Crocheting with Fun Fur Eyelash

Crocheting with Fun Fur Eyelash Yarns or Frogging Without Tangles

This month I have several new patterns that use eyelash type specialty yarns.
Mrs. Frank N. Stein, don't you think her hair looks much scarier done in eyelash instead of 4 ply?

And her friend Neepos! (Who is just plain weird looking-helped by the eyelash yarn.

I worked with the eyelash yarns when they first came out and frankly I hated them. They tangled easily and were so thin many skeins of it was needed for what I considered a small project. I don’t know about you, but my yarn budget is limited and 3-4.99 per skein adds up very quickly for a multiple skein project often pricing it out of contention.

But...(you knew there was a but didn’t you) I like the look and feel of the eyelash yarns for certain projects. Like some of the patterns this month and yes next month too.

So here are a few tips:

-always roll the skein into a ball before trying to work with it. I don’t know why, but when it gets close to the end it falls apart and tangles.

-keep a pair of scissors close by. Not for cutting, but for frogging or unraveling stitches. It’s the only way I’ve found to get the stitches to come apart. What you do is carefully pull at the little bits that make the yarn eyelash with the point of your scissors this gets them out of the way so the stitchcan release and not knot, thus ruining an expensive yarn.

I wish I had known that one when I first used eyelash yarn. I probably lost close to a skein by unsuccessfully frogging a project, tangling the yarn beyond rescue.

Last but not least, I’ve found that eyelash goes further when you pair it with a thicker yarn like regular 4 ply yarn or a specialty yarn like Lion Suede and you often achieve close to the same look and you’re not tempted to give it a "hair-cut"!

I’ll keep using eyelash type yarns, but sparingly. With this, sometimes too much can ruin a good thing!

I hope this little article helps someone out there.

http://www.donnascrochetdesigns.com/

Spider in a Box Free Crochet Pattern

Spider in a Box Free Crochet Pattern

Materials:
Small amount of Lion Fun Fur Eyelash yarn in Black, size F crochet hook, 2 black chenille stems, craft glue, small amount of tissue paper and a small box.

Spider:

With Black and F hook ch-3, sl st to form a ring.

Rnd 1: Ch-1, work 12 hdc in ring, sl st top beg hdc, ch-1, turn,

Rnd 2-3: (2 hdc next st, hdc next st) around, sl st top beg hdc, ch-1, turn. (18 sts) (27 sts)

Rnd 4-6: Hdc ea st around, sl st top beg hdc, ch-1, turn.

Rnd 7-9: (Hdc dec next 2 sts, hdc next st) around, sl st top beg hdc, ch-1, turn. (18 sts)(12 sts)(8 sts) Do not stuff spider.

Rnd 10: (Hdc dec next 2 sts) around, sl st top beg hdc, fasten off. (4 sts)


Putting it Together:

Cut the 2 chenille stems in half. Twist together all four stems in the center. Bend stems to look like legs. Glue to spider.

Place a small amount of tissue paper into the box. I used a bakery box because I felt it kept more in tune with the Trick or Treat theme of this project.

Cut a small amount of eyelash yarn and attach to the center of the spider. Attach other end to the lid of the box. Close lid.


Now offer someone you know a little Halloween treat and watch their reaction when they open the box and discover a trick instead.
















HAPPY HALLOWEEN!

http://www.donnascrochetdesigns.com/

Free Crochet Pattern: Devil's Horns Hair Clips

Devils' Horns Hair Clips Free Crochet Pattern

MATERIALS:

Small amount of size 10 crochet thread in red, size 7 crochet hook, small amount of stuffing, hair clips and craft glue.

FINISHED SIZE: Ea horn is about 1” tall

Gauge: 4 hdc = 1\2”, 4 rows = 1\2”

HORN:
With Red thread and 7 hook ch-3, sl st to form a ring.

RND 1: Ch-1, work 12 hdc in ring, sl st top beg hdc, ch-1, turn. (12 sts)

RND 2-3: (2 hdc next st, hdc next st) around, sl st top beg hdc, ch-1, turn. (18 sts)(27 sts)

RND 4: Back Loop hdc ea st around, sl st top beg hdc, c h-1, turn.

