Friday 20 February 2015

Crochet Finger Saver

I hold yarn 'incorrectly'. Is there a correct way to hold yarn whilst crocheting? Whatever way is comfortable or easiest is the correct way in my opinion. However I hold the yarn with my little finger, no idea if that is normal or not, it works great for me unless I crochet for a very long time. After a while my little finger starts to ache, when this happens a crochet finger saver is the way forward. Crocheting something to help with crocheting...



It only took me 10-15 minutes to make, a little longer to get used too. I think it's great, it's easy to keep the tension consistent and it saves my little finger (Update: Click here for more information about how to change the Yarn tension with this finger saver).

I don't think it matters what yarn is used to make these. I used DK in purple with a 4.5mm hook. Here's what I did:

-I made a chain that fit around my finger comfortably and joined it to the first chain with a slip stitch. 

-Chain three then UK trebble crochet (US double crochet) around, join with a slip stitch. 

-Chain three, UK trebble crochet (US double crochet) around again, join with a slip stitch. 

-Chain one, UK double crochet (US single crochet) around, join with slip stitch and finish off. 

To make it longer add more rows.

It didn't take much yarn so scrap yarn is perfect for this, changing colours would have made it more interesting too. Not sure how long it will last but it will be quick and easy to make a new one. 

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Sunday 15 February 2015

DIY Bound Notebook- made from a paper bag.

I like notebooks, I like them that much that I don't use them because I totally ruin them...perfectionism is annoying. So to get over this I tried making my own cheap cheap cheap notebook that I won't mind wrecking.

Whilst surfing the web on how to make notebooks I came across This Tutorial which suggests making a notebook using paper bags. I loved this idea but I wanted a notebook with a different binding. Looking at Japanese binding techniques I found This (which is one of the easier ones...gotta start somewhere!). So combining the two tutorials I made a paper bag notebook with Japanese binding. 



The notebook turned out OK it's not that nice that I feel bad using/ruining it, which was the whole point. DIY notebooks can be made any size, used for anything and decorated in any way or not at all. 

When I've used this one I will try a different binding technique. 


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Sunday 8 February 2015

Crochet Dalek Mug Cosy

After making Crochet Minion Mug Cosies (find the pattern Here) I had a request to make a Dalek mug cosy. The pattern for this cosy took me a while to figure out and it uses puff stitch which I detest. I think it turned out ok though, to say it's the second mug cosy pattern I've made, so I made another as a gift to a good friend of mine.


If anyone wants the pattern let me know.

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