Thursday, May 9, 2013

5 Essential Tips for Beginning Crocheters

So, you have decided to learn to crochet.... What a great idea! Crochet plays a very important role in my life and I certainly recommend it to anyone who wants to learn the craft. I personally crochet for fun, relaxation and as a way to make additional income for my family.

 Crochet can seem a little scary at first... but don't let that stop you! The end result is worth it. I first learned to crochet when I was around 7 years old.... and I don't see myself ever stopping. I am now 44 with a HUGE family. I will never run out of crochet projects!

 Here are some tips to help you get started on this crochet journey:

1. Start small. - Don't go overboard buying supplies in the beginning. You can start with just a couple of crochet hooks and a few skeins of yarn. Once you understand the basics of crochet, you may decide to work with a particular type of yarn. You can end up with a large, unwanted yarn stash if you don't practice impulse control in the beginning. I am still fighting my yarn hoarding addiction! It's very possible that I have yarn that was purchased over 2o years ago... Does that make it vintage?? I have a listing of some of my favorite crochet supplies from Amazon on the blog here.
2. Learn to read patterns. - Every crochet pattern seems to be written a little differently. Some can just be downright confusing. Find a good book that teaches the basic crochet stitches (Poochie Baby has a page of favorite books and supplies here). Once you learn the basic stitches, you can make a multitude of things! If you are a visual learner, like I am, find a good YouTube channel that teaches crochet stitches (see #4).
3. Be patient. - Patience is a must when learning to crochet. Not only do you need to learn the basic stitches, you also need to learn how to gauge tension. This can be very tricky and frustrating in the beginning. Once you get the hang of of it though, I promise it will become second nature. Just be prepared to have some items look "out of shape" when you first start because the tension is not even throughout the piece.
4. Learn to love YouTube. - I swear, you can learn ANYTHING on YouTube. I often ask my husband what would we do without it. We find videos to learn everything from how to fix the washing machine to how my husband can use his metal detector. My point is: There are several excellent YouTube channels that you can subscribe to that will teach you how to crochet. My favorite is Crochet Geek. She has so many videos available, even for "lefties". Poochie Baby also has a YouTube channel but I have not yet started to post videos. Check out the channel I mentioned or just do a search for "learn to crochet".
5. Find free patterns online. - There are so many websites out there that list free crochet patterns. I even have listings here at Poochie Baby. Check out the free crochet patterns here. To find others, just use Google or Bing to search for patterns. Make sure to type in "free". If you don't mind spending a few dollars on a pattern, Poochie Baby sells some patterns that are easy to understand and follow. 

Keep these simple steps in mind when beginning your new hobby. Crochet is a very rewarding craft. Not only does it keep your hands busy, you are also able to make items that can be very useful. You can make gifts for all of your family and friends!
Quick and Easy Baby Shoes Pattern: This pattern is perfect for beginners. It's one of my Poochie Baby patterns, which means it is written in "plain English". You do need to know the basics of crochet to follow these instructions though. So, learn the basics and then make some baby booties! The pattern is a PDF download.

Scallop Crochet Boot Cuffs: This is another very easy crochet pattern that can be completed in just a little bit of time. Get this pattern and stock up on boot cuffs for winter!

Free pattern for crochet pixie hood hat
Free and Easy Poochie Baby pattern for a Pixie Hood Hat

If you would like to see some of the items I make and sell, visit the Poochie Baby Etsy shop.

Don't forget to follow Poochie Baby on Google+, YouTube, Facebook, Twitter and Pinterest. 

Share this post with all of your friends... the share buttons are below.

Send to Kindle
Posted by Michele @ Poochie Baby at 12:48 PM 0 comments
Labels: , , , , , ,

Sunday, May 5, 2013

Personalized Lip Balms and More!

