Monday, February 20, 2012

DIY Crochet: Triple Crochet Vest



I made this vest months ago, when I had very little experience; I started out thinking I wanted to make a shawl, but after draping it around my neck, I instantly saw the potential for a vest.
This is a great project for someone that is still in the scarf stage of crochet, the only stitches used are chain and triple crochet.

Materials:
2 skeins of lion brand homespun in purple
Size J Crochet hook
darning needle
scissors

Begin with a slipknot
chain 54
1st row: in the fifth chain from the end triple crochet, continue to triple crochet in each of the remaining chains (27 triple crochets total); chain 5, turn

2nd Row: triple crochet in the first triple crochet, continue to triple crochet in each triple crochet (27 total triple crochets in this row), chain 5, turn

Row 3 to end: continue row 2 until you've reached your desired length, (when draping around your neck the ends should reach your hips)fasten off

Finishing:
Fold your piece in half, and match up the insides, from the bottom use your darning needle to sew up 4 inches from the bottom


Wear!


Monday, February 13, 2012

DIY Crochet: Open Shrug Pt 2

I was so jazzed about the comfy crochet shrug that I made, I decided to make a second. This time though, I wanted a bit of a different look, so I went for a much thinner yarn and a smaller hook


This Donna Karan Open shrug which retails for $995 was my inspiration



As a warning, this probably took two and half times as long as the last one, but the nice thing is the sweater isn't as thick so it can be worn all year long. If you have the time and patience give it a shot.

Matierals:
2 balls of Lion brand Fishermans Wool
Size K crochet hook
darning needle
scissors
Measuring tape

chain 115 (measuring 29 inches)
ROW 2: single crochet in second chain from the hook and in each successive chain, chain one, turn.
ROW 3 and on: repeat row 2 until garment measures 32 inches


Fold


Sew up the sides, leave 7 inches from the top on both sides for the armholes.


Complete!



Monday, February 6, 2012

DIY: Fabric Button Earrings


Get Ready... this is my easiest, quickest project yet, you can whip these babies up in less than 5 minutes. Read on to see how it's done.

Materials:
Button blanks
fabric
scissors
jewelry pliers
earring posts
hot glue gun


To begin: Cut out the circle pattern from the back of the button kit


Cut out two fabric circles using the pattern


To make things interesting I used a needle and thread to sew on a heart


Now, get your button kit ready


You'll want to take your button back and jewelry pliers and rip off the little part sticking out (which is used to attach the button to a garment)


Now place fabric over the button mold, and place the button back on top of the fabric


push the button back into the button mold


push the button out



use the hot glue gun to glue on the earring backs, and...you're done!!