Hi Everyone

The Virtual Crafting Challenge theme for March 2010 is:



Great I hear you say, but now what? Well for those of you who would like a few ideas to get you started, here are some  colours, products and techniques to help you choose, where you could go with this month’s theme. Feel free to use your own ideas for the letter C.

Colours

Cream
Cerrulean

Products

Cuttlebug
Chipboard
Cardboard

Techniques

Collage
Coptic stitch; Bookbinding style
Concertina; Bookbinding/Papercraft

Surfaces

Card
Ceramic


The most important thing about this challenge is that you have fun and explore. Don’t feel pressured to have a finished item at the end of the month. Explore different styles and techniques either in person, if you have the supplies, or through research, looking online.

You learn so much more when you take away the rules and just PLAY. Adapt this challenge to a creative style that interests you. Enjoy 

Post below to say you are joining in with the challenge and what you will be trying. Do add a link to any finished project you made for the challenge.

Best wishes and thanks for reading

Billie   

Hi GM

I was sorry to miss your Birds ATC theme too  couldn't get out to supplies at the time 

It was dry today though and I hobbled out to the studio and got some oriental themed stuff in, so will be playing the ATCs this month 

Good luck with the Crochet 

Hugs

Billie

Well I had a thought today that my first "C" of the month could be the lovely Crocus bulbs that I planted for a touch of spring indoors.



Definitely going to try with the crochet too though 

Lol Lynn ♥

Can any of our crochet experts please tell me where I am going wrong as my piece is getting smaller and smaller and now resembles a triangular bunting flag!! I take it I am doing something wrong at the end of each row and not doing the end right. Help!! 

Lol Lynn ♥

Lynn, 
going by what you describe, l think you may be missing out your turning chainstitches.
l assume you are doing double-stitch (or maybe treble) when you get to the end of a row do 3 chain-stitches (or 4 for treble) and then start the next row.
Keep practising and as you learn to get an even tension it will look less like chain-mail. lt shouldn't matter what yarn you use to practise with. lt can be fun to use thick yarn with small hooks for a dense piece or fine stuff with large hooks for a lacy effect.
l love crochet and used to teach it years ago, must get my hooks out again.
One last tip don't grip your hook or yarn too tight as it will effect your tension...........and make your hands ache
Hope that helps and just shout if you need any more help.

Diddy

Thanks so much for your help ladies!! I am not doing my "turning" stitch at the end and that was the problem!! I think I got the tension sussed last night and the piece was much more even and had a pattern to it (even if it was shrinking!!).

I am not working to a pattern but had a 4mm hook and DK wool. Seems to be fine once I practised a bit more. At the moment I will be happy with something the same size that I can use as a scarf!! Oh well, I've only been doing it two days so will give it some more time (I am such an impatient crafter!!).

Thanks again - and wonderful to hear from you Diddy 

Lol Lynn ♥

Here's my three "creations" so far  The two on the left were my triangular pieces before I started adding the turning stitches. The right-hand one is the best so far. It's a bit wobbly yet but that is definitely a tension thing now. I am starting to get the feel for the tension but am going to change wool at this keeps separating on me and it's very annoying to only hook part of the strand through!!

Of course being left-handed doesn't help as all the instructions are for the other way round and I am working "behind" my work all the time (unless someone can tell me another way to do it!!).

Lol Lynn ♥

Billie wrote on Mar 21^st, 2010 at 2:46pm:




That made me laugh, especially as I used to wear not much more in my younger and slimmer days 

I am not giving up on crochet - it's something I can do away from my craft desk and hopefully give my hands something to do at night rather than eating 

Lol Lynn ♥

The pots were at present from DH many years ago from the Disney Store.

I have put the crochet to one side for a little while whilst I re-acquaint myself with knitting 

Lol Lynn ♥

Tiger paper - love the name 

A gorgeous piece - and useful too 

Lol Lynn ♥