Crochet Projects
Cro-hook Wrap
Cro-hook is also known as cro-knit and double-ended crochet. It just requires a special crochet hook--one that has a hook at either end. This wrap is about 88 inches wide (not counting the fringe) and just 9 inches wide. I started with 180 stitches and worked straight for 6 inches. Then I increased every 20 stitches, to add a little shape. I just kept going until the wrap covered my elbows, bound off and added a simple chain stitch edging. The shawl is soft, thick, and reversible.
Also, I used leftover worsted weight yarns from the rag bag. I love stashbuster projects, as it's very rewarding to use up all the odds and ends, and the color mash-up adds to the fun.
To close the wrap, I made a shawl pin with 18 gauge wire and more yarn. The center is an African trade bead.
Also, I used leftover worsted weight yarns from the rag bag. I love stashbuster projects, as it's very rewarding to use up all the odds and ends, and the color mash-up adds to the fun.
To close the wrap, I made a shawl pin with 18 gauge wire and more yarn. The center is an African trade bead.
Small Granny Square Purse
Earlier this year, I was decluttering and found two crochet squares. Apparently I was playing around with front post stitches to do circular increases. I guess I added a JAYGO border with a mystery wool worked in puff stitches. Since there are two colors, I'm promoting the patches to "granny squares".
When I finished it was 7.5 inches wide, with a 46 inch long I-cord strap. It literally took over a year to actually weave in the I-cord ends and add a simple denim lining. Normally I'm pretty good about finishing needlework projects...
When I finished it was 7.5 inches wide, with a 46 inch long I-cord strap. It literally took over a year to actually weave in the I-cord ends and add a simple denim lining. Normally I'm pretty good about finishing needlework projects...
Another Granny-style Bag
I really admired the color story in this 1970's purse pattern from a vintage magazine. I used leftover acrylic yarns, and the square just rippled too much as I worked the outer rounds in ecru. So I frogged back and went for a smaller bag with less drama. It's 9 inches square and that's big enough for me. I worked the edging with crab stitch, and the strap with a knit I-cord.
My favorite bit is the closure. You just crochet a circle to fit a button, and then decrease around it. A nifty, easy way to work a very firm button. The button loop flap is also easy to work and very functional.
Thread Crochet Hobo Bag
I found six spiral crochet squares when I was organizing stuff. Each one was two inches wide and just not scaled right for a miniature bedspread, so I found a different way to use them.
I've been loving the design of those three-sided totes, made by stitching together 2 sides of 3 squares. So I used the spirals (and some flower motifs) to make 3 four-patch blocks.
I made the lining the same way, joining squares to match the bag's shape, and hand-stitching it in place. A crochet-covered button and it's done, waiting for warmer weather.
I've been loving the design of those three-sided totes, made by stitching together 2 sides of 3 squares. So I used the spirals (and some flower motifs) to make 3 four-patch blocks.
I made the lining the same way, joining squares to match the bag's shape, and hand-stitching it in place. A crochet-covered button and it's done, waiting for warmer weather.
Miniature Amish Quilt Crocheted and Framed
This cute Amish quilt is a crochet pattern called Amish Bars. You can find it in the April 1993 issue of McCall's Crochet Patterns magazines. The designer used crochet stitches that would suggest quilting stitches. It was a challenging project, what with all the color changes and fitting in the corners.
I worked it up with the idea of making a dollhouse bedspread, but all the single crochet produced a textile that was too dense to be suitable as dollhouse bedding. I decided to just frame it, with miniature clothes pins to hold it in place. The nice part is that it is completely removeable. I can switch it out anytime. Fun!
I worked it up with the idea of making a dollhouse bedspread, but all the single crochet produced a textile that was too dense to be suitable as dollhouse bedding. I decided to just frame it, with miniature clothes pins to hold it in place. The nice part is that it is completely removeable. I can switch it out anytime. Fun!