Treasures: I LOVE Tunisian Crochet !

I have very recently learned about a crochet technique called Tunisian Crochet. It is also called Afghan Crochet.  It makes a beautiful stitch that is very different than I normally imagine when I think about crochet. As someone who loves crochet, who has always wanted to knit but can't master knitting, I am thrilled to have discovered Tunisian Crochet.

Tunisian Crochet

I am no expert. Not in regular crochet and most decidedly not in Tunisian crochet. But I want to share the bit I know, in case there are other yarn crafters who have never heard of it.

Tunisian crochet is made with one long crochet hook - much like a single knitting needle. The project is started with a chain crochet stitch. Just as I would start a traditional crochet project. But then, the next row is made by using stitches that retain the loops on the hook - like knitting. Followed by the next row of yarn over and pull through loop - like crochet.

The resulting swatch has a very unique look. 

Because this Tunisian crochet material feels thicker than many of my crochet projects, I chose to use a yarn thinner than worsted weight.

I have been trying to find a project that I could use this amazing DK Colors yarn on. It is a size 3 yarn and so, so soft!  I LOVE the colors. And have been wanting to use a "self-striping" skein of yarn.

The project shown above was meant to be a practice swatch. However, it is so pretty that I may turn it into a scarf.

I'm thrilled to have discovered Tunisian crochet and hope to be able to make some beautiful items using this style of crochet. 

*This article may contain affiliate links. If you shop via one of the affiliate links, I may earn a small commission - at no additional cost to you.  I am very appreciative of every reader who visits my articles. Thank you. 

Creating Treasures with Round Loom Knitting - Hats

I have just discovered a new passion and an easy way to create family heirlooms and treasures. Okay, that's a little overly dramatic. But I am really excited about my new hobby. I have just discovered that I can knit using round looms. It is an easy and fun way to be creative. I have been able to knit hats and am passing along the information about the inexpensive little gadget that allows me to knit.

Round Looms

Round looms are small rings of durable plastic with pegs. Using yarn wrapped around the pegs and pulling one loop of yarn over the other with a small hook results in a knitted item.

Anchor yarn. Wrap around loom twice. Use hook to pull one loop over another.

I can crochet (easy - medium patterns) and have crocheted for years. But I have never been able to master the art of knitting. Holding a knitting needle in each hand and convincing my hands to cooperate and work together is beyond my ability.

With a loom, a hook, yarn, and a wonderful video tutorial by Denise at Loomahat, I made a hat for my grandson in a matter of an afternoon. I will add Denise's wonderful tutorial below.

Complete hat for my grandson

My next attempt will be a hat for my granddaughter with a crochet flower applique. And at some point, I hope to knit some thick, comfy socks for myself.  If you have always wanted to knit, but couldn't quite figure out how, this might be your answer. I know it is the solution for me.

Related Links:

*This article may contain affiliate links. If you shop via one of the affiliate links, I may earn a small commission - at no additional cost to you. I am very appreciative of every reader who visits my articles. Thank you.

That wonderful round loom tutorial by Denise at Loomahat:

"Done in a Day" Crocheted Blanket Review

Simply Soft crochet yarn by Caron

I love to crochet. But I usually am only in the mood to crochet during the cooler months. And I'm somewhere between a beginner and an intermediate. Patterns with a variety of stitches or changes in the rows confuse me. These factors often limit the projects I can crochet. However, I've found an easy and pretty crocheted pattern called "Done in a Day" as found on Dabbles & Babbles. I am so excited about this treasure that I have to share it with you (and put it here so I don't loose track of it!).

"Done in a Day" Crochet Baby Blanket

My only criticism is that "Done in a Day" is a misnomer. At least it is for a beginner like me. It certainly is not going to be a project I finish in a day. A weekend. Or even a week. Perhaps advanced crocheters can do this in a day. I can't. Granted, the author is using a bulky weight yarn and I am not (I am using the Caron Simply Soft shown in the photo above). But still. I wouldn't have it done in a day. You might, though.

EVERYTHING else about this pattern is awesome!

