There is nothing more frustrating than setting aside time to work on a new project and not be able to find your pattern, yarn or hook. You can spend precious minutes that could have been invested in your project while searching for the needed tools to begin. After accumulating an assortment of crochet necessities I finally decided it was high time to get them in one organized space where I could turn to and find what I needed in a matter of seconds.

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I’ve been adding a lot of ‘How to Crochet’ type posts lately about special stitches and trims to add to your crocheting arsenal. In the comments of almost every one of these posts there is a question about an important part of the stitch/trim instructions, the beginning chain and what it means to ‘chain a multiple of’.

Some of us might have seen the term ‘multiple’ in crochet stitch instructions and convulsed in fear, being that it is so reminiscent of grade school math. If you aren’t familiar with this term, the definition is: the product of a quantity by an integer; “36 is a multiple of 9”.
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Okay, maybe not always, but a lot of times stitch markers are like headache relievers when you crochet. Not familiar with stitch markers? Check out this quick post: All About Stitch Markers in Crochet. A stitch marker can be anything from plastic rings you buy at the store, a spare safety pin, or something as simple as a scrap of yarn. Whatever you use, the point is to stick markers into the stitches of your crochet work so that it’s easier to follow. Hence, headache relieving!

When working with crochet patterns, it most likely will not tell you to use markers unless completely necessary. However, there are tons of times when stitch marks are extremely useful. Here are some examples:
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All across the nation there is a heightened anxiety about the waste we are creating and the over-consumption our communities are experiencing. Here on Crochet Spot we have briefly addressed this growing concern with Ideas for Going Green and Tips for Being A Frugal Crocheter. It’s a very popular subject right now and exciting as well, because people are looking for ways to save money and help save our environment.
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I love to work with color combinations. I think it makes crochet all the more interesting, homespun and personal. At times I find myself stumped at what might compliment a beautiful shade of yarn that I’m just dying to add to my collection. I don’t want to mar its stunning hue with a color that might distract from my finished project. It’s hard to judge what a finished project might look like while holding an armful of skeins. So, I have found a solution to this color quandary in the pages of a book from 1900. Here are some suggestions that are just as useful today as they were over 100 years ago! read more »

In a previous post I gave instructions for three special stitches, the moss stich, the chevron stitch and the smocking stitch, which all help add texture and interest to crochet projects. Below are instructions for two more special stitches, photos of the stitches and general uses for them.

Classic Checkerboard Stitch
This stitch is great for all kinds of around the home type projects like washcloths and table runners. You can play around with this stitch by making each ‘checker’ a different color or any other kind of variation of colors.

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Adding Trim to a crocheted project can give it a more finished appeal. The uses for these trims seem fairly endless; crocheted scarfs, blankets, washcloths, belts and table runners are just a few examples of projects just waiting for an interesting trim.

This trim is great for washcloths (imagine it as the ‘fins’ on a aquatic bath set!). It’s also known as ‘Diagonal Box’ trim and is traditionally used as edging for clothing.

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Last week we discussed how to start your own crochet guild. Now that you’ve got the basics underway let’s delve a little deeper into fun events and classes you can host!

Guild Sales:
Many guilds host yearly sales where each member has their own table to sell their handmade products. This might be during a local community event or it might be your own special day. Remember to offer literature about your group during your sale to gain new members! Also, have a mailing list where your customers can sign up for an email or print newsletter to stay up-to-date. read more »

Crocheting can be very rewarding and calming, but sometimes it can also be a very expensive hobby to maintain. Over time I have come up with a few tips and have been taught a few things by other crocheters and knitters I have met in my life.

Stay Organized! Keeping track of the yarn you have at home helps to prevent you from buying unneeded yarn. Keep an index card in your purse and write down what yarn you are buying right after you buy it. When you’ve finished a project, cross that yarn off your card.

Organizing yarn in clear, separate containers is also a great way to prevent from buying unneeded yarns. I use clear craft (or childrens toy) towers with three or more large drawers that can be purchased very inexpensively at any walmart, target or kmart. If the yarns are properly organized by color or yarn weight, you are less likely to buy a yarn you already have! read more »

Years ago crafting as a group was a way of life. Women gathered from rural areas to share gossip, laughter and tears while creating something useful together. They made gifts for family, quilts to raffle, and in wartimes needed items for servicemen. It encouraged creativity and gave these ladies an excuse to slow down and do something with their hands other than cleaning or preparing the next meal. These quilting bees or sewing circles were the highlight of the week as old friends gathered and new friends were made. It’s a great thing to reinstate if you don’t have a fiber arts guild in your area. Here are a few pointers on how to get one started! read more »