will call it,THE TALE OF THE RED YARN!The picture is my Take a Leaf Neck warmer and the pattern is available on ravelry      

A Journey for a New Design

A week or so ago I got out my magic wand (hook) and was fiddling with a new stitch idea. I stumbled across a mixture of stitches, that I really liked and felt quite puffed up with myself for producing it. I wanted to make a hat from this wonderful mix of stitches. I wanted something different and new. I spent a few hours working towards that. Every time I looked at this incredible mix of stitches it sang to me, how wonderful it was. I sent pictures of it to a friend crowing how wonderful it was and how fantastic I was for producing it. But then I started to notice that it was trying to leave the room without me. It had a distinctive lean towards the door on one side. It was slowly creeping that way as though trying to escape. Nah, I must be imagining it, I thought. So, I kept going, as I was sure that if I ignored the issue, it would just go away. A few rows later and it was obvious this was no good, no good at all. My wonderful mix of stitches was mocking me, and the shine had gone off it. So, it got placed into the naughty corner. To be honest, it went via air express (my pitching arm has been honed by years of crochet).

There it stayed for a few days while I pondered a work around, to stop the creeping, or leaning. I knew what the issue was. The Puff stitch was always going to one side, so it was inevitable that it would lean. Perhaps I should have thought of that, if I had not been in a haze of wonder about my stitch pattern.

I had an idea for a fix for the issue. The hat was retrieved from the naughty corner where it had been sitting in shame and I frogged what I could and began again. Yes, this would work, this will be brilliant. But as I got further into the rows, I found I was slowing down. I wasn’t feeling it. Something was not right! I stared at that hat for what seemed forever and slowly it dawned on me. This is way too busy! It is just not right! It will not do! So again, it landed quite heavily in the naughty corner. I could almost hear it laughing at me!

I did think about giving up. But to let a hat beat me seemed wrong. I also really liked that stitch pattern (it did sing to me). There had to be something I could do to fix the issue. I thought about it till my brain hurt (which probably doesn’t take much) and finally it happened, I found an answer. A Split Puff would do it. Everything would line up and be neat. No Leaning Tower of Pisa, this would work.

I thought about frogging what I had, but I was now going to work in rounds and there were way too many cut bits of yarn in the hat as it was. So, the failure remains in the naughty corner (sulking) and I began again.Everything was turning out just wonderful. My only issue was the fact that I had wasted quite a bit of the beautiful Bendigo Mill Luxury yarn that I had, initially had. You know that feeling when you know full well that you don’t have enough yarn to finish something, but you are optimistic and figure if you crochet faster, it will make the yarn go further, or the problem just go away. By the time I got to only metres left I was working like I was in the speed crocheting competition of all time.

So now I wait for my yarn order to arrive. The hat sits staring at me, mocking me. The pattern looks great and is singing to me, but in a mocking tone as it knows I can’t finish it till the yarn arrives. I am an adult and I will not throw a tantrum due to this incredible disaster. I will not dial for emergency services to rush me a ball of yarn. STAT! I will wait with patience, maybe!!!! Hopefully it will come soon as I so want to get this ready to test!

What to Expect!

Occasional Posts relating to Crochet!Probably posts relating to the designs I am working on.A lot of rambling on about Crochet.IF  you are lucky a helpful hint or two.I have been hesitant to create a blog as personally I don't know if it is for me or not.  It is the obvious next step for someone who designs to have one, but not everything is sunshine and rainbows.   I will see how it goes and if I find anyone raining on my parade (due to this public platform), then I guess I will cut and run.  This blog is for my crochet and so for those 'Storm clouds' who hover in the background waiting to pounce, I say go wreakk your havoc on someone else for a change! What you won't find herePerfect Grammar and Spelling.  So if you happen to be a Grammar and Spelling Freak, then move along.To Kick things off!The picture is of my Dearne Headband.  This is a free download available on my Ravelry Page