It has been a busy week at Poochie Baby. I have added many new items to the Etsy shop. I am most excited about the new line of natural lip balms! I know that lip balms are NOT crochet items, but I have little crochet cozies that will hold your lip balm and keep them from getting lost....!
Blue Raspberry Lip Balm
Crochet Lip Balm Cozy with Blue Raspberry Lip Balm
I am also now carrying personalized lip balms. These are great for weddings, birthdays, baby showers and bridal showers. I have certain styles available in the shop but they can be custom made for other occasions, etc. Just send me a note to ask about customization.
Personalized Lip Balm for Weddings, Birthdays, Bridal Showers, Baby Showers
Personalized Lip Balm for weddings, birthdays, baby showers etc.
Now... for the crochet items. I have been making some adorable little crochet thread flowers. Some are for sale is packets of 3 or 6 to use as appliques for other craft projects. But, I have made many that are now hair pins. I just love those! They can easily be added to any hair style to dress it up.
Flower Appliques for Craft Projects
Flower Appliques
Crochet Flower Hair Pins
Flower Hair Pin - See the shop for many color options!
Another new item in the shop are the owl baby bottle cozies. These are simply adorable! They come in five colors. They will fit most standard sized bottles and will make great baby shower gifts. Be unique and give a gift that thoughtful and handmade.
Owl Baby Bottle Sleeves
Owl Baby Bottle Sleeves in Five Colors

So.. check out the Poochie Baby shop for all the new items! I'm sure you can find something special.

 Don't forget to follow Poochie Baby on Facebook, Twitter and Pinterest. 

 Share this post with all of your friends... the share buttons are below.
Send to Kindle
Posted by Michele @ Poochie Baby at 11:48 AM 0 comments
Labels: , , , , , , ,

Friday, April 26, 2013

Easy Crochet Owl Applique Onesie Project

Owl Onesie
These finished onesies are available for sale in my Etsy shop.

 This week I am working on some new onesies that have an owl applique. The owls and little flowers are made with #3 crochet thread. This makes them thinner motifs but still very sturdy. Using regular yarn appliques on clothing is not practical. It is too bulky and it just doesn't look very good.

 I purchased some nice little onesies in sizes from 0-9 months. I made the owl appliques using my crochet owl applique pattern. I did have to modify the hook size to a B hook because I used crochet thread instead of worsted weight yarn.

 To make these onesies, you can either sew the motifs on.... or you can glue them on with Fabric Fusion. I choose to use Fabric Fusion for two reasons. First, I really don't enjoy sewing. Second, because I think it secures the appliques much better than sewing. When using glues, be sure to place a lining inside the onesie to keep the glue from seeping through to the other side. I use a piece of plastic sheeting (an old sheet protector).


Owl applique onesie
When you get your owl motif made, make the little flowers.

 Flower pattern (use a B hook):
R1 - CH 2 and SC seven times in the second chain from the hook. Join with a SS.
R2 - CH 2 and DC two times in the next stitch. SS in the next stitch. CH 2 and DC two times in the next stitch. Repeat this until you have four petals. Join with a SS in the first chain and tie off. Secure the loose ends by tying them together in a knot.

 Now that you have the owl and little flowers done, spread glue onto the back of the motifs and place them on the onesie. Don't forget the lining!! Make sure to press down to make sure they adhere well. The glue should set for about 24 hours before attempting to wash.

 Remember, you can purchase the pattern for the big-eyed owl appliques online from Ravelry. You can also purchase completed onesies in the Poochie Baby Etsy shop.

owl onesie


Have fun making one of these cute little onesies!

Send to Kindle


Follow Poochie Baby on Pinterest, Facebook, Twitter and Instagram! And, subscribe to the blog! Just look to the right for the email or reader subscribe box.........

 Please share with all of your friends. The share buttons are below.
Posted by Michele @ Poochie Baby at 3:04 PM 0 comments
Labels: , , , , , , ,

Sunday, April 21, 2013

Free Crochet Pattern: Lip Balm Cozy Keychain

Visit my Etsy shop to buy the finished product: Lip Balm Cozy


I love these little pouches that hold lip balm. I found a pattern online to make them... but, I decided to make mine a little simpler. They are so easy to make and they stitch up very quickly. 

