I got to thinking about last weeks post and realized I didn't give a step by step "how-to" for framing your own work. So this week, with the help of my daughter Maeghan, we put together a quick guide for framing your work. Step one: Block the work that's going to be framed. Blocking will allow the work to maintain it's shape. I used a paper towel between the doily and the cardboard to keep it from leeching any of the ink off the box. You don't have to have expensive mats or special equipment for blocking. As you can see I used a cardboard box that we got from Sam's Club and some T-pins from Hobby Lobby. You can use regular sewing pins but they might rust, so I highly recommend getting the stainless steel. They were about $3 for 50 pins. If you don't have a cardboard box like this one, use the non-greasy side of a pizza box, a stack of 2 or 3 towels, or a kids' foam play-mat and you will get the same results. Step 2: Gather y...
Cold weather is fast approaching here in my neck of the woods and while the days are still hitting the 70's and 80's, the nights are dipping down into the 50's. Break out the sweatshirts and ear warmers. Grab a scarf and some gloves for the football game and don't forget the thermos of hot chocolate and that cozy crochet afghan! Autumn is almost here. I made a few of these headband/ear warmers last year and I've already had orders for more this season. This is one I made to try out a covering for the elastic hairband used in the back. I like using the elastic hairbands in this sort of project because it allows the finished piece to be worn by more people. Sometimes it can be hard to fit the head of a person you've never met and this little addition allows for greater flexibility with the finished piece. Finished headband/ear warmer with a blue sewn-on flower and coordinating blue trim. Finished piece without trim or embellishment. An ear war...
A week or so ago, I came across this video by LoomaHat and really enjoyed watching it. I have a set of looms that are buried somewhere in my closet and since I didn't want to dig them out, I decided to crochet a version. Here's my take on a Crochet Comfort Doll. Comfort Doll before adding extras Materials: Worsted weight yarn in the colors of your choice I used 5 different colors in this sample doll small amount of black yarn for eyes small amount of pink yarn for lips extras such as buttons, lace, beads, etc for decorating FiberFill or ClusterStuff for the stuffing Pom-Pom maker of your choice (commercial, cardboard, fingers) Size I/9 5.5MM crochet hook Scissors Yarn needle Advanced beginner level project due to the color changes and needlework. Notes: For the color changes I followed this diagram posted on LoomaHat.com . The eyes, nose and mouth were all done by following the directions from the video link posted above. Chain 1 in each row does not c...