Amber Green asked:


Hello all crafty people,

So you are bored with regular crochet and want to add some zing to your craft? Have you tried bead crochet? It’s the logical step with limitless options. Bead crochet gives you the opportunity to combine two crafts - crochet and beading. With bead crochet, you can experiment with the numerous gorgeous beads available and include them in your exquisite crocheted creations.

Seed beads go great with party bags, as trimmings, in laces, handkerchief borders, scarves and tassels. Make seed bead ropes to be used as handles in bags. I saw instructions for making seed bead ropes at http://www.beadline.com/crochet/crochet.html.

String beads in the crochet yarn before starting the pattern and use them randomly or in specific order to add bling to whatever it is you plan to crochet. When stringing beads in the yarn, take care of your posture. Try using big beads and avoid the super tiny seed beads if you have eye problems. String the beads in broad daylight or an appropriately lit room.

Beads are great to make intricately designed patterns such as http://crochet.about.com/library/weekly/aa121299.htm.

Bigger beads can be used in bag handles to add an interesting element in otherwise simple looking bags. They can also be used as tassels in caplets, scarves, caps and shawls.
Guidelines, tips and tricks about crocheting with beads are given at:   

http://crochet.about.com/library/weekly/aa030197.htm

http://beadwork.about.com/library/weekly/aascratchcrochet.htm

http://www.beadwrangler.com/tips-crochet.htm

Go through beading related frequently asked questions (FAQs) at http://www.swallowhillcreations.com/FAQ.htm.

Links to bead crochet patterns are available at:

http://crochet.about.com/od/beadcrochet/Bead_Crochet_Crocheting_With_Beads.htm

http://home.inreach.com/marthac/beads.html

http://www.victoriancrochet.com/

http://www.crochetpatterncentral.com/directory/bead_crochet.php

Beads and crochet can be used to make wire crochet jewelry. Some beautiful patterns are shown on:

http://www.nezumiworld.com/crochet_011.htm

http://www.seafore.com/wire/wire.html

You can even go wild making bead crochet animals with help from http://www.beadcrochet.com/. The site also has a video to help visitors learn the technique.

Those who feel comfortable learning from a book can go to http://www.amazon.com/Bead-Crochet-Beadwork-How-Book/dp/193149942X and look at the beadwork how to book.

I guess you have enough material to keep you going. Happy beading.



TIMMY

Andy Palmer asked:


Every year the fashions change, but the colours are always on the same cycles. Spring and summer calls for bright and fresh colours while autumn and winter normally cries out for browns and blacks and all darker tones.

With new fashions, certain accessories change that boom into new crazes. One of these new crazes is crochet patterns. Remember the first time around crochet patterns were just for coasters and teapot covers.

Forget the old school patterns for curtains, or table mats and even coasters. Fashion is all about imagination and being able to look good and set a trend. This way is cheap and easy, it allows simple patterns to be transformed into great looks.
Ideas for a simple crochet pattern could be perfect as some detailing on a plain pair of jeans, to give an independent and imaginative look that no one else has. Using the colours in fashion, a crochet pattern could make a great, pretty handbag that you can change with the seasons. Why not finish off the outfit by crocheting a flower onto a jacket to give that final detail.

Patterns may come in different sizes and shapes, depending on what you want to use them for. Sometimes the crochet patterns will be in the form of animals or flags. For the more patriotic amongst us, colours can be matched with the yarn for the desired effect.

If you want crochet patterns there are so many out there, in magazines and online. There are thousands of designs available, but by using your own imagination you will come across great unique patterns that no one else has.

Look for free gifts with eBook purchases and links to patterns that could also be of interest to the novice or experienced crocheter.

It’s not only women who can benefit from crochet patterns, in tough times there are many designs for children’s clothes and designs for men as well. Why not individualize yourself by using a pattern for hats, gloves and scarves for the winter and light jackets in the summer? Men can use patterns for patches on jacket arms or starting a new trend on bike jackets and bowling shirts for example.

