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Post by tyra on Sept 19, 2019 2:03:46 GMT
elaine or anyone else doing the CAL- I am doing the Sweet Meadow one. For my practice swatch I am using the Vintage Blue. And I'm about to pull my hair out. The yarn unravels SO easy. Seriously, just starting my initial chain it was unraveling. Am I doing something wrong? (Remeber, new to crochet!) I'm getting so frustrated, it is taking me long than it should since it starts unraveling, I have to be super careful about making sure my hook goes through all pieces of the unraveled yarn, or pulls just the piece I need and doesn't accidentally pull one thread withit, etc. Is this normal? Any tricks to make it easier? Unfortunately, bamboo and bamboo blend yarn tends to be more splitty than many other types of yarn. It is a very smooth/slippery fiber. You will need to pay attention to begin with, but I think that if you stick with it, you will get the hang of it. Go slowly and try, if you can, to be sure to keep as much twist to the plies as possible. Also, try to keep your tension on the loose side, that way there will be larger holes in the stitches for you to then go into with your hook. I think that after being careful and paying more attention than you should have to to the first square or two, then each square will get easier and you will know how to insert the hook to minimize splitting. Thank you so much for the help!!!! All things I didn't know or think of.
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Post by tyra on Sept 19, 2019 2:05:05 GMT
elaine or anyone else doing the CAL- I am doing the Sweet Meadow one. For my practice swatch I am using the Vintage Blue. And I'm about to pull my hair out. The yarn unravels SO easy. Seriously, just starting my initial chain it was unraveling. Am I doing something wrong? (Remeber, new to crochet!) I'm getting so frustrated, it is taking me long than it should since it starts unraveling, I have to be super careful about making sure my hook goes through all pieces of the unraveled yarn, or pulls just the piece I need and doesn't accidentally pull one thread withit, etc. Is this normal? Any tricks to make it easier? Are you pulling from the middle or the outside? Try pulling from the other end and see if it helps. Sometimes yarn is plied in such a way that it works better in one direction than the other. You might also try a different style of hook. Thanks! I'm pulling from the outside, as I wasn't able to find the end on the inside. I'll try that for my next square.
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wellway
Prolific Pea
Posts: 8,765
Jun 25, 2014 20:50:09 GMT
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Post by wellway on Sept 19, 2019 10:19:25 GMT
Just a post to say, what lovely projects so far this month. Great variety of projects and great skill on show.
Although I have to add, you are all making me feel a bit lazy as I have yet to pick up anything since early summer. Soon, soon!
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RedSquirrelUK
Drama Llama
Posts: 6,735
Location: The UK's beautiful West Country
Aug 2, 2014 13:03:45 GMT
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Post by RedSquirrelUK on Sept 19, 2019 12:20:50 GMT
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Post by jeremysgirl on Sept 19, 2019 12:35:26 GMT
Those are adorable! The cherry ones are my absolute favorite.
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RedSquirrelUK
Drama Llama
Posts: 6,735
Location: The UK's beautiful West Country
Aug 2, 2014 13:03:45 GMT
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Post by RedSquirrelUK on Sept 19, 2019 14:06:47 GMT
Those are adorable! The cherry ones are my absolute favorite. Aren't they cute?
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Post by jeremysgirl on Sept 19, 2019 17:24:26 GMT
tyra, I meant to tell you that there's a video on the tension square on youtube if you need it. I looked it up last night because I wanted to see her do her corner. I don't know if they'll be doing other videos, but this one is out there.
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RedSquirrelUK
Drama Llama
Posts: 6,735
Location: The UK's beautiful West Country
Aug 2, 2014 13:03:45 GMT
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Post by RedSquirrelUK on Sept 19, 2019 17:40:05 GMT
Those are adorable! The cherry ones are my absolute favorite. Aren't they cute? I managed one this afternoon. It's going to be a while before I get another afternoon, so I'll be hopping around on one foot till then. {deleted to save space}
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Post by jeremysgirl on Sept 19, 2019 17:43:40 GMT
Aren't they cute? I managed one this afternoon. It's going to be a while before I get another afternoon, so I'll be hopping around on one foot till then. I seriously need a pink pair. Super cute!
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Post by tyra on Sept 19, 2019 18:00:40 GMT
tyra , I meant to tell you that there's a video on the tension square on youtube if you need it. I looked it up last night because I wanted to see her do her corner. I don't know if they'll be doing other videos, but this one is out there. Yes! That was a huge help for me!! I admit, I watched it while at work- so only really listened to it and glanced at it occasionally. But it cleared up some issues/questions I had ahead of time. I should probably go back and actually watch it though lol
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Post by gillyp on Sept 19, 2019 20:05:06 GMT
Aren't they cute? I managed one this afternoon. It's going to be a while before I get another afternoon, so I'll be hopping around on one foot till then. View AttachmentWow! You could whip loads up for stocking fillers/stuffers or an item for Christmas Boxes for charity.
