Summer Crochet Stitches Easy to Intermediate

My latest quick crochet is not a novel new stitch, but rather a simple pattern made from the most basic stitches.  This stitch can be mastered by beginners and added upon for intermediate to advanced crocheters. 

http://www.etsy.com/listing/76042403/gossimer-green-leaves-shrug-perfect-for

Done in mutiples of 4 plus 1, start off with a chain of 13 for a pattern. 

Sc in 2nd ch from hook, ch 5, sk 3, sc in next ch.  Repeat till the end of row, ending with a sc

Row 2:  ch 5, sc in next ch loop, repeat till end. 

This pattern is lacy, quick and airy.  I've made a few garments by using this pattern and adding flowers and leaves to embelish. 

http://www.etsy.com/listing/74536828/camomille-tea-shrug-plus-size-xl-xxl


Happy Hooking!  Kim

Summer Layers

Everyone---and I mean everyone---looks great when layering their wardrobe.  Stretch your budget in these tough economic times by buying several tanks on sale, and adding a customized piece such as a shrug, bolero, or sweater. 

Whether you choose streamlined shrugs with a little ruffled edge, or sweaters that are girlie to the max, I have options for almost everyone's taste.

http://www.etsy.com/listing/75373125/sale-serenity-seafoam-shrug-bolero

http://www.etsy.com/listing/75656111/pink-chablis-mini-cape-shawl

http://www.etsy.com/listing/71636399/sale-champagne-hand-crocheted-shrug

Don't see the color or style you like?  Contact me and I can customize your sweater. http://www.etsy.com/listing/75658852/yarn-colors-for-custom-orders

Inspiration

Sometimes inspiration doesn't come until you start a project.  Sometimes you just have to keep stitching, keep crocheting, and then the inspiration will strike.  In those "off" times you can find new sources for ideas from exploring http://www.etsy.com/  .  Type in crochet and see where it takes you.

You Tube offers another avenue of inspiration; patterns and stitches are shown by many different crafters.  The like above shows how to make a Puff Stitch Hat.  While my least favorite stitch to do, it makes up very nicely. 

Yarn Bargains

My favorite yarns are from Hobby Lobby.  At the top of my list is "I Love This Cotton", both for the hand feel and variety of colors.  It is a smaller gauge than the "I Love This Yarn", so you may need to use a hook a size larger. 

Another favorite haunt of mine is http://www.herrschners.com/emails/es_030811.asp?sourcecode=9118165&link=1&email=1327393

The above link is their Fat Tuesday Sale.  What makes Herrschners a great online resource for yarn shoppers is their search methods, where you may search by weight.  Here's my search for #2 weighted yarn: 

Also, their menu offers simple navigation because it has a "Yarn" option.  Herrschners sells some yarns in bulk, has a nice catalog, and offers the online shopper and opportunity to try new fibers.  Thank you Herrschners!  If only they would take the second R out of their name.  :) 

In Texas, summertime is my "winter" (indoors) season, because I'm a frail flower who melts in the heat.  Springtime is my project planning time.  Happy shopping! 

Headbands for Spring Thaw

It's still chilly in the morning and evenings here, so headbands are a perfect solution to keep those ears warm.  These headbands are luxurious in their comfort because they are made with the softest of yarns with double thickness yarn.  Rose headband is shown above. Wear inside or outside!  

Pair with handwarmers. 

Vanilla Cream Headband:

Byzantium Purple Headband

Alaskan Tundra Headband

all available at http://www.etsy.com/shop/needlemaven

Best Regards,
Kim

Spring Wardrobe Accessories

This spring, accessories allow for layering during these transitional temperature months.  My crocheted black rose shrug is available with 2 removable pins.  Handmade from an original pattern, this piece is very versatile.  Add with a dress or a scoopneck tee and jeans.  Frilly ruffle and removable white and pink rose pins add a vintage flair. 

Crocheted Handwarmers may be worn with a long or short sleeved tee.  These rose colored wristlets have a scalloped edge and carnation flower accents.

A pink and green rose scarf is crocheted with 2 shades of green leaves and is adjustable.  The large flower may be cinched high at the neck or lower, even worn as a belt around a dress.  Matches the pink handwarmers.  With a little breeze in the air, accent scarves keep you warm and allow you to break out those lighter tees and camis.   All are available in your choice of colors. 

In Northern States, you may still need mittens in the morning and evening.  Walk the dog stylishly with these Brown Lace Inset Mittens with a Rose Accent.   Also available in your choice of colors. 

Visit my store at www.etsy.com/shop/needlemaven

Happy Spring! 

Spring Cleaning

Spring is around the corner, and I take this time to organize my craft room.  Stackable crates work well  for gathering yarn by color, project or type.  Shoe holders that hang in the closet are also a nifty way to organize your yarn collection.   I go through my crochet magazines and cut out projects, placing them in page protectors in a binder. 

Foundation Single Crochet

I discovered this unique foundation stitch as an alternative to beginning a pattern with a chain stitch.  Otherwise known as “chainless crochet”, this technique allows impatient, tight tension crocheters such as myself to complete a chain stitch and one row of single crochets in one.

Keeping a Yarn Scrapbook

So, I have a lot of yarn, like a whole room full from different stores and yarn websites.  Some special yarns I buy on sale one skein at a time, then after creating some special, forget what kind of yarn it was and where I got it.  So, I have created a Yarn Scrapbook.

You can create a Yarn Scrapbook or Bulletin Board to keep a record of your favorite yarns.  Here's what you will need:

1. A journal or spiral notebook
2. A scrap of your yarn
3. Tape to secure it or staples
4. The label, including yardage, gauge, recommended hook or needle, and laundering instructions. 
5. Description of items you have made with this yarn

Meld your love of yarn and scrapbooking by embellishing your book.  Have fun and share pictures of your scrapbook or bulletin board.