There are vintage patterns available for women in the form of scarves, capes and coats for independent fashion in the colder months.

Making a crochet pattern can be quite easy if you have basic knowledge of crocheting and the stitches that make different patterns. After that all that is needed to complete the item is the yarn and correct size hook for the design you want to portray.

To make your own crochet pattern it may be a good idea to draw it out on paper first. Once the layout is complete you can take the pattern to a local yarn shop for advice on the ideal yarn and perfect colours. Make sure you get the right weight of yarn as this will determine if the item is expandable or not.

If you are new to crochet, if is worth trying some already completed patterns before trying your own, to get a feel for the yarn thickness and weight, before moving onto more advanced designs and making patterns for yourself.

The most productive way to learn pattern techniques are through books and can be found on the internet at good prices and sometimes even free!

These sources show the designs and stitches involved and how to do it so anyone can catch on with a little practice.

There are still plenty of patterns to be found in charity shops and at shopping malls. Speciality shops normally have a good collection of designs. Try going into the shop and picking up a made piece to feel the weight and texture before purchasing the pattern. This will help you when you get home and start crocheting yourself.

Remember those coasters and table mats from earlier? Why not turn those into a fashion statement? These can be used for everyday wear and turned into all sorts of fashion items; just use your imagination! Why buy it from the shops when you can do it yourself without leaving your home, and for half the price at home?

Yes, I’m not pretending that using crochet patterns and learning a new hobby is quick and easy, but all your hard work will definitely pay off when you are complimented on your individual style. No one else will ever have the same look, even if they use the same pattern as each piece is totally unique. With a little imagination and able hands the opportunities for fashion are endless!

Crochet patterns and designs don’t always have to be brand new, Vintage patterns have recently come back into fashion and can be used for any season using lighter yarn and colour for the summer and not forgetting darker and heavier yarns for the winter. That said who am I to say when and how you should wear your crocheted items?



ED

Missy Beckett asked:


When you think of learning a new skill like crochet or maybe even knitting, it often seems like it is something that will require a huge investment in time and result in many frustrating hours trying to learn something that looks almost impossible when you observe someone who has years of experience.

Actually, learning how to crochet is a lot less difficult than you may think. I have personally taught people to crochet in as little as 20 minutes. That’s not to say that they know how to perform every stitch and make any project imaginable, but they do come away with a basic knowledge of crochet which certainly allows them to start creating their own items right away. It is very easy to learn how to crochet things like dish towels and scarves.
If you have explored the world of crochet at all, you may have heard the names of various kinds of stitches that sound a bit strange. Things like the cluster stitch and reverse single crochet stitch. Yes, it can take some time to learn some of the more advanced techniques, but there is a vast array of things that can be made with the knowlegde of just three of four easy stitches. That is all it takes to get you started and keep you busy with different project for quite a while.

There are other possible benefits to learning crochet as well. Some people find that they have a natural talent for creating their very own designs and may even decide to start their own small business selling the items or the patterns that can be used by others to make them. Although there are thousands of free patterns available on the internet, original and unique patterns are still purchased by crochet enthusiasts all the time.

 

If crochet is something you have thought about learning and have held back because it seems too difficult, you owe it to yourself to give it a try. With the proper instruction, the vast majority of people pick it up quite quickly and easily. Don’t hold back. Take that first step today to learn crochet and find out if it is something you will enjoy.



LAMAR

expertvillage asked:

It is typical for a more advanced crocheter to change colors in the middle of a project. Learn how to start crocheting a new color into ahat from a crochet expert in this free video clip. Expert: Ariel Kay Bio: Ariel Kay has grown up making arts and crafts, and has been crocheting hats and scarves for two years. Filmmaker: MAKE | MEDIA

EMILE

Libby D asked:


I’m planning on making some afghans, scarves and shawls and I’m trying to make a price range. I’m thinking a base rate plus whatever the yarn cost and if there was a particularly troublesome stitch, I’d add on for that. But what would you be willing to pay for each item? (A range of prices would be very much appreciated!)

GALE