Crochet and Sewing Projects
Art is my passion but I really enjoy crochet as a close second. The lack of mess to clean up makes it the pass time that I usually choose. Being able to make something while relaxing with my family makes it preferable to getting all the paints or drawing tools I would need to create a new art piece. Someday I hope to have my own studio so that leaving everything out would be possible but right now cleaning up a huge mess on a night after working 8 hours and spending 2-3 hours making dinner and tidying up the house, doesn't sound at all relaxing. This is why, on a regular evening, I choose to crochet or sew.
I enjoy making hats for children the most, primarily because they are quick to finish and are so darn cute. I have been expanding on that with hats for all members of the family as well as other accessories to compliment almost anyone's wardrobe. My favorite types of yarn are Red Heart, Vanna White and Bernat. I do purchase all sorts of yarn brands and types mostly based on color and texture. I love to go to the yarn store and touch all the yarn, that is the best way to choose yarn in my experience. I also have a certain level of OCD so I can only use certain types of yarn. I can't explain why but some yarn types make me cringe when I touch them so of course I will not be able to crochet with something I can't stand having on my skin. I know not all people have this problem so I encourage anyone who is new to crochet or knitting to go to the store and touch all the yarn. Yes I am aware that sounds strange but you will notice that most individuals shopping for yarn will do the same.
Many of the patterns I use when I crochet are free patterns, mostly because I don't have a lot of extra funds to devote to my hobby, but when I find a super cute pattern that is only a for purchase pattern then I have no problem buying it. I also like to buy books with collections of patterns in them and Crochet magazine is a great resource as well. When following a pattern if I find I don't like how it is turning out I often alter the pattern to my liking so that the item turns out as I would prefer it to. If you are just learning it's best to stick to the pattern as much as you can. YouTube also has some great tutorials so that you can learn special stitches by watching them done. I learn much better by watching than by reading so I have YouTube videos with special crochet stitches saved so that I can look at them again later.
I don't often do large projects like blankets or adult sweaters because they are time consuming and also require larger amounts of yarn so they tend to be more expensive to make. I have done blankets in the past and I prefer the Bernat Blanket yarns. The Bernat Blanket yarn is super bulky so you use a larger hook and the blankets tend to work up much faster. This particular yarn is on the more expensive side so I like to collect my coupons before I go shopping. I do absolutely love the feel of this yarn too, it's incredibly soft and heavy at the same time so the blankets are nice and warm as well.
Sewing, is another hobby I have. I like to make useful items and I love that if someone needs something fixed, hemmed or a button replaced, I can do that for them. I know that I am old fashioned but I sincerely believe that knowing how to hand sew and sew with a sewing machine is something that everyone should know. It is only a useful talent, there is nothing usless about it. If you don't know how, and can take a class at JoAnn Fabrics, I strongly suggest it. I don't sew all the time but I love to know that if I want to make something I can do it myself and I don't have to search for someone else who can. I even altered my own bridesmaids dress that I wore in friends wedding recently saving me at least $100.
I recently started making doll clothes for the 18" dolls that are so popular these days. My daughter has two so she loves to change their outfits according to whatever activity she is participating in that day. I have made baby clothes and other fun projects in the past as well. I usually stick to the easier projects mostly because of the lack of time I have to spare but I do love to make outfits for my children for Halloween as well. Below are just a few of the projects I have made and you can also purchase some items at my etsy store: www.etsy.com/shop/MCNoveltiesNNY Feel free to check the current item listings.
I recently started making doll clothes for the 18" dolls that are so popular these days. My daughter has two so she loves to change their outfits according to whatever activity she is participating in that day. I have made baby clothes and other fun projects in the past as well. I usually stick to the easier projects mostly because of the lack of time I have to spare but I do love to make outfits for my children for Halloween as well. Below are just a few of the projects I have made and you can also purchase some items at my etsy store: www.etsy.com/shop/MCNoveltiesNNY Feel free to check the current item listings.