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RedSquirrelUK
Drama Llama
Posts: 6,735
Location: The UK's beautiful West Country
Aug 2, 2014 13:03:45 GMT
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Post by RedSquirrelUK on Sept 19, 2019 21:57:44 GMT
I managed one this afternoon. It's going to be a while before I get another afternoon, so I'll be hopping around on one foot till then. Wow! You could whip loads up for stocking fillers/stuffers or an item for Christmas Boxes for charity. I had already crocheted the belt, which I just cut up to make the slipper. I think it would take a full day including the evening to make a pair from scratch, plus shopping for the felt. I don't have that many full days... It's a nice thought though.
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Post by jeremysgirl on Sept 20, 2019 11:07:45 GMT
I was able to whip up my tension square in about an hour so at this point, I'm optimistic I may be able to keep up with the Cal. I used a 3.5mm hook and it's about 17.5 cm. A little larger but I'm going to keep with that size.
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Post by tyra on Sept 20, 2019 12:49:38 GMT
I was able to whip up my tension square in about an hour so at this point, I'm optimistic I may be able to keep up with the Cal. I used a 3.5mm hook and it's about 17.5 cm. A little larger but I'm going to keep with that size. An hour? And here I am, still have a row and a half to do lol Yours looks great!
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Post by jeremysgirl on Sept 20, 2019 13:34:22 GMT
Thank you tyra. I've been doing this for a while. Don't be hard on yourself. As you get experience under your belt, you'll get quicker too. Plus, are you still struggling with your yarn splitting? After what elaine said above and your experience, I'm like, cross off bamboo as a possible yarn to use. LOL! That would be making me nuts. I have never used a bamboo yarn so I wasn't aware it might come with the territory.
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Post by elaine on Sept 20, 2019 16:35:28 GMT
Thank you tyra . I've been doing this for a while. Don't be hard on yourself. As you get experience under your belt, you'll get quicker too. Plus, are you still struggling with your yarn splitting? After what elaine said above and your experience, I'm like, cross off bamboo as a possible yarn to use. LOL! That would be making me nuts. I have never used a bamboo yarn so I wasn't aware it might come with the territory. Don’t cross it completely off just yet! The items made with bamboo are so soft and they drape well. Once you get used to it, it is worth it. tyra ‘s blanket will be softer than ours. I’m still waiting for my yarn to arrive and getting a bit anxious about it.
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Post by jeremysgirl on Sept 20, 2019 16:42:06 GMT
Thank you tyra . I've been doing this for a while. Don't be hard on yourself. As you get experience under your belt, you'll get quicker too. Plus, are you still struggling with your yarn splitting? After what elaine said above and your experience, I'm like, cross off bamboo as a possible yarn to use. LOL! That would be making me nuts. I have never used a bamboo yarn so I wasn't aware it might come with the territory. Don’t cross it completely off just yet! The items made with bamboo are so soft and they drape well. Once you get used to it, it is worth it. tyra ‘s blanket will be softer than ours. I’m still waiting for my yarn to arrive and getting a bit anxious about it. Good review. The Scheepjes Stonewashed is not a very soft yarn at all. I love the way it looks and it was fine to crochet with. I'm just not sure this would be the first blanket I'd grab to snuggle with. I can't believe you haven't received your yarn yet! That surprises me. I thought you put in your order before me. Here's hoping it shows up and surprises you today. The colors are stunning. I am so grateful I received the original yarn pack.
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Post by tyra on Sept 21, 2019 1:23:29 GMT
Well, I'm finally done with my test square. Came in at 1/2 an inch too big. Wonder how much that will matter in the long run? This isn't perfect by any means. I can't figure out why the ends are kinda wavy, not straight across. Any ideas? I've been working on this one and off since Tuesday night. I don't think there is one row that I haven't pulled out and redone. Suggestions? Advice? Please remember, I'm super new to this so you might need to explain in detail lol Thanks!
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Post by elaine on Sept 21, 2019 3:18:26 GMT
Well, I'm finally done with my test square. Came in at 1/2 an inch too big. Wonder how much that will matter in the long run? This isn't perfect by any means. I can't figure out why the ends are kinda wavy, not straight across. Any ideas? I've been working on this one and off since Tuesday night. I don't think there is one row that I haven't pulled out and redone. Suggestions? Advice? Please remember, I'm super new to this so you might need to explain in detail lol Thanks! It looks great! You are doing so well! I think that it bows out where the hearts are because your chains (that you then crochet around) are probably a little loose/big. Then there is extra that gets pulled up when you crochet around the chains. You can try purposefully making those chain stitches between dc to make the heart a little tighter/smaller, or you can decrease them by 1 chain stitch when there is more than 1 (so instead of 2 dc, make 1 dc). I also see a few places where you have an extra dc (tr in U.K. terms) in the 3 round of the heart (round 5 in the chart and directions) - the extra stitch - and it seems to only be on one side of the heart the couple of places I could see it - will then add more stitches than are supposed to be there and therefore more bulk and then wavy edges. It will also make your squares bigger. Your squares might not be so big when the extra stitches are gone. I’ll see if I can download and markup your picture to show you where there are extras.
