Yarn Projects Part 3: Tension

Good morning!  I hope you are doing well!  Today's lesson is on tension.  Not the tension you get from work, or school, but the tension you put on your yarn when making those gorgeous yarny goodies.

When I first started crocheting, my tension was ridiculous!  It's no wonder I have arthritis in my poor hand!  I would hold the yarn with a grip like a life line.

I am still a tight crocheter, but I have let up on the tension somewhat.  Here are two examples of what I'm talking about.

I totally ran out of yarn on the larger
swatch, but I think I got my point across.

These swatches are both made with the same number of stitches, the same number of rows, the same hook, and the same yarn.  The only difference in the two is the tension (and the one I ran out of yarn).

In the top swatch, the tension is so tight.  Probably exaggerated, but still, that's how I used to crochet.

In the bottom swatch I barely held the yarn.  That was difficult. 

See?  Big difference.  The tension you use in your yarn endeavors will affect the outcome of a pattern, just as much as the hook and yarn sizes.

I hope you've found this little series to be informative and fun!  I have a great time doing stuff like this, and I'm thinking of doing more crochet type posts.  What do you think?  Any ideas?

Yarn Projects Part 2: Hook Size

Hello!!  I'm back with part two of the Yarn Projects series.  The other day I talked about yarn size, and how it can affect a project.  If you missed out on that one, check it out here.

This week, I want to show you how hook size can really do an number on your project.

Like I said in the last post, my patterns aren't specific when it comes to type of yarn or hook size.  I tend to stick with patterns that don't require a gauge.  Other patterns will specify a type of yarn and hook to work it up correctly.

Take a look at these granny squares.  They are all the same pattern, same yarn, just different hooks (the letters next to the squares are the hook sizes).

I sure hope these posts are informative for you!  I am enjoying writing them.  Is there anything else you would like to see me write about?

I'll see you guys next time for the last installment of my crochet series: Tension!

Yarn Projects Part 1: Yarn Size

Today, ladies and gentlemen, I would like to talk about yarn sizes. 

As you may know, I'm terrible at writing crochet patterns.  I enjoy making new things and sharing them with you, but I just can't seem to write them very well.

So, I just want to explain that {most of} my patterns are subject to interpretation.  They are completely customizable, and gauge  is not always imprtant.  That us not always the case with pattern, though.  Especially if you're making clothing.

The photo below shows how different yarns can work up very differently.

These circles were made using the first five rounds of the pattern from my HDC Bag, and each one was made with a 4.5mm hook.  The only difference in each I'd the type of yarn.

{I don't know the type of yarn for the green circles, one is thin, the other chunky.  The blue and white is 100% cotton, the purple I'd 100% acrylic.}

As you can see, these circles are all different sizes, and this will affect your yarny  projects.

For sweaters, or such, the pattern will specify the type of yarn to use, so the correct gauge is achieved.  For projects like the ones I write up, you can adjust the patterns to accommodate your yarn size, making the finished product the size you want.

*I started out writing this post with yarn size in mind, and it exploded into a three part article!  The next post is going to be about hook size, I hope you'll stop back by for that!*

Valentine's Day Goodie Bags

**UPDATE**  I apologize, I had the settings wrong for the pattern for the bag.  It's fixed now!  Hope you enjoy!

Oh, wow!  I think I'm actually going to be early with a post!!  Here is a little Valentine's Day goodie bag I whipped together for Youngest's teachers. 

Made using HDC and a couple of rounds from the V-Stitch bag, I think it turned out quite cute!

Here's the pattern I wrote up quickly.  Let me know what you think.  As always, I have to add the disclaimer that I'm terrible at writing instructions, so if you see an error or have a question, don't hesitate to get in contact with me!

The heart is a free pattern from Everything Etsy. 

Just fill it with your gift of choice, and there ya go. 

Hope you guys have a happy Valentine's Day!

V-Stitch Drawstring Bag

Hi!!

A few weeks ago, I promised a couple of patterns for the little gift bags that I made as gifts for the boys' teachers.

Well, here's the first one, it doesn't have a fancy name, I just call it the V-Stitch Drawstring Bag.

V-Stitch Drawstring Bag

It can be made with any yarn, any size hook, and in any size you want.  It works up quickly, so I've even been able to make it in an evening for an event the next day!

I hope you enjoy this little project!  Please let me know what you think!!

♡P.S.  If you would rather order one, please feel free to email me (or through IG @littlebeachbird ).  The price is $13 shipped (for the bag only, contents not included).♡

**Disclaimer:  I'm not a professional pattern-writer-upper (yep, technical term), so it may not be a perfect pattern.  If you find a mistake, or have a question, please let me know in the comments.  I appreciate all feedback!!**

Pinterest Project Sunday: C2C Blanket

Recently, a sweet IG friend asked where I found the pattern for the Corner 2 Corner (C2C) blanket that I've been making for Hubby's grandmother.  Since I couldn't post the link on Instagram (they really need to get on that feature, btw), I figured I'd make a PPS post featuring the blanket.