RND 5: Hdc ea st around, sl st top beg hdc, ch-1, turn.

RND 6: Hdc next 2 sts, (hdc dec next 2, hdc next 3) around, sl st top beg hdc, ch-1, turn. (22 sts)

RND 7: Hdc next st, (hdc dec next 2 sts, hdc next 5 sts) around, sl st top beg hdc, ch-1, turn. (19 sts)

RND 8: Hdc next st, (hdc dec next 2 sts, hdc next 4 sts) around, sl st top beg hdc, ch-1, turn. (16 sts)
RND 9-10: (Hdc dec next 2 sts, hdc next 2 sts) around, sl st top beg hdc, ch-1, turn. (12 sts)(9 sts) Stuff horn.
RND 11: (Hdc dec next 2 sts, hdc next st) around, sl st top beg hdc, ch-1, turn. (6 sts)
RND 12: (Hdc dec next 2 sts) around, sl st top beg hdc, fasten off.
-make 2. Glue to hair clips of insert bobbie pins.

HAPPY HALLOWEEN!

http://www.donnascrochetdesigns.com/

Christmas Tree Skirt Cal

Hello!

I'm a member of crochetville forum. I love the place, everyone is so helpful and friendly.

Someone started a thread about doing a Christmas tree skirt cal. I thought I'd do one, afterall I've only been meaning to get a new three skirt for several years now. --so the story of my life!

Anyway, I got to playing with the color combinations on my design and couldn't decide which one I wanted to make. So I asked my husband, he did pick eiher of the two I was favoring. Then I asked my daughter and guess what-yes, that's right she picked still a different one for me to make. I'm afraid that is how it always goes in my family.

Then I decided to post them on the thread and let the people at crochetville help me make up my mind. Funny thing is, no one still picked the one I had been leaning toward--The red & white one--but asked for the instructions to the others.

I posted there and thought why not share them with you as well.

All went well until I tried to upload the picture of the graph for the Red & Green Tree Skirt. It just wouldn't load. It wouldn't load at photo bucket either. Go figure, I must have done something wrong--yet again!(long sigh) So I put my orginial designs up just incase anyone would at least like to see the Red & Green one. You can easily figure out how to make it by looking at the other instructions.

I still haven't made up my mind as to which one I'll make. I'm still leaning to the Red & White, but was thinking maybe of doing different colors...

Which ever I chose I'll be sure and post the finished one.

Enjoy!

http://www.donnascrochetdesigns.com/

Red & White Christmas Tree Skirt Free Crochet Pattern

Red & White Christmas Tree Skirt Free Crochet Pattern

Here are the basic instructions:

MATERIALS:

4 ply yarn and, size H hook or hook to obtain gauge.

GAUGE: 1 square = 2”

BASIC BLOCK:

With H hook and yarn, ch-4, sl st to form a ring.

RND 1: Ch-1, (3 sc, ch-2) 4 times in ring, sl st top beg sc, DO NOT TURN.

RND 2: Ch-3 (1st dc), dc in next 2 sts, *(dc, ch-2, dc) in corner, dc next 3 sts, rep from * 3 times, (dc, ch-2, dc) last corner, sl st top beg ch-3, fasten off. One block made.

JOINING RND: as in rnd 2, ch-3 (1st dc), dc next 2 sts, (dc, ch-1,) next corner, ch-1 in corresponding corner of block 2, dc in sa corner on block 1, dc next 3 sts, (dc, ch-1) next corner, ch-1, in next corresponding corner of block 2, dc in sa corner block 1, *dc next 3 sts, (dc, ch-2, dc) next corner, rep from * twice, sl st top beg ch-3, fasten off.

TWO COLOR BLOCK:

With H hook and color A, ch-4, sl st to form a ring.

RND 1: Ch-1, *3 sc, ch-2, 3 sc ch-1* join B continuing to work color A in back of sts, ch-1, rep between **, pick up A, ch-1, sl st top beg sc.

