How would you feel if you received a gift such as this?
I am not the best at handiwork, but I taught myself to crochet.
I know the basics--chain (ch), single crochet (sc), half-double crochet (hdc), and double crochet (dc). I know how to do things in a single line or row. I can skip a stitch and crochet in the spaces. What I have trouble following is the fancier pattern. And, as far as gauge, I am all over the place.
Because of this, it is why I can crochet simple winter scarves, like those I am working on at the moment. Depending on the size of the crochet hook, and the bulk of the yarn, I chain however many that I want the length to be, and then do what I know how to do.
Currently, I am working on three scarves with a bulkier yarn, and larger hooks (N-13 (9mm), and P-16 (11.5mm). All three yarns are Lion Brand Yarns in the Hometown USA collection. All are 100% acrylic yarns and machine washable and dryable. They are considered "Super Bulky"
On the first scarf in a color called "Key Largo Tweed," I used the N-hook, and chained 135 to get started. It is a single crochet using the back loop of each stitch, which gives it the ribbed effect. I needed three 4-oz. (113 g) skeins to finish it. I started it on Tuesday and finished on Wednesday.
I used the P-hook and same weight yarn for the second scarf in a pink variety called "Phoenix Azalea" of the same yarn, chaining 100 to get started. (The original directions were to chain 85, but I found it to be a bit short, due perhaps to the tightness of my gauge.) You can see the size of the hook to be nearly as big as my fingers. It is a little difficult to get used to the bigger size.
I finished the first skein yesterday afternoon, and will try to finish the project this evening or tomorrow. Hopefully, it will only require two of the 4-oz. skeins.
When you compare the two pieces together, you can see how using the same yarn and same pattern will give a looser, softer garment in the pink. The finished project is heavier, and required the three skeins. I am hoping that two will be sufficient for the pink.
The third scarf will be crocheted a bit differently. I have two 5-oz. (142 g) skeins in a solid color, "Washington Denim." (See the two skeins in the background of the first picture shared.) I am not yet sure of the pattern I will use.
I picked out the blue jean color specifically for a gift for one person. When someone can (literally) buy anything for him- or herself, money being no object, a hand-crocheted scarf seem to be one of very few options.
I simply wish I were better at crocheting than I am. I would like them to be a bit fancier.
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© 2015 Coral Levang
FOPP - Crochet - CrochetProjects - Yarn - HomemadeGifts - EasyScarfProjects - Holidays
Image Credit » Author's photograph
Comments
CalmGemini wrote on November 28, 2015, 11:37 AM
It is all Greek to me.I do not know anything about crocheting.But i am glad to note that some people are going to get these gifts made with your hands, CoralLevang .
CoralLevang wrote on November 28, 2015, 11:44 AM
CalmGemini Most of it is Greek to me, too. *laughs* I bought cotton yarn to crochet cloths to handwash dishes. They have always been my favorites, and I will buy them at holiday bazaars. I thought I could start to make them myself, so I bought a book and a cone of this type of yarn, so I can get 7 cloths from a cone, running me a dollar or so. I have already ripped out two 2-inch starts to two patterns I cannot seem to master. LOL
CalmGemini wrote on November 28, 2015, 12:11 PM
But I admire you for trying to do that.Keep trying to make them yourself and you may end up doing it correctly.
CoralLevang wrote on November 28, 2015, 12:18 PM
Thank you so much, CalmGemini , for your kind words.
1wolfgirl569 wrote on November 28, 2015, 1:40 PM
I like them and they look very warm. I would love one to wear
CoralLevang wrote on November 28, 2015, 2:00 PM
Perhaps, I should start making them and put them up on Etsy?
WordChazer wrote on November 28, 2015, 2:20 PM
I love that pinky purple one, Phoenix Azalea. What a lovely color. And it looks warm warm warm too. My colleague makes arm knitted scarves and they are wonderful. I gave one as a giftt ot my friend last year and I am very tempted to ask her to make one for me this year.
MegL wrote on November 28, 2015, 2:31 PM
Those scarves look great. The bigger hook certainly makes for a looser weave. Whether I am knitting or crocheting, I tend to make the gauge tighter than "good" knitters and crocheters. While I CAN crochet, I haven't done enough to finish anything. I did a few squares one time for making a "tank top" (in the 70s) but the finished squares sat around for many years and never did get sewn up into anything.
CoralLevang wrote on November 28, 2015, 2:47 PM
"...arm knitted scarves..."?? I don't know what that is. I guess it's time for me to GTS.
CoralLevang wrote on November 28, 2015, 2:48 PM
Thanks, MegL . I find mine are either way too tight, or not consistent in tension. Either way, I feel awkward when I make them. LOL
markgraham wrote on November 28, 2015, 3:55 PM
I understood the terminology, but really I can only do single crochet. The big project/sculpture is all single.
markgraham wrote on November 28, 2015, 3:57 PM
By the way I really like homemade presents.
wolfgirl569 wrote on November 28, 2015, 5:08 PM
They could sell very well this time of year. Amazon now has a handmade section that you can sell on also
CoralLevang wrote on November 28, 2015, 5:29 PM
If I had these kinds of things already done, then that would be great. Unfortunately, after the holiday, I think that dries up a bit.
Rufuszen wrote on November 28, 2015, 5:32 PM
I'd be hopeless at this, anything requiring even a little skill and I am lost!
wolfgirl569 wrote on November 28, 2015, 10:37 PM
I looked at a few things that in the shipping info they said to allow 3 to 4 days to make it, then how long to allow for shipping. If you got too many orders I think you could stop the listing until you got caught up at least.
Paulie wrote on November 29, 2015, 2:43 AM
I think you have done a great job crocheting all three scarves. Your work looks very good in the pictures.
CoralLevang wrote on November 29, 2015, 2:47 AM
I only have 1 1/2 scarves finished. But thank you for the compliments!