Have you ever become frustrated when crocheting in the round that that center hole is far too wide, well with this technique that part of your crocheting has found some help. This week on my crochet channel I demonstrate how to crochet the Magic Circle Crochet Loop .This technique is also called The Adjustable Ring. The magic loop stitch is used to close up the center circle as neatly and closely as possible when you are crocheting in the round.
This crochet technique has made crocheting in the round a lot neater. Have you tried this technique? Do you prefer beginning your crocheting in the round in this manner or another way?
Until next time, Keep the Faith and Happy Crocheting.
Oh the Spring weather is the perfect time for crocheted ponchos. The weather is not cold enough for a coat (but if you count the last couple of cool Spring days you could even wear a mid length sweater underneath) but just to keep the chill off the poncho is just the right accessory. Being a 60′s child I remember wearing my crocheted ponchos a lot while I was in Junior and Senior high school even crocheting some for classmates.
I posed as the model for my newest crocheted poncho: Cowl Wool Poncho
This particular poncho is 100% wool including the edging. I got the inspiration for this poncho from a television commercial. Of course the favorite part for me was the cowl neck. I decided to give this crocheted poncho a different look in that it is not the hanging type cowl. Stiffer yet soft but can be worn up as a high collar. The cowl sits right on your shoulders. I placed a thin elastic inside right around the bottom of the cowl to keep it right on the shoulder or it can be worn off one shoulder as well. To be entirely crocheted in the rib stitch with 100% wool it is quite light yet warm. I had been dying to use this one skein of orange wool that I bought just to use as an accent. With the picot stitch I loved the way it added a uniqueness. To add even more flair I added two hand craved wood buttons done by the talents of William of OruAka's Wooden Jewelry and Accessories. William’s buttons caught my eye last year as I was searching for unique buttons. I have a shawl pin I’ll be ordering soon for a new wrap. As a bonus to the readers of my blog……. William is offering Free shipping for his items to ALL of my blog readers when they use the coupon code “FREESHIP” . You are sure to find a lot of quality crafted wood items handcrafted by William in his shop.
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Crocheted cowl neck of 100% wool poncho by Purple Butterfly Crochet Collection
Now for part of me that celebrates me as unique, and proud of my heritage. My rendition of an crocheted “Earthy type” poncho accented with African wooden beads. I had a lot of fun choosing the beads which came from crafter: Nia Yaa on Face Book. I used the single crochet stitch and accented at the bottom with a row of Block Net crochet stitch…..* Just a little note: as a crafter I purchase for myself handcrafted items. I try to buy my items from those small business persons like myself. The beads were so assorted I changed my mind about which ones to use several times before deciding on the arrangement you see here. For orders I can add the same beads or I can add completely different beads (various colors, shapes or all the same color). This particular poncho is not as thick as the crocheted poncho above but warm. Just the accessory for the chill in the movie theater, train or airplane trip or a night on the town.
Both of the poncho are very easy to wear. They are also quite easy to carry right in your tote bag. For care both need just cold or warm water washing, roll out the excess water and lay flat to dry. I always recommend that crocheted items never be hung for storage.
Keeping up with what goes on in the world of crochet thru the internet is quite fascinating. Learning about and meeting other crocheters is always a pleasure. Through the internet they are crocheters I might not have otherwise met so on Face Book I was able to meet crochet artisan Charissa Peterson. We talked one day for hours. It was almost as if we had known one another for years. Of course our love of crocheting ignited a conversation spark. I spotted Charissa’s crochet projects on Face Book and fell in love with her sense of style and obvious crocheting talent. I love meeting those who thru the “Old School method” was taught to crochet from a mother,aunt or close friend or themselves as in the case of Charissa Peterson she taught herself to crochet.
1. Tell us a bit about yourself
My name is Charissa Peterson and I am the owner of Karasi Krafts~Crocheted Creations. I live in the beautiful British Virgin Islands, on the island of Anegada. I taught myself to crochet about 6 years ago when I was determined to make a hat for myself. Over these years I have found much comfort and joy in crochet and experimenting with my own designs…
2. Apart from crochet what else do you do?
I love to make beaded jewelry and I’m currently learning how to knit and macrame as well…On another artistic level, I do paint and really enjoy doing henna tattoos.
3. What decades or styles inspire you?
I am inspired by so much, mostly by other crafters that I have had the pleasure to meet in recent years. As for myself, I love more modest styles, and now I am trying to do a little something for everyone…”I really prefer cotton yarn because I live in the Caribbean and it gets hot, but I have been mostly using Red Heart Super Saver yarn because its less expensive and its available in every color and mixes which I love…I have also used Red heart Luster sheen, which is light and I like it a lot, I also like that for the more delicate pieces”.
4. How do you get out of your creative rut?
I find that taking a walk on the beach is helpful for me, spending time within nature always works, sometimes just getting away and giving your mind an ease and not trying so hard opens the way for new ideas to just flow. I also believe in expanding your horizons, trying something new and maybe totally different to what you are accustomed to and learning about a broad range of topics can help reawaken or inspire your own creativity…
Here’s pictures of what Charissa’s backyard view looks like……Ok, so I just can’t see myself being uninspired with a view like this. Yes viewing a scene such as this is on my Bucket List for sure.
5. Where would you like to be in 10 years?
I would like to be doing what I love as my source of income and not having to work for someone else doing what I dislike. Other than that, I would like to expand upon my talents and become much more versatile and take Karasi Krafts to another level. Who knows, the possibilities are endless.
6. When did you know you were a crafter?
I have always been artistic in many ways but I would have to say that I knew I was a “crafter” when the crochet seemed to come naturally for me after I learned all the stitches and I started creating my own design
7. Describe your creative process?
Well, ideas pop up at any time, a lot of the time when I am going to rest at night, and sometimes I will do sketches of what I visualize but not all the time. Once I have something in mind that I want to do I just try it out, sometimes it comes together right away, other times its trial and error. My creative process is my way of unwinding, of relaxing and my “therapy”, so I just have fun with it, I work on projects off and on in between my other duties.
I love to share the work,inspiration and talent of those who crochet beautifully but you don’t see in the magazines or television (for now anyway). The art of crochet has much to offer and I believe the media misses out on much when these talents are not looked at as well. Charissa is one of the many crochet artisans that demonstrates that well. Look for Charissa’s shop online soon but for now you can contact her through Karasi Krafts .
Have you ever become frustrated when crocheting in the round that that center hole is far too wide, well with this technique that part of your crocheting has found some help. This week on my crochet channel I demonstrate how to crochet the Magic Circle Crochet Loop .This technique is also called The Adjustable Ring. […]
Oh the Spring weather is the perfect time for crocheted ponchos. The weather is not cold enough for a coat (but if you count the last couple of cool Spring days you could even wear a mid length sweater underneath) but just to keep the chill off the poncho is just the right accessory. […]
Keeping up with what goes on in the world of crochet thru the internet is quite fascinating. Learning about and meeting other crocheters is always a pleasure. Through the internet they are crocheters I might not have otherwise met so on Face Book I was able to meet […]