RND 2: Working color A & carrying color B behind worked sts: Ch-3 (1st dc), dc next 2 sts, (dc, ch-2, dc) next corner, dc next 3, (dc, ch-1) next corner, pick up color B, (ch-1, dc) sa corner, now working color A behind sts as you work dc next 3, (dc, ch-2, dc) next corner, dc next 3, (dc, ch-1) next corner, pick up A, (ch-1, dc) as corner, sl st top beg ch-3, fasten off.

Join as for basic block only continuing two-color block as established.

Half Block:

With yarn and H hook ch-4, sl st to form a ring.

Rnd 1: Ch-1, work 4 sc, ch-2, 4 sc in ring, turn.

Rnd 2: Ch-3, dc in ea st working (dc, ch-2, dc) in ch-2, sp, fasten off.

Joining is written for corner to corner joining. If you would like to join every stitch simply make stitch, sl st corresponding st on block to be attach, etc.

Work according to graph. I like to begin at the bottom and work my way up going left to right.

FINISHING:

RND 1: With yarn and H hook, join in and st on outer edge of piece, ch-1, even work sc around afghan and working (2 sc, ch-2, 2 sc) in each corner, sl st top beg sc, ch-3, turn.

RND 2: Dc ea st around working (2 dc, ch-2, 2 dc) in each corner, sl st top beg ch-3, fasten off.

http://www.donnascrochetdesigns.com/

First Blues Christmas Tree Skirt Free Crochet Pattern

First Blues Christmas Tree Skirt Free Crochet Pattern

Here are the basic instructions:

MATERIALS:
4 ply yarn and size H hook or hook to obtain gauge.

GAUGE: 1 square = 2”

BASIC BLOCK:

With H hook and yarn, ch-4, sl st to form a ring.

RND 1: Ch-1, (3 sc, ch-2) 4 times in ring, sl st top beg sc, DO NOT TURN.

RND 2: Ch-3 (1st dc), dc in next 2 sts, *(dc, ch-2, dc) in corner, dc next 3 sts, rep from * 3 times, (dc, ch-2, dc) last corner, sl st top beg ch-3, fasten off. One block made.

JOINING RND: as in rnd 2, ch-3 (1st dc), dc next 2 sts, (dc, ch-1,) next corner, ch-1 in corresponding corner of block 2, dc in sa corner on block 1, dc next 3 sts, (dc, ch-1) next corner, ch-1, in next corresponding corner of block 2, dc in sa corner block 1, *dc next 3 sts, (dc, ch-2, dc) next corner, rep from * twice, sl st top beg ch-3, fasten off.

TWO COLOR BLOCK:

With H hook and color A, ch-4, sl st to form a ring.

RND 1: Ch-1, *3 sc, ch-2, 3 sc ch-1* join B continuing to work color A in back of sts, ch-1, rep between **, pick up A, ch-1, sl st top beg sc.

RND 2: Working color A & carrying color B behind worked sts: Ch-3 (1st dc), dc next 2 sts, (dc, ch-2, dc) next corner, dc next 3, (dc, ch-1) next corner, pick up color B, (ch-1, dc) sa corner, now working color A behind sts as you work dc next 3, (dc, ch-2, dc) next corner, dc next 3, (dc, ch-1) next corner, pick up A, (ch-1, dc) as corner, sl st top beg ch-3, fasten off.

Join as for basic block only continuing two-color block as established.

Half Block:

With yarn and H hook ch-4, sl st to form a ring.

Rnd 1: Ch-1 work 4 sc, ch-2, 4 sc in ring, turn.

Rnd 2: Ch-3, dc ea st and work (dc, ch-2, dc) in ch-2, sp, fasten off.

Joining is written to be done at corners only. If you would like to join all stitches simply make stitch, sl st in coresponding st in block to be attached, etc.

Work according to graph. I like to begin at the bottom and work my way up going left to right.

FINISHING:

RND 1: With yarn and H hook, join in and st on outer edge of piece, ch-1, even work sc around afghan and working (2 sc, ch-2, 2 sc) in each corner, sl st top beg sc, ch-3, turn.

