Starry Starry Night

Hi, Everybody!!

Here is one of my latest creations and it goes together really quickly!!

If you want to buy the bead kit for this, please go to my Etsy shop here:

https://www.etsy.com/listing/113679308/starry-starry-night

In the bead kit you'll receive the 4 loops of memory wire plus all the 6 MM Royal Blue fiber optic beads you'll need to put this cute and easy bracelet!

You will need needle nose pliers to curl the ends of the memory wire. I will be carrying the needle nose pliers plus jewellery size wire cutters at my store soon!!

Super Easy Fun Colourful Memory Wire Bracelet

Hey, Everybody!!!

I just made this bracelet and I am sharing the pattern on here.

I suggest you read through the pattern before making it. 

To buy the materials  I used, please go to my shop to buy the Bead kit:

https://www.etsy.com/listing/113689216/multicoloured-memory-wire-bracelet

Also, I have a second blog about overeating:

http://survivingovereating.blogspot.com/

Ok, in your kit, you'll receive the 4 loops of memory wire and plenty of multi-coloured fiber optic beads and plenty of the multi-coloured glass seed beads.

The first thing you need to do is to curl the very end of your memory wire so your beads stay on it. You'll need needle nose pliers for this.


The pattern I followed is this:

2 of the 6MM fiber optic beads
10 of the colourful glass seed beads
1 of the 6MM fiber optic beads
2 of the colourful glass seed beads
1 of the 2 MM fiber optic beads
2 of the glass seed beads
1 of the 6 MM fiber optic beads

Repeat all over again until you complete the bracelet.

Making a Fun Bracelet with Memory Wire

Hey, Yawl!!

If you get the chance, please check out my shop on Etsy here:

http://www.etsy.com/shop/LandonClaryEason

You can buy the materials to put this bracelet together from my shop.

And I also have a blog about Surviving Overeating:

http://survivingovereating.blogspot.com/

If you want to contact me, please do so AND give me a head's up on here because I get lots of junk mail in my  Spam folder and  don't want to delete you!!

Landon_Eason@yahoo.com

eason.landon.clary@gmail.com

The materials you need for this fun, quick and easy project are:

Memory Wire ( enough loops to make your bracelet)
Beads ( naturally enough to make your bracelet look full)
Jewellery Wire Cutters
Jewellery pliers
A Tray to hold your beads

I use a tray like this:

I think these were stove top covers but I use 2 different sizes and they work out great for me. I like the lip so my beads don't roll off.

Ok, here we go!!


Take your pliers and place one of the ends of your bracelet wire between the 2 prongs of the pliers. Twist the end into a loop so you have this:

Now, the bracelet we are going to put together today is made up of Mixed Turquoise chips:

And the Dark Blue Tiger's Eye 4 mm round beads:

Now, all you need to do is start putting the beads on the bracelet, like this:

 The pattern I am going to follow is this:

2 of the 4 mm blue tiger's Eye beads, then followed by 10 Turquoise chips, then 2 of the 4MM Blue Tiger's Eye and so forth until I have almost come to the other end of the memory wire bracelet.

 This is what my bracelet looks like so far:

See I have a couple of inches of wire left and I like my bracelet as it is.

Next, and this is REALLY IMPORTANT!!!

Make sure that there are NO SPACES between ANY of the beads!!!!

 Believe me, it is a total drag to go ahead and cut the wire and bend it into it's curvey dealie and then to find out that you have to open it up and remeasure.

Ok, you removed all the spaces, right?

This is my picture of me holding the bracelet by the wire I am going to cut down:

See how the memory wire holds it's shape? Enough strength will pull it out of shape, but normal wear and tear for Jewellery will not affect it. I have bracelets I made over a decade ago that are still in perfect shape!



Ok, now I want you to grab your wire cutters and very carefully clip off the excess. I leave about half an inch from the end of the last bead to the tip of the wire.

 Ok, we together on this??
Now cut the excess wire off. Then git your jewellery pliers and make a loop just like you did on the other end when we started to put this bracelet together.

Here is mine and if you ordered a kit from me and you followed the pattern, you should have this:

Sorry if it is kinda dark, I tried to lighten it. This shot shows the true colours best, I think!!






Congratulations!! You now have your new bracelet!!!

We are going to make ourselves this easy SCARF!!!

Winter is coming, folks!! Are you prepared? I'm NOT, LOLOL

How about we make this super easy Scarf so we can wear it during the cold weather?

We are going to make One Skein Scarf. Skein refers to the amount of yarn. In the picture below you see one skein as it comes from the store.

If you have questions or want to contact me, please do so AND give me a head's up on here so I don't accidently delete you from my SPAM folder!!