I used different yarn and a different gauge hook to suit my needs. Fortunately, the pattern begins with a chain in the amount of stitches divisible by 2. The author's pattern started with 66 stitches. Mine - with a smaller hook and yarn - started with a chain of 122 stitches.

The pattern continues with directions for three rows. Yes, only THREE rows that are repeated until the length of the item is obtained. How easy is that?

Easy enough for me!

Double crochet (dc) is a stitch that comes to me intuitively. It is a stitch that adds length more quickly than some other stitches. This project is row after row of double crochet. And the subtle "pattern" comes from the placement of the stitches. The two double crochet stitches are grouped in the top of the "V" formed by the two double crochet stitches in the row below. Make a "V" and skip a space, make a "V" and skip a space. Easy.

A portion of the pattern directions:

Chain 66 (made in multiples of 2 if you'd like to adjust size)

Row 1: 2dc in the 4th ch from the hook, *skip 1 ch, 2dc in the next ch*, repeat across entire row ending with a dc in the last ch. turn

Row 2: Ch 3. Skip the first dc and dc twice into the space between the next group of 2 dcs. *Go to the next group of 2 dc's and dc twice into the space between*, repeat until the end of the row ending with a dc in the last dc

Row 3: Repeat row 2. Bind off and weave in ends.

The Dabbles & Babbles finished blanket measures 32" x 32". Mine will finish to be a couple of inches longer and wider. 

CLICK HERE - for Done in a Day crochet pattern by Dabbles & Babbles

I am very excited about my progress with this project and can't wait to start more throws in a variety of colors. My next project will be one for myself -- in Bernat Blanket Yarn.

If you are looking for an easy and beautiful pattern, check out this one. Add your personal touch by choosing a variety of colors and/or weights of yarn. 

*This article may contain affiliate links. If you shop via one of the affiliate links, I may earn a small commission - at no additional cost to you. I am very appreciative of every reader who visits my articles. Thank you. 

Handmade Treasures: Slouchy Crochet Beanie

I am in the process of crocheting an adorable, lightweight slouchy beanie. I am so excited about this cute and easy crochet pattern and yarn that I have to share this treasure with you - before I have even finished the project. If you like to crochet, or if you would like to learn, this is a cute and easy pattern. Simple enough to finish in a few days and cute enough to give as a gift. 

I am unable to take credit for creating this pattern.  I am not that talented. In fact, I had chosen the yarn before I even had a pattern. I feel fortunate that I was able to find this yarn and this pattern for this particular project.

There is a young lady at work who has tentatively expressed a desire to learn to crochet.  In order to try to tempt her to give crochet another try (we have tried on one other occasion), I decided to have her choose the yarn, and I would try to crochet something easy for her. 

She chose this cheery red and white yarn.

Red Heart - Team Spirt (red and white)

I am pressed for time.  Because I did not feel that I would have time to mail order it, find a quick and easy pattern, and then complete it in the time frame I had set for myself, I went to a local craft store.  In fact, I went to two craft stores, trying to find her red and white yarn.

Stitch Studio by Nicole - picnic

I was unable to find the yarn she had chosen. Instead I found this beautiful, lightweight yarn at AC Moore.  It is Stitch Studio by Nicole - Picnic. It is a lightweight and soft yarn.  It will make a beautiful beanie.

I then located an easy and quick crochet pattern by The Crochet Crowd.  Fortunately, they provide both the written pattern and a step-by-step video tutorial. 

In the tutorial, they are using Caron Cakes yarn, which is a gorgeous, soft yarn that is dyed in a way that it creates a beautiful change in pattern without changing yarn. I was tempted by the Caron Cakes yarn while I was shopping at the stores, but unfortunately there were no bright red options. Because I have chosen a slightly lighter weight yarn, I did test the gauge and chose the hook that will give me that gauge. However, even with that preparation, I believe these hats will not fit large heads (like mine). But that works out well for this project. I believe it will end up fitting the young lady perfectly.

Caron Cakes yarn

Introduction photo credit: author's photo of beanie in progress (graphic courtesy of FotoJet)