People ask me all the time how I find the patterns I use. Nearly all of my patterns come from one of three places. (All of which are primarily free!) Where else do you find patterns?
1. Ravelry
Ravelry is one of my favorite sites when I'm looking for a specific pattern because it has an awesome search engine that lets me really narrow down the results. Plus, it literally has THOUSANDS of patterns! I can search by craft (knit or crochet), type of garment, size, gender specific items, yardage, yarn weight, price, etc. I can also store my favorite patterns in my Ravelry 'library' so I'll always have access to them. I'm not going to lie, the site is extremely extensive and can be a tad difficult to navigate (I've been using it for years and still find new features!) but once you've gotten it down, you'll love it, trust me!
2. Craftsy
Craftsy reminds me of a mix of Pinterest and Ravelry. It has the awesome Ravelry-style patterns, but in a easy-to-navigate Pinterest-style format. Don't get me wrong, I like Pinterest, but I often get frustrated by some of the faulty links, I never have to worry about that at Craftsy! Plus, Craftsy offers great, professional online classes to learn all kinds of new and fun techniques! :)
3. I make it up.
I know, this probably isn't what you want to hear, but the more you knit and crochet, the more you'll begin to really understand how to put things together foundationally to achieve a specific look or effect and you'll start doing this on your own. I often tag things on Pinterest I'd like to emulate (often the link doesn't take me to an actual pattern, ugh!) and then I spend some time copying it to the best of my ability, or altering it to fit my needs. Don't worry, this is a skill that will come with time, and a bit of trial and error. My advice is to let it happen naturally, it's taken me years to learn this, expect failure, I often frog the same project a dozen times before I get it to look like I want, keep a good friend nearby, my mom is awesome to bounce ideas off of or give me tips, and, perhaps most importantly, write EVERYTHING down! I carry a small journal with me and write everything down, including the mistakes. When I finish the project I re-write it in a way I can reuse later on, because trust me, eventually you WILL want to know how you did something and you WILL NOT remember.
God Bless!
Sunday, May 25, 2014
May 25th Meeting
Our meeting was cancelled as a result of poor attendance in light of Memorial Day Weekend. Keep working on your shawls and we will meet again in June! :) Don't forget to send me photos of what you're working on!
June Meetings:
June 7th: 2-3pm
June 21st: 4-5pm
Happy Memorial Day, may God bless you!
June Meetings:
June 7th: 2-3pm
June 21st: 4-5pm
Happy Memorial Day, may God bless you!
Thursday, May 15, 2014
Witnessing
Does anyone else struggle to share the love of Christ with others? It drives me absolutely bonkers! It's so AWESOME to have a relationship with Him, but every time I try to share it I sound like a tongue-tied toddler.
I have discovered, that the best way to share Christ's love, is to do it using something I love. We were blessed with the ability to knit or crochet for a REASON, and it's the perfect venue to start conversation among strangers.
I know that every time I go on vacation, take public transportation, go to a restaurant with a wait, or visit the doctor's office, I take my project with me so I'll have something to do. (I'm not going to lie, I've also taken my projects to theme parks, movie theaters, vet's offices, etc. I guess I'm a bit of a fanatic, lol!) I can't tell you how many times other, extremely bored, people have asked me what I'm working on. It finally hit me one day how much of an impact I can make by sharing the Prayer Shawl, and the Ministry with those people!
The next time someone strikes up a conversation with you, share the story of Christ via your "prayer shawl story."
God Bless! :)
I have discovered, that the best way to share Christ's love, is to do it using something I love. We were blessed with the ability to knit or crochet for a REASON, and it's the perfect venue to start conversation among strangers.
I know that every time I go on vacation, take public transportation, go to a restaurant with a wait, or visit the doctor's office, I take my project with me so I'll have something to do. (I'm not going to lie, I've also taken my projects to theme parks, movie theaters, vet's offices, etc. I guess I'm a bit of a fanatic, lol!) I can't tell you how many times other, extremely bored, people have asked me what I'm working on. It finally hit me one day how much of an impact I can make by sharing the Prayer Shawl, and the Ministry with those people!
