…est and online! Finding a Bead Crochet Pattern Much of the bead crocheting comes out of Eastern Europe, so it’s a good thing that patterns don’t use a lot of words! If you search Pinterest for ‘bead crochet pattern’, you’ll find oodles! You can also search Etsy and you’ll discover a number of patterns. They vary greatly in complexity and size, but don’t worry… I’ll talk about all of that! Today…
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Wanna peek inside my finished studio?
…rom our move! So… do you want to see my finished studio? Okie dokie! Come in and have a look around! I’ve set up one of my favorite pieces of furniture: an old icebox from my grandmother’s house (yes! it’s really a wooden box that you used to put ice inside!). I’m using it to store the yarn for my kits: The next piece that I’m particularly pleased with is an old ladder that I bought while we were in Lancaster Co…
Continue ReadingKeep your crochet from unravelling!
…230; Step 1: remove your hook Step 2: insert locking stitch marker. First, open up the stitch marker (or safety pin)… Slip the stitch marker into the loop that you removed your hook from: Then, close the stitch marker: You’re done! That’s right… you can drag your crochet around all you want now, it’s not going to unravel! Wasn’t that simple? Hope it’s a useful tip for you! Come back every Tuesday for a new…
Continue ReadingInterview with Kristen Rask from Plush You! and Schmancy Toys
…n but you can see some pics on my Twitter. Applications for next year will open up most likely in Feb. Anyone interested should sign up for my mailing list so you don’ t miss the application deadline! As the curator, you’ve probably seen everything! Do you have any submission tips for newbie plush makers? Any common mistakes in submissions that make you thwak your forehead? And what makes a submission really jump out at you and win you…
Continue ReadingHow to tie a knot in amigurumi
…e loop that your left hand is holding: Now, you want to pull the knot snug. Pull the yarn (you can remove the tapestry needle if you’d like): And you’re done! It looks a little complicated at first, but once you do it a few times, it becomes second nature! And this trick results in a firm and secure knot… gotta love that!…
Continue ReadingA Yarn Lover’s Guide to Sydney, Australia
…pplies. It’s stocked slightly differently than an American shop (for example, you’ll find a hat-making aisle and kangaroo scrapbooking supplies), so I doubt you’ll walk out empty-handed. 3. Darling Harbour Souvenir shops. Walk west along Market Street, and you’ll head over to Darling Harbour, which is full of souvenir shops. I wouldn’t usually recommend going to these (usually junky) shops, but this is where you’…
Continue ReadingHow to use a stitch marker for amigurumi
….) Everyone has their favorites, but the most important thing is that they open and close! Don’t get fooled into buying those ordinary ring markers that are for knitting needles… they don’t work for us crocheters! Do you have your stitch markers ready? Let me get you and your new best friend acquainted! Handy use #1: mark the end of the round The most common problem crocheters have in making amigurumi is losing track of where the…
Continue ReadingBetter Photography: creating a seamless white background
…rners: these tend to be the darkest parts of the photo Be cautious when it comes to shadow: you may want to leave the existing shadow in place. It can be difficult to remove and still have the item look natural. If you’re having to do a lot of painting, this might be a clue that the exposure needs to be higher (see step 1). If you’re painting close to the item, you might want to zoom in and use a smaller brush: Ta da! Here’s how…
Continue ReadingKool Aid Bear!
…y. If the yarn feels crunchy, give it another rinse. The color won’t come out. Here’s my finished skein: Pretty, huh? Crochet your bear! To crochet your bear, wind up your skein into a ball and crochet according to the directions! Since there’s only one color, you’ll be using the yarn for both the MC and CC. For Teddy’s nose, I picked a spot of super-orange yarn… it really contrasts! New to using a skein? If thi…
Continue ReadingAmi Club by FreshStitches
…ns, Ami Club is the place for you! Ami Club is a amigurumi-focused crochet community built for learning, sharing crochet techniques, showing off your latest projects… and of course, having fun! Join in on crochet-a-longs, swaps and other events! Club membership includes: A new, exclusive amgurumi pattern download each month Access to exclusive video, e-book and tutorial content Membership to the FreshStitches forums 10% discount off all craf…
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