tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-60510908151817472982024-03-05T01:10:01.318-08:00Southern Gal's Crochet and CraftsCreating, crocheting and learning.Heatherhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16979939882187985994noreply@blogger.comBlogger20125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6051090815181747298.post-74899754948070405902022-03-06T19:26:00.000-08:002022-03-06T19:26:01.425-08:00Vintage pattern vs tension and modern yarn.<p> As a crochet designer I vary rarely see or use anyone else's patterns mostly just to keep my mind clear and untainted from other designs and focus on my own. </p><p>I recently found a vintage amigurumi pattern that looked (at first glance) similar to one of the base patterns I have for a group of my patterns. <br /></p><p>I figured I would look over the pattern just to be sure the differences were more than just visual. YES, they were!</p><p>First thing I noticed was the largest stitch number in the rounds of the body was 36, wow that is way smaller than the picture presents it to be.</p><p>Second thing I noticed was that the approx. finished size at 39 rnds was listed at 8 inches tall with a G (4.00mm) hook. I am thinking how in the world is that possible?? </p><p>Almost all of my patterns are done with a G hook so I am very familiar with the finished sizes I make with it, which is usually around 6 inches. The patterns of mine that I am referencing to go up to 47 rnds and 48 sts around. Now the stitches around don't really matter in this scenario but I am letting you know anyway. </p><p>By now you are thinking it has to be the yarn. The pattern says it used Red Heart Super Saver yarns, same as me. Ahh but maybe a bit of the difference has to do with the fact that yarns in the 90's weren't exactly the same as they are now, they were tougher, thicker and coarser. So I am fine with giving it a little extra height to compensate for the difference, maybe an inch at the most.</p><p>Another thing to note is that the gauge size for the vintage pattern was 4 sts x 4 rnds = one inch. Most people hardly pay any attention to gauge when it comes to amigurumi because most of the time it is only important when using the appropriate size safety eyes. My patterns are typically 5 sts x 5 rnds = one inch. I would have to go up to a H or even an I sized hook to get the 4 x 4 gauge it called for. I decided against it because I hate seeing stuffing through my stitches.</p><p>Now, I am fully aware that I crochet very tightly because I very seldom have a tester come out with the same size as myself with having to drop several hook sizes. With knowing this I added 3 extra rnds to their pattern to make it a one piece heady and body vs having to sew it together. Even with this change the results were interesting.</p><p><br /></p><p>The conclusion ... </p><p>Their G hook, red heart super saver medium weight yarn at 39 rnds = 8 inches. </p><p>My G hook, modern red heart super saver medium weight yarn at 42 rnds = 5.25 inches!!</p><p><br /></p><p>Just another example that </p><p>1. yarns change over time and can skew the finished results.</p><p>2. even with the same material and hook size the results are going to be different because everyone has different tensions. </p><p><br /></p><p>I hope this helps when you get a vintage pattern and it isn't coming out exactly right, don't get frustrated too much, there are other factors at play here.</p>Heatherhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16979939882187985994noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6051090815181747298.post-62483780435957045632021-03-19T06:00:00.001-07:002021-03-24T01:48:59.608-07:00Floppy neck in Amigurumi<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjPkav4hj8tVtlu18STy-9iWEB_cmdiTFV9CJsImY9rc1jlA_E2Qj23aZoa9PGCZ-OprvYtMtni2O-5g03houJUPBiRUq3PsOVM7OIAetiWghAj_AOwJeMwFkZFMjeAnpjzdZrL-NAG7S0/s1032/156730612_4291225077573813_6703545162074483474_o.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1032" data-original-width="581" height="293" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjPkav4hj8tVtlu18STy-9iWEB_cmdiTFV9CJsImY9rc1jlA_E2Qj23aZoa9PGCZ-OprvYtMtni2O-5g03houJUPBiRUq3PsOVM7OIAetiWghAj_AOwJeMwFkZFMjeAnpjzdZrL-NAG7S0/w180-h293/156730612_4291225077573813_6703545162074483474_o.jpg" width="180" /></a></div><br /><p><br /></p><p> So I am scrolling through a crochet group on Facebook and I see this post about how to fix a floppy neck. The responses at the time were nearly 30 but in my opinion only 3 were the best advice. Well that is not entirely true, some were good only if it is going to be displayed as art and not a toy for a child.<br /><br />Some info to consider (as seen in the pic) the original post had a finished body with a already sewn on head, loose stitches, loose stuffing, one arm sewn on and the head was floppy. </p><p><br /></p><p>Here are some of the responses:<br /></p><span style="background-color: #f0f2f5; color: #050505; font-family: Arial; font-size: 11.5pt; white-space: pre;"> 1) slide wooden dowels or twisted pipe cleaners inside to hold a frame</span><br /><span style="background-color: #f0f2f5; color: #050505; font-family: Arial; font-size: 11.5pt; white-space: pre;"> 2) a dowel running from the chest through the neck INTO the head halfway up</span><br /><span style="background-color: #f0f2f5; color: #050505; font-family: Arial; font-size: 11.5pt; white-space: pre;"> 3) Wood dowel.</span><br /><span style="background-color: #f0f2f5; color: #050505; font-family: Arial; font-size: 11.5pt; white-space: pre;"> 4) put a wooden dowel </span><br /><span style="background-color: #f0f2f5; color: #050505; font-family: Arial; font-size: 11.5pt; white-space: pre;"> 5) Try taking a needle to rearrange the stuffing in her neck</span><br /><span style="background-color: #f0f2f5; color: #050505; font-family: Arial; font-size: 11.5pt; white-space: pre;"> 6)use a needle and put a stitch on each side of the neck</span><br /><span style="background-color: #f0f2f5; color: #050505; font-family: Arial; font-size: 11.5pt; white-space: pre;"> 7) Stuff neck and use mattress stitch</span><br /><span style="background-color: #f0f2f5; color: #050505; font-family: Arial; font-size: 11.5pt; white-space: pre;"> 8) Crochet a tube to insert into the neck</span><br /><span style="background-color: #f0f2f5; color: #050505; font-family: Arial; font-size: 11.5pt; white-space: pre;"> 9) the foam part of a hair roller would work</span><br /><span style="background-color: #f0f2f5; color: #050505; font-family: Arial; font-size: 11.5pt; white-space: pre;">10) Try attaching the other arm and see if that doesn't straighten it out, maybe the one arm has </span><div><span style="background-color: #f0f2f5; color: #050505; font-family: Arial; font-size: 11.5pt; white-space: pre;">it off kilter</span><br /><span style="background-color: #f0f2f5; color: #050505; font-family: Arial; font-size: 11.5pt; white-space: pre;">11) remove her head and reattach it</span><br /><span style="background-color: #f0f2f5; color: #050505; font-family: Arial; font-size: 11.5pt; white-space: pre;">12) please don't use a wood dowel or wire if this is for a child remove her head then crochet a </span></div><div><span style="background-color: #f0f2f5; color: #050505; font-family: Arial; font-size: 11.5pt; white-space: pre;">sausage shape and stuff firmly, your sausage should be the same size as the neck hole then </span></div><div><span style="background-color: #f0f2f5; color: #050505; font-family: Arial; font-size: 11.5pt; white-space: pre;">about the same size as the head in length, push the sausage half into the body and sew it in place </span></div><div><span style="background-color: #f0f2f5; color: #050505; font-family: Arial; font-size: 11.5pt; white-space: pre;">then push the other half inside the head and sew to the neck. This is much safer and if you use the </span></div><div><span style="background-color: #f0f2f5; color: #050505; font-family: Arial; font-size: 11.5pt; white-space: pre;">same colour as your skin will hide any gaps as well as keep the head upright without ever getting </span></div><div><span style="background-color: #f0f2f5; color: #050505; font-family: Arial; font-size: 11.5pt; white-space: pre;">floppy. Over time stuffing does compact but by using this method the stuffing has no-where to go </span></div><div><span style="background-color: #f0f2f5; color: #050505; font-family: Arial; font-size: 11.5pt; white-space: pre;">so stays stiff</span><br /><span style="background-color: #f0f2f5; color: #050505; font-family: Arial; font-size: 11.5pt; white-space: pre;">13) sew another row round for support</span><br /><span style="background-color: #f0f2f5; color: #050505; font-family: Arial; font-size: 11.5pt; white-space: pre;">14) I read some time ago about using foam curlers and that's a perfect fix the next time I make a </span></div><div><span style="background-color: #f0f2f5; color: #050505; font-family: Arial; font-size: 11.5pt; white-space: pre;">doll or bear, etc.</span><br /><span style="background-color: #f0f2f5; color: #050505; font-family: Arial; font-size: 11.5pt; white-space: pre;">15) When you sew the head on leave a space then start pushing stuffing in between the neck and </span></div><div><span style="background-color: #f0f2f5; color: #050505; font-family: Arial; font-size: 11.5pt; white-space: pre;">body then finish sewing</span><br /><span style="background-color: #f0f2f5; color: #050505; font-family: Arial; font-size: 11.5pt; white-space: pre;">16) Stuffing and more stuffing. I make a lot of toys and you need to put an extreme amount. You </span></div><div><span style="background-color: #f0f2f5; color: #050505; font-family: Arial; font-size: 11.5pt; white-space: pre;">can also add a crochet ring inside the neck , plastic Tube, wood dowel etc but I don’t usually have </span></div><div><span style="background-color: #f0f2f5; color: #050505; font-family: Arial; font-size: 11.5pt; white-space: pre;">to unless it's a ginormous head</span><br /><span style="background-color: #f0f2f5; color: #050505; font-family: Arial; font-size: 11.5pt; white-space: pre;">17) I stuff the body and then stick Qtips in the stuffing, leaving approx two inches of the Qtip </span></div><div><span style="background-color: #f0f2f5; color: #050505; font-family: Arial; font-size: 11.5pt; white-space: pre;">sticking up out of the stuffing. Continue crocheting the neck and head, stuffing as you go.</span><br /><span style="background-color: #f0f2f5; color: #050505; font-family: Arial; font-size: 11.5pt; white-space: pre;">18) A ruffled collar</span><br /><span style="background-color: #f0f2f5; color: #050505; font-family: Arial; font-size: 11.5pt; white-space: pre;">19) I have found that if I start from the feet up (or butt up) and continue to the head without it being</span></div><div><span style="background-color: #f0f2f5; color: #050505; font-family: Arial; font-size: 11.5pt; white-space: pre;"> a separate piece that needs to be sewn on the head doesn't flop around as much.</span><br /><span style="background-color: #f0f2f5; color: #050505; font-family: Arial; font-size: 11.5pt; white-space: pre;">20) I would also suggest that you go down a full size hook to make stitches tighter</span><br /><span style="background-color: #f0f2f5; color: #050505; font-family: Arial; font-size: 11.5pt; white-space: pre;">21) Tighter or smaller stitches might make her more steady (and as a bonus, less stuffing showing </span></div><div><span style="background-color: #f0f2f5; color: #050505; font-family: Arial; font-size: 11.5pt; white-space: pre;">through!)</span><br /><span style="background-color: #f0f2f5; color: #050505; font-family: Arial; font-size: 11.5pt; white-space: pre;">22) Put the other arm on. See if that fixes it. If not try pipe cleaners or popsicles stick in the center </span></div><div><span style="background-color: #f0f2f5; color: #050505; font-family: Arial; font-size: 11.5pt; white-space: pre;">of the stuffing in the neck</span><br /><span style="background-color: #f0f2f5; color: #050505; font-family: Arial; font-size: 11.5pt; white-space: pre;">23) Work a chopstick down from top of her head, thru neck, into body, in center of stuffing.</span><br /><span style="background-color: #f0f2f5; color: #050505; font-family: Arial; font-size: 11.5pt; white-space: pre;">24) use dowel rods most of the time. You can also attach the head one row further down. Or sc </span></div><div><span style="background-color: #f0f2f5; color: #050505; font-family: Arial; font-size: 11.5pt; white-space: pre;">crochet a strip long enough to wrap around the neck then sew into place</span><br /><span style="background-color: #f0f2f5; color: #050505; font-family: Arial; font-size: 11.5pt; white-space: pre;">25) When doing Amigurumi or any dolls a good rule of thumb is to use a hook size 2 mm smaller </span></div><div><span style="background-color: #f0f2f5; color: #050505; font-family: Arial; font-size: 11.5pt; white-space: pre;">that the recommended size for that yarn. I also, when making dolls, crochet a tube that I insert, </span></div><div><span style="background-color: #f0f2f5; color: #050505; font-family: Arial; font-size: 11.5pt; white-space: pre;">smaller than the neck size and at least 2" up into the head and 2" into the body that I stuff very tight.</span></div><div><span style="background-color: #f0f2f5; color: #050505; font-family: Arial; font-size: 11.5pt; white-space: pre;"> It keeps the head from wobbling.</span><br /><span style="background-color: #f0f2f5; color: #050505; font-family: Arial; font-size: 11.5pt; white-space: pre;">26) I had this problem when I made some rabbits that had thin necks. Someone suggested </span></div><div><span style="background-color: #f0f2f5; color: #050505; font-family: Arial; font-size: 11.5pt; white-space: pre;">crocheting a tube that fit into the neck but also went into the head and body a bit.