Landon_Eason@yahoo.com
eason.landon.clary@gmail.com


The yarn I selected is called Banana Berry and it is by Red Heart Super Saver. When you buy it, it looks like this:

I saw the colours and just had to buy it!! I bought 3 of this colour at my local Walmart. I live in a little town up in the Missouri Ozark, pickins' are slim around here, LOL

Ok, let's get down to business!!!

This is what you need for this project:

Your Yarn the you picked out
This pattern asks for Crochet Hook Size I
4 items to use as markers (bobby pins, safety pins, etc,,,)
Tapestry needle
Scissors


Ok, we are going to start with a foundation chain of 21.

For Row 1 that we are going to crochet on that foundation chain of 21,
you need to count starting with the loop on the hook to the 5th chain.
Now--and this is very important--in that same 5th chain, you are going to crochet 2dc ch1 2dc

Let me say that again in uncrochet English, LOL

Count to the 5th chain on your foundation chain starting with the loop ON your hook as number 1.

Now, in the 5th chain, you are going to crochet 2 double crochets chain one and crochet 2 double crochets again.

This is a picture of mine:

I placed my marker where I did my ch1.

Now, I want you to next repeat the same cluster(DC,ch1,2DC) 3 more times, counting 5 chains and placing the cluster in each 5th ch. I recommend you mark each ch1, I am going to mark mine. You will see in a minute why that is important.

If the colours in this shot and the one above don't line up, it is because they are from 2 different times. This shot is from my first row I marked when I made my first scarf. It serves the purpose I want to address here, that is what I am using it.

Each ch1 is marked across the row. That is because in each ch1, you are going to crochet your DC cluster.

So, just to back up a little, if you were reading a crochet pattern, your instructions for beginning the scarf and crocheting your first row would look like this:

Ch 21

Row 1: (2DC, ch 1, 2DC) in 5th ch from hook, *skip 3 ch, (2DC, ch1, 2DC) in next ch. Repeat from * 3 more times, ending with skip 1 ch, DC in last ch, turn.


Now, don't sweat it if that intimidates you or is confusing, I am going to cover reading crochet patterns in a couple of lessons.

Now, for your second row, chain 3 right off the bat. Once you have done your ch3, you are going to crochet (2DC, ch1, 2DC) in the ch 1 you have marked from your previous row. 

If that doesn't make sense, read it again and think about it. You are going to crochet in a shell like pattern and this gives the scarf a lacy effect.

Now, if you were reading the crochet pattern, the second row would look like this:

Row 2: Ch 3, (2DC, ch 1, 2DC) in each ch 1 sp across, ending with DC in top of turning ch, turn.

Repeat row 2 until scarf is your preferred length. If desired, work sc border around entire scarf before binding off.

See how it looks lacy? Keep on with the pattern until your scarf is the length you want it to be. Mine measures 40.5 because I am short and I don't like a lot of leftover scarf hanging around, LOL

Now, I got in a hurry working on mine and I had to go back and pull out several rows because my tension was uneven. So, keep an eye on your tension!!


I'd love to see pics of yours!! Or feedback on this lesson or questions, if you have any!!

Landon_Eason@yahoo.com
eason.landon.clary@gmail.com


Happy Crafting!!!

Learning Double Crochet

I am going to share a very easy scarf pattern with everybody but we first need to learn and practise the Double Crochet. I would read through the instructions first before you begin your lesson and make your piece in double crochet.

Also, remember that if you want to join a very nice and helpful Crochet Forum, check out this link:

Crochet Talk

If you have questions or want to contact me, please do so AND give me a head's up on here so I don't accidently delete you from my SPAM folder!!

Landon_Eason@yahoo.com
eason.landon.clary@gmail.com


For this project, you need:

Yarn
Recommended Hook
Tapestry needle
Scissors

Ch 30 for starters.

The yarn I am using in 100% cotton called  Billow Blue by Peaches n Creme.

Now, the double crochet or the dc as it is abbreviated is three times the height  of the single crochet. And, personally, when I am crocheting DC, I keep my stitches on the loose side. So, play around with it and decide what you are comfy with.

Don't Be Afraid to EXPERIMENT!!! Use a smaller hook or a larger one. Are their guidelines in Crocheting? Yes, there are. But, you decide what you want to use and how you want to do it.

Remember also that the littlest or biggest details YOU add to what I have on my blog means that YOU are creating your own pieces. Now, just how COOL is that??

I love that aspect of all!!! And I really hope that you do to and get creative!!

Ok, so first you are going to yo (yarn over) and insert your hook into the 4th chain from front to back.