The next time someone strikes up a conversation with you, share the story of Christ via your "prayer shawl story."
God Bless! :)
Sunday, May 11, 2014
Our First Meeting
We had our first official meeting yesterday and it was awesome! There was lots of knitting, crocheting, and teaching, but even better, there was tons of laughter and good conversation among some wonderful, caring ladies. :)
For those of you who were unable to attend, or are participating long distance, we certainly missed you and had you in our thoughts! Hopefully I can fill you in as much as possible, those who were in attendance, let me know if I missed anything. :)
We discussed who the first recipients of our shawls would be, and there seemed to be a general agreement that it would be nice to share them with members of the church who may need a bit of extra comfort. Let me know, if you have anyone specific in mind!
There was lots of instruction going around as well as a veteran knitter learned to crochet and some eager newbies began their first projects! These shawls will truly be a work of labor and love and I know these ladies are going to feel such a wonderful sense of accomplishment when their shawls are completed! A few of our other ladies also shared some tips and techniques on crocheting and knitting. It was truly impossible not to feel a wonderful sense of community as we sat and worked joyfully for our Lord.
A few of use shared projects we recently began, and we also got to see a beautiful (and finished!) shawl that was made for one of the group members by a close friend. Her story of how the shawl brought her strength and comfort in a dark moment was both heartbreaking and inspiring, a good reminder of why we do what we do. :)
I know there was many different stories circulating of how shawls brought them strength, I encourage you to write and share these stories with me, I'd like to do a post that is a collection of these stories to provide inspiration to as many as possible. Please also share any pictures of our meeting, or pictures of the project you're currently working on, I'd love to share them with the group!
You can share your story or photos through the comment section, by emailing me at thatfarmgirlteacher@gmail.com, or by messaging me on Facebook.
I have to say, I truly can't wait until we meet again!
For those of you who were unable to attend, or are participating long distance, we certainly missed you and had you in our thoughts! Hopefully I can fill you in as much as possible, those who were in attendance, let me know if I missed anything. :)
We discussed who the first recipients of our shawls would be, and there seemed to be a general agreement that it would be nice to share them with members of the church who may need a bit of extra comfort. Let me know, if you have anyone specific in mind!
There was lots of instruction going around as well as a veteran knitter learned to crochet and some eager newbies began their first projects! These shawls will truly be a work of labor and love and I know these ladies are going to feel such a wonderful sense of accomplishment when their shawls are completed! A few of our other ladies also shared some tips and techniques on crocheting and knitting. It was truly impossible not to feel a wonderful sense of community as we sat and worked joyfully for our Lord.
A few of use shared projects we recently began, and we also got to see a beautiful (and finished!) shawl that was made for one of the group members by a close friend. Her story of how the shawl brought her strength and comfort in a dark moment was both heartbreaking and inspiring, a good reminder of why we do what we do. :)
I know there was many different stories circulating of how shawls brought them strength, I encourage you to write and share these stories with me, I'd like to do a post that is a collection of these stories to provide inspiration to as many as possible. Please also share any pictures of our meeting, or pictures of the project you're currently working on, I'd love to share them with the group!
You can share your story or photos through the comment section, by emailing me at thatfarmgirlteacher@gmail.com, or by messaging me on Facebook.
I have to say, I truly can't wait until we meet again!
Friday, May 9, 2014
How to Crochet (Right or Left Handed)
This series of videos will demonstrate the basics of crochet. I encourage you to test out each of these stitches before beginning your first official pattern. You're more than welcome to contact me through the comment section or my email if you get stuck or have any questions. Enjoy! :)
Right hand: first video. Left hand: second video
I added a pattern for a washcloth, I encourage you to use it as a way to practice each of these stitches. Why a washcloth? Because they're small but still functional, and if it isn't beautiful, that's more than okay. :) The pattern uses the most common stitches, but feel free to experiment with the less commonly used ones as well.