</span><br /><span style="background-color: #f0f2f5; color: #050505; font-family: Arial; font-size: 11.5pt; white-space: pre;">27) More stitches could help stabilize the neck</span><br /><span style="background-color: #f0f2f5; color: #050505; font-family: Arial; font-size: 11.5pt; white-space: pre;">28) Tack it down tighter with more stitches</span><br /><span style="background-color: #f0f2f5; color: #050505; font-family: Arial; font-size: 11.5pt; white-space: pre-wrap;">29) Sew it on straight</span><br /><div><span style="background-color: #f0f2f5; color: #050505; font-family: Arial; font-size: 11.5pt; white-space: pre-wrap;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="background-color: #f0f2f5; color: #050505; font-family: Arial; white-space: pre-wrap;">Okay first of all, did you laugh? I sure did!</span></div><div><span style="background-color: #f0f2f5; color: #050505; font-family: Arial; white-space: pre-wrap;">Some of these responses cracked me up, made me shake my head and worst of all made me say wtheck!</span></div><div><span style="background-color: #f0f2f5; color: #050505; font-family: Arial; white-space: pre-wrap;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="background-color: #f0f2f5; color: #050505; font-family: Arial; white-space: pre-wrap;">Dowels: if it is going to be an art piece then fine, by all means go ahead but </span><span style="background-color: #f0f2f5;"><span style="color: #050505; font-family: Arial;"><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">PLEASE do not put a wooden dowel or any other hard object in the neck if it is going to be given to a child. The last thing you want is to be responsible for a child inuring themselves on your toy. </span></span></span></div><div><span style="background-color: #f0f2f5;"><span style="color: #050505; font-family: Arial;"><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;"><br /></span></span></span></div><div><span style="background-color: #f0f2f5;"><span style="color: #050505; font-family: Arial;"><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">Stuffing: Rearranging the stuffing may work but not in the long run because over time and with use the stuffing will condense and you'll have a floppy head again.</span></span></span></div><div><span style="background-color: #f0f2f5;"><span style="color: #050505; font-family: Arial;"><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">Firm, solid stuffing is preferred but remember not to over stuff to the point of seeing your stuffing through the stitches.</span></span></span></div><div><br /></div><div><span style="color: #050505; font-family: Arial;"><span style="background-color: #f0f2f5; white-space: pre-wrap;">Foam rollers: I have actually used this method before and it can work well depending on the roller you use (nothing with hard plastic parts, just foam) but again I wouldn't recommend it if it is a toy that will be given to a child to play with. If you don't have any rollers and need a quick fix, you might consider cutting a small piece of a foam pool noodle.</span></span></div><div><span style="color: #050505; font-family: Arial;"><span style="background-color: #f0f2f5; white-space: pre-wrap;"><br /></span></span></div><div><span style="color: #050505; font-family: Arial;"><span style="background-color: #f0f2f5; white-space: pre-wrap;">I am thinking that #17 must make super tiny necks for Q-tips to be used but again I don't recommend adding hard object unless it is going to be a art piece.</span></span></div><div><span style="color: #050505; font-family: Arial;"><span style="background-color: #f0f2f5; white-space: pre-wrap;"><br /></span></span></div><div><span style="color: #050505; font-family: Arial;"><span style="background-color: #f0f2f5; white-space: pre-wrap;">Okay #10, 18, 22, 29 cracked me up!</span></span></div><div><span style="background-color: #f0f2f5; color: #050505; font-family: Arial; white-space: pre-wrap;">I can't say that the mattress stitch won't work but I have never used it.</span></div><div><span style="background-color: #f0f2f5; color: #050505; font-family: Arial; white-space: pre-wrap;">Sometimes doing a resew can be just the trick, maybe it was sewn too loosely or some stitches were missed.</span></div><div><span style="background-color: #f0f2f5;"><span style="color: #050505; font-family: Arial;"><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">#13, 6... </span></span></span><span style="background-color: #f0f2f5; color: #050505; font-family: Arial; white-space: pre-wrap;">I don't know what they thinking or how they think that might work.</span></div><div><span style="background-color: #f0f2f5;"><span style="color: #050505; font-family: Arial;"><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">#19... </span></span></span><span style="background-color: #f0f2f5; color: #050505; font-family: Arial; white-space: pre-wrap;">True</span></div><div><span style="background-color: #f0f2f5;"><span style="color: #050505; font-family: Arial;"><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">#20, 21... </span></span></span><span style="color: #050505; font-family: Arial;"><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">Critiquing</span></span><span style="background-color: #f0f2f5;"><span style="color: #050505; font-family: Arial;"><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;"> her work</span></span></span></div><div><span style="background-color: #f0f2f5;"><span style="color: #050505; font-family: Arial;"><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;"><br /></span></span></span></div><div><span style="background-color: #f0f2f5;"><span style="color: #050505; font-family: Arial;"><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;"><div style="color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman"; white-space: normal;"><span style="color: #050505; font-family: Arial; white-space: pre-wrap;">#8, 12, 25 and 26... </span><span style="color: #050505; font-family: Arial; white-space: pre-wrap;">Thank you </span><span style="color: #050505; font-family: Arial; white-space: pre-wrap;">for giving what I believe to be the best advice. A crochet tube the same size or just a stitch or two smaller does the trick every time and there is not cause to worry about injury to a child.</span></div><div><span style="color: #050505; font-family: Arial; white-space: pre-wrap;">~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~</span></div></span></span></span></div><div><span style="background-color: #f0f2f5;"><span style="color: #050505; font-family: Arial;"><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;"><br /></span></span></span></div><div><span style="background-color: #f0f2f5;"><span style="color: #050505; font-family: Arial;"><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">So over all a 1/3 of the responses suggested putting a hard object in the neck! I hope those were art pieces and not toys for children.</span></span></span></div><div><span style="background-color: #f0f2f5;"><span style="color: #050505; font-family: Arial;"><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;"><br /></span></span></span></div><div><span style="background-color: #f0f2f5;"><span style="color: #050505; font-family: Arial;"><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">Well, I know this piece was long but maybe it will help you in deciding how to fix a floppy neck.</span></span></span></div><div><span style="background-color: #f0f2f5;"><span style="color: #050505; font-family: Arial;"><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;"><br /></span></span></span></div><div><span style="background-color: #f0f2f5;"><span style="color: #050505; font-family: Arial;"><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">Happy Crocheting!</span></span></span></div></div>Heatherhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16979939882187985994noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6051090815181747298.post-34167860258485710332021-03-05T06:00:00.006-08:002021-03-05T06:00:05.673-08:00"Subscribe" pop up is annoying...<p><span style="font-size: large;"> </span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjzzJpop_ZO3gqdEJyixPW_h3P13S9O1VZZ7kQJ-Ud_LNc6Rju2rs9gDXOakhlkHKmoXOl5sqjyqS4otj2V4FD1-YsjyXxk31NkoVZh848evyIJDZ8Ealkk7RMOHk3I7ReboNBZMYpASPc/s600/wordpress-lightbox-popup-600x325.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="325" data-original-width="600" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjzzJpop_ZO3gqdEJyixPW_h3P13S9O1VZZ7kQJ-Ud_LNc6Rju2rs9gDXOakhlkHKmoXOl5sqjyqS4otj2V4FD1-YsjyXxk31NkoVZh848evyIJDZ8Ealkk7RMOHk3I7ReboNBZMYpASPc/s320/wordpress-lightbox-popup-600x325.jpg" width="320" /></a></span></div><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span><p></p><p><span style="font-size: large;">I know this is not entirely crochet related, it's more of an overall websites issue, crochet and otherwise. "Subscribe" pop ups are all over the place, nearly every site you go to nowadays has one. I get you want subscribers, I want them too. A website is nearly nothing without subscribers and audiences, I get it, I do. <br /><br />I have spent the day browsing around other crochet sites and even some other sites (just depends on how sidetracked I get). <br /><br />The #1 aggravation is....</span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;">The pop up subscribe form!<br /><br />I <i>may</i> want to subscribe <b>after</b> I see what you offer. </span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;">I no sooner than get the page opened and the subscribe pops up and you can't view what is on the page till you make it go away. Most all the sites I went to today were new sites I had never been to before and that is how you greet someone? </span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;">With a high pressure subscribe form before I can see what your page is about?</span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;">I am not impressed with that tactic. I mean you could at least wait till I am about to leave and throw it up there, I might actually be inclined to fill it out then, if I liked the content of your site.<br /><br />I visited this one site where I made the pop up go away, viewed the content and thought "I just might want to get their newsletter" but guess what, it is not available anywhere on their site other than the pop up. They obviously didn't think that one through very well.<br /><br />When I decided to do a newsletter I actually thought about doing a pop up but I couldn't figure out how to do it without it being the first thing you see, so I opted out of that. Last thing I want to do is annoy my potential customers and audience. </span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;">Maybe that is why they are all at the beginning of your visit, maybe they can't find how to move it just like me. <br /><br />If you are planning to add a subscribe pop up, you might want to think twice about when to present it and make sure there is an alternate way to subscribe later in their visit.</span></p>Heatherhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16979939882187985994noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6051090815181747298.post-34731000253015223692021-02-26T10:00:00.002-08:002021-03-04T09:16:15.943-08:00Crochet business thoughts around the round table ...<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjvhdF1OYAcn5ZwnrFGozw4yhOGRAKdOaKFwpQrMAbT2QmTBb4ABk2f34rB7gUA3SF3Zx8bav2Y7tmqMjWFVEGPtYXbZxCnpLm71rC98gH_tUS4am1oA0ilazrajQGrzyWIuOWrQ6kAba8/s800/STAMP+%25283%2529.png" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="800" data-original-width="800" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjvhdF1OYAcn5ZwnrFGozw4yhOGRAKdOaKFwpQrMAbT2QmTBb4ABk2f34rB7gUA3SF3Zx8bav2Y7tmqMjWFVEGPtYXbZxCnpLm71rC98gH_tUS4am1oA0ilazrajQGrzyWIuOWrQ6kAba8/w200-h200/STAMP+%25283%2529.png" width="200" /></a></div><p>Let's walk into a business meeting here at Southern Gal's Crochet. The place where we (the hubs and I) gather and discuss everything is at the round table. Topics range from running the house, paying the bills, how our jobs are going and of course new plans for the business. </p><p>Yes, technically Southern Gal's Crochet is MY business but let's get real he plays a big part in it, such as making post office runs, buying yarn and more yarn and more yarn. Haha! Truthfully though I run by ideas and use his keen eye on whether the parts look crooked, he is key to my success. </p><p>Now to the point, several times I have had the idea of branching into products for sale. Here is what we discussed and the decisions.</p><p><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></p><p><span style="font-size: medium;">This <b>will</b> be happening</span>:</p><p>One of the first things I want to get going in this branch will be safety eyes. If you don't know already, I have strong opinions about them and what kind to use and how to use them. I was thinking that a good way to combat these feelings was to just go ahead and offer them in my shop. </p><p><br /></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiHMqvRSyHHblv23fXZNakBd4wxHdQGgfOEyAboizcR-Qb-TfdmjcMMAdDobR1PPvmpcci6hDFYhyphenhyphenm4BWqUFlkCOpQ-OkgJIDx1TCL7NgvihCbG1tNTNzxzlGB0yG4jqc9m69zJYd52f2U/s1440/20210226_132401.