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By Lorraine Weston


Crocheting is for grannies! That's the mindset of most people when they think of crocheting. However, this is actually extremely incorrect. Not only is it not done by just the elderly, it's done on a lot of things. It's even done on a lot of designer clothes.
Crocheting is not an activity made only for our grannies and for bitter spinsters. It can be done by everyone. Especially, now that clothing trends are now more inclined into the use of crocheted items, popular clothing designers are also smitten by crocheting.
However, crocheting is not only for the plain Jane. One has to have the patience and, of course, the time to be able to do anything crocheted. So how does one actually get herself learn to crochet?
It really is not a hard skill to learn. But it neither is an easy one. In order to get you going, all you need is a good crochet hook, yarns, measuring tape, yarn needle, some pins, and a lot of determination to finish a crocheting project.
Here is a rundown of tips on how to easily learn crocheting:
Hold the Yarn Like a Pro
For newbies in crocheting, holding a yarn could be quite a tricky job. Even if it only takes some time of getting used to, knowing how hold it properly and skillfully is not to be overlooked.
It may not be the easiest thing in the world to master, but it sure is worth it. The magnificent work you can complete with the help of crochet is amazing. If you have a little extra time to pick this up as a hobby, you wont regret it.
Here is how:
1. Let the yarn pass through your fingers upon holding it. This is how it is done: the little finger, then, beneath the ring finger, then, above the forefinger and the middle finger.
2. Another way to hold the yarn is to loop in the region of the little finger, and then, make it cross the forefinger.
3. Upon holding the hook, imagine how you would hold a pencil or a spoon. That's how it should be held. In that position, it won't be hard for you to heave the yarn from your fingers down to the loop in the hook.
As you go along the process of crocheting and you start to get the hang of it, you will learn your unique and most comfortable way of working with the yarn. Don't be afraid to adopt a new method of holding it. It will help you become more of an efficient crochet craftsperson in the long run.
Size Matters When it Comes to the Hook and Yarn
One should not take for granted the skill of identifying the right hook and yarn to use in any crochet project.
Hooks are identified through different letters and numbers that correspond to certain sizes. In crocheting, the higher the number or letter of the hook, the thicker the hook is. As for yarns, their varieties are identified through names.
Resizing the Crochet Project Through the Pattern
To reduce the size of a project, it is as simple as deducting some stitches. One can skip a stitch in a row and continue with the next to reduce the size of the project. To enlarge a project, it is as easy as inserting more stitches in a row. One can easily join two stitches of the same row together. This will make one produce a solo stitch on the next row prior to it.
Reading a Pattern Like a Book
What can complicate the activities of one that is engaged in crocheting are the abbreviations on a pattern. The use of memory and logic can help a lot in surmounting this little crocheting obstacle. The outcome of being able to memorize these important abbreviations is a much faster pace in crocheting and more efficient hands.
1. Crochet patterns and instructions are worked usually in rounds or rows. It will be indicated on the pattern if you are doing or working in rounds, rows or mixture of both.
2. Crochet patterns and instructions are generally ranked according to difficulty level such as advanced, intermediate, easy or beginner. Choose a pattern with a difficulty level that suits your abilities. Then, increase the level of difficulty as your skill advances. 3. Count the stitches that you have made as you go on with your work to monitor the stitches needed on each round or row as required by the pattern.
4. Verify your gauge by crocheting a sample of about 4 X 4 inches in the pattern. When your gauge results into a larger size than what is on the pattern, then use a smaller hook; when your gauge is smaller, then use a larger hook.
When it's time for you to actually accomplish a crochet project, make sure that you follow the instructions well and you make your patience a bit sturdier than before. Prepare your devices beforehand to ensure the smooth flow of your crocheting endeavor.
Now you know the steps of crocheting. You may not be a master at it right now, but at least you will know the basics. You can now start working at making magnificent work with this little hobby. Now, get to crocheting!
Sick of Doing Home Improvment then discover Beginner Crochet Patterns at http://www.startcrocheting101.com
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Knit and Crochet - Summer Yarn Choices

By Evelyn Mayfield

During these hazy, hot, and humid days of summer, there is one type of yarn that is perfect for the sticky weather. This is cotton worsted. You will see brands like Peaches & Creme, Lily's Sugar'n Cream, and others, in your crafts supplies stores or online. Both Peaches & Cream and Lily have websites that also offer patterns for the products.