YO again and draw the loop through the first 2 loops that are on your hook.

First of all, I apologize for my crude instructions in my pictures!

The two loops that have the black mark on them are both from the yarn that is connected to your yarn source, the ball of yarn or skein that you are using.  The two loops that are marked with red are the loop that is on your hook and the loop from the 4th chain.  You have probably already figured this out, but I use my thumb and middle finger to hold onto the stitch I am working on.



So, now pull the loop numbered 1 through the loop numbered 3. I hold the stitch I am working on between my thumb and my middle finger. Now you have 3 loops on your hook just like in the next picture.

 YO again and pull that loop through the first 2 loops on your hook.

You should have this:

YO again and pull that loop through both loops.
Congratulations!!!  You have just made a double crochet!! Outstanding!!!




Now make 29 more of those puppies!! Now, in case you were wondering, the next dc you do on this row is into the very next stitch on your chain. Inserting into the 4th chain at the beginning is to gain the height this stitch needs.



 And take your time, it isn't a race. You'll need to practise! I have to practise, anyone who crochets has to practise. I find that if I don't crochet daily, my fingers need an adjustment period. Believe me, I have had to back track and pull out lots and lots of stitches and redo them. I have a good friend from Germany, she has been knitting fantastic socks for years and she tells me the same thing. Her fingers do not want to cooperate if she hasn't knitted in a while.

When you get to the end of your first row, I want you to turn your work. Remember, like turning the page of a book.  Now, I want you to crochet a dc in that last stitch of that previous row. In other words, I want you to crochet a dc on top of that previous one. I want you to insert your hook from front to back under both loops of the V. Once you complete your DC stitch, it is more than likely going to seem small, but don't worry about that. Once you work your way back across that row, it will straighten out.

Here is my second row started so you can see that your first DC on your second row will look short. But, it will straighten out as you keep going with the rows. 

Please, let me apologize for the lighting but Smudge decided to monopolize my window space and I don't have the heart to make him move!! How co-dependent am I, LOL

Here is Smudge being a window piggy, LOL

 


I really like this stitch, I think it works up so pretty!!!

I am currently working on my piece, I am going to load up this lesson as is and come back to post my progress picture.


 OK, I am back with my piece so far. I want you to see how the stitch straightens out as you continue to crochet the dc. 

How are you doing?

Email me:

Landon_Eason@yahoo.com

eason.landon.clary@gmail.com

Both will reach me. Send my pictures of your crochet pieces, I would love to see them!!

Ok, back to our project. Crochet as many rows as you want to to get comfortable with this stitch. Remember to fasten off your work and weave in the yarn tails.


Next Project will be the SCARF that uses this new stitch we have just learned, the double crochet.

WooHUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUU

We're going to make a simple cell phone holder

Hi, Everybody!! Happy Tuesday!!

I hope all are well!
Today, we are going to make a simple single crochet cell phone holder. Easy peasy!
 

First, we need to measure our cell phones to make sure it will fit. Mine measures
about 4 inches high (or long) , about 2 inches across( or wide)  and about 3/4's of an inch thick.

If you have questions or want to contact me, please do so AND give me a head's up on here so I don't accidently delete you from my SPAM folder!!

Landon_Eason@yahoo.com
eason.landon.clary@gmail.com

You will need your yarn you have selected and your hook.
I am using Peaches & Creme yarn called Billow Blue and my hook is size  is H/8  5MM. You'll also need scissors and a tapestry needle to weave in your ends.

So, based on those measurements, I will make a foundation chain of 8 and a half inches to make sure it will fit comfortably. Not that my cell phone complains about tight spaces, LOL just to make sure it will fit nicely.

I choose 8.5 inches because if it is 4 inches high, I need fabric to cover both sides. The half inch is to give me a little extra room for the thickness. That covers it in one direction; the other direction will be the width with a little added on to compensate for the thickness.

Excuse me for a moment will I clean off my cellphone! How smudgey is that??

I am making my piece so that the rows are obvious running up and down. If you want your piece so that the rows are obvious sideways, then you need to make your width the largest number.

Like always, any questions, just email me ::

Landon_Eason@yahoo.com

Ok, we have the  dimensions for my phone: the case I am making needs to be 8.5 by about 2.5. We will have plenty of room for our cell phone and also the stitches won't be stretched out and lose their prettiness.

Ok, I am assuming that you have measured your cell phone and we are ready to start the foundation chain.


So, I have made a chain about 10 inches long. For me, I did this:

ch 30

We ready to go?

Work a sc in the 2nd ch from your hook. ( Remember the loop on the hook is your 1st ch, so you will insert your crochet hook into the back loop of the 2nd ch) We are beginning our stitches, so on the foundation chain, you insert the hook into the back loop.