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1440" data-original-width="1440" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiHMqvRSyHHblv23fXZNakBd4wxHdQGgfOEyAboizcR-Qb-TfdmjcMMAdDobR1PPvmpcci6hDFYhyphenhyphenm4BWqUFlkCOpQ-OkgJIDx1TCL7NgvihCbG1tNTNzxzlGB0yG4jqc9m69zJYd52f2U/w200-h200/20210226_132401.jpg" width="200" /></a></div><span style="font-size: medium;"><p><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></p>This <b>may</b> be happening</span>:<p></p><p>The next item we discussed was a travel pack of crochet accessories. I don't know about you but I am forever forgetting something like a yarn needle or scissors. I don't want to carry a bulking organizer, just something that will fit in my purse and have some of the immediate essentials. </p><p><br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><p></p><p>We have done so much research on the travel pack, it is an investment that can be a gamble of being a hit or miss. I am sure other small business's feel the same when thinking about expanding but I pointed out (and to quote my mother) "we wont know till we try". Long story short 2 days later, we are still thinking about it.</p><p><br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhPSJ2dCKOiZsNyPLhUkx-wPoFElKYFlGC6tRzGpuk4I0PU_EcdvWsTRnudn9AntjTOv-DzKDu0_YMsr1JYCzw7wGyNELMx3ZvplMKDm00QePeSXhci5-IAuZl_7AAHar4HzWWRhfWD4qU/s1440/20210226_131753.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1440" data-original-width="1440" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhPSJ2dCKOiZsNyPLhUkx-wPoFElKYFlGC6tRzGpuk4I0PU_EcdvWsTRnudn9AntjTOv-DzKDu0_YMsr1JYCzw7wGyNELMx3ZvplMKDm00QePeSXhci5-IAuZl_7AAHar4HzWWRhfWD4qU/w200-h200/20210226_131753.jpg" width="200" /></a></div><p></p><p><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></p><p><span style="font-size: medium;">This <b>might not</b> be happening <b>yet</b></span>:</p><p>Next up on the table is making project bags. I have been wanting to do this for a very long time but it just never seems to come to light. Not enough time, in the day to do it all. This one might have to be put on the back burner for a little while longer. Bags may or may not look like the picture below, I won't know till I actually make some and see which style I like best.</p><p><br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjXYaIlKirFYxwZcXn63OPWWuP_3bF3CoKprIWEuUwQ0-dkk3QwKKyXB9P6dZgfvd3p6t7x-K9orYc6vFCHvCVwivHgnm4RmmE2D7aSrqCNN3WT7dKBq1LdlPYh6F0h0IbkyDj-NyEfVfA/s500/unnamed.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="500" data-original-width="400" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjXYaIlKirFYxwZcXn63OPWWuP_3bF3CoKprIWEuUwQ0-dkk3QwKKyXB9P6dZgfvd3p6t7x-K9orYc6vFCHvCVwivHgnm4RmmE2D7aSrqCNN3WT7dKBq1LdlPYh6F0h0IbkyDj-NyEfVfA/w160-h200/unnamed.jpg" width="160" /></a></div><p></p><br /><p><br /></p>Hope you enjoyed attending our meeting today and would love to hear your input.<div>Happy Crocheting!</div>Heatherhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16979939882187985994noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6051090815181747298.post-86620058685451552952021-02-22T08:52:00.000-08:002021-02-22T08:52:17.697-08:00Winter storm knitting<p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiz9iLYLsEx5MFTurHIP9dwL27D87rVdAdr9kYpHkLR020YNQGOjxteQulTW0mcdfyY_NENnVlhRFscL26b3aHzwjRCDga2s9DXBAZ8u9pt9Zzb3OfhyvNkMru8z7ntpLeDx66eQsPBuL8/s1440/20210215_093426.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1440" data-original-width="1440" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiz9iLYLsEx5MFTurHIP9dwL27D87rVdAdr9kYpHkLR020YNQGOjxteQulTW0mcdfyY_NENnVlhRFscL26b3aHzwjRCDga2s9DXBAZ8u9pt9Zzb3OfhyvNkMru8z7ntpLeDx66eQsPBuL8/s320/20210215_093426.jpg" /></a></div><br /><br />Oh my what a 12 days it has been! <p></p><p>For me it started with hubby home for two days vacation time plus the weekend. His plan was to have 4 days off for his b-day weekend but he didn't plan on being home for 11 days! <br />I don't know about yall but for me it is really hard to stay in my "at home" work schedule with him under foot and yabbering all the time. </p><p>I had started knitting his bday scarf on the 10th but was trying to be secretive about so I was only able to work on it when he was at work or asleep.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEin9t3oI8pvzB3WYxdxmSyzsk_xcacSuAtPG8BLTQLTJasSYXbWDErETUxPPFHMCb5kB-LvxWboW7z7Soq0A_UJl8P5F5X2SoVllGfRerXwnu0N3nuQUQ03Zgnl3MtqlUk0yHJ5o495Qmg/s1440/20210210_105350.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1440" data-original-width="1440" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEin9t3oI8pvzB3WYxdxmSyzsk_xcacSuAtPG8BLTQLTJasSYXbWDErETUxPPFHMCb5kB-LvxWboW7z7Soq0A_UJl8P5F5X2SoVllGfRerXwnu0N3nuQUQ03Zgnl3MtqlUk0yHJ5o495Qmg/s320/20210210_105350.jpg" /></a></div><br /><p>Then the storm hit, power went out and took the water with it. Oh goodness it was cold for us old Texans, we were all bundled up but still trying to be a bit active to keep the blood flowing. For 2.5 days we lived pioneer style. Knitting by lamplight at night and gathering snow and roof runoff for water during the day.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjxucHPx34vhC09zxvGXaGwE-4DCb2p5R33lFM_OY4tOb-3lQg-FJEcgIYnI_SryzvxVJxY3HROn1od5qcbjkQhgWhlhGiLz9ysbi4zCSjUq3jmu797boHNJpZFyTV7d2y5cPEWHHKt0fg/s2015/149700091_4150890448255444_2121386615780861314_o.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2015" data-original-width="1133" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjxucHPx34vhC09zxvGXaGwE-4DCb2p5R33lFM_OY4tOb-3lQg-FJEcgIYnI_SryzvxVJxY3HROn1od5qcbjkQhgWhlhGiLz9ysbi4zCSjUq3jmu797boHNJpZFyTV7d2y5cPEWHHKt0fg/s320/149700091_4150890448255444_2121386615780861314_o.jpg" /></a></div><br /><p>I knitted his scarf, my scarf and even a pixie hat, LOL! I looked ridiculous in that hat but I it was helping me stay warm. No, your not getting a picture of that! Hahaha.</p><p>While I was making the hat, my hubby is watching me and suddenly he says "that don't look too hard".</p><p>Dude, really?! My brain is yelling things that I didn't say. </p><p>For me knitting is a challenge, self taught and I make a jillion mistakes and the needles slip, stitches get turned around or lost completely. I am getting a bit better but still nowhere near teaching level. Truth be told, I'm not even sure I cast on right. LOL!</p><p>I gave him some yarn, needles and showed him the cast on and the first row. Somehow he managed to get the last stitch with a 4 inch loop on it. He tried again and well next thing I know he is ripping it out and wrapping the yarn around the skein, he was done! Haha, maybe next time but it was fun for him to join me for a moment.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi02bksBcRkNxZF-vwTgoFBf4_9AyT11u-EJwnb7SgMefQ6WUblAioAEprnE-m0KIf8QvzkOFWSGx7ft54Yic63icXOUAShK0Y6YiFq4xxZl_hDOzkCFs4g4qW968jr_QGiHJBF4o90TOk/s1440/20210215_192927.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1440" data-original-width="1440" height="292" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi02bksBcRkNxZF-vwTgoFBf4_9AyT11u-EJwnb7SgMefQ6WUblAioAEprnE-m0KIf8QvzkOFWSGx7ft54Yic63icXOUAShK0Y6YiFq4xxZl_hDOzkCFs4g4qW968jr_QGiHJBF4o90TOk/w320-h292/20210215_192927.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><p style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">(As you can see he is wearing his new scarf and also sporting a very old helmet hat crocheted with 2 strands of yarn.)</span></p><p>Happy knitting and crocheting!</p>Heatherhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16979939882187985994noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6051090815181747298.post-12950385960618426402021-02-05T06:00:00.001-08:002021-02-05T06:00:02.996-08:00"Hey We Crochet" crochet group<p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgKt-TgUgThdpVvRJRc_itm69xJF6e0gTC6Z-uD0bE2Tg8Ny_VY_x_L_3m3anBsoPUnhxZW5GsCYu-Rr0f-9Gd9LQJvmAkGOZXUbULjI4tRmua39kmedOH4EM44Z4PLcguuQl9tYZE4hkc/s1996/134097907_4032090443468779_2510020517576080841_o.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1475" data-original-width="1996" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgKt-TgUgThdpVvRJRc_itm69xJF6e0gTC6Z-uD0bE2Tg8Ny_VY_x_L_3m3anBsoPUnhxZW5GsCYu-Rr0f-9Gd9LQJvmAkGOZXUbULjI4tRmua39kmedOH4EM44Z4PLcguuQl9tYZE4hkc/s320/134097907_4032090443468779_2510020517576080841_o.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><span style="font-size: large;"><a href="https://www.facebook.com/groups/150522888440592" target="_blank">Hey We Crochet</a></span> Facebook crochet group<br /> <br />I started the day off normal enough... <p></p><p>Declutter my desk area, always a must after finishing one project and before starting a new one. Well at least it is for me, not everyone is nuts like me. While I was doing that I was also browsing Facebook. </p><p>I ran across an interesting post in a group page for designers talking about group pages that let you self promote. I started doing some searches of crochet groups, unfortunately so many look fun to be in but don't allow self promotion. </p><p>Mostly this rule is because some people post their stuff everyday and sometimes multiple times a day, ruining it for the rest. I get it but boy can it be frustrating. Say I want to post a pic of my work, as a designer, it is of course going to be something I created with my own pattern. Other members of the group ask where can they get the pattern. Guess what! You are not allowed to post the link because that would be self promoting, it can get very aggravating. </p><p>I know if this bugs me and other designers as well, then there needs to be a fix.</p><p>Suddenly I remembered my sister had opened a crochet page awhile back (turns out "awhile back" was actually 8 yrs ago! LOL!), I hadn't thought of her group in such a long time I had actually forgotten about it to tell the truth. Last I saw, she and I were the only members.</p><p>I looked it up. It said the page had been archived because the admin left, I was the only member left and did I want to reactivate the page and be the admin. </p><p>I thought "well here is my chance to have a group that can be fun and allows limited self promotion." I really didn't have to think on it too long, I knew almost immediately it was time to do it.</p><p>I do hope you will join us over at <a href="https://www.facebook.com/groups/150522888440592" target="_blank">Hey We Crochet</a></p><p>Happy Crocheting </p>Heatherhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16979939882187985994noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6051090815181747298.post-37210014054777979842021-01-29T07:22:00.003-08:002021-01-30T08:31:32.782-08:00What to know about tails...<p> </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="text-align: left;">Tails? What are they and how I use them.</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiPJn6TwxuA5cE8UpNQIM7Ncb1oX0jTFK5G9EwFZX_4RFmAw40um5O5vlqXqmlpsHDa4TpV1vp2n9PBQwg3feLg2lPd3sndUDCzTAz3CIv-qPm-4mDVlUBg-Z7cKp0VKomRHObPDcnjMtg/s1200/wagging-tails2-1200x627.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="627" data-original-width="1200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiPJn6TwxuA5cE8UpNQIM7Ncb1oX0jTFK5G9EwFZX_4RFmAw40um5O5vlqXqmlpsHDa4TpV1vp2n9PBQwg3feLg2lPd3sndUDCzTAz3CIv-qPm-4mDVlUBg-Z7cKp0VKomRHObPDcnjMtg/s320/wagging-tails2-1200x627.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br /><br /></div>No we wont be talking about doggy tails, even though they are super cute.<p></p><p><br /></p><p>A tail in pattern language is the beginning yarn or the ending yarn.</p><p>How do I use it? In amigurumi there are several ways I use tails.</p><p><span style="font-size: medium;"><b>Beginning tail...</b></span></p><p>1) first and foremost I use it to knot the beginning tail secure so there is no way the circle will come loose.</p><p>2) When I make a magic circle, I typically have a beginning tail of 5 inches but depending on what I am making, I may choose to add extra length to it and use it as stuffing. Like say the fingers on the Christmas Thief or the tail on a monkey. Small things that are no bigger than a pencil benefit from just using the yarn tail as stuffing, rather than trying to stuff with fiber fil and having the stitches stretch and then having white stuffing show through. Yuck! Nobody wants to see that.</p><p>3) lets say I am making the bottom of a foot with chain stitches that are worked in the round, I know to leave a bit extra tail for sewing and stuffing. For me the ends tend to have a hole in them from having 4 stitches in one chain. This will drive me nuts, so I fix it with a few stitches with the beginning tail to close the gap a little. Then I lay the extra remaining tail over the chain line and tack it down with either stuffing or a drop of fabric glue. </p><p>4) leaving an extra long beginning sewing tail. Typically used for sewing when a ending tail is not available, is in the wrong spot for where you need it or extra pieces are being added.</p><p><b><span style="font-size: medium;">Ending tail...</span></b></p><p>1) most often than not the ending tail will be used for sewing the entire piece to another piece. Like sewing the opening or ending of a leg to a body.</p><p>2) it may also be used as a sewing tail for sewing gaps, in between pieces such as when putting two or more pieces together to make one piece like a hand.</p><p>3) I may use the ending tail to weave the last stitches closed or just weave the tail through some stitches to secure it.</p><p><br /></p><p>One thing I definitely don't do is cut the tail shorter than 2 inches unless absolutely necessary.</p><p>Hope this helps. Happy crocheting!</p><p><br /></p>Heatherhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16979939882187985994noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6051090815181747298.post-29741123565647687662021-01-15T06:00:00.001-08:002021-01-17T15:02:29.678-08:00Size will vary...