It's clearly not finished, but I wanted to go ahead and share it.  This project is super simple and works up fairly quickly.

I found two patterns for this blanket.  One of which is a written pattern, and the other is a video.

The written pattern is found on Ravelry.  

The video is found on YouTube.

I ended up using the video, simply because I have to be able to see something new worked up sometimes.  Often, the written pattern will suffice, other times I have to see the process.  That's just the way I learn.

[Both of these tutorials produce the same product, they are just different learing methods.  Please do not infer that I am promoting one version over another]

This pattern works up easily, so I take it everywhere I go.  I can whip out a row or two in no time, while waiting for the kids to get out of school, or while hubby drives us to the store.  I'm obsessed with blankets, and this one is now my go-to blanket.  I'm going to work up another with some scraps that I have to get rid of (that's a post for another day - downsizing!!)

Stop back by next week, I have a cute PPS planned!

See ya!

Amanda

Last minute Teacher Appreciation Gifts

Teacher Appreciation Week begins tomorrow (May 5)!  Don't forget to show that special teacher (or two) how much you appreciate them!

Our school has a pre-determined list of things to send in every day:

Monday:  School Supplies
Tuesday:  Unlimited Hugs and Smiles
Wednesday:  Something to Pop (popcorn or Blow Pops)
Thursday:  Something to Eat (fruit, treats, etc)
Friday:  Something to read (card or letter from student).

If your school doesn't do an pre-determined list, I've come up with a couple of extra ideas that don't have to cost a lot of money or time.

Gift card bouquet:  We made this one for our teacher's birthday, but it's great for any celebration.  The flowers can either be real or handmade, there doesn't have to be a lot of giftcards, one would suffice (or none, it could just be flowers).

Bags:  I was told by one of our teachers that they are the ultimate bag lady (or gentleman).  Teachers are always having to take home books and homework and such.  I love to give bags with a little something in them.  This year we have a student teacher, so I'm putting together a bag with some supplies that she's going to need next year for her own room.  I made this bag, but it can be store bought, it can be decorated by the kids, anything goes.

Summer Fun:  Just throw some summer type stuff together, a beach bag with a towel and water bottle, or something along those lines.

Spa Day:  Some lotions, body wash, face scrubbies, etc.  Just a little something to pamper themselves.

Pencil Flower Vase:  (I hope to find a pic of this soon because it's super cute) I made this last year, and she loved it.  All the kids brought in a flower, so she had a nice bouquet.  I found the tutorials on Pinterest (you can follow me there, if you'd like.  I'm Amanda Ropp <the one with the three palm trees as photo>).

There are so many ways to say Thank You to that special teacher, these were just a few of the things we've done in years past.  Imagination is the key.

I hope I've helped, if you've been stuck on ideas. 

See ya!

~Amanda ~

My Very First Crochet Pattern

If any of my dear readers know me very well, they know that I am addicted to Instagram (please feel free to follow me @amandaropp).  Recently I posted a picture of some of my little crochet goodies, and someone asked for the pattern.

Well, this little creation (pictured above) was purely accidental, so I had to remember what I did so I could write it down.

This isn't the best pattern ever written, but here goes:

Boot Cuffs
Measure your leg where the top of the boot will be.
Chain to that length
Join to first chain with a slip stitch
*Chain 2
Double crochet around, taking care to keep the chain from twisting.
Join to first dc with a slip stitch*
Continue from * until the cuff is 6 inches tall.

Scarf/Necklace
Make a chain to 60 inches
Connect to the first chain with a slip stitch
Chain 2
dc in each ch (Here is where mine messed up, I must have let the chain twist once or twice, because it ended up curling up on itself and making a tube.  If you want a tube, let the chain twist a couple of times during the first row, if you want one that lays more flat, try to keep it from twisting.  I'm going to say that results will vary.)
Connect to the first stitch with a slip stitch
*ch 2
dc into each stitch
connect to the first stitch with a slip stitch*
Repeat from * until it is the desired thickness.
Once the Scarf is completed, double it up and secure it together by wrapping yarn around it.   Attach flower, and add button to the center of the flower.

Flower
The flower is from the pattern Irish Rose Purse by Rise Pirrone.

Button (for the center of the flower)
I found the button here.

Sorry for all the links.  Those parts were not my patterns, therefore I can't take credit.

I hope this want to confusing.  As I said, this is my first pattern I have ever written.  If you have any questions, please leave a comment on this page, or you can find me on Instagram.

I hope to make more patterns, so if you like this, please let me know.  Give me a little confidence boost :)

~Amanda~