MOST COMMON STITCHES:
Guide to Hooks: A quick guide to explain different types of hooks and the ways they can be used.
Guide to Yarn: A very basic guide to the most common types of yarn. (There are many other types of yarn, but as a beginner you really only need to know what is sold at your local stores.) I encourage you to experiment and see what style of yarn you like the best.
Basic Slip Knot: The slip knot is almost always used to begin crocheting, it is truly one of the very first things you will ever need!
How I hold my yarn: Keep in mind there is not a 'right' way to do this. You have to find what is comfortable and effective for you.
Foundation Chains (Ch): The chain stitch is used as the foundation for the rest of the piece, and, depending on the pattern, chains my be used throughout the piece as well. I encourage you to practice making long chains to get a feel for gauge/pattern.
Single Crochet (sc): One of the smaller stitches used in crochet patterns, very common for a tightly crocheted product.
Double Crochet (dc): A very tall stitch that is commonly used on more loosely crocheted items. Typically a bit faster than the single crochet stitch, however many believe it uses a bit more yarn. (Most of the time this is true, however it depends on the pattern as well.)
Slip Stitch (sl): Almost invisible stitch, often used for joining pieces or moving the yarn over a bit. (It's hard to explain unless you've encountered it in a pattern.)
LESS COMMONLY USED STITCHES
Half Double Crochet (hdc): Sort of in between the height of a single crochet and double crochet.
Treble Crochet (tc): An EXTRA tall double crochet-style stitch.
WASHCLOTH PATTERN:
With MC: (main color)
ch 26
Row 1: sc in second ch from hook and all the way across. ch 2, turn. (25 sc)
Row 2: dc in first sc, and each sc across. ch 1, turn. (25 dc)
Continue in this manner until piece measures 7 inches
Final row: sl st across, fasten off.
Right hand: first video. Left hand: second video
I added a pattern for a washcloth, I encourage you to use it as a way to practice each of these stitches. Why a washcloth? Because they're small but still functional, and if it isn't beautiful, that's more than okay. :) The pattern uses the most common stitches, but feel free to experiment with the less commonly used ones as well.
MOST COMMON STITCHES:
Guide to Hooks: A quick guide to explain different types of hooks and the ways they can be used.
Guide to Yarn: A very basic guide to the most common types of yarn. (There are many other types of yarn, but as a beginner you really only need to know what is sold at your local stores.) I encourage you to experiment and see what style of yarn you like the best.
Basic Slip Knot: The slip knot is almost always used to begin crocheting, it is truly one of the very first things you will ever need!
Foundation Chains (Ch): The chain stitch is used as the foundation for the rest of the piece, and, depending on the pattern, chains my be used throughout the piece as well. I encourage you to practice making long chains to get a feel for gauge/pattern.
Single Crochet (sc): One of the smaller stitches used in crochet patterns, very common for a tightly crocheted product.
Double Crochet (dc): A very tall stitch that is commonly used on more loosely crocheted items. Typically a bit faster than the single crochet stitch, however many believe it uses a bit more yarn. (Most of the time this is true, however it depends on the pattern as well.)
Slip Stitch (sl): Almost invisible stitch, often used for joining pieces or moving the yarn over a bit. (It's hard to explain unless you've encountered it in a pattern.)
AND
Finishing/Fastening Off: What do you do with that last stitch? It's really not that hard, I promise. :)LESS COMMONLY USED STITCHES
Half Double Crochet (hdc): Sort of in between the height of a single crochet and double crochet.
Treble Crochet (tc): An EXTRA tall double crochet-style stitch.
WASHCLOTH PATTERN:
With MC: (main color)
ch 26
Row 1: sc in second ch from hook and all the way across. ch 2, turn. (25 sc)
Row 2: dc in first sc, and each sc across. ch 1, turn. (25 dc)
Continue in this manner until piece measures 7 inches
Final row: sl st across, fasten off.
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