Monday, August 21, 2017

Learn to Crochet #1 Projects

Hey guys! Like I mentioned in my last post, we're starting a Learn to Crochet class. The last Tuesday of every month. If we need to do it more often, we will. In October. And I'm trying to put together a Sunday afternoon class. I've had a TON of people, request something on the weekend. 

Back to our TCH Learn to Crochet class. I want to teach you something easy. So you don't get discouraged. But something that you will enjoy. I've come up with 5 options. At the end of the post, leave me a comment. With your favorite idea. The one with the most comments, will be our first project!


Option 1: Granny Square Potholders. This option will lead to Option #5. Keep that in mind. I always have people asking me about the Granny Square. It's simple! And can be used in a variety of patterns. After learning the chain...this was my first real "pattern" to learn. A potholder is also useful. And an easy gift to make. Think upcoming holidays...


Option 2: Earwarmers/Headband. As I was making this...all I could think of, was Fall! To make this option, it's all about learning tension. Super fast project. You can leave the band thick, with no cinching. Or even making a skinny headband.

Honestly, I added all the projects from this post, to our Market Stash. But this one...I just couldn't! I'm keeping this one for me. And praying that the weather changes soon...


Option 3: Cell Phone Holder. This is another item, I'm always asked about. I honestly, never thought about it...until I started getting 10+ requests a day! Super easy and quick. And you can customize it, to your liking.

Honestly, I'm not into the long strap...personally. And I finally got around to making one for myself. Without the strap. But with a button. To close the top.


Option 4: Easy Scarf: I know! It's still a million degrees outside! But if you are learning to crochet...you will soon be considered a crafter. That being said, crafters usually think a season ahead. So making a scarf, isn't too crazy!

Again, you can customize this pattern. Have a favorite sports team...use their colors. Don't like the fringe? Skip it! Add a border instead. This is also another great option...for gift giving.


Option 5: Granny Square Blanket. After learning the basic Granny Square...you can turn it into a variety of items. Like a blanket. :)

In this picture, I'm showing a blanket for a doll. It's roughly, double the size of the potholders. And probably took me, an hour to make. This same idea, can be turned into a baby blanket. Or any size of a blanket, that you want to make.

Don't forget to comment with your favorite project. Monday night, I'll count up the comments. And post our project on Facebook.

Also, don't forget to pick up a skein of yarn. Or 2. Depending on the colors you want to use. I prefer Red Heart's Super Saver. And a crochet hook...or 3! Buying the 3 pack from Boye is probably your best option. With sizes G, H, and I. The supplies should cost you, under $10. Hope to see you Tuesday!

Friday, August 18, 2017

Do You Want To Learn How To Crochet?

Have you ever wanted to learn how to crochet? Every week, I get at least 10 people asking me to teach them. It's not a new thing for me. I've taught a few family members. A group of friends. And a class...or three.


And about 10 years ago...I taught my first class. 12 of my besties. We'd meet every other week. At Barnes and Noble. They'd order coffee. And get me a brownie. We'd hangout for a couple of hours. And after a few months, my friends had each made a blanket.

Recently, I've had a few family members who are also interested. And a ton of our customers. So I thought, why not another class? That's right! A crochet class. Let's talk about the details...

Ideally, I'd like met twice a month. Somewhere not too far from my house. Where we can be comfortable. Since I'm opening this up to the public, our home is out of the question. Sorry folks. And when I think about the surrounding area...I'm a little stumped. There's not a lot to pick from. Back when I was in college, the Barnes and Noble/Starbucks was minutes from me.

So I'm thinking, the Unser Library. If that doesn't work...Dion's on Coors and Central. These locations seem to be more central, to the people I know...who are interested. We'll be meeting on the last Tuesday of every month. Starting in August. Due to some other commitments, I won't be able to do 2 classes a month, until October.

I've also had some interest in a weekend class. So how about we starting thinking about that. I'm going to say, we'll aim for late September. Probably on a Sunday afternoon. Possibly the last weekend of the month. Weekends are tough for us. Being that we sell at the Downtown Market weekly. And then at the Railyards, from time to time. The off season gets more complicated, with Holiday shows.


As far as supplies, you need to provide your own. I would recommend buying a skein of your favorite Red Heart Super Saver Yarn. Maybe even 2 different colors. Keep in mind, dark colors are a little more challenging to work with. Black yarn, makes seeing your stitches a little difficult. And as much as you may want to try a soft yarn, or something more fancy, it's a challenge when you are first learning.


When we talk about crochet hooks, I'd suggest buying Boys crochet hooks. More specifically this set of 3. That include the size G, H, and I. One hook is about $3, at Wal-Mart. And the set of 3 is $6. These 3 sizes are the most common. So if you have them, you'll be able to make so many different things.

The cost of this class, is free. Other than, about the $10 that you'll spend on supplies. But if you want to bring something...well I'll never turn down an iced tea, dark chocolate, a gallon of gas, something yummy to eat, or a fun pair of socks. Heck, I'd be excited with a skein of yarn. But don't feel like you're obligated. Heck, your spare change will make me smile. And so will your smile! :)

Our first class will be on August 29, 2017. At 7PM. Just make sure to bring your yarn and crochet hook. In the next few days, I'll have a post. With a few projects to vote on. I'm excited to share my favorite craft, with all of you!