<p><span><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline;"></span></span></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgKABCQNIZDfJj2Ek5L_5Shg7h2q9PhT-swCJmgIz7r5jYtNLhJUGAW_LI6dHhl4XDR9h6Nx1NQiFoNtWecgCplvbZEYasvPTBY4Bke2GzFS8S7ihb5WyZEfHRGAnGt77ibj8l06D4GiyM/" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgKABCQNIZDfJj2Ek5L_5Shg7h2q9PhT-swCJmgIz7r5jYtNLhJUGAW_LI6dHhl4XDR9h6Nx1NQiFoNtWecgCplvbZEYasvPTBY4Bke2GzFS8S7ihb5WyZEfHRGAnGt77ibj8l06D4GiyM/" width="320" /></a></span></div><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /><br /></span><p></p><p><span id="docs-internal-guid-0d1a89a2-7fff-a101-3024-737dcbaa2d2e"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline;">"</span><span style="font-family: "Open Sans", sans-serif; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Size </span><span style="font-family: "Open Sans", sans-serif; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-weight: 700; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">will</span><span style="font-family: "Open Sans", sans-serif; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"> vary based on hook size, materials and crochet style."</span></span></span></p><p><span style="font-size: medium;"><span><span style="font-family: "Open Sans", sans-serif; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><br /></span></span>When you see this line, does it mean anything to you?</span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;">I can't stress how much this is <b>true</b>.</span><span style="font-size: medium;"> </span></p><p><span style="font-size: medium;">I get pictures and messages sent to me all the time of how their item came out much bigger than what is indicated on the pattern. To the point that I might need to add to all the patterns </span><span style="font-size: large;">that I crochet very tight (but I don't feel that I do) cause my 9 inch item seems to be most peoples 11 inch item. Even if you used exactly the same yarn, exactly the same hook size, your style of crochet may be a lot looser than mine. I have even had my testers who use smaller hooks come out with larger results. I have to say sometimes it baffles me how but of course I know just one factor can change the results. </span></p><p><span style="font-size: medium;">The best I can do is give a gauge to follow. If you want the item to be as close to the size indicated, then following the gauge is your best option. To do this you may need to adjust your hook size to accommodate the materials your using and/or your personal crochet style.</span></p>Heatherhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16979939882187985994noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6051090815181747298.post-55298732307924976622021-01-08T06:00:00.004-08:002021-01-08T06:00:02.786-08:00Feeling stuck...<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgPf_GEM54SOV9mi_QUPGx8nExq4TEHLGr6_gdVjc7_XZTYRMwRonSFrx8k5qwpstl1Z3S6u_6oRkTLbzJy5F0FsQY1nix6rb82-zEKQR4E_xFNf_CHvfRd-nWNhyqejNTgfCrzJlqr430/s1440/20210107_203658%257E2%255B1%255D.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1440" data-original-width="1440" height="203" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgPf_GEM54SOV9mi_QUPGx8nExq4TEHLGr6_gdVjc7_XZTYRMwRonSFrx8k5qwpstl1Z3S6u_6oRkTLbzJy5F0FsQY1nix6rb82-zEKQR4E_xFNf_CHvfRd-nWNhyqejNTgfCrzJlqr430/w203-h203/20210107_203658%257E2%255B1%255D.jpg" width="203" /></a></div><br /><p>Some days are spent with the yarn in my hand waiting for something to come to me, like Frankie sitting there with a blank canvas and a paintbrush just waiting for the brush to take over and do something, some times all you get are two eyes.</p><p>I have had soo many of those days throughout my career as a crochet designer. But after it hasn't happened in awhile you tend to forget till... wham it happens. </p><p>I have tried several times to get my brain going on a project and I literally end up with a ball that wont take the form I am trying to achieve. </p><p>It's a reality check. I am not a master artesian of yarn by any means but when the patterns just flow forth with ease, I guess I tend to get a big head about it. </p><p>Then sets in the frustration cause seriously this shouldn't be that complicated but for some reason it is messing with me. </p><p>Best thing to do is walk away, find something else to do while you process what might be going wrong. This usually helps me clear my head and also keeps me from scrapping the whole project completely. But that is not to say I haven't ever totally given up on a project cause believe me, I have. </p><p>I humbly admit there are some ideas in my head that I truly don't have enough knowledge to make it happen. Maybe someday but not anytime soon. A goal to look forward to.</p><p>I hope if you are feeling stuck that this will help you to know it happens to everyone.</p><p>Happy Crocheting!</p><p> </p>Heatherhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16979939882187985994noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6051090815181747298.post-86881007861510576922021-01-01T06:00:00.002-08:002021-01-05T08:40:46.209-08:00Plans for 2021<p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjOaeTkOD0e26CvmSddWFyaarHT4JjDTbZjfgXmvDoMf7S-34gsbSixauqCfRHd6QVBloArxRz2Sch3k9Qo7_EUfuQ_i5YoB_ElF-JU0TpMpiJDmqFV9epTO4FUZWqP9ZNjUxM3r1cRH_Y/s650/251a3208dc21c738b8aba7b013a5a689.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="650" data-original-width="650" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjOaeTkOD0e26CvmSddWFyaarHT4JjDTbZjfgXmvDoMf7S-34gsbSixauqCfRHd6QVBloArxRz2Sch3k9Qo7_EUfuQ_i5YoB_ElF-JU0TpMpiJDmqFV9epTO4FUZWqP9ZNjUxM3r1cRH_Y/s320/251a3208dc21c738b8aba7b013a5a689.jpg" /></a></div><br /> <p></p><p>Well as most of us know... plans can change at anytime but I like having a plan anyway.</p><p>Do you schedule your days, weeks, months?</p><p>I admit sometimes have so much going on, I have even scheduled my day down by hours.</p><p>Thankfully I don't have my whole year planned out, YET! Haha. I laugh cause I know in just a few months the schedule will be bursting at the seams.</p><p>Things on the list for this coming year...</p><p>Aliens</p><p>Swans</p><p>Penguin pillow cover</p><p>Diaper baby Kangaroo</p><p>Finish up a doll</p><p>Thanksgiving pilgrims</p><p>Dino monster truck</p><p>and soo soo many more...</p><p>I see a lot of holiday patterns getting done this year.</p><p>I truly hope I can get it all scheduled well and completed.</p><p>I want to wish you all a happy year ahead with lots of finished projects!</p><p>Happy crocheting!<br /><br /></p><p><br /></p>Heatherhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16979939882187985994noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6051090815181747298.post-38732387599782634462020-12-25T06:00:00.001-08:002020-12-25T06:00:02.164-08:00Designing inspiration...How do I come up with the designs? <br /><br /><div>Honestly, the designs come to me in different ways.</div><div><br /></div><div>I am currently working on a swan. The idea for him was from a picture I saw online. It was a picture of a cabinet, with what appeared to be a knick-knack of a swan on it, I drew it out on paper. After getting a closer look of the item on the cabinet, turns out it was just a ordinary vase. So it appears I see things that aren't there. LOL!</div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgKSv_O9SHuQkvuyTCe62URNwDrJUtJHkOuak3-zGpw-kW55kOeyykc2CKe6ixXhra-aGggkVDGpSLXLHumCqteWggkHuFNufYmDOjdzcWdCk0Y-nDl9AYDDGKh_SMbp5nt-iNVIaMIDio/s1440/20201223_105817%255B1%255D.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1440" data-original-width="1440" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgKSv_O9SHuQkvuyTCe62URNwDrJUtJHkOuak3-zGpw-kW55kOeyykc2CKe6ixXhra-aGggkVDGpSLXLHumCqteWggkHuFNufYmDOjdzcWdCk0Y-nDl9AYDDGKh_SMbp5nt-iNVIaMIDio/s320/20201223_105817%255B1%255D.jpg" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div>Here is another one.. </div><div><br /></div><div>My hubby has a old flip phone and on this phone the front has worn off. </div><div>I'm sure not everyone will see what I see but I see an alien.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi57Qofm6Z-M1eVFynnbMsuAQff9szKGP7Pn35-XuXv1o3DDfRNd7w3NKnzWx1nMRoNHCfkVV0R2z1dMXI7KY1_az8FpckB7n6krtPXy1uf7cbBmzj-MEQ55Q0s7FuBwyfsWcVTwuycOPQ/s1440/20201215_210615%255B1%255D.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1440" data-original-width="1440" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi57Qofm6Z-M1eVFynnbMsuAQff9szKGP7Pn35-XuXv1o3DDfRNd7w3NKnzWx1nMRoNHCfkVV0R2z1dMXI7KY1_az8FpckB7n6krtPXy1uf7cbBmzj-MEQ55Q0s7FuBwyfsWcVTwuycOPQ/s320/20201215_210615%255B1%255D.jpg" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgtL_WqJ_YNl2WUvRDW09ZTQw66KGZvxAdE50JUMhWNtxjnz16irQfYLoswPNuPa1oUaClfyItDEtaMX8_WDUKoWCjWaO-OeS-EDLNct0yqPxrRO0eeXpGb_MWvulKvf80Er9bsGROWPFE/s1440/20201222_143335%255B1%255D.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1440" data-original-width="1440" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgtL_WqJ_YNl2WUvRDW09ZTQw66KGZvxAdE50JUMhWNtxjnz16irQfYLoswPNuPa1oUaClfyItDEtaMX8_WDUKoWCjWaO-OeS-EDLNct0yqPxrRO0eeXpGb_MWvulKvf80Er9bsGROWPFE/s320/20201222_143335%255B1%255D.jpg" /></a></div>As you can see my vision came out different but the wear on the phone is what inspired it.<div><br /></div><div>And then there are moments when I draft out something like my recent gnome and all of a sudden I am on a new piece of paper drafting one after another of animals to do in a series using the same base design.</div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgo9rL8Nwl5peLRVgeFFvXuN6_sZSxAG8oVgTnTQYzXL7VNAZHgiUh1pIcRNkWJW8QVEP_29Via97mlzB6iHttRJfVzfSBBFpUWHbpI_fMVv9kdtFY2sI2RwhniZW6-cCZZzjcGN9JNCWo/s1440/20201112_151935.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1440" data-original-width="1440" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgo9rL8Nwl5peLRVgeFFvXuN6_sZSxAG8oVgTnTQYzXL7VNAZHgiUh1pIcRNkWJW8QVEP_29Via97mlzB6iHttRJfVzfSBBFpUWHbpI_fMVv9kdtFY2sI2RwhniZW6-cCZZzjcGN9JNCWo/s320/20201112_151935.jpg" /></a></div><br /><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div>For me you just never know where the inspiration is going to come from, I thought it was this and it turned out to be that, weird shapes that look like something or a base design that multiplies itself into different animals.<br /><br />Happy crocheting!<br /><div><br /></div></div>Heatherhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16979939882187985994noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6051090815181747298.post-597492554059405572020-12-18T06:00:00.009-08:002020-12-18T20:56:03.686-08:00Pattern of the week sale 2021<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj8ybLIBw2S1U8jKBq_npMDi0kZn_nvmV-HNpUSHrgMx0UoV_G8Emw97LE0dQy9X9WLigoA5Dza_mv5KF_MV8MoUzUemreotj_YAswwy8U5utLylPvEH4V26BU9AlUVRBtakP81iF90qus/s828/Pattern+of+the+Week+sale+2021.png" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="315" data-original-width="828" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj8ybLIBw2S1U8jKBq_npMDi0kZn_nvmV-HNpUSHrgMx0UoV_G8Emw97LE0dQy9X9WLigoA5Dza_mv5KF_MV8MoUzUemreotj_YAswwy8U5utLylPvEH4V26BU9AlUVRBtakP81iF90qus/s320/Pattern+of+the+Week+sale+2021.png" width="320" /></a></div><p><br /></p><p> I was reading through the comments of a post on Facebook, the group I was in, is for helping sellers get a handle on Etsy and to use it to its full advantage. I enjoy reading other sellers experiences and how I can use that to help me. </p><p>While reading those comments this one lady commented on a pic and the sale she was having. <br />The poster says she just randomly picked that item to be on sale. </p><p>This was a light bulb moment!! </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgDLiHR-ebw0wi5B47wNo2t88qaSi9jznsMk6qKE5WDHqnpZHrhQ_s78INJH2zJxV4gQCwdp7-6ZYwayo3Kcv5Es-b3V2ClIy7ZU9iSQnKG3W98foM7_5ykPzWrcMK1wiGmd06x194DZJI/s798/lightbulb-clipart-thought-10.png" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="798" data-original-width="627" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgDLiHR-ebw0wi5B47wNo2t88qaSi9jznsMk6qKE5WDHqnpZHrhQ_s78INJH2zJxV4gQCwdp7-6ZYwayo3Kcv5Es-b3V2ClIy7ZU9iSQnKG3W98foM7_5ykPzWrcMK1wiGmd06x194DZJI/w157-h200/lightbulb-clipart-thought-10.png" width="157" /></a></div><br /><p></p><p>I have well over 52 patterns, I could have a pattern of the week sale for the whole year!! Isn't that great?</p><p>The hardest part for me is to figure out which pattern should be on sale and when but I'm sure it wont take long to get it down.</p><p>Hardest part for you (my super fans) is to keep checking back to see which pattern is on sale. Kinda a hassle, right?</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgZ6fg6tJ_3PP_O78pt6yBntIJRNnBwaWSNbOs_K_8m9lkStlVpmfpRvycuYJYajguOvV4bCzhriMtooXwEeM_US0CeXA_aGm28APK5ioRS7MYV2dVpntMdE_P9ogQtWvHcnd2Cd7JwTjc/s500/Come+Back+Soon.png" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="500" data-original-width="500" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgZ6fg6tJ_3PP_O78pt6yBntIJRNnBwaWSNbOs_K_8m9lkStlVpmfpRvycuYJYajguOvV4bCzhriMtooXwEeM_US0CeXA_aGm28APK5ioRS7MYV2dVpntMdE_P9ogQtWvHcnd2Cd7JwTjc/w200-h200/Come+Back+Soon.png" width="200" /></a></div><br /><p><br /></p><p>So lets make it easier for you by signing up for my monthly newsletter that will keep you informed of what patterns will be on sale for that month.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://southerngalscrochet.com/" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" target="_blank"><img border="0" data-original-height="247" data-original-width="499" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg765uGp9oGEkvoIjnNhwXvAXA48RRIolJnHznf7svEvwEs3FNXv53klTF36pcoMs8mOkXFvY0cSYq_7Zj1SIEto7YwbDglWv7wwFYJ2dCXmer81kO_-fTuScSjYnvjg3DM1yWlS9fvEGo/s320/Monthly+Newsletter+%25282%2529.png" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">(<a href="https://southerngalscrochet.com/" target="_blank">click </a>to sign up)</div><br /><p>I hope you enjoy the Pattern of the week for 2021.</p><p><br /></p><p>Happy Crocheting!</p><p><br /></p>Heatherhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16979939882187985994noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6051090815181747298.post-55456054025026938492020-12-11T06:00:00.005-08:002020-12-11T06:00:05.240-08:00Cutting felt pieces<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg4gxx_NLdcTWMXnY_9BD5218F6QJUvxHSic9q9wVXlv4ZLHzQWTFbpcbIscGKwRPzHSPk4VGDSfWeb_XIyvgW29EG_zC_MZfr6aXz8tg89pQ_1iCx-WazhBF1opqFJ1Hvf6L4i5Vu1T1M/s1440/20200604_085839.