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Post by elaine on Sept 21, 2019 3:31:05 GMT
Well, I'm finally done with my test square. Came in at 1/2 an inch too big. Wonder how much that will matter in the long run? This isn't perfect by any means. I can't figure out why the ends are kinda wavy, not straight across. Any ideas? I've been working on this one and off since Tuesday night. I don't think there is one row that I haven't pulled out and redone. Suggestions? Advice? Please remember, I'm super new to this so you might need to explain in detail lol Thanks! Where I circled, there is an extra dc. There should only be 6 dc, but you have 7. It will all come with time and practice - you are doing great!
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Post by tyra on Sept 21, 2019 3:44:00 GMT
Well, I'm finally done with my test square. Came in at 1/2 an inch too big. Wonder how much that will matter in the long run? This isn't perfect by any means. I can't figure out why the ends are kinda wavy, not straight across. Any ideas? I've been working on this one and off since Tuesday night. I don't think there is one row that I haven't pulled out and redone. Suggestions? Advice? Please remember, I'm super new to this so you might need to explain in detail lol Thanks! Where I circled, there is an extra dc. There should only be 6 dc, but you have 7. It will all come with time and practice - you are doing great! Thank you so much!!!! I can't believe that I had extra stitches there, I was trying to be so careful and count! I'm going to rip it apart and start over tomorrow. Hopefully I'll do better on try 2.
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Post by elaine on Sept 21, 2019 4:33:03 GMT
Where I circled, there is an extra dc. There should only be 6 dc, but you have 7. It will all come with time and practice - you are doing great! Thank you so much!!!! I can't believe that I had extra stitches there, I was trying to be so careful and count! I'm going to rip it apart and start over tomorrow. Hopefully I'll do better on try 2. Rather than rip this out and re-use the yarn. I’d recommend getting some cheap acrylic sport-weight/DK yarn at Joann’s or Michaels. Usually there is some baby yarn that would be about the same weight as what you are using and practice on that, rather than ripping this out and starting again with the same yarn you just used. This yarn, if you rip it all out and start again, will be even more loosely plied and splitty. You are doing great and will get better and better with practice.
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Post by phoenixcov on Sept 21, 2019 10:01:07 GMT
Meet Poppy Eyebright and Dusty Dogwood from the Brambly Hedge books. They are roughly 7 and a half inches tall. I am going through old patterns that I have made in the past and having a bit of a sewing binge. Lot of fun to make and enjoyed doing embroidery that I haven`t done for years. DS said he remembered me making them when he was a child.
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Post by gillyp on Sept 21, 2019 11:48:53 GMT
Meet Poppy Eyebright and Dusty Dogwood from the Brambly Hedge books. They are roughly 7 and a half inches tall. I am going through old patterns that I have made in the past and having a bit of a sewing binge. Lot of fun to make and enjoyed doing embroidery that I haven`t done for years. DS said he remembered me making them when he was a child. View AttachmentOmg they are adorable and their little outfits are SO sweet!! Superb.
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Post by elaine on Sept 21, 2019 12:29:59 GMT
Meet Poppy Eyebright and Dusty Dogwood from the Brambly Hedge books. They are roughly 7 and a half inches tall. I am going through old patterns that I have made in the past and having a bit of a sewing binge. Lot of fun to make and enjoyed doing embroidery that I haven`t done for years. DS said he remembered me making them when he was a child. These are so stinkin’ cute!
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Post by jeremysgirl on Sept 21, 2019 12:53:57 GMT
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Deleted
Posts: 0
May 11, 2024 17:15:18 GMT
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Post by Deleted on Sept 21, 2019 13:08:12 GMT
phoenixcov so adorable your sewing skills are amazing. tyra You're doing great
I wish I had something to share. I have yarn, I have fabric, I have patterns for both coming out of my bloody ears and absolutely zero interest in making anything!
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Post by gillyp on Sept 21, 2019 17:05:14 GMT
It will come back lainey. One day your hands will start itching and there won’t be anything stopping you. How are you doing otherwise?
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Post by malibou on Sept 21, 2019 17:57:16 GMT
Meet Poppy Eyebright and Dusty Dogwood from the Brambly Hedge books. They are roughly 7 and a half inches tall. I am going through old patterns that I have made in the past and having a bit of a sewing binge. Lot of fun to make and enjoyed doing embroidery that I haven`t done for years. DS said he remembered me making them when he was a child. Be still my heart. Those are so freaking adorable.
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Deleted
Posts: 0
May 11, 2024 17:15:18 GMT
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Post by Deleted on Sept 21, 2019 17:59:54 GMT
I hope so
I'm doing ok, having more good days than bad. Thank you for asking
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