So, go ahead and work a sc in each ch of your row. We are going to repeat those instructions for how ever many rows you want to have to fit your phone's dimensions.

For me, this would be the instructions I would follow from beginning to end:

ch30
1st row, sc in 2nd ch and every sc til end of row.
repeat until desired length achieved....but read on, first.....


Just a REMINDER:::

When you are making your foundation chain, you insert your hook into the back loop of each chain.

When you are actually crocheting your stitches, you insert your hook into both loops, from front to back in this style of single crochet.

There are other stitches that can be achieved by inserting your hook into either the front or back loops in single crochet as well, but for this exercise, we will insert under both loops, from front to back. We will do exercises each for the front loop as well as the back loop another day.


A couple of tips here, when you are pulling more yarn from your yarn ball or whatever is your yarn source, place your finger tightly on the loop on your hook keeping the strand that goes from your piece you are working to the source in place.  If you pull the yarn from your hook hand, you will increase the tension in your piece you are crocheting. I pull my yarn with my opposite hand.


Also, I believe that it is smart to measure as you go so you can make any changes earlier than having to pull apart several rows. For example, I have 3 rows done, so I am going to check out how it compares to my cell phone:

I have plenty of room as far as my length is concerned, of course, I still have several rows left to crochet to get the width I want.



Ok, once you have your piece crocheted, fasten it off. Remember how to do that? Cut the yarn from it's source and run it through the loop and pull it tight. With the proper size tapestry needle, sew it into loops on the backside of your piece. Do that with the tail as well. Then fold your piece in half with the backside out. So, the inside of the fold will be the front.

Now, to sew the sides, you can use whatever you want to. If you want to sew it closed with something that shows, simply flip it inside out and sew it that way. Am I making sense?

Email me if you need to! Either email address will reach me:

Landon_Eason@yahoo.com
eason.landon.clary@gmail.com

How to Count Rows and Stitches in Crochet

Hi, Everybody!!!


I want you to look at this picture and look at the little holes in this crocheted piece. Ok, now look for little bars that repeat as well.

The little holes help you count your rows. So, looking at this piece and seeing the holes, see how they are in a row across? Count the holes from top to bottom and you will have the number of rows in your piece.


Confused?


If you have questions or want to contact me, please do so AND give me a head's up on here so I don't accidently delete you from my SPAM folder!!

 Email me, either address will reach me:

 Landon_Eason@yahoo.com
eason.landon.clary@gmail.com


 If you were to count the little bars that repeat themselves, you would multiply that number by 2. Again, counting the little bars from top to bottom. Personally, I find it to be more accurate to count the little holes.

So, in this picture, I have completed 6 rows.


To count stitches, hold your crocheted piece so that you are looking down at the row of V's. Each V represents a stitch.


Get into the habit of counting your stitches, that will be very helpful for lots of patterns of items that you will make.


Also, remember that if you want to join a very nice and helpful Crochet Forum, check out this link:

Crochet Talk

Talking about GAUGE

Hi, Everybody!!

Ok, this is important and it ties into tension. The Gauge is the measurement of how ever many stitches or rows you have in inches. Clear as mud?

On the label of the yarn you are working will state that it's gauge is x number of rows and stitches per inch.

It is important because if your measurements are off, your piece will be off as well.


Yarn will state gauge for crocheting as well as knitting. For example, for the next lesson, I will be using Billow Blue from Peaches & Creme. It is 100% cotton and I just love how it feels to me, it is very soft and washes great.

The gauge it states on it's label is, for a 4 by 4 inch area, there needs to be 13 stitches by 14 rows. Labels will have inches on them as well as centimeters. Remember they also have English, Spanish and French. The label also tells you which hook to use, but if you want your stitches to be bigger, use a larger hook. If you want them to be smaller, use a smaller hook. Remember, crochet is very personal. You have to play around and practise to get to where you want to be!

So, for example:

I tend to crochet on the loose side, so my gauge will not correctly match what it says on the label, but I think you get the idea. And again, it is pretty much up to you. I recommend paying attention to what it says on the label so you will be in the general ballpark of the size using the recommended hook specified on the label.

Do you see how gauge and tension are so closely related to each other? 

I hope this clears up gauge for you, if not, let me know!!!

If you have questions or want to contact me, please do so AND give me a head's up on here so I don't accidently delete you from my SPAM folder!!

 Landon_Eason@yahoo.com
eason.landon.clary@gmail.com

Also, remember that if you want to join a very nice and helpful Crochet Forum, check out this link:


Crochet Talk