RND 2: Dc ea st around working (2 dc, ch-2, 2 dc) in each corner, sl st top beg ch-3, fasten off.

http://www.donnascrochetdesigns.com/

Second Blues Christmas Tree Skirt Free Crochet Pattern

Second Blues Christmas Tree Skirt Free Crochet Pattern

Basic instructions:

MATERIALS:
4 ply yarn and size H hook or hook to obtain gauge.

GAUGE: 1 square = 2”

BASIC BLOCK:
With H hook and yarn, ch-4, sl st to form a ring.

RND 1: Ch-1, (3 sc, ch-2) 4 times in ring, sl st top beg sc, DO NOT TURN.

RND 2: Ch-3 (1st dc), dc in next 2 sts, *(dc, ch-2, dc) in corner, dc next 3 sts, rep from * 3 times, (dc, ch-2, dc) last corner, sl st top beg ch-3, fasten off. One block made.

JOINING RND: as in rnd 2, ch-3 (1st dc), dc next 2 sts, (dc, ch-1,) next corner, ch-1 in corresponding corner of block 2, dc in sa corner on block 1, dc next 3 sts, (dc, ch-1) next corner, ch-1, in next corresponding corner of block 2, dc in sa corner block 1, *dc next 3 sts, (dc, ch-2, dc) next corner, rep from * twice, sl st top beg ch-3, fasten off.

TWO COLOR BLOCK:

With H hook and color A, ch-4, sl st to form a ring.

RND 1: Ch-1, *3 sc, ch-2, 3 sc ch-1* join B continuing to work color A in back of sts, ch-1, rep between **, pick up A, ch-1, sl st top beg sc.

RND 2: Working color A & carrying color B behind worked sts: Ch-3 (1st dc), dc next 2 sts, (dc, ch-2, dc) next corner, dc next 3, (dc, ch-1) next corner, pick up color B, (ch-1, dc) sa corner, now working color A behind sts as you work dc next 3, (dc, ch-2, dc) next corner, dc next 3, (dc, ch-1) next corner, pick up A, (ch-1, dc) as corner, sl st top beg ch-3, fasten off.

Join as for basic block only continuing two-color block as established.

Half Block:

With yarn and H hook ch-4, sl st to form a ring.

Rnd 1: Ch-1 work 4 sc, ch-2, 4 sc in ring, turn.

Rnd 2: Ch-3, dc in ea st and work (dc, ch-2, dc) in ch-2 sp, fasten off.

Work according to graph. I like to begin at the bottom and work my way up going right to left.

The joining insturctions are for joining in each corner. If you would like to join every stitch simply make stitch, sl st corresponding stitch on block you are attaching to, etc.

FINISHING:

RND 1: With yarn and H hook, join in and st on outer edge of tree skirt, ch-1, even work sc around afghan and working (2 sc, ch-2, 2 sc) in each corner, sl st top beg sc, ch-3, turn.

RND 2: Dc ea st around working (2 dc, ch-2, 2 dc) in each corner, sl st top beg ch-3, fasten off.

Hope you like them. Let me know which one you chose to make!

http://www.donnascrochetdesigns.com/

Using Sequins in Crochet

I love the look of sequins and I am always on the look out for more ways to work them into my designs. As you can see by the picture my gowns for the Large and Small Baby Bratz dolls are covered with them. (Patterns on my website: http://www.donnascrochetdesigns.com/)

Sequins are fairly easy to use in crochet.

What I like to do is space them apart with a single crochet stitch. That way there is more room between the sequins so they lay better (flater) and you use less.

Normally you'll see in the instructions of one of my designs using sequins: (sc, slide, sc) across. What I mean by this is make one sc stitch, work the next stitch, but before you yo and pull through the last loop you slide the sequin down to it and then complete the stitch.

This does two things. First it anchors the sequin firmly in the stitch so it won't move freely when finished. (Don't you just hate when you have to smooth the sequins out so they all lay falt and in the same direction? I do. And this prevents it.)