Cotton thread is also good for coasters, mats, and clothing that will need to deal with perspiration.

Why Cotton?

Because this is cotton, and not acrylic, it is very absorbent. It handles perspiration and any kind of moisture. It works with the body, not against it.

Cotton worsted is great for summer coasters, beverage cozies, tote bags for the beach, even beach cover-ups. You will quickly think of more patterns that are perfect for this product. In the winter, it also works well with wet weather - caps and scarves and more.

Special Notes about Cotton Worsted

Keep in mind that this yarn might not be quite as flexible as acrylic or wool, so watch your gauge carefully. Ask yourself whether to knit or crochet more loosely, or more tightly, than usual when using this yarn. In barbecue mitts for outdoor cooking, for example, you'll need to work more tightly to avoid any gaps or spaces where heat might reach the hands using them. You might need to switch to a smaller hook or needles.

You should also check for newer products in this line. Many companies also offer softer varieties of cotton worsted, very suitable for clothing such as beach cover-ups. This product can work up beautifully and show off your talents quite well.

So, if the hazy, hot, and humid weather has you down, pick yourself up with a different type of yarn than what you normally use. You might quickly find a new favorite.

See examples of cotton worsted beverage cozies in my shop http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=26538361

Evelyn Mayfield ha been writing and editing for over 30 years, and crocheting all her life. She spends her time writing, crafting, and blogging. She is the author of the paperback, The Busy Person's Prayer Book, and sells her handcrafts on Etsy. Etsy Crafts -- http://www.evelynmayfield.etsy.com

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How to Make Money With Crochet Or Knitting

By Rhelena R.

Someone once said that if you can find something you enjoy doing, and then learn how to make money off of it, you'll never have to work another day of your life!

To most people that sounds too good to be true, and so they don't even try to venture down that path, thinking they will fail anyway. But if there is something which you truly enjoy like crochet or knitting and you're willing to go the extra mile you can succeed.

The first thing you need to do is design your own crochet or knitting pattern. That way you won't be competing against anyone else with the same designs, thus increasing your chance of success.

You don't have to have a copyright on your design, by law it is your design and you hold all rights to the pattern the moment you design it. But nevertheless, it is a good idea to register your design just in case.

Next you need to figure out a price for your item. Many people who start selling their crochet or knit items don't set the prices high enough and don't make any money as a result. But you don't want to overprice your items either, because then you won't be able to sell at all.

To help you determine the price you need to figure out how much it's costing you to make the item, and then add the profit which you want to earn and any additional fees which you will have to pay, such as marketing, booth rentals, or listing fees.

Once you have your design and product price you're ready to start selling. You can sell your crochet or knit items online on sites like eBay, Etsy, or eCrater just to name a few. This is a good way to start because you don't need a huge inventory of products, you can start by selling only one product and work your way up.

Once you have an established inventory of various products you can set up a booth at local craft fairs, the mall, or even in your front yard on a beautiful day. Setting it up in your own yard will save you a lot of money.

You can do this by yourself, or you can team up with a friend or a group of friends and work together. You could even be the middle-man, or middle-woman, and sell their items for a small profit.

If you succeed in the above and want to take it to the next level, you can open your very own brick and mortar store. With diligent hard work you can make it happen over a period of several years. You'd be doing what you love and make a living at the same time.

http://www.squidoo.com/HowToSellYourCraftsOnline Design Your Own Crochet Patterns Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Rhelena_R.

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Simple Steps on How to Crochet a Scarf

By A. Labedzki

Crocheting a scarf is a simple project and is achievable by anyone who has mastered the basic crochet stitches. The article provides some simple steps on how to crochet a scarf.

Required Raw Materials. Basic things needed for crocheting a scarf are:
• Scissors
• Size H hook
• Any worsted weight yarn

Pre-requisites to crochet a scarf. Before you begin to crochet a scarf, you need to decide the dimensions of your scarf and accordingly calculate the number of stitches and rows. Generally, crocheted scarves vary in length from 55 to 100 inches.

