Tuesday, May 31, 2011

etsy sale has ended:(


With our blog up and running we thought that this would be a great time to offer a 25% off coupon for our Etsy shop. To redeem your Etsy coupon, simply follow the 3 easy steps listed below.
1) Copy this coupon code: 010611  
2) Go to knotsewcute.etsy.com and purchase your pattern(s) as usual.
3) When you are at the check out, enter the coupon code and 25% will automatically be taken off the total price of your purchase. 

Coupon code is valid from June 1, 2011 to June 7th, 2011. Our regular offer of buy 5 pattens in one transaction and receive a 6th pattern of your choice for free still applies. Feel free to pass the savings on to your friends and family! 

If you need any assistance or if you have any questions you can contact us anytime at knotsewcute@gmail.com.



enjoy!!


Sunday, May 29, 2011

how to do a reverse single crochet stitch.

The reverse single crochet stitch, also known as the crab stitch, is an easy stitch to master yet despite its simplicity it makes a beautiful corded edge.


Reverse single crochet - With right side facing and working from left to right insert the crochet hook into the next st, YO and pull up a loop (2 loops on hook), YO and pull through both loops on hook.

If you are using the reverse single crochet as a border around a cushion or an afghan remember that you may need to add 2 or 3 stitches in each corner for your project to lie flat.

kim.

Friday, May 27, 2011

new crochet pattern - hanging storage pouch.

We would like to introduce you to our newest crochet design, Hanging Storage Pouch by Tara Schreyer.


 

We all desire to be a little more organized! But where to put everything? Here is a creative way of gathering up all those little odds and ends around the house and make them look good!! These hanging pouches are perfect for holding your little ones favorite stuffies, pj's and toys. Works in the bathroom for holding facecloths and all your beauty essentials. Don't forget the mudroom - have pouches set about to catch all the gear and winter wear that gets shed all over the floor.

This crochet pattern calls for the following stitches: single crochet, double crochet, front post double crochet and back post double crochet. It is worked using two strands of cotton, making it a fast project. The double strand also makes it sturdy while the stitches used give it plenty of stretch.

Finished measurement:
10" across when laid flat; 11" from bottom to the top front edge, and 13.5" from bottom to top of handle.



tara.

how to make an adjustable ring in crochet.


The adjustable ring, also known as the magic ring or the yarn ring, is not a new technique but it is one that has recently grown in popularity as it produces a small, neat center hole.  This is an easy technique to learn and once you have tried it you may never want to go back to the using the chain method as your starting ring.  In this tutorial we will look at how to make both the adjustable and the double adjustable ring.





To begin, wrap the yarn around your finger to create a loop. Make sure that you leave at least a 4" tail.









Using your crochet hook, draw the yarn through the loop.











You should have one loop on the hook.













Slide the loop off of your finger and work the chain as directed. For the purpose of this tutorial we will be working in double crochet so the chain 3 will count as the first double crochet.






 
Crocheting over the tail, work the required number of double crochets into the ring.



 




When you have finished working the required number of stitches simply pull the yarn tail until the center of the hole is closed.



 






For a more secure closure try the double adjustable ring. To make a double adjustable ring wrap the yarn around your finger twice to create a loop.







Using your crochet hook, draw the yarn through both loops. Continue working through each of the steps in the same manner as you would if you were making the adjustable ring.





kim.

Thursday, May 26, 2011

sneak peek.


Here's a peek at our latest crochet pattern that should be ready for release any day now...


tara.

Wednesday, May 25, 2011

we love knit picks.

Not only does Knit Picks have a yummy selection of affordable luxury yarns, but it also has a wonderful Independent Designer Program. We are excited to announce that we have recently added a few of our crochet designs to this program. 

Knit Picks generously pays it's designers 100% of what the crochet pattern sells for and we are happy to be able to pass this savings on to you the customer.  This means a savings of at least a $1.00 per pattern purchase.  Please find a photo and accompanying link of all our patterns currently being offered through Knit Picks.





Friday, May 20, 2011

tips on how to read a crochet pattern.



  
The first time you look at a crochet pattern it can be rather confusing. It is almost like you are reading a different language, but don't despair. Once you learn a few simple abbreviations a crochet pattern is quite simple to read and to understand. For a list of common crochet abbreviations click here.

Don't feel that you need to learn all of the abbreviations at once. Just refer to the list anytime that you come across a new abbreviation that you are not familiar with. Sometimes you will come across a special abbreviation that is not on this list, but no worries, the publisher or the designer will usually have a definition somewhere in the book or on the pattern.

Comma's are used to separate each step so it is important to pay attention to them. Adding or neglecting something as small as a simple comma can alter the meaning of the pattern. Symbols and brackets are used to signal pattern repeats or to clarify special instructions. Some examples of the ways that symbols and brackets are used are as follows:

      1.   * bpdc in each of the next 3 sts, fpdc in each of the next 3 sts, repeat from * across
      2.   work [2 dc, ch 2, 2 dc] all in the next ch 2 space
      3.   [dc in next dc, cl in the next dc] 5 times
      4.   ch 3 (counts as first dc)
Another way that brackets are used is to indicate different sizes. For example a pattern may read, “Instructions are written for size 1 with instructions for sizes 2 and 3 in parentheses”. An example of this would be:

     With a 5.00 mm (H) crochet hook ch 10 (12, 14)

Crochet patterns are written in rows or rounds. The pattern will tell you whether or not you are working in a row or in a round and it is important to pay attention to these terms as you could be working both within the same pattern.

When you are first learning to crochet it is easy to get confused at the beginning of a row...where do you put that first stitch? A general rule of thumb is that when you are working in single crochet you work your first single crochet into the first stitch. With half double crochet, double crochet and trebles the turning chain at the beginning of the row counts as the first stitch, so unless the designer instructs you to do otherwise you would work into the next stitch. The designer will usually note somewhere in the pattern as to whether or not the turning chain counts as the first stitch. Often patterns will include a stitch count at the end of a row and sometimes this can be a clue as to where that first stitch should start. Here's an example of the stitch count at the end of the row:

     Work 1 sc in the first sc and in each sc across, ch 1, turn – 30 sc.

When following a pattern you have to put your trust in the designer. A good designer pays close attention to the small details. Also, what a designer doesn't say is often as important as what the designer says. For example, if the patterns says to turn then of course you would turn, but if the pattern doesn't say to turn then you would proceed in the direction that you were going. The trick to reading a pattern is to read slowly and to pay attention to each detail.


kim.

Wednesday, May 18, 2011

new crochet pattern - aran accent pillow.

We would like to introduce you to our newest crochet design, Aran Accent Pillow by Kim Miller.


Inspired by the classic cables of a traditional aran sweater this accent pillow will add texture and a feeling of warmth to any room.

Detailed crochet pattern has lots of illustrations to help you to successfully complete you project. The front panel is a 4 row repeat that is easy to memorize.

Finished pillow measures 15x15” and fits a 14x14” pillow form, or for a fuller pillow you can use a 16x16” pillow form. Pattern calls for 1 ¼ balls of Lion Brand® Fisherman's Wool and uses the following stitches: sc, dc, FPdc, BPdc, FPtr and reverse sc.

Buy Now  

kim.