Second it places the sequin to the back of your stitch. This makes working a series of sequins in easier and will less chances to catch your crochet thread on them as you work. (Another hated thing.)

After working a row of sequins I normally do a roll of half double crochet. This spaces the sequins and you don't have to worry about keeping all the sequins to one side as you work as it is done for you by doing every other row.

I've found a hdc is just about right between rows. The sequins will still look like one continous flow, but again, saving you on the number of sequins you have to use.

Give it a try! Let me know how this works for you!

ww.donnascrochetdesigns.com

More Toys for Bumble Bee Bratz Play Set

That's right I've designed more toys for the Bumble Bee play set for the 4-1\2" Baby Bratz doll.

A friend and good customer of mine suggested I do more with the play set and you know me, I love a challenge!

Thanks LindaC!

So I came up with this swing and trampoline -- bee themed of course!

I love adding motion to crochet toys. The swing actually swings and supports the doll. My frist version of the swing had triangle supports instead of the square ones in the photo. To my embarassment, when I put the doll in the swing her head hit the dowel the swing was tied to and wouldn't move. Who on earth wants a swing that can't swing? Back to the drawing board!

You know, when you don't get it right the first it's not that you failed you just learned one more thing not to do!

I believe it was my third attempt when I got it all figured out. Not bad, sometimes it takes me a dozen or more times before I can get things just right. Aren't you gald I keep trying?

Well the trampoline was sooo much easier to make.

I did do a slide, but the crochet bees I covered the slide part with wouldn't let the doll slide. Back to the drawing board on that one! Oh well, Everyone needs a hobby, right?


www.donnascrochetdesigns.com

"Frank N. Stein" Picture Book

Hi!

This green fellow is Frank N. Stein and is the star of my latest picture book. The book has 17 illustrations and 15 pages. The book tells of all Frank has to go through to get ready to receive his guests. I’ll give you a hint, it entails the use of shoulder pads and platform shoes, as you have probable already guessed if you have looked at Frank N. Stein the doll crochet pattern.

You will get two versions of the same picture book e-mailed to you in pdf format. One version is full color and ready to read off the computer or print out. The second is a black & white version that allows the child to color the illustrations when printed out.

Find them HERE! Free!

Free Lilac Tassel Doll Crochet Pattern

LARGE TASSEL DOLL WITH STAND
MATERIALS NEEDED:
Baby wt yarn in White and Lavender, size E hook or hook to obtain gauge, 70mm porcelain doll head and hands, 5” diameter wooden circle, one 1-1\2” wooden wheel, 14” of 1\4” diameter dowel, antique gold paint, craft glue. 3” X 10” piece of cardboard and 3 charms.

Gauge: 6 sc = 1", 6 sc rows = 1"

STAND:
Glue wheel to the center of the wood circle and let dry. Paint it and the dowel antique gold. After the paint is dry, glue dowel in center hole of wheel.

BODICE:
RND 1: With lavender and E hook ch-36, sl st to from a ring, ch-1, sc in ea ch around, sl st top beg sc, ch-1, turn. (36 sts)

RND 2-4: Sc ea st around, sl st top beg sc, ch-1, turn.

RND 5: (Sc dec next 2 sts tog as 1, sc next 7 sts) around, sl st top beg sc, ch-1, turn. (32 sts)

RND 6: Sc ea st around, sl st top beg sc, ch-1, turn.

RND 7: (Sc dec next 2 sts, sc next 6 sts) around, sl st top beg sc, ch-1, turn. (28 sts)

RND 8: Rep rnd 6.

RND 9: (Sc dec next 2 sts, sc next 5 sts) around, sl st top beg sc, ch-1, turn. (24 sts)

RND 10-13: Rep rnd 6.

RND 14: (2 sc next st, sc next 3 sts) around, sl st top beg sc, ch-1, turn. (30 sts)

RND 15: Rep rnd 6.

RND 16: (2 sc next st, sc next 2 sts) around, sl st top beg sc, ch-1, turn. (40 sts)

RND 17-23: Rep rnd 6. At the end of rnd 23 fasten off.