Simple Steps on How to Crochet a Scarf. To crochet a scarf, follow these simple steps:
• Make a foundation chain. To begin with, you may make a chain of 15 crochet stitches.
• For crochet row 1, follow these steps:

Keep a single crochet in the second chain from the hook, in one loop only. You can use the remaining loop for adding fringe when you finish crocheting the scarf.

You should have 14 single crochets when you finish the row.

Chain one stitch at the end of the row.

Turn the work around and start the second row.
• For row 2, follow these steps:

Put single crochet in both the loops of the stitch. You should have 14 single crochets when you finish the row.

Repeat row 2 until you get the crocheted scarf of the desired length.

When you reach the last row, do not chain row one at the end, as is the case with the other rows.

Finish off crocheted scarf by cutting the yarn and weaving its ends.

Simple Steps on How to Crochet a Loop Scarf. For a loop scarf, follow these steps:
• Crochet the foundation chain with the required number of stitches.
• This crochet scarf pattern repeats a 'right side row,' which is on the right side of the fabric and the 'left side row,' which is on the left side of the fabric.
• While working with the rows on the right side, follow these steps:

Insert the crochet hook under the two loops and bring them together to form a new loop.

Now, let the hook release the loop, and with your left hand, make this loop long.

Make a single crochet in the back loop.
• While working with the rows on the left side, the only difference is in the last step. Here, you have to make a single crochet under the two loops of each single stitch from the previous row.
• Repeat these two rows alternatively, until you get a crocheted scarf of the desired length.
• Finish off the scarf crocheting by cutting and weaving in the yarn.

Annette Labedzki received her BFA at the Emily Carr College of Art and Design in Vancouver, B.C. Canada. She has more than 25 years experience. She is the founder and developer of an online art gallery featuring original art from all over the world. It is a great site for art collectors to buy original art. Is is also a venue for artists to display and sell their art . Artists can join for free and their image upload is unlimited. Please visit the website at http://www.Labedzki-Art.com
Annette has bonus offers on her work only. Buy 3 small paintings of any size (maximum size 11x17 inches) and receive 3 small paintings of your choice for free (maximum size 11x17 inches) SHIPPING IS FREE Buy one large painting (minimum size 18x24 inches) receive 5 small paintings of your choice (maximum size 11x17 inches) FOR FREE. SHIPPING IS FREE.
Please feel free to subscribe to her newsletter at http://www.Labedzki-Art.com

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Crocheting For Money, Start A Craft Business

By Linda Spangenburg

Have you ever wondered if you could put your hobby to work? Crocheting for money, and earning some extra income is possible. But it requires lots of work and research. Also you must plan ahead because most of your money will be earned in the fall and winter. I would like to give you some tips and ideas for your home based business.

A Home Craft Business

I love to crochet baby blankets, as they are such great gifts and easy to sell. Usually I have one in the making at all times. Crochet hooks and yarn are so very portable; it is easy to carry your projects with you where ever you go.

There are always baby showers and special occasions; people are always looking for beautiful gifts. If you keep at it and build an inventory and a good reputation for workmanship, you will have sales all year long.

Babies, birthdays, anniversarys, and weddings happen all year long. Not just in the winter. So the potential is there for sales. I have knitted pure white afghans for wedding presents, baby blankets for showers, Christening and sweaters for birthdays.

When you do the shows and present your product well you will have a following. They will call on you when they need a gift for one affair or another.

Start a craft business

So I am always working on one item or another. If you crochet already I know you are the same way. But now we are going to learn to start a craft business with this obsession of ours.

Where ever I go I am usually working on an item for the business. You always need a supply of slippers, hats, mittens, doll clothes and baby items. Also we need gifts, presents, items for the shows and bazaars.

Special Orders

And of course there are always the special orders that can not be made ahead of time. The customer will order a specific item in a special size or certain colors. So you will be constantly creating, making and thinking of what else you can add to your inventory or line.

Yes you can make money crocheting or knitting. How much you make will depend on a lot of different factors. What you make, where you sell and the quality of your product are only a few things to be considered.