 To make these lip balm holders, I used #10 thread and a B hook (2.25mm). When the lip balm is placed in the pouch, they stretch and hold the tube in nicely.


I have these lip balm cozies available for sale in my Etsy shop. They are not expensive and are worth every penny. Those tubes can be hard to find at the bottom of your purse!

 I have also been experimenting with a new recipe for home made lip balm. Once I get the formula to my liking, I will start selling the lip balm along with the pouches as a package deal. I hope to have these available by next weekend. I will also be making aromatherapy balm, which will be packaged like the lip balm. I am really looking forward to expanding Poochie Baby to include these products!

 Okay... on to the pattern...................

I have many patterns for sale and for free in the following online stores: Ravelry, Craftsy and Etsy. I try really hard to make my patterns SIMPLE and easy to understand. I add pictures when needed to demonstrate steps in the pattern. Reading and following patterns should not be difficult and/or frustrating. I suppose my patterns sometimes read more like tutorials than technical patterns. 

You can follow Poochie Baby to keep up with new patterns and products on: Facebook, Twitter, Pinterest and Instagram.


Materials:
#10 Crochet Thread
B Hook (2.25mm) 
Keychain Loop


 Pattern:
*This pattern is worked "in the round". Which means, DO NOT turn.

R1 - CH 3 and 11 HDC in the third chain from the hook. Join with a SS.
R2 thru R10 - CH 2 and HDC in each stitch around. Join with a SS.
R11 - CH 1 and SC in each stitch around. Join with a SS. CH 4 to form loop and SS in the same stitch. Tie off and weave in the loose ends.

 *You may choose to leave the pouch as it is.... but I prefer to turn it inside out for the finished product. Then just simply attach the key chain to the loop and you are done!


I have many patterns for sale and for free in the following online stores: Ravelry, Craftsy and Etsy. 


You can follow Poochie Baby to keep up with new patterns and products on: Facebook, Twitter, Pinterest and Instagram.

 Please share this post with all of your friends! The share buttons are below.

Posted by Michele @ Poochie Baby at 1:46 PM 0 comments
Labels: , , , , , , , , ,

Saturday, April 20, 2013

Crochet Pattern: Ribbed Owl Scarf

Don't you just love owls?? Poochie Baby is ALL about the owls these days. They make such a cute accessory for both girls and women. 

 This scarf is very easy to make. The finished product measures 4" x 61". You can make the scarf even longer by just simply adding to the original chain. Even beginners should find making this scarf easy. I have added pictures to the pattern to illustrate how to embellish the owl.

The buy now buttons will allow you to purchase directly from Ravelry. You don't have to be a member or sign up to purchase through them.

 The pattern can also be purchased at Craftsy or in my Etsy shop.

 Follow Poochie Baby on Facebook, Twitter, Pinterest or Instagram... The follow buttons are on the right sidebar.

Please share this post with your friends by clicking on the buttons below!
Posted by Michele @ Poochie Baby at 1:59 PM 0 comments
Labels: , , , , , ,

Friday, April 19, 2013

Never Lose Your Lip Balm Again!

Purchase in my Etsy Shop


I love these crochet lip balm pouches. I have made them with attached key chain holders. Simply attach the key chain to your purse, back pack, keys or anywhere accessible and you will always know where your lip gloss is. Those little tubes tend to get lost at the bottom of your purse.

 This lip balm cozy is sized to fit all standard sized lip balms such as Blistex, Chapstick, Burt's, etc. If your gloss is a little bigger, it may stretch to fit..... but I cannot guarantee that.

 I plan to start making handcrafted lip balms and aromatherapy balms to go with these little pouches. So, check back on that soon!

 Several colors are now available in my Etsy shop right now. If you are looking for a different color, just send me a note for a custom order.

 Have a great day!

Follow Poochie Baby on Pinterest, Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.... the follow buttons are on the left sidebar. 


Please share this post with all your friends. The share buttons are below.
Posted by Michele @ Poochie Baby at 11:56 AM 0 comments
Labels: , , , , , , , ,
Subscribe to: Posts (Atom)