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1440" data-original-width="1440" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg4gxx_NLdcTWMXnY_9BD5218F6QJUvxHSic9q9wVXlv4ZLHzQWTFbpcbIscGKwRPzHSPk4VGDSfWeb_XIyvgW29EG_zC_MZfr6aXz8tg89pQ_1iCx-WazhBF1opqFJ1Hvf6L4i5Vu1T1M/s320/20200604_085839.jpg" /></a></div><br /><p><br /></p><p> I am often asked … How I get my felt pieces shaped the way I do.</p><p><br /></p><p>Do I use a template? </p><p>Do I use a cutter of some sorts?</p><p>The answer is no to both, I free hand it all the way.</p><p><br /></p><p>The first thing I do is cut two generous squares such as one inch by one inch (for example). </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjXsuwZRmu5nlrLKNaR70j_gaFxOqbraU5H6MIuJdtk2zoheYcQxTbU9Swut96bqn5g2akGD5L0mwraAP2gFiSH8orpTSOkCasf0kWRhCfDSYe5uDbtuL3BrZK8W1cbCWagZqDlhnIdjM4/s1440/20201207_130234.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1440" data-original-width="1440" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjXsuwZRmu5nlrLKNaR70j_gaFxOqbraU5H6MIuJdtk2zoheYcQxTbU9Swut96bqn5g2akGD5L0mwraAP2gFiSH8orpTSOkCasf0kWRhCfDSYe5uDbtuL3BrZK8W1cbCWagZqDlhnIdjM4/s320/20201207_130234.jpg" /></a></div><br /><p>While holding them together, I round the corners. </p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiALyZ2iACWoFqN0fbO9wJLgOXgEAKKkEOdvPqs3ei86nvtuTz7jWa83sTiwLb8CYDflB6NIKWoQEkXxEloHZH2FgSs51Xp6HNjrdZpQMGbpR195hGarVMI9djiuo-lT3CodEOey4IC53c/s1440/20201207_130455.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1440" data-original-width="1440" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiALyZ2iACWoFqN0fbO9wJLgOXgEAKKkEOdvPqs3ei86nvtuTz7jWa83sTiwLb8CYDflB6NIKWoQEkXxEloHZH2FgSs51Xp6HNjrdZpQMGbpR195hGarVMI9djiuo-lT3CodEOey4IC53c/s320/20201207_130455.jpg" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div>I measure and cut some more for a more rounded or oblong look.<p></p><p>Still holding them together, I cut the spot for the safety eye through both pieces.</p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><p></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg4vAeZOlu3-cGN3P8Cw_dD5aJCsAWLPV_TZyFQsH85ZLhbn8DrQjp7CnsaN4ebpjN2MHw1JX2Xuzb5logfPfcTcTKgxQCbUEPx9XEiI8Viyw4wdsW_wBhVZUisMRnUS5x4YTotQmeFXAM/s1440/20201207_131230.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1440" data-original-width="1440" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg4vAeZOlu3-cGN3P8Cw_dD5aJCsAWLPV_TZyFQsH85ZLhbn8DrQjp7CnsaN4ebpjN2MHw1JX2Xuzb5logfPfcTcTKgxQCbUEPx9XEiI8Viyw4wdsW_wBhVZUisMRnUS5x4YTotQmeFXAM/s320/20201207_131230.jpg" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div>While holding the 2 felt pieces together I insert one safety eye, that way I can cut them both to make them the same size and shape.<p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgribC-F2UDOP_9rqsfWRbz4Amve4iR9NFryxiZcKEp4c6byICrWh28-ZX0bx_jgm5o1HF05CKNKT_eGUhilPqjahfsOIvzp7nrQ4nFntyioiUvtUjTZGtYy474QHORG7qDkZUdopcQtLc/s1440/20201207_131255.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1440" data-original-width="1440" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgribC-F2UDOP_9rqsfWRbz4Amve4iR9NFryxiZcKEp4c6byICrWh28-ZX0bx_jgm5o1HF05CKNKT_eGUhilPqjahfsOIvzp7nrQ4nFntyioiUvtUjTZGtYy474QHORG7qDkZUdopcQtLc/s320/20201207_131255.jpg" /></a></div><p>Cut them down some more.</p><p>Repeat and repeat till I get them the size and shape I want.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiJC7G8pXj0oPvCRVF4hzyGsoLJXsZvCzLryNLDy_WGQfItRaNznp2zh_-xeAwB9oZt2-tpIQ2xeQjFOXVjJS8eag417Ce8Mik9OhxtQe5z1Vk1PRF5KAt6Q6Q8Lojatykv1A4yZBwdEOI/s1440/20201207_131725.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1440" data-original-width="1440" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiJC7G8pXj0oPvCRVF4hzyGsoLJXsZvCzLryNLDy_WGQfItRaNznp2zh_-xeAwB9oZt2-tpIQ2xeQjFOXVjJS8eag417Ce8Mik9OhxtQe5z1Vk1PRF5KAt6Q6Q8Lojatykv1A4yZBwdEOI/s320/20201207_131725.jpg" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjmd1wvpa-K_v6Ewz1vnjjDPwQDGjgnwRTqBs2Xxsc2jp3xpHJ6ZobZRa_wppbqMHEjBEBHzFi4TmfCeDpzhJWUOeGyfZJmBtbOF2UwG-avIo5iY7z0ZBAyDuEdxAOBipD97Sn2_t0boTo/s1440/20201207_132006.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1440" data-original-width="1440" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjmd1wvpa-K_v6Ewz1vnjjDPwQDGjgnwRTqBs2Xxsc2jp3xpHJ6ZobZRa_wppbqMHEjBEBHzFi4TmfCeDpzhJWUOeGyfZJmBtbOF2UwG-avIo5iY7z0ZBAyDuEdxAOBipD97Sn2_t0boTo/s320/20201207_132006.jpg" /></a></div><br /><p>As you can see I have felt dust all over the place.</p><p>Carefully pull off the second piece without stretching it and insert the second safety eye.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjtkqTQdYsAnDSDWLPZ3K8UXbvP4Yopg4gF7mYXq09TclShomJXZ_hHKQ7ZBCuyrDyD1J7MkYK9Jes9NmUIqDwDSlNWGzbKXtoAjTBeS81RZ_7x6w-qHR_oXcdMdO6DVI3AwRCLczLNcxg/s1440/20201207_132630.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1440" data-original-width="1440" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjtkqTQdYsAnDSDWLPZ3K8UXbvP4Yopg4gF7mYXq09TclShomJXZ_hHKQ7ZBCuyrDyD1J7MkYK9Jes9NmUIqDwDSlNWGzbKXtoAjTBeS81RZ_7x6w-qHR_oXcdMdO6DVI3AwRCLczLNcxg/s320/20201207_132630.jpg" /></a></div><p>I go around smoothing out the edges that are not just right.</p><p>I can take me up towards an hour of working on the felts for the eyes just trying to make them just right and as close to perfect copies of each other.</p><p><br /></p><p>I do all of this with these fabulous <a href="https://www.amazon.com/Fiskars-5-Inch-Softgrip-Scissors/dp/B000B7MUE6/ref=sr_1_2?dchild=1&keywords=Fiskars+soft+grip&qid=1607365366&s=arts-crafts&sr=1-2" target="_blank">Fiskars scissors</a> (I call them my snippers). The tips are super sharp and makes the smallest cuts so they are easy to smooth out the edges for a polished look. My favorite snippers by far.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhYYOEHNU9MriNZSfDMIlg1D340nvU9HPitcIg-DRYG6LWZvIIjDNB6Ah4ntkBQ9cyyAs2LW2qX2hUPyUpCLiZc92Al49Uws_xUkY4JUghwsmQ7a3LGoM1ykYSopYSCtDztgKkuLKgC36k/s1440/20201207_134455.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1440" data-original-width="1440" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhYYOEHNU9MriNZSfDMIlg1D340nvU9HPitcIg-DRYG6LWZvIIjDNB6Ah4ntkBQ9cyyAs2LW2qX2hUPyUpCLiZc92Al49Uws_xUkY4JUghwsmQ7a3LGoM1ykYSopYSCtDztgKkuLKgC36k/s320/20201207_134455.jpg" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiKI1NwsO1UQbnTKkLIzmCfUpsWX4Hy1zFg3NagxlcH_F3YfBkn1yOjw_s7fIZrYphIGdFRyN1sLz-zHwH0xw6DjyZ_n15B8eBGFqbzM6TMQWZ41sQi8bUFy0U6HuI1RBCBH60jaBcEiho/s1440/20201207_134320.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1440" data-original-width="1440" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiKI1NwsO1UQbnTKkLIzmCfUpsWX4Hy1zFg3NagxlcH_F3YfBkn1yOjw_s7fIZrYphIGdFRyN1sLz-zHwH0xw6DjyZ_n15B8eBGFqbzM6TMQWZ41sQi8bUFy0U6HuI1RBCBH60jaBcEiho/s320/20201207_134320.jpg" /></a></div><p>I hope you found this post helpful. <br />Happy crocheting!</p>Heatherhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16979939882187985994noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6051090815181747298.post-22791882901171300102020-12-05T06:00:00.001-08:002020-12-05T06:00:01.437-08:00Crochet teachers <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgUQuwsPSLj5_ScfaGknaIskf2ndGk5yjrkMiU7YY9V3se_8w0bl3BW9Ror2qJssNFipiuchjDvqjIuZmOj48UweGq6Avz-8z4m5iv6NFY_iNHBQpt2-lRQ7dD-tH_JT48pWIn_kNJWmP8/s1024/depositphotos_73899277-stock-illustration-best-friends.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="896" data-original-width="1024" height="275" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgUQuwsPSLj5_ScfaGknaIskf2ndGk5yjrkMiU7YY9V3se_8w0bl3BW9Ror2qJssNFipiuchjDvqjIuZmOj48UweGq6Avz-8z4m5iv6NFY_iNHBQpt2-lRQ7dD-tH_JT48pWIn_kNJWmP8/w320-h275/depositphotos_73899277-stock-illustration-best-friends.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br /><p><br /></p><p> As I sit here thinking about what this post is going to be, my best friend Becky popped into my mind.</p><p>She and I would spend many hours crocheting together, chatting about crocheting and she taught me so much more than I ever knew I could learn. She was my friend, mentor and teacher. I'm sure we all had some crochet teachers in our lives. It could of just been watching some one crochet on the bus or in a waiting room and a curiosity was created or a long history of teachers in a family.</p><p>They all play an important role in how and what we crochet. How we hold our hook to how we make our stitches. Becky was a pencil holder and I am a knife holder, her stitches were nearly double in size to mine. Not to say all pencil holders make large stitches, just that she did. Who taught her to crochet like that? Her mom and aunt. Which in my mind makes crochet very personal, treasured family traditions. But everyone learns from different sources and that makes it even more personal, say you learned from YouTube videos, those people are passing down their families teachings. I get all warm inside thinking about all the love and passion that goes into teaching someone the art of crochet. </p><p>And to take that a bit further, every pattern that we follow shapes us to what things we like to make. If we enjoy challenges and that pattern nearly drove you crazy till you figured it out instead of tossing it out, then you are more likely to enjoy more complex stitch patterns and designs. If you prefer to relax and let your mind wonder while crocheting, then you probably enjoy more patterns that are on the easier side. I think I fall in-between those two, I enjoy pushing myself to try new designs but not too overly complex to make me say bad words at it. Haha</p><p>My mother taught me that sitting quietly and crocheting while watching tv was very relaxing.</p><p>My grandmother taught me that crochet can be more than just a blanket for warmth, there were clothes, baby clothes and kitchen wares as well.</p><p>My nana taught me that sometimes more complex stitch patterns can be very pretty and worth the extra effort.</p><p>My best friend Becky taught me that even though life can be crazy, the yarn is always there just waiting for you to turn string into something fun.</p><p>So here is a big thanks to all the crochet teachers who pass on their family traditions down to others and every time they do they are adding in their own personal flares to it, weather it be in person or in a video. We thank you!</p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p>Heatherhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16979939882187985994noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6051090815181747298.post-73441907093915056402020-11-24T17:39:00.000-08:002020-11-24T17:39:52.437-08:00Magic circle or ring<p> The magic circle (as I like to call it) a.k.a the magic ring and probably other names as well. </p><p>In my opinion is one of the most essential keys to Amigurumi. Having the beginning of a piece looking its best, makes all the difference. </p><p>Seeing stuffing is probably the worst in my book but messy beginnings are a close second. </p><p>The goal is to have your end result like this...</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjIWvze-K-LDoUHioe0W7vrXJgcb6wsm0YvsUuBNJgmvnFiUTSwGosY8HBhrpmpvApRs1K15RHJj7X0pYNEfL64d90RqAbBQAYjcK3JuOsv74HzVoFCm-9w5NJ3ouwpuuhHTV5BqTeyXds/s1440/20201118_095026.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1440" data-original-width="1440" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjIWvze-K-LDoUHioe0W7vrXJgcb6wsm0YvsUuBNJgmvnFiUTSwGosY8HBhrpmpvApRs1K15RHJj7X0pYNEfL64d90RqAbBQAYjcK3JuOsv74HzVoFCm-9w5NJ3ouwpuuhHTV5BqTeyXds/w200-h200/20201118_095026.jpg" width="200" /></a></div><p>Not this...</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEinWd2pZhbTPgWBMu-Xs4-pNHVJkq6lQg1uDgGRFcpmYP7vbgPqYMave_b50DFJD0kM1PG6XYEJ-eyLTwP5wdNexnBzo-sfxCgZq2rIrEiJapWX_I_agNv6dGREzSlWdfeGP5i7WjuhZEc/s1440/20201118_095552.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1440" data-original-width="1440" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEinWd2pZhbTPgWBMu-Xs4-pNHVJkq6lQg1uDgGRFcpmYP7vbgPqYMave_b50DFJD0kM1PG6XYEJ-eyLTwP5wdNexnBzo-sfxCgZq2rIrEiJapWX_I_agNv6dGREzSlWdfeGP5i7WjuhZEc/w200-h200/20201118_095552.jpg" width="200" /></a></div><br /><p>Maybe your thinking, I don't see much of a difference. </p><p>Lets put them side by side and see if you see it now. </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh2MY5mAHUAPSm7THrz9zx4sxjmK1LrkyJ_xdjD2gXRx8L_6rTE0q1Q6btkJuygdIUA1vj50CRayyaSAXVPvhrxD-QaX1JhJoALtf8I69_JJ51uVxFtrCq0wMzdCKGCu4Ui6nqXPPZhuMA/s1440/20201118_095910.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1440" data-original-width="1440" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh2MY5mAHUAPSm7THrz9zx4sxjmK1LrkyJ_xdjD2gXRx8L_6rTE0q1Q6btkJuygdIUA1vj50CRayyaSAXVPvhrxD-QaX1JhJoALtf8I69_JJ51uVxFtrCq0wMzdCKGCu4Ui6nqXPPZhuMA/w200-h200/20201118_095910.jpg" width="200" /></a></div><br /><p>As you can see the center of the magic circle is completely closed vs the ch 2 method has a center hole. For me, no matter how many times I try, ch 2 always leads to a center hole. Drives me nuts!! </p><p>It is time to learn the magic circle!!</p><p>Let's begin...</p><p>Holding the yarn tail over the fingers and into the palm of your hand, pinch it to your index finger with thumb.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhCMPGX7oaqItiJkxRyYvwGYPjSwFZIdivSC5hHEmqfD7YLToF3Zr2AfmoSmeNHWTHseC4tE3wQ9osTklAhWR3lwQtKWPf__cXUL6ZFy-v5hcDNjamljxkY7T36c8uJxgCKS-ZCC7ng0wM/s1440/20201118_092926.