Glue top of bodice around doll head.

SLEEVE (MAKE TWO):
With lavender and E hook ch-4, sl st to form a ring.

RND 1: Ch-1, work 14 sc in ring, sl st top beg sc, ch-1, turn. (14 sts)

RND 2-15: Sc ea st around, sl st top beg sc, ch-1, turn.

RND 16: (Sc dec next 2 sts) around, sl st top beg sc, ch-1, turn. (7 sts)

RND 17: Sc next st, (sc dec next 2 sts) around, sl st top beg sc, ch-1, turn. (4 sts)

RND 18: (Ch-6, sl st next st) around, fasten off.
Insert hand.

COAT:
ROW 1: With white yarn & E hook ch-35, sc 2nd ch from hook, sc ea ch, ch-1, turn. (34 sts)

ROW 2: Sc 1st st, (ch-4, sk 2 sts, sc next st) across, ch-1, turn.

ROW 3-5: Dc 1st st, sl st to next lp, ch-4, * (sc, ch-2, sc) next lp, ch-4 *, rep bet ** across ending with sl st last lp, dc last st, ch-1, turn.

ROW 6: 2 dc next dc, work 3 dc in ea lp to last dc, 2 dc last dc, ch-1, turn. (28 sts)

ROW 7: (Dc dec next 2 sts, dc next 5 sts) across, ch-1, turn. (24 sts)

ROW 8: Dc 1st st, (ch-4, sk 1 st, sc next st) across to last st, dc last st, ch-1, turn.

ROW 9-11: Dc 1st st, ch-4, * (sc, ch-2, sc) next lp, ch-4 *, rep bet ** across to last st, dc last st, ch-1, turn.

ROW 12-14: Rep rows 3-5. At the end of row 14 fasten off.

COAT EDGING:
With white and E hook join in 1st st of row 1, ch-3, working in the end of ea row, 2 dc sa row as beg ch-3, 3dc end ea row across, fasten off.
Rep for other side of coat.

Glue coat around top edge of bodice making sure to center front opening. Glue at waist.

COAT SLEEVES (MAKE TWO):
With white and E hook ch-4, sl st to form a ring.

RND 1: Ch-1, work 15 sc in ring, sl st top beg sc, ch-1, turn. (15 sts)

RND 2: Sc 1st st, * ch-4, sk 2 sts, sc next st *, rep bet ** around ending with ch-4, sl st top beg sc, ch-1, turn.

RND 3-9: Sc 1st sc, sl st to next lp, ch-4, * (sc, ch-2, sc) next lp, ch-4 * rep bet ** around, sl st top beg sc, ch-1, turn.

RND 10: Place bodice sleeve inside coat sleeve stretching to fit but not including last rnd lp edging, sc 1st st, sc in ea ch-4 lp around, sl st top beg sc, fasten off.
After rep for other sleeve, flatten finished sleeve at the top and glue to the coat making sure to cover shoulder of doll head.

FINISHING:
Wrap lavender yarn around piece of cardboard 125 times. Make the tassel by cutting a length of yarn and tying to the top of the lp yarn. Measure down 2” from center tie, wrap another piece of yarn around tassel several times and knot to secure. Slide tassel over dowel, trying to center. Slide doll head with coat over dowel until head reaches top of dowel. Glue charms to center of coat and at sleeve and hair if you like

Bodic detail (above) and Stand (below)

I've always like the looks of tassel dolls, but never knew exactly how to display one so I can up with this quick little stand.

What I like best about it is how you don't need any wood working skill to make one.

Everything was found at my local craft store and best of all, all it took was glue to put it together!

http://www.donnascrochetdesigns.com/

Idea Behind My Design of Beumble Bee Play Set for 4-1\2" Bratz Dolls

Hi!

I'm often asked where I get my ideas from.

First I want to say that what I do is design crochet patterns, not re-make a crochet pattern that is all ready floating out there in the world.

When I start thinking of a new project I start looking at things that are out there in the non-crochet world. Like at Home Stores, Clothing Stores, Toy Stores, etc.