Linda Spangenburg draws on 35+ years from her knitting and crochet business experience, both as a teacher and craft business owner. She is the author behind "Looney for Looms" where you will find patterns for loom knitting. We hope you found the information here inspiring enough to try a craft homebased business? You can find more free information about knitting and crochet for profit at http://www.knitting-n-crochet.com

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Get Your Free Crochet Patterns Today

By Stanley J Barker

Crocheting is certainly not my specialty. If you asked me a week back what it was all about, you would have gotten a blank stare, or a lame reason like; well, it's a similar thing as knitting except the needles have hooks at the end so it catches the yarn and loops into the opposite side. Yes , pretty lame, eh? I am sure, if I was inclined to crochet I could find some extremely simple crochet for newbies lessons out on the web somewhere. And whilst you are looking, see if you can find free crochet lessons and free crochet patterns too. My guess is, you know someone who knows a way to crochet and is ready to share that knowledge for free. That just could be a better solutions than scouring the web. If not, dive into the web - you are sure to discover help for newbies all over the place.

Ok, I did get on the internet and I did find plenty of free crochet patterns. Know what else I discovered? That crochet patterns are often hard to read for newbs like me. They have a lot of asterisks that really mean something so you can't just look over it as if it does not mean anything. I have discovered that I am not alone when it comes to looking for patterns and help for knitting. Hey, there complete forums and blogs targeted on this stuff. There are many patterns to select from and if you are planning on a blanket or baby garments or maybe doll garments, you are sure to find just what you want.

My specialty is starting to become mittens. I love these things! My fave mittens are the ones made from the heart. You can easily download crochet patterns free. You simply have to find the right one for you. What about you? What is your fave thing to crochet? I have found some simple crochet mittens on crafting web sites and crochet sites. Typically they are free and just have to download them - those are the ones I like! Most of these sites have more than simply crochet oriented crafts - so before you leave check out their offerings - you may find some good stuff. It is a win-win for both of you. For Ma's Day I saw plenty of crochet projects like an Afghan with sleeves or a crochet clutch purse. I adore clutch purses, so I know this would have been a good present for other mom's too.

So, I am getting more experience as a crocheter ( is a word?) and if I'll do it, you can do it, you can too. So, pick up those needles and hook a stitch. There are masses of free crochet patterns and other great tricks and tips just waiting online for you to uncover them.

For more information on free crochet patterns,visit http://favecrafts.com Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Stanley_J_Barker

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Easy Crochet Patterns Anyone Can Emulate

By Brian Garvin and Jeff W

Just a few years ago, there has been a real explosion of interest in fiber and yarn arts, and if you are someone who has a strong interest in them, there has never been a better time for you to start crocheting. Easy crochet patterns can be yours for the asking, and at the end of the day, you will find that you are going to be in a great place to make lots of lovely works of fiber art that will please everyone on your gift giving list.

Maybe you get involved with crochet because it is something that you learned from a relative, or maybe you are just curious about what all the fuss is about, but at the end of the day, just remember that it is quite easy.

It seems as though people have always been interested in easy crochet. Essentially crochet is the process of creating fabric from yarn or thread through the use of the crochet hook The word crochet itself comes from a French word meaning hook, and if you have ever looked at the finished project, you will find that it is indeed just a series of loops that have been pulled through other loops.

Unlike knitting, which has a significantly more rectangular shape, you will find that crochet is in fact something where there is only one loop active at a time, unlike with knitting, where there is an entire row of loops or stitches.

When you want to go looking for easy crochet patterns, your first stop should be the internet. Just about everything that you need to get started is right there, and when you are looking to make sure that you are going to be getting the results that you need, you will discover that you can easily move forward and check out lots of great projects. Many places will begin you with a very basic square.

This is an easy way to move ahead and to really measure out your progress. Remember that it is a lot easier than you think, and that with just a little bit of work under your belt that you will be able to see a lot of progress.

Take some time and really consider what your options are going to be when it comes to getting help. Don't disregard getting help from online crochet fans, and make sure that when you are in a place to move forward that you see what resources are available. If you are not moving fast enough with one set of instructions, try moving forward to instructions which are explained a little differently.

Similarly, remember that there are also plenty of free video tutorials out there that can help you out. This is something that can mean a lot when you are trying to learn to crochet, so don't let it get you down if you are starting slow.

Consider what your options are going to be when you are looking at getting involved with crochet. There is a lot to be said for getting good results right away, so don't fret, take your time, and get started!

Find out about the latest Vogue Patterns from Brian Garvin and Jeff West. Also learn about Easy Crochet Patterns Online for free. Freely distribute this article but please leave author bio and links intact.

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