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1440" data-original-width="1440" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhCMPGX7oaqItiJkxRyYvwGYPjSwFZIdivSC5hHEmqfD7YLToF3Zr2AfmoSmeNHWTHseC4tE3wQ9osTklAhWR3lwQtKWPf__cXUL6ZFy-v5hcDNjamljxkY7T36c8uJxgCKS-ZCC7ng0wM/w200-h200/20201118_092926.jpg" width="200" /></a></div><div><br /></div>Wrap the working yarn over the middle and index finger, crossing over the yarn tail, pinch it in place on index finger with thumb.<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjsXcEfC0Ivc1tnAdv9j8FCgk7NROU5Acx4aSx9XOF8r0B7d0wOnaNXLMrz8xU731Xc1K_T8Spt1PHapvebwYIKi2-yczADVOsyzAyI2Qc8A6qkXlpOFETEb7q6AFI0ylCx6p8v0WI9zJ8/s1440/20201118_093020.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1440" data-original-width="1440" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjsXcEfC0Ivc1tnAdv9j8FCgk7NROU5Acx4aSx9XOF8r0B7d0wOnaNXLMrz8xU731Xc1K_T8Spt1PHapvebwYIKi2-yczADVOsyzAyI2Qc8A6qkXlpOFETEb7q6AFI0ylCx6p8v0WI9zJ8/w200-h200/20201118_093020.jpg" width="200" /></a></div><div><br /></div>Secure running yarn behind loop on fingers.<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEitPx7rrnI5FSJg-S3W1KLvUZo084-SAmUcpG9Vxy0W5_peL1sxi5kkXSMnmKi1he5FSUdGFI40ZBzcyDiARhu7hL2ai8p0JLyxZjkcUwTUivGR5Za_UY9lRA1isaLz9xyIu5oaRM-uH4U/s1440/20201118_093106.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1440" data-original-width="1440" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEitPx7rrnI5FSJg-S3W1KLvUZo084-SAmUcpG9Vxy0W5_peL1sxi5kkXSMnmKi1he5FSUdGFI40ZBzcyDiARhu7hL2ai8p0JLyxZjkcUwTUivGR5Za_UY9lRA1isaLz9xyIu5oaRM-uH4U/w200-h200/20201118_093106.jpg" width="200" /></a></div><div><br /></div>Insert hook under loop and pull the working yarn through.<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiLiCEW7YyBrCmvaR6Ul82S-eloJFFtNOeKL-7s7ct_INTPxM6Yr2MhEzIGS_EUlr50nP8DAE0rfEDRBMo5xA_z8cxGVWvMoSXCza25WU_Aiwvnl98foh7hBhzzYgfjYqbmSSRNx2i-lKo/s1440/20201118_093132.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1440" data-original-width="1440" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiLiCEW7YyBrCmvaR6Ul82S-eloJFFtNOeKL-7s7ct_INTPxM6Yr2MhEzIGS_EUlr50nP8DAE0rfEDRBMo5xA_z8cxGVWvMoSXCza25WU_Aiwvnl98foh7hBhzzYgfjYqbmSSRNx2i-lKo/w200-h200/20201118_093132.jpg" width="200" /></a></div><div><br /></div>Give it a little twist to have a snug fit on your hook.<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjxi_HMT7Oeyjq4lrIZjv9wMWtKzgCBBky_aq93vGgwcOcWeAADF6Mob2hwY6bIVGExQj0KKbShjAjzwlDeT0skkqWy_cC0Dn2Hw9TqMxa2I2_t-7Q0dAgi1DAanOM_CvHokTwdeVq89EI/s1440/20201118_093147.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1440" data-original-width="1440" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjxi_HMT7Oeyjq4lrIZjv9wMWtKzgCBBky_aq93vGgwcOcWeAADF6Mob2hwY6bIVGExQj0KKbShjAjzwlDeT0skkqWy_cC0Dn2Hw9TqMxa2I2_t-7Q0dAgi1DAanOM_CvHokTwdeVq89EI/w200-h200/20201118_093147.jpg" width="200" /></a></div><div><br /></div>hook your working yarn and pull through the loop on hook.<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEif8IkaW25t_u07srV6tRGukkRtxwXV-6Sr0WHvwvh4SyTVYWxIaREva4WYBL34IWJU2CB_MkMTKAKtyY6Hj81MSYPfElmdZlfesf5OUD-YYQO1xps8DTKzqlpuM56eckFFkytDgLUT4KE/s1440/20201118_093157.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1440" data-original-width="1440" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEif8IkaW25t_u07srV6tRGukkRtxwXV-6Sr0WHvwvh4SyTVYWxIaREva4WYBL34IWJU2CB_MkMTKAKtyY6Hj81MSYPfElmdZlfesf5OUD-YYQO1xps8DTKzqlpuM56eckFFkytDgLUT4KE/w200-h200/20201118_093157.jpg" width="200" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div>And look at that, your done!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgUQywxXTaKUFQeFNvJgzzV-JXkbxGHfvPrtDsIaHWTZuGDk-oXV97tgFQIcjXO-DSag5pj0O3Ioj58NS3awiuk8iwfBTi8Jl3xaKRhVTV8h2Pl6YBiV88tvHbFwwi_cM8V2kvUrbHlrKs/s1440/20201118_093211.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1440" data-original-width="1440" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgUQywxXTaKUFQeFNvJgzzV-JXkbxGHfvPrtDsIaHWTZuGDk-oXV97tgFQIcjXO-DSag5pj0O3Ioj58NS3awiuk8iwfBTi8Jl3xaKRhVTV8h2Pl6YBiV88tvHbFwwi_cM8V2kvUrbHlrKs/w200-h200/20201118_093211.jpg" width="200" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div>There that wasn't so bad, was it? Okay maybe trying a few more times might be needed.</div><div>Now you are ready to start your stitches.<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjdd-6Kf6BDFNz8ZiB_IV1bwp6SjMe4siTFxcvlM0uHTLBJFCx-WgJIgHLTcUtSGADblC03wM9_rjm2l0Kcm-lwbGlkgqY_1ORJL-2VBvxZN0t3x8ExWojXGJ49CIu1BRmqjtI5FTct264/s1440/20201118_093229.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1440" data-original-width="1440" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjdd-6Kf6BDFNz8ZiB_IV1bwp6SjMe4siTFxcvlM0uHTLBJFCx-WgJIgHLTcUtSGADblC03wM9_rjm2l0Kcm-lwbGlkgqY_1ORJL-2VBvxZN0t3x8ExWojXGJ49CIu1BRmqjtI5FTct264/w200-h200/20201118_093229.jpg" width="200" /></a></div><div><br /></div>Create your stitches around both tail and loop, <br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhOaUUCoKK08hvuIv2qN7pZXzEIaB_eQ_1yQTsEmJCQUNr6LAjEmNSou1AoxMOTfEtE9xko5NgIRSpStA6ahJz0L8U9wHkM2btj06jjBgABTHVKukl5DH9-aoNUnCjrzSIiZJ8koKEj7qI/s1440/20201118_093315.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1440" data-original-width="1440" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhOaUUCoKK08hvuIv2qN7pZXzEIaB_eQ_1yQTsEmJCQUNr6LAjEmNSou1AoxMOTfEtE9xko5NgIRSpStA6ahJz0L8U9wHkM2btj06jjBgABTHVKukl5DH9-aoNUnCjrzSIiZJ8koKEj7qI/w200-h200/20201118_093315.jpg" width="200" /></a></div><br /></div>When you have reached your desired amount of stitches, move the tail out from inside the loop.<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjeQetYZiDrl8IwBZYPmLK3ma-r-E_hgK_dtuW6yZCY9G6GfGytYaGZ2M5nnG9tsZ68KjzNCKoLjiETzuu3783MoQvZJ05HPnLlP1JwNbi_U5ACsN-tB-lRqED03EYXe9K_iqvRMUUurUY/s1440/20201118_093341.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1440" data-original-width="1440" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjeQetYZiDrl8IwBZYPmLK3ma-r-E_hgK_dtuW6yZCY9G6GfGytYaGZ2M5nnG9tsZ68KjzNCKoLjiETzuu3783MoQvZJ05HPnLlP1JwNbi_U5ACsN-tB-lRqED03EYXe9K_iqvRMUUurUY/w200-h200/20201118_093341.jpg" width="200" /></a></div><br /></div>Grab the tail and pull until the hole is closed. </div><div>Most (I have noticed) stop right there BUT I have found that when working the next round the center will become loose a bit. </div><div>Well with amigurumi, that just wont do.<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEizKF66mXCUUP3rNnSJALvhsYZg9lFaQpkFgQenycbZhFJ9QFs0a_B8QCcAB9ugRHI2Nw9YG4X03VcCmYVGA2D5mdb1ke7Iy5z0uztmjSeEUBNQ40Ru98w1mKuds_Cppc3KFecGh918L2E/s1440/20201118_093427.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1440" data-original-width="1440" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEizKF66mXCUUP3rNnSJALvhsYZg9lFaQpkFgQenycbZhFJ9QFs0a_B8QCcAB9ugRHI2Nw9YG4X03VcCmYVGA2D5mdb1ke7Iy5z0uztmjSeEUBNQ40Ru98w1mKuds_Cppc3KFecGh918L2E/w200-h200/20201118_093427.jpg" width="200" /></a><br /></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div>After completing round 2, grab the tail and pull it snug again and this time put 3 knots on it as close to the work as possible. </div><div>How I do that is by laying the piece flat, making a loose knot and holding my finger over it while pulling, this lays the knot right at the starting point of the tail, then I repeat 2 more times. The reason I do 3 is to make the knot larger that the stitches so no way is it going to work through and loosen.<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi-IIVVFBJZM_C8929Ty4c_ZINniSax8A_6WVw8rYhVdu_OWAXGhyvAM0JDK-H7YFGyzDJXsS8_-wh1I4i8Q909-HihO5t_5ZDsMElwdFwwOEUMGUWyjDKyR8iV8SRTiL1j0pHgithdW_4/s1440/20201118_093643.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1440" data-original-width="1440" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi-IIVVFBJZM_C8929Ty4c_ZINniSax8A_6WVw8rYhVdu_OWAXGhyvAM0JDK-H7YFGyzDJXsS8_-wh1I4i8Q909-HihO5t_5ZDsMElwdFwwOEUMGUWyjDKyR8iV8SRTiL1j0pHgithdW_4/w200-h200/20201118_093643.jpg" width="200" /></a></div><div><br /></div>And there you have it, a nice magic circle with no hole and secured to not come loose.<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjBO11PKmyzyh04Ba1pR0p3FXH6ogblExLX98kPXr1dT8uVpnNbZbLcDKuQj-4uacV9XX8Dr1xPw3pzYK5W_5hPDc8I5cx4n47ZdhdXDuV2leaMC9XtnRyLofhUp307c_TZZK7rdqDmk8g/s1440/20201118_095026.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1440" data-original-width="1440" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjBO11PKmyzyh04Ba1pR0p3FXH6ogblExLX98kPXr1dT8uVpnNbZbLcDKuQj-4uacV9XX8Dr1xPw3pzYK5W_5hPDc8I5cx4n47ZdhdXDuV2leaMC9XtnRyLofhUp307c_TZZK7rdqDmk8g/w200-h200/20201118_095026.jpg" width="200" /></a></div></div><br />I hope this picture tutorial was helpful AND if at first you don't succeed, try, try again.<div><br /></div><div>Happy crocheting!<br /><p><br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><br /><br /><p><br /></p></div></div>Heatherhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16979939882187985994noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6051090815181747298.post-53369424877851177062020-11-20T06:00:00.006-08:002020-11-20T06:00:03.027-08:00Southern Gal's Crochet beginnings...<p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgF97yjvxx3ku0CNVI8T57SthgthoyRzsgrRninpHHdadgTvcPxxbYwBNweFf3uqxTYS5savotzDOeniy0Y8kTClDOLXKl-30JIZLKXNZL1NmSkiEMYR8aBq55Vt49qVaUycikgFmQcP7w/s1440/20201030_102150%255B1%255D.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1440" data-original-width="1440" height="287" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgF97yjvxx3ku0CNVI8T57SthgthoyRzsgrRninpHHdadgTvcPxxbYwBNweFf3uqxTYS5savotzDOeniy0Y8kTClDOLXKl-30JIZLKXNZL1NmSkiEMYR8aBq55Vt49qVaUycikgFmQcP7w/w287-h287/20201030_102150%255B1%255D.jpg" width="287" /></a></div><br /> <p></p><p>So if you missed the first part... <a href="https://southerngalscrochet.blogspot.com/2020/11/leading-up-to-southern-gals-crochet.html" target="_blank">Leading up to Southern Gal's Crochet</a>.</p><p>Welcome to the beginning of Southern Gal's Crochet.</p><p>I left off with falling in love with making Amigurumi. This lead to exploring as many patterns as I could get my hands on and quickly realizing patterns are written in various different ways, each designer had their own style just like crocheters. I was learning heaps and had boxes filled with finished products. </p><p>With all these finished products hanging around I needed to do something with them. So I opened a Etsy shop. The first thing they ask for is a shop name, I had no clue what name to be. That was torture for me, my family and friends, eventually it was decided Southern Gal's Crochet was good. </p><p>Selling my finished items and making custom orders went well but I knew it wasn't where my heart was at, I knew I wanted to write patterns for all the ideas I had floating in my head. </p><p>I wrote my first pattern in 2011, I was thrilled with myself. LOL! I laugh cause I was so naive. I had no clue about the legal stuff, protecting your work and making a quality pattern. Heck I didn't even know that you were supposed to get those patterns tested before publishing. </p><p>Yes. Yes I did! I really released a pattern untested and with zero step photos. I hang my head in shame. I soon realized I had made a mistake when I started getting mean messages from customers unhappy with the quality of pattern they purchased. I look back and I don't blame them at all, today I would totally do the same thing, maybe not as mean.</p><p>I worked hard at making my patterns better and with a little more style. Slowly building it up one pattern at a time, in just a few years I had a about a dozen patterns. It probably would've been more but I was still taking orders from family and friends. </p><p>One day in 2018 I decided that was it, no more orders, I was going to switch over to just patterns. </p><p>I am glad I did. It freed my creative mind to flow, the pattern ideas were coming at me faster than I could make them. My testers were so busy I had 2 or 3 patterns being tested at once, it was crazy!<br /><br />Thankfully I got control of my mania and settled into a nice groove. I still get lots of ideas and jot them down but I am not frantically trying to do them all at once anymore. At this slower pace, even if I wasn't to get another idea, I would still have enough to last a few more years. Haha.<br /><br />I hoped you enjoyed getting to know me a little better and of how it all began is still going.<br /><br /></p><p>Happy Crocheting!<br />Heather Welch</p>Heatherhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16979939882187985994noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6051090815181747298.post-79112347772877114672020-11-13T06:00:00.053-08:002020-11-13T06:00:00.190-08:00Leading up to Southern Gal's Crochet...<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjD25TyJUXeF9X_0voQNfKUAWnCc758Q2fLEv003wljFkQ6M4Cynn0ZT7kUup6a-L7GIp4adCmWrmBRnT0A2kTQcKzrXoXWSg1fUpTCmkJ6lW3zI57QhFZtPzny2KEhGzF4dHb8OPK2PdI/s1197/101_1558.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1197" data-original-width="900" height="241" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjD25TyJUXeF9X_0voQNfKUAWnCc758Q2fLEv003wljFkQ6M4Cynn0ZT7kUup6a-L7GIp4adCmWrmBRnT0A2kTQcKzrXoXWSg1fUpTCmkJ6lW3zI57QhFZtPzny2KEhGzF4dHb8OPK2PdI/w182-h241/101_1558.JPG" width="182" /></a></div><br /><p>I have always (or so it seems) known how to crochet. Haha, okay not really but I have been surrounded by it from various family members and friends growing up. </p><p>My earliest memory of yarn was when I was about 6, my Nana knitting and my Grammy crocheting. I remember watching them but never asking anything about it.</p><p>When my father remarried when I was 7, my step mother (mom) brought yarn into my life, she was a crocheter. I just recently recalled my first toy with her and it was an octopus. Green and blue yarn wrapped around a Styrofoam ball, the legs were braids and the eyes were made with red felt. I was so proud of that thing! LOL!</p><p>When I was 8 or 9, I went to camp and learned how to make a chain on my fingers. The Christmas tree that year had lots of chains on it. Hey, my mom had to find something to do with all my practice work!