I want a challenge. I want to take something that has never been seen in crochet before and translate it into a pattern that most people who crochet can easily follow and make one of their own.

With this said, I'll get back to the Bumble Bee Play Set.

Have you ever heard of the cartoon "Foster's Home For Imaginary Friends?" It is on the cartoon network and I love it. Edwardo is my favorite character which has absolutely nothing to do with the play set by the way.

Anyway, in one cartoon the entire gang at Foster's went to this play-pizza place. I won't bore you with the story line, just that it was a hive shaped pizza place and they had this guy dressed up in a bee suit to meet and greet.

And that's it...

My inspriation for the bee hive play set.

I have to admit it doesn't really make a lot of sence and maybe I watch too many cartoons--Never!--but that's how it works for me. I see something. It gets sucked into my head along with the tons of other things floating around in there, some times they bump into each other and an idea is born: Bratz Doll = Bee Hive and some times it is just strange up there, but I enjoy it.

Come along to my website: http://www.donnascrochetdesigns.com/ and see what other strange things you can find there.

Who knows, maybe you'll even suggest an idea or two!

Ideas For Flag and Stars Garland

Here is my latest Christmas design:

I've gone Patrotic with this red, white and blue themed Flag and Stars Garland!

But you can do more with this than just make a garland for your tree, mantel or stair railing.
















You can turn the flag and stars into ornaments by using red, white and blue ribbon, knoting a loop at one end and gluing the flag or stars on.




You can also make decorations for the plants in your home by glueing ribbon onto 18" wooden skewere (found in most coooking isle of stores). Add chenille stems you wind around a pencil and then polk them down inside the plant.








They also make great package decorations or additions to wreaths!

More Color Changes

I call this Cherries Cuff Bracelet.

See how just a background color can change the look?

This is one of my new patterns for the month of
HERE is the pattern! Free!

Color Changes, The Easiest Changes To Make

Plain black and white cuff bracelet, right?


Not so if you just change the colors up!

This cuff bracelet is easy to make.

You'd be supriced at how easy it is to make a simple change in a crochet pattern and get your own look!

Imagination and experimentation can do wonders for a plain looking pattern!

This is one of my new patterns for August.

Come by

Find the pattern HERE! Free!

Free Beaded Necklace Crochet Pattern

Free Beaded Medillion Necklace Crochet Pattern


MATERIALS NEEDED:
Size 10 crochet thread in Light Blue or a color to match your beads, size 7 crochet hook, large eye beading needle and 20 oz of size E mix color beads.

FINISHED SIZE: Medallion 2” across. Necklace is 22” long.

MEDILLION:
With lg eye beading needle on crochet thread, thread on 168 beads, remove beading needle, with 7 hook ch-3, sl st to form a ring.

RND 1: Ch-1, work (slide bead hdc) 8 times in ring, sl st top beg hdc, ch-1, turn.

RND 2-3: (2 hdc next st, hdc next st) around, sl st top beg hdc, ch-1, turn. (12 sts)(18 sts)

RND 4: * (slide bead, hdc) twice next st, rep bet () next st *, rep bet ** around, sl st top beg hdc, ch-1, turn. (27 sts)

RND 5: (2 hdc next st, hdc next 2 sts) around, sl st top beg hdc, ch-1, turn. (36 sts)

RND 6: (2 hdc next st, hdc next 3 sts) around, sl st top beg hdc, ch-1, turn. (48 sts)

RND 7: * (slide bead, ch-1) 3 times, sk a st, sl st next st, * rep bet ** 15 times, rep bet () 6 times, sk a st, sl st next st, rep bet () 8 times, sk a st, sl st next st, rep bet () 10 times, sk a st, sl st next st, rep bet () 12 times, sk a st, sl st next st, rep bet () 16 times, sk a st, sl st next st, rep bet () 12 times, sk a st, sl st next st, rep bet () 10 times, sk a st, sl st next st, rep bet () 8 times, sk a st, sl st next st, rep bet () 6 times, sk a st, sl st next st, fasten off.

