Crochet Thread Archives <

GAUGE MATTERS

As I pin and pin AND PIN, I have to keep saying to myself “GAUGE MATTERS” even as my fingers cry out STOP!

Okay, okay, blocking is not really so bad. Once you have done this vital step, you will know a lot more about your personal tension to details.

Blocking thread projects is a good idea because it opens up the beauty of your crochet work, straightening lines into squares to reveal the finished project beautiful symmetry.

You’ve worked hard to get here, do your blocking like a good crocheter!

So, I say “JUST DO IT”, you will be glad you did.

 5/5

Learn a crochet stitch every day

Going through my favorite stitch book(s) I spied the Solomon’s Knot. I had never done this one before.

Curious to try – I grabbed my BIG crochet hook F/5 (3.75 mm) and began practicing (playing!). Can’t say as my first few attempts were great so I went onto youtube and found a video to step through to that AH HA! moment…..as usual I was making it too hard.

TIP: I do use larger hooks generally to learn a new stitch along with yarn not thread. By doing that I’m able to see quickly where all the connections/definitions are, then I go to thread and try.

Check out SUNDAY’S GIRL. Just imagine what other ideas will come from my AH HA! moment.

Again, I’m challenging you to pick up your #10 thread and US 7 (1.50 mm) crochet hook.

WHAT DOES AI = ARTIFICIAL INTELLIGENCE DO FOR DIY = DO IT YOURSELF

Nothing! And that is a good thing!

Those of us who craft can’t be replaced by a robot. Our minds clearly think and express many boundless items from the simple to the most complex.

In my crochet world I am thrilled that no one has yet been able to create a machine that can replace what my hands can do. Weaving and Knitting can be done by machine. Not so with crochet. Maybe this is why some folks have a hard time picking it up and claim crochet is difficult to learn.

Your Grandmother’s Mother’s Mother’s Grandmother crochet designs are still around today; granny squares, potholders, valances, blankets and afghans and so much more. But, then someone comes along and takes all their knowledge of today and yesterday and creates something like the picture above that takes your breath away. It is a wonderful combination of Crochet and Knit I can only dream of doing.

A machine, no matter how intelligent can recreate what the designer did here.

Get those hands busy and take the Crochet Thread Challenge today!

Thread Challenge

thread challenge

Have you taken the Crochet Thread Challenge yet? Did you peek at all those steel hooks in your Gramama’s or Grandma’s crochet and knitting bag? Scouted out the arts and crafts corner of your local thrift store, with thread on your mind?

I hope you have at least thought about taking my Crochet Thread Challenge and if you haven’t actually acquired a thread pattern yet, your seriously considering it! I’d love to hear from you when you have!

FUN FACT: When is a steel crochet hook not a crochet hook?

ANSWER: When the “hook” is really for hair! I came across an interesting hook in my sister’s steel crochet hook stash called “L’OREAL”. In my mind a big question mark appeared and I thought “when did L’OREAL start making steel crochet hooks for the yarn industry?” So, to the internet I went and found that these hooks are not crochet hooks at all but used to pull hair through the color cap used for highlighting! HA who knew? NOT ME! If you find one, pick it up and crochet something with it, they work just as well, you just need to calculate the gauge by working with it. Maybe finding one will have you taking the Crochet Thread Challenge after all!

Thread Challenge

Worried there are no crochet thread color choices?

Does the Thread Challenge concern you because there might not be enough thread color choices to choose from? Or your local yarn shop or store doesn’t carry but a limited amount of crochet thread? Check on-line! The choices available are just about limitless! I think even you will be pleasantly surprised at the amount of crochet thread choices there are.

Thread options are certainly growing as the market for crochet thread grows. We want solids and multi’s, we want to insert texture with metallic’s and make stunning garments and throws from hand dyed thread made from all over the World.

thread color

Whether you want to use solid colors or combining solids or want metallic threads and hand-dyed threads, there is something out there for everyone…even you!

Push yourself to take the Thread Challenge and become a Subscriber today!

Thread Challenge

Ascending
Descending

Weight: Cotton Thread No. 30, 70

Fine delicate doilies and tatting

Weight: Cotton Thread No. 20, 30, 40 to 100

Trimming; towels, hankies, sheets, lingerie

Weight: Cotton Thread No. 5, 10, 20

Trimming; shelf ends, arm and chair backs, pillow cases

This article is not about choosing yarn over thread, which is easiest to work with, or fiber made from. It is more about my Mother’s suggestion to me to use thread for my “future projects” and what would become God’s Child, Hearts Dress, Priscilla and Aurora. Not so sure it was a challenge suggestion but more of an educated observation as she listened to the direction I wanted to go in.

Hesitant to give up my favorite worsted weight yarn and H-8 (5.00mm) crochet hook, baby blankets and granny squares, I had a lot to think about.

Crochet thread comes in sizes from 3 to 100, as fine as sewing thread for those delicate doily patterns, tatting and lace edgings with size 3 coming in as thick as some yarns. Cotton is an inelastic fiber with little “give-stretching” quality. Perfect for projects that need to maintain their shape and intricate pattern.

Crochet hooks for working with thread are also slightly different then those used for yarn. They will have shorter shanks, smaller hook heads and made from steel rather than aluminum, plastic and wood. Again, a bit more restrictive in the hand.

Working with my H-8 (5.00mm) hook and worsted weight yarn when I was learning to crochet, my hand had to learn the hold and tension needed to create even crochet stitches. I would be learning the same process migrating to thread.

My passion to learn everything crochet, my pure joy in finding vintage patterns leads me in a direction that few are brave enough to travel. Come join my journey – become a Subscriber today.

Crochet GOLD Marigold Free Pattern

Another great Free Pattern in Thread! I hope you will give MARIGOLD a try.

If you want to be one of the first to receive my FREE PATTERN DESIGNS right off the design table, become a subscriber!

Free Crochet Pattern Lemon Drop

Continuing my goal of challenging you in 2018 to enter the world of thread!

I hope you will at least give LEMON DROP a try!

If you want to be one of the first to receive my FREE PATTERN DESIGNS right off the design table, become a subscriber!

Crochet Purple Elegance Granny Square

Purple Elegance Granny Square is a 4 1/2 inch granny square with a vibrant purple easy-to-crochet soft thread by Aunt Lydia

and a sparkling thread that when you look into the granny square looks like stars in the night sky.

Continuing my goal to challenge you in 2018 to enter the world of thread, I hope you will at least give this one a try!

If you want to be one of the first to receive my FREE PATTERN DESIGNS right off the design table, become a subscriber!

Sweet Filet Butterfly

Currently designing a Filet Butterfly gown and playing with the Bodice over a sheer dancing skirt. Really liking this Orchid #3 Thread too! Haven’t decided yet exactly on the skirt but have lots of ideas….open work, cables, granny squares.