</p><p>We had a friend of the family that babysat us occasionally and she decided I needed to move to the next level and taught me how to crochet a single crochet stitch blanket for my Barbie. Well lets just say Barbie got a triangle blanket but a blanket none the less. I eventually taught myself how to quit loosing stitches and also how to do a double crochet (not know that was what it was called).</p><p>After picking up crochet for a blanket or scarf now and again through out the years, life had a way of always bringing me back to crochet. Whether it be passing the time while 18 wheeling back and forth across the country or coming home and having nothing to do, so I pick up the hook once again.</p><p>Many blankets and scarves were made over the decades.</p><p>Till one day shortly after getting my very first computer in April 2008, I decided to check out the website on the label of the Red Heart skein I had. To my surprise they had patterns!, I was in awe, but sadly I had never learned to read a pattern. After picking a blanket design and saving every chart I could find, I took on the task of figuring it out. I remember calling my best friend to share with her my exciting achievement.</p><p>After many patterns, failures and frustrated tears, by 2011 I was feeling brave enough to try a toy. I saw this book in the craft store called Sugar'n Cream Bright Ideas and it had a set of monsters in it. I just had to try them!</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjdt9HsjjXBbjw3VpR_diXNqDZWTom7tlMGdYvryx47x3SNQ_Erj4thJndcjV4q0OsG3Hz7UB53iQgGw2aNsNF454N73OpYthwnUlzbCy9_UreMMg2PjEYomSPujTI_7qQlfsfsQpuplA8/s800/103_0864.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="600" data-original-width="800" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjdt9HsjjXBbjw3VpR_diXNqDZWTom7tlMGdYvryx47x3SNQ_Erj4thJndcjV4q0OsG3Hz7UB53iQgGw2aNsNF454N73OpYthwnUlzbCy9_UreMMg2PjEYomSPujTI_7qQlfsfsQpuplA8/s320/103_0864.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><br /><p>The original pattern called for felt for the face pieces, I didn't any so I had to figure out how to make the faces in crochet, which pushed my brain to be creative.</p><p>I fell in love with making Amigurumi!</p><p>It was a love that drove my creativity to blossom.</p><p>To be continued...</p><p><br /></p>Heatherhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16979939882187985994noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6051090815181747298.post-40365834769612602052020-11-05T14:21:00.007-08:002020-12-22T13:36:33.649-08:00Frog, frogging and using frogged yarn<p><span style="font-family: arial;"><br /></span></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEii3Mi8zoSRIbeOoBcaeOQ6htzvokagboP66N0PTkNs5agrHA0Df1IhJDPdkFi_gXYJ5LJG5Os6-thxl2Ml6ZU5h4Z-Tc77GV2kymLdI4B7O8IRGgXdAjPMhC_HzvyWLYbIqPtnYpobeZg/s1440/20201105_094207.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1440" data-original-width="1440" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEii3Mi8zoSRIbeOoBcaeOQ6htzvokagboP66N0PTkNs5agrHA0Df1IhJDPdkFi_gXYJ5LJG5Os6-thxl2Ml6ZU5h4Z-Tc77GV2kymLdI4B7O8IRGgXdAjPMhC_HzvyWLYbIqPtnYpobeZg/s320/20201105_094207.jpg" /></a></div><br /><span style="font-family: arial;"><span id="docs-internal-guid-11747769-7fff-0944-4979-33d85f2ce153"><p dir="ltr" style="background-color: white; line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 12pt; padding: 0pt 0pt 12pt 0pt;"><span style="background-color: transparent; color: #111111; font-family: "Open Sans", sans-serif; font-size: 12pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">The title is making me laugh, it feels like I am doing a tongue twister! </span></p><p dir="ltr" style="background-color: white; line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; padding: 0pt 0pt 12pt 0pt;"><span style="background-color: transparent; color: #111111; font-family: "Open Sans", sans-serif; font-size: 12pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Kidding aside, let's get to it.</span></p><p dir="ltr" style="background-color: white; line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 12pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="background-color: transparent; color: #111111; font-family: "Open Sans", sans-serif; font-size: 12pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">What is frog or frogging in the crochet world? Frog or frogging comes from the phrase "rip it" "rip it".</span></p><p dir="ltr" style="background-color: white; line-height: 1.656; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 8pt;"><span style="background-color: transparent; color: #111111; font-family: "Open Sans", sans-serif; font-size: 12pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Say that fast enough or with an accent and "Rip it" can sound like "Ribbit" like a frog.</span></p><p dir="ltr" style="background-color: white; line-height: 1.656; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="background-color: transparent; color: #111111; font-family: "Open Sans", sans-serif; font-size: 12pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Where does "rip it" fit in to crochet? Generally when mistakes are made you will need to undo the stitches back to where the mistake is.</span></p><p dir="ltr" style="background-color: white; line-height: 1.656; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="background-color: transparent; color: #111111; font-family: "Open Sans", sans-serif; font-size: 12pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">If it is a large amount, you grab the yarn and just start ripping (a.k.a frogging) them out.</span></p><p dir="ltr" style="background-color: white; line-height: 1.656; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="background-color: transparent; color: #111111; font-family: "Open Sans", sans-serif; font-size: 12pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">If asking your fellow crocheters what to do about a mistake rounds or rows back, the typical answer will be to "rip it" or frog it.</span></p><p dir="ltr" style="background-color: white; line-height: 1.656; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="background-color: transparent; color: #111111; font-family: "Open Sans", sans-serif; font-size: 12pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Now that you know what frog and frogging are and how they apply to crochet, we will talk about the yarn that you just frogged.</span></p><p dir="ltr" style="background-color: white; line-height: 1.656; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="background-color: transparent; color: #111111; font-family: "Open Sans", sans-serif; font-size: 12pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Most crocheters will do everything they can not to waste yarn as it can be quite expensive depending on location or preference.</span></p><p dir="ltr" style="background-color: white; line-height: 1.656; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="background-color: transparent; color: #111111; font-family: "Open Sans", sans-serif; font-size: 12pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">They will frog out the yarn, fix the mistake and continue on using the same yarn they just frogged.</span></p><p dir="ltr" style="background-color: white; line-height: 1.656; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="background-color: transparent; color: #111111; font-family: "Open Sans", sans-serif; font-size: 12pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">I do not.</span></p><p dir="ltr" style="background-color: white; line-height: 1.656; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="background-color: transparent; color: #111111; font-family: "Open Sans", sans-serif; font-size: 12pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">I will do my best to explain why.</span></p><p dir="ltr" style="background-color: white; line-height: 1.656; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="background-color: transparent; color: #111111; font-family: "Open Sans", sans-serif; font-size: 12pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">But let me clarify that I also do not use expensive yarn.</span></p><p dir="ltr" style="background-color: white; line-height: 1.656; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="background-color: transparent; color: #111111; font-family: "Open Sans", sans-serif; font-size: 12pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Almost all of my patterns are done using yarns in either Red Heart super saver or Bernat super value.</span></p><p dir="ltr" style="background-color: white; line-height: 1.656; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="background-color: transparent; color: #111111; font-family: "Open Sans", sans-serif; font-size: 12pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">These are acrylic yarns that are common in the USA and Canada.</span></p><p dir="ltr" style="background-color: white; line-height: 1.656; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="background-color: transparent; color: #111111; font-family: "Open Sans", sans-serif; font-size: 12pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">For Amigurumi I choose these yarns for their hold, durability and value of course.</span></p><p dir="ltr" style="background-color: white; line-height: 1.656; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="background-color: transparent; color: #111111; font-family: "Open Sans", sans-serif; font-size: 12pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">But (there is always a but...) I do find that these yarns don't stay the same after frogging, I couldn't say whether other yarns do this as well but I am assuming probably.</span></p><p dir="ltr" style="background-color: white; line-height: 1.656; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="background-color: transparent; color: #111111; font-family: "Open Sans", sans-serif; font-size: 12pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">As you can see in the picture below, that there are certain points in the frogged yarn that have been compressed, smooshed or stretched.</span></p><p dir="ltr" style="background-color: white; line-height: 1.656; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; padding: 0pt 0pt 8pt 0pt;"><span style="background-color: transparent; color: #111111; font-family: "Open Sans", sans-serif; font-size: 12pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">I like to use the word compressed.</span></p><div><br /></div></span></span><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiA8bnAGir0ExvEakqbC1c7Nr4eTlQF17VCBeQc01LlCN9LdOikwxPTQC5ORXLwiNHpaIZGWggth9HT6gIIyDCkaVuHcBr4eUYj5QxkagE0WehZACeqAbpodmi_IVkKOdcSp6AVpxS997Y/s1440/20201105_093342.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1440" data-original-width="1440" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiA8bnAGir0ExvEakqbC1c7Nr4eTlQF17VCBeQc01LlCN9LdOikwxPTQC5ORXLwiNHpaIZGWggth9HT6gIIyDCkaVuHcBr4eUYj5QxkagE0WehZACeqAbpodmi_IVkKOdcSp6AVpxS997Y/s320/20201105_093342.jpg" /></span></a></div><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /><span style="background-color: transparent; color: #111111; font-size: 12pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre;"><span id="docs-internal-guid-763ddf4a-7fff-41a2-4fa4-9e9f51895e93"><span style="font-family: "Open Sans", sans-serif; font-size: 12pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Say I do the first 5 rnds of a head with my trusty G (4.00mm)hook, my gauge is going to be 5 sts and 5 rnds is 1 inch square.</span></span><br /></span></span><p></p><p><span id="docs-internal-guid-05e42688-7fff-c0ae-2018-7301bf91aad8" style="font-family: inherit;"></span></p><p dir="ltr" style="background-color: white; line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 8pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><br /></p><p dir="ltr" style="background-color: white; line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 8pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="background-color: transparent; color: #111111; font-size: 12pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre;"> </span><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiLRkRzuiFqDgiWD0z3q7c9KaVXQJW112LFsr6hQiCC28BeueuajAtL5fLMLFvgypAD8b7olM6o4_up3gRrSkjObTbSkLLMcWaGt6Gv2sAjQwPvAArs1tD5TOJE_sPI2AAAyZR5-_VTqiA/s1440/20201105_075652.jpg" style="background-color: transparent; margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1440" data-original-width="1440" height="196" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiLRkRzuiFqDgiWD0z3q7c9KaVXQJW112LFsr6hQiCC28BeueuajAtL5fLMLFvgypAD8b7olM6o4_up3gRrSkjObTbSkLLMcWaGt6Gv2sAjQwPvAArs1tD5TOJE_sPI2AAAyZR5-_VTqiA/w196-h196/20201105_075652.jpg" width="196" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhpO3k4WXbhjYFNo0N9o-Wx4ID-oD0rQGLV-_KLqc06VX3iGkDrzX3h1EE5vhwcxko1odhCsWygY15vZwtPJwwPuQTVi62j4DzTqtPX5IdAYeHSPFVDrmQ8AVZNOAfGKi2fqV3L0x1I5lw/s1440/20201105_075620.jpg" style="background-color: transparent; margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1440" data-original-width="1440" height="196" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhpO3k4WXbhjYFNo0N9o-Wx4ID-oD0rQGLV-_KLqc06VX3iGkDrzX3h1EE5vhwcxko1odhCsWygY15vZwtPJwwPuQTVi62j4DzTqtPX5IdAYeHSPFVDrmQ8AVZNOAfGKi2fqV3L0x1I5lw/w196-h196/20201105_075620.jpg" width="196" /></a></span></p><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span><p dir="ltr" style="background-color: white; line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 8pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span id="docs-internal-guid-c7ae9126-7fff-360e-312a-4f4fa57f6a5a"><span style="background-color: transparent; color: #111111; font-family: "Open Sans", sans-serif; font-size: 12pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">But if I do this with frogged yarn, my gauge turns into 7/8 of an inch square</span></span></p><p dir="ltr" style="background-color: white; line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 8pt; margin-top: 0pt;"></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgBKwDKnmHT1UpWS8fhAwq8ZbKnoK1DwxTrnDT8OGfv15KxeH72awD6xBhuF-wtHsopyQYkrMppiWXuN3XXGsrateZsHO-nfmqDaf2Gx0B6oX4f67o7Z36WhP6cXaM_bt_F68SHPSskzhE/s1440/20201105_145516.