NECKLACE:
With Blue thread and lg eye beading needle thread on remaining beads in the bottle (about 272), remove beading needle, with 7 hook and leaving a long tail, (ch-1, slide bead) 136 times, sl st top medallion, rep bet () 136 times, ch-1, fasten off. Knot tails and trim ends.


http://www.donnascrochetdesigns.com/

Large Eye Beading Needle and Crochet

Large Eye Beading Needle, just what is one and why use it instead of a large eye regular needle.

Whenever I use beads or sequins in a pattern I design I always state in the "materials needed" a large eye beading needle.

To the left you will see a picture of a large eye beading needle next to a sewing needle large enough to take size 10 crochet thread.

The large eye beading needle is thinner than a regular sewing needle or tapestry needle and usually pointed on both ends instead of just one.

A regular sewing needle has a very specific size "eye" or opening where the thread is to go through. If you need a bigger eye for a thicker thread you will then need a bigger needle.

And that was always the problem when I went to thread the beads or sequins onto my crochet thread. If I had a needle with an eye large enough to take the crochet thread then it was too thick to take the size E beads or sequins I wanted to use.



I naturally went to a larger size bead. It worked, but the bead was heavier and I didn't get the look I was after and until recently, sequins all had the same size hole, unless of course you wanted to make the hole bigger...one by one...yeah, me either.

Then I found the large eye beading needle. As you can see in the picture to the left, same needle as before, but what an eye!

No matter how thick the string, yarn, cord, whatever, it always fits!

Because the beading needle is basically just two pieces of thin wire connected at each end you can use size E beads and sequins on size 10 crochet thread without a problem.

I love them! Except when I polk myself in the hand because both ends are pointy--which happens to me a lot, but I've also stabbed myself with regular sewing needles so deep I bleed as well. In other words, its probably me not the needle at fault.

Large Eye Beading needles can be found in the bead and jewelry isle in most craft stores. Just look for the area with the findings and you'll find an entire array of beading needles.


http://www.donnascrochetdesigns.com/

Story Behind Giraffe Afghan

My parents live in Tennessee, I live in Ohio and my brother lives in California. We recently had a bit of a family reunion-if you can call it that. I was looking through old pictures with my mother and we came across one of my brother-about 6 or 7 on his training wheel bike with an indian headdress on.
I asked mom if that was what my brother wanted to be at the time-an indian and she said. "No, he wanted to be a giraffe."
I though she was kidding. She wasn't. At the time he wanted to grow really tall and the tallest thing he could think of was a giraffe.
Funny how things like that stick in your mind.
With nothing else much to do I started an afghan. After getting the background complete and with that giraffe comment in mind, I decided to do a girafe afghan. By then my brother had arrived and asked what I was working on.
So I told him, a giraffe.
He said it didn't look like a giraffe.
Of course it wouldn't, I was working on the spots, which he said didn't look muck like spots.
Of course not, they weren't sewn together.

I'm use this this, because nothing I ever I have evered designed started out looking like the finished piece, but he just kept asking!

So Lanny, here is my giraffe afghan. See the spots?

See the Giraffe?

How about now?

More Ideas For Crochet Patches

MORE IDEAS FOR CROCHET PATCHES!

Everyone knows you can add patches to jeans, shirts and jackets, but how about adding some to a purchased purse.

Or how about using one as a tie back for your curtains. Great way to personalize your home with your hobby!


Instead of crochting the patch in DMC or Crochet Thread how about you do it in 4 ply yarns!

You'll get the same detail and look but at a much larger size. Then you could....

Use the patches as a decortive motif to a pillow or even as the center in a quilting square!

Just use one and you have a matching coaster!

Add them to a hat--purchased or crochet!

To decorate a baby's bib!

Add a decorative touch to guests towels. Not only would they look nice a your powder room, but would make a nice gift as well.

Great to decorate a purchased pair of socks!

There are many ways to use crochet patches! Just let your imagine run loose! Add then to sachets, doll dresses, place mats and table runners--go wild!

www.donnascrochetdesigns.com