Single Crochet Dishcloth

Single Crochet Dish Cloth

Materials:

4-ply worsted weight 100% cotton yarn

H hook

Stitches needed:

ch – chain

sc – single crochet

Ch 31

Row 1: sc in second ch from hook and in each ch across (30 sc)

Row 2: ch 1, turn, sc in each sc across (30 sc)

Rep row 2 until work is square or measures approximately 8 inches

Finish off, weave in ends.

*Check to make sure you have the right amount of stitches on each row – you should have 30.  If you have too few, you may not be stitching in the last stitch of the row.

Crochet Awareness: Hooks

Crochet Awareness:  Hooks

Two different point styles are available.

Start with an H hook - it works well with cotton and worsted-weight yarns.
Add to your collection as needed for projects.
Hooks are sized with letters and in millimeters.  The 'bigger' the letter, the bigger the hook is.
If you find that your stitches are tight, try a bigger hook.  If your stitches are loose, try a smaller hook.
Metal hooks are most commonly used (and are my preference), but plastic and bamboo are also available.


Check the yarn department at your favorite craft supply store for different brands, handle styles, cushions, and points.

Try a handle (top), metal (middle), or plastic (bottom) hook.

Some of my collection. :)

Crochet Awareness: Beginning Yarns

Crochet Awareness:  Beginning Yarns

100% Cotton

• This is a good yarn to start your crocheting career with.
• It's easy to work with.
• It doesn't split easily.
• It comes in a LOT of colors.
• It's usually inexpensive.
• It holds together well and doesn't pill.
• It shows every stitch, so it makes counting stitches easier when you're beginning.
• My favorite brands:  Sugar 'n Cream (Lily), I Love This Cotton (Hobby Lobby)

Acrylic Worsted Weight

• Another good yarn to start with.
• It's easy to work with.
• There is no dye-lot (generally) - so if you run out of yarn before your project is done, a new skein will match what you purchased previously.
• It comes in TONS of colors.
• It's widely available and affordable.
• It's a great multi-purpose yarn for sweaters, afghans, and more.
• My favorite brands:  Super Saver (Red Heart), I Love This Yarn (Hobby Lobby), Vanna's Choice Yarn (Lion Brand), Deborah Norville (Premier Yarns)

Chain Necklace Pattern

Chain Necklace or Scarf

Pattern by Christine Ferrin

Materials:

4-ply worsted weight yarn – acrylic or cotton

H hook

Chain 7 lengths:

                  90 ch (approx. 24 in.)

                  95 ch (approx. 26 in.)

                  100 ch (approx. 28 in.)

                  105 ch (approx. 30 in.)

                  110 ch (approx. 32 in.)

                  115 ch (approx. 34 in.)

                  120 ch (approx. 36 in.)

Leave a 6-inch tail when starting and fastening off each chain.

Put the ends together and tie a knot to secure together at each end.  Knot the ends together.  Trim ends.  Secure with fabric glue if desired.

Ideas for ‘hiding’ the knot:

                  Single crochet band

                  Crochet flower

                  Large beads

Variations:

                  Longer/shorter/more/fewer chain lengths

                  Pre-string beads on yarn and chain them in

Use bulky-weight yarn (and a larger hook)

Use sport-weight yarn or thread (and a smaller hook)

12 Projects in '12

I saw this idea over here.... and thought I'd give it a try right here!  (If I've done it right, the pictures should link to their somewhat original form... I'm hoping I've pinned them right on Pinterest!)

12 Projects I'm Going to Make in 2012

1.  Love this.  I made a similar one for the water cup that I keep at school with the lid and the straw (you know the kind?) with the school colors - but I love this idea.  Wouldn't it be cute to make a new one for each season?  Or month?  Or subject we're studying in class?

 

2.  How fun would this be?  Wouldn't this be a great last-day-of-school-shirt?  So easy and cute.  It'd be great for more precise work, and for those (like me) who are tie-dye dumb.  Bleach pen.  Love it.

3.  I have always wanted one of these!  They are so expensive though when you see them at boutiques or in catalogs.  Now's my chance...

4.  Another cute one to do with the kids in my class - maybe for Mother's Day?  These look so fun!

5.  Ok, so this might be a 'buyer' instead of a 'maker'.  But so clever.  Why didn't I think of this?  What book should I use?

6.  I have major cord issues at my house.  And at school.  And everywhere I try to plug in anything.  So handy.

7.  A travel essential.  So easy.  I hate how plastic-y travel bags get sticky and icky from a recently used toothbrush that you have to pack because you're leaving the hotel in 5 minutes.  This definitely eliminates some of that ick factor.

8.  So cute.  Basic hat pattern, a little embellishing.  I definitely need to make one for all the little Utes that I know!

9.  I definitely need this sign in my classroom.  I may change it up a bit and make one for the principal - "This school runs on ... Dr Pepper."  What's your favorite teacher addicted to?

10.  I've never made one of these.  Ever.  How did I get out of elementary school without this experience, let alone get a job teaching?  I've seen now that Martha Stewart has a nifty little tool to 'help' you make one of these, but I think kids were making them long before Martha's people got the idea.  I do like the variety of colors, too, and not just a classic white snowflake.

 

11.  This is way cute.  I was thinking of some different ways to dress up our craft booth at Midvale Days this summer, and thought this would work well.  

12.  I have seen these all over the web lately.  Sooooo cute and sooooo easy! 

Well.  There you have it.  My life's work for the next year.

Now all I need is several days off ... a few weeks off ... summer and I'll be set.

This, in addition to all the other works in progress and wannabe works in progress...  I think I'll start tomorrow...

Welcome!

Welcome to my new little blog, Christine's Domestic Portfolio.

This blog will be a collection of stuff I've tried (thanks, Pintrest!), and things that inspire me.  You'll also find a few of my own creations.

Enjoy!