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1440" data-original-width="1440" height="203" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgBKwDKnmHT1UpWS8fhAwq8ZbKnoK1DwxTrnDT8OGfv15KxeH72awD6xBhuF-wtHsopyQYkrMppiWXuN3XXGsrateZsHO-nfmqDaf2Gx0B6oX4f67o7Z36WhP6cXaM_bt_F68SHPSskzhE/w203-h203/20201105_145516.jpg" width="203" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhZb1JZsvskDeqP7DSFQ27cY77xvmAW6RF5CWJIwJax5rd5ank-YKUVbGxUBYtkLDO09owraCfLqjJdNitVd5lhSpbRlthuwnL9pkDCSPxo7NDBuyTZ-FJQqbha3DPtYgK7SimShDhyphenhyphent74/s1440/20201105_145547.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1440" data-original-width="1440" height="203" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhZb1JZsvskDeqP7DSFQ27cY77xvmAW6RF5CWJIwJax5rd5ank-YKUVbGxUBYtkLDO09owraCfLqjJdNitVd5lhSpbRlthuwnL9pkDCSPxo7NDBuyTZ-FJQqbha3DPtYgK7SimShDhyphenhyphent74/w203-h203/20201105_145547.jpg" width="203" /></a></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span id="docs-internal-guid-5cd32707-7fff-a3d0-eebb-41f4f8ede5db"><p dir="ltr" style="background-color: white; line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 8pt; padding: 0pt 0pt 8pt 0pt;"><span style="background-color: transparent; color: #111111; font-family: "Open Sans", sans-serif; font-size: 12pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">So there is an obvious difference. </span></p><p dir="ltr" style="background-color: white; line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; padding: 0pt 0pt 8pt 0pt;"> </p><p dir="ltr" style="background-color: white; line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; padding: 0pt 0pt 8pt 0pt;"><span style="background-color: transparent; color: #111111; font-family: "Open Sans", sans-serif; font-size: 12pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">If I am just going to frog a few stitches or even just one round, I will use the same frogged yarn cause the difference wont hurt the project overall. </span></p><p dir="ltr" style="background-color: white; line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; padding: 0pt 0pt 8pt 0pt;"><span style="background-color: transparent; color: #111111; font-family: "Open Sans", sans-serif; font-size: 12pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">If I need to frog a good portion of the work, I will cut the yarn and attach fresh yarn. </span></p><p dir="ltr" style="background-color: white; line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; padding: 0pt 0pt 8pt 0pt;"><span style="background-color: transparent; color: #111111; font-family: "Open Sans", sans-serif; font-size: 12pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Now keep in mind attaching new yarn works very well with amigurumi but not so much with other crocheted items. </span></p><p dir="ltr" style="background-color: white; line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; padding: 0pt 0pt 8pt 0pt;"> </p><p dir="ltr" style="background-color: white; line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; padding: 0pt 0pt 8pt 0pt;"><span style="background-color: transparent; color: #111111; font-family: "Open Sans", sans-serif; font-size: 12pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Most of the crocheters I have talked to about this subject hadn't noticed the difference until they tried it themselves. I encourage you to give it a try and see if your crochet style ends up with a difference. Some projects this will matter and some it wont, it is all up to your personal preference and crochet style. </span></p><p dir="ltr" style="background-color: white; line-height: 1.656; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; padding: 0pt 0pt 8pt 0pt;"> </p><p dir="ltr" style="background-color: white; line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 8pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="background-color: transparent; color: #111111; font-family: "Open Sans", sans-serif; font-size: 12pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Hope this was informative and helpful, happy crocheting!</span></p><div><span style="background-color: transparent; color: #111111; font-family: "Open Sans", sans-serif; font-size: 12pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><br /></span></div></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><br /><span style="background-color: transparent; color: #111111; font-family: Arial; font-size: 12pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre;"><br /></span><p></p><p dir="ltr" style="background-color: white; line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 8pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="background-color: transparent; color: #111111; font-family: Arial; font-size: 12pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre;"><br /></span></p><p dir="ltr" style="background-color: white; line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 8pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="background-color: transparent; color: #111111; font-family: Arial; font-size: 12pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre;"><br /></span></p>Heatherhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16979939882187985994noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6051090815181747298.post-79895793448569824032020-10-30T11:44:00.003-07:002020-11-06T13:10:27.446-08:00Safety Eyes<p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEibPzuF-H78mK2ZvBe5hNOCjVHVEsABAMo_JB-XiukDVPxQGiEhNwSApAwl8rGo7pXaGJKxSmhIS1kvnrN7MnZ2jjtEcTMw8T5xWtllCSOHhyphenhyphenkWkEP5P_Edcgk9ASPZHGR5lPDm2LKj2iU/s1280/rs%253Dw_1280.webp" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1280" data-original-width="1280" height="303" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEibPzuF-H78mK2ZvBe5hNOCjVHVEsABAMo_JB-XiukDVPxQGiEhNwSApAwl8rGo7pXaGJKxSmhIS1kvnrN7MnZ2jjtEcTMw8T5xWtllCSOHhyphenhyphenkWkEP5P_Edcgk9ASPZHGR5lPDm2LKj2iU/w303-h303/rs%253Dw_1280.webp" width="303" /></a></div><br /><br /><p></p><p><span style="color: #111111; font-family: Arial; font-size: 12pt; white-space: pre-wrap;">Size:</span></p><span id="docs-internal-guid-a989d882-7fff-6743-0509-dca4919c5347"><p dir="ltr" style="background-color: white; line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; padding: 0pt 0pt 8pt;"><span style="background-color: transparent; color: #111111; font-family: Arial; font-size: 12pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Always use the size eyes called for in pattern or appropriate size for gauge, if you are using a bulkier yarn (thinner yarn) than the pattern calls for you will want to increase (decrease) the size of your safety eyes to keep the proportions correct.</span></p><p dir="ltr" style="background-color: white; line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; padding: 0pt 0pt 8pt;"> </p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"></p><hr /><p></p><p dir="ltr" style="background-color: white; line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; padding: 8pt 0pt;"> </p><p dir="ltr" style="background-color: white; line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; padding: 0pt 0pt 8pt;"><span style="background-color: transparent; color: #111111; font-family: Arial; font-size: 12pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Security:</span></p><p dir="ltr" style="background-color: white; line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; padding: 0pt 0pt 8pt;"><span style="background-color: transparent; color: #111111; font-family: Arial; font-size: 12pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">I have never had any of my eyes come loose and fall out or have the backs come off once applied properly but I have had the top portion of the eye break at the post (Note: it was a bad batch and once I threw them away, I have not experienced this again). I suggest giving the head of the eye a few good tugs just to be sure it's not faulty.</span></p><p dir="ltr" style="background-color: white; line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; padding: 0pt 0pt 8pt;"><span style="background-color: transparent; color: #111111; font-family: Arial; font-size: 12pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Other ways you can add extra security is to...</span></p><p dir="ltr" style="background-color: white; line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; padding: 0pt 0pt 8pt;"><span style="background-color: transparent; color: #111111; font-family: Arial; font-size: 12pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Add a spot of glue on the post before adding the backs.</span></p><p dir="ltr" style="background-color: white; line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; padding: 0pt 0pt 8pt;"><span style="background-color: transparent; color: #111111; font-family: Arial; font-size: 12pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Melt the tips of the post after adding the backs.</span></p><p dir="ltr" style="background-color: white; line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; padding: 0pt 0pt 8pt;"> </p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"></p><hr /><p></p><p dir="ltr" style="background-color: white; line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; padding: 8pt 0pt;"><span style="background-color: transparent; color: #111111; font-family: Arial; font-size: 12pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Placement:</span></p><p dir="ltr" style="background-color: white; line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; padding: 0pt 0pt 8pt;"><span style="background-color: transparent; color: #111111; font-family: Arial; font-size: 12pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">When applying safety eyes it is always important to make sure placement is precisely where you want it BEFORE attaching the backs. Also if you are using felt, yarn or floss behind the eyes, be sure to apply those BEFORE attaching the backs. Once those backs have been put on, they are permanent.</span></p><p dir="ltr" style="background-color: white; line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; padding: 0pt 0pt 8pt;"> </p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"></p><hr /><p></p><p dir="ltr" style="background-color: white; line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; padding: 8pt 0pt;"><span style="background-color: transparent; color: #111111; font-family: Arial; font-size: 12pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Purchase:</span></p><p dir="ltr" style="background-color: white; line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; padding: 0pt 0pt 8pt;"><span style="background-color: transparent; color: #111111; font-family: Arial; font-size: 12pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">All eyes used in Southern Gal's Crochet patterns were purchased at</span><span style="background-color: transparent; font-family: Arial; font-size: 12pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><a href="https://crscrafts.com/bear-supplies/eyes-bs/acrylic-animal-bs.html" style="color: #111111; text-decoration-line: none;"> </a><span style="color: #09757a;"><u><a href="https://crscrafts.com/bear-supplies/eyes-bs/acrylic-animal-bs.html?cat=6017&color=25" target="_blank">crscrafts</a></u></span></span><span style="background-color: transparent; color: #111111; font-family: Arial; font-size: 12pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">.</span></p><p dir="ltr" style="background-color: white; line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"> </p><br /></span>Heatherhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16979939882187985994noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6051090815181747298.post-34745088276142597282020-10-23T11:09:00.000-07:002020-11-05T14:42:15.858-08:00Southern Gal's Crochet evolving<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh3ygonlKYAS-yeFeP2zWaapZmPRkii_wdfJ7zz_4Tqq9SaJYunZ3x50o_GsqojZPYezSTmSsvo6Ix_pMVurY1CdWUE8NsHx9zX0yDf5xKrzQmIgHk8BZ10RMHXOcDmm-6p__ItgHpskSM/s1221/100_1996+chopped.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="504" data-original-width="1221" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh3ygonlKYAS-yeFeP2zWaapZmPRkii_wdfJ7zz_4Tqq9SaJYunZ3x50o_GsqojZPYezSTmSsvo6Ix_pMVurY1CdWUE8NsHx9zX0yDf5xKrzQmIgHk8BZ10RMHXOcDmm-6p__ItgHpskSM/s320/100_1996+chopped.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div><br /></div>Wow, it has been 9 years since I started Southern Gal's Crochet!<br /><br />
I started this blog when I was just learning to crochet other things than the typical square or rectangular things like blankets and scarves. <br />First this blog was about sharing my work, complaining about my work and various pattern problems, sharing the wonderful patterns I fell in love with.<br />
Then it evolved into just a place to store links to my favorite patterns and purse making supplies.<br />Eight yrs later and I still don't know exactly what I should be doing with this site but I do have it and I need to put it to good use.<br />
<br />
Now that I have been designing amigurumi patterns for the last few yrs. I think this is a good place to talk about tips and pointers that may help my audience in making a finished product from my patterns. <br /><br />Yes, that is going to be my goal.<br />
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Happy Crocheting!Heatherhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16979939882187985994noreply@blogger.com0