Christmas Tree - Crocodile Stitch Tutorial

Since it's Christmas time a crochet Christmas tree was in order. I've looked for several patterns and came across this one from Yarn Plaza. If you would like to make one as well click here. Bear in mind that the instructions are a bit generic, if you are a beginner this is probably not the right pattern for you. You can try this one from Yarn Inspirations instead.

Once finished, I had to add a little bit of flair to the tree so I decorated it with glitter glue, in this case green and gold. I also used a bit of red ribbon as tinsel. And we are all done!

Crocodile Stitch Tutorial

This tree is made using the crocodile stitch so I decided to prepare this tutorial for you, in case you never used this stitch before or need to refresh your memory. I hope you find it useful.

Here is a nice pic if you would like to pin this video tutorial. By the way, check my Pinterest boards under Brownnteal, I've collected lots of inspirational photos and tutorials. 

 Thank you for stopping by and see you soon.

New Crochet Pattern - Precious Arrows

Precious Arrows - Crochet Cowl. Buy now from Ravelry

What you can see above is my latest design, Precious Arrows. It's a cowl that is composed of different textures making it interesting to the touch, unique and fun to wear.
Due to the several stitches used is also an exciting project to execute, that will keep you motivated to carry on. I think that is balanced in terms of difficulty throughout, because you start with a more challenging stitch pattern but then you have a break with the back loop dc/sc. After that, you are ready to make those last rows and finish your piece.

I've used Malabrigo Worsted, in the colours Chapel Stone and Verde Adriana. This is a 100% merino wool yarn, so the cowl is super soft and comfortable to wear. This is a yarn that I was dying to use, specially because of its colour options, and I'm a colour fanatic. :-D However, it's perfectly fine if you use another type of yarn for this project, preferably of around the same thickness so that you get a finished piece of approximately the same size. I indicate the gauge in the pattern, therefore you can use it as reference.

In the pattern you will find a written description of how to execute this item and also a diagram for the first few rows where the design is a bit more challenging. All the materials that you will need are listed and I've also included several tips throughout the document so that you end up with a piece perfectly done in no time. I have rated this pattern as Intermediate, in terms of level of difficulty, due to the use of front post stitches for the first bit, but an advanced beginner, eager to learn new things, can do it. Nevertheless, if you encounter any difficulties I'm here to help, all my contacts are described in the last page.

Stop by Ravelry to buy the pattern and very soon you will feel warm and cozy wearing the Precious Arrows cowl.

Tunisian Crochet Series

How to Count Rows in Tunisian Crochet

I'm now working on a Tunisian Crochet pattern that will be launched soon, and this tip just came to mind.

In Tunisian Crochet, it can be a little hard to count the rows when using certain stitches. But there's a simple solution, just turn your work sideways. 😃
I hope that you liked this small tip and that you come back for more. 

I will add some more Tunisian Crochet tutorials soon so that you are ready when my pattern comes out.

Thank you for stopping by and see you soon!🙋

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Winding Yarn Skeins - Childhood Memories

This post came from the fact that I recently wound some skeins of Malabrigo Worsted yarn. I couldn't but remember the hundreds of times I saw my grandmother doing the same task. Opening that kitchen drawer where she would put the skein around, grabbing the bench and...go! She had the habit of timing it, so that she could improve her score next time. :-D 

My basic knowledge of crochet comes from what she taught me. And, although the pieces I produce nowadays have nothing to do with her type work (lace crochet), a little bit of her is still there.

I wish many times that I could discuss my ideas with her, show her the wonders that one can find on the millions of websites available. (She would love the free patterns!) Since that is not possible, I'll carry on following this passion that she left in my heart, always trying to improve my technique, searching for new sources of inspiration, so that the next piece is an improvement on the last.

Tunisian Crochet Series

What is Tunisian Crochet?

Tunisian Crochet is a technique that combines knitting and crochet. It has characteristics from both, the needle used is similar to the knitting ones and the stitches are kept on it until the end of the row is reached. However, like in crochet, only one hook is used.

There are three basic stitches: the Tunisian Simple Stitch (TSS), the Tunisian Knit Stitch (TKS) and the Tunisian Purl Stitch (TPS). Most stitches are a combination or a variation of these three, therefore if you learn them you will able to accomplish many different projects. 

The rows are worked in a particular fashion, different from knitting or crochet. There's the forward pass, when the stitches are added to the hook, and the return pass, when the stitches are finished and taken off the hook. The work is never turned. It is possible to work flat or in the round, however, in this last case, a double ended hook is necessary so that both passes can be completed.

The fabric created is dense and less flexible than knit or crochet, so it's ideal for warmer garments/accessories like blankets, winter cardigans, scarves, etc. To make the fabric not so tight, a bigger hook than normal is used, for example, for a DK yarn a hook size 6mm (J-10 American) is recommended.    

Now that you know a little bit more about Tunisian Crochet, and hopefully have liked it, the image above is a sneak peek of the pattern I'm working on at the moment. So, come back often, because I will keep posting my progress. 😉 

Thanks for stopping by.

Credits for the post main image: 

Top left image - Pernille Cordes' Two-Colour Cushion (https://pernillecordes.com/portfolio/tunisian-crochet-scandinavian-style-ii-den-store-bog-om-tunesisk-haekling/)

Top right image - Purl Soho's Tunisian Crochet Pointy Pom Pom Hat (https://www.purlsoho.com/create/category/crochet/crochet-view-all/)

Bottom Left image - Ms Weaver's Winter Nocturne Shawl (https://www.ravelry.com/patterns/library/winter-nocturne-shawl)