Rag Crochet and Stiffener

Ever tried to use a stiffener? Well I had never tried the process up until the past few weeks. The baskets I have made of late were in need of a stiffener, not only to shape them but to keep them in that particular form, I was aiming for ever.

Firstly I did dome research on line.

I read this article.

The only thing I had lots of on hand of at the time was sugar, so I used that method, 5 days later and not so sticky, they were dried.

Mmm, not as hard as I would have liked, I forgot to bring them in from out side and the night air gave them a slight limp, not the for ever I was aiming for.

Back to the drawing board, I rinsed the sugar solution from them (definately would not have lasted for ever) and dipped them into a new solution of PVA wood glue and water that was slightly heated on the stove. I had already found the perfect shaping tools (kitchen bowls) and once I had squeezed the excess mixture from the baskets, I put the shaping tools in place, made the finer adjustments then put them on big plastic trays (won't stick to them) and then out into the sunshine for a couple of days.

Hard as a rock and the drying time was halved.

The glue dries clear and the remaining glue from the squeezing process has been kept as I will try to re-use this for another project.

Once the baskets are fully completed I will post their pictures. I'm hoping for some lovely country decor'

Here is a very stiff hanging heart basket, it was dried whilst hanging from a nail.

Crochet Baby Jacket

I have been trying to keep my crochet simple and short for the past week so what better way than short and sweet baby jackets.

The pink jacket below is the warm baby niche's in stitches shown in this post.

This little cutey is from this post, it is Bev's Hexagon Baby Jacket, free pattern from Bev's country Cottage.

No, there is not a baby due, I just like to crochet!

Bec's Crocheted Rag Bag

Bec is my 32 yr old step daughter, she has supported me with all of my crazy crocheted items by either wearing them, using them or dressing her children (my grand children, Lily, Darcy and Bella) in them. My husband (her dad) Terry and I went for a visit to see them all on Sunday (including Bec's husband Dave) and I just had to make something for Bec to take to her, I just love seeing the surprise on her face!

So I made her this crocheted rag bag to take up to her, the little heart on the bag came from her dear departed Nannie's button tin (which I have) and I just knew it would add sentimental value to the bag.

I used a 12.00 mm hook and I cut strips from an old sheet and tied them together. I used the easy peasy crochet bag method. I began with 5 sc, did 15 rows for the base and 15 rows high for the sides. I also used laughingpurple’s bag lining tutorial. Thanks Purple for all of your tutorials, they assist me immensely.

Because I had the rags already cut and joined, the whole process took me a solid 2 hours.

Above are the selections for the contrasting trim, lining and pocket.

Above is the view from inside, I included 3 pockets, 2 being narrow (mobile phone etc) and 1 being slightly larger.

Simple Prompt's To Keep You On Your Toe's

I've been off the posting lately, as I have been unwell. It's been hard to see the computer screen let alone to type something, this is proving to be a bit of a task thus far.

How ever I will continue and share with you an easy and successful way to remind your self of those patterns you want to make, wether they be knit, crochet or even sewing. You could also incorporate this into, those book's I'd like to read, let your mind run wild with all sorts of reminders to one's self.

Okay, I'll get on with it.

Assuming we all have access to our own computer and we all have a screen saver option, by storing a picture of the pattern you wish to make with in the, my pictures folder, stored in my documents folder, you can set the screen saver to my pictures folder and when the screen saver on your computer activates, there they are, all of those patterns or books or recepies etc, you want to get around to are there for your prompter.

Firstly, save a picture to my picture folder, using your mouse, right click any blank area on your computer screen, then select properties, then select screen saver, using the drop down menu list, click on my pictures (it may also say my pictures slideshow)

then click apply, now it is ready. If you are concerened about those lovely family pictures you may have stored in the my pictures folder, just move them to another folder and save them there.

Hope you enjoy this post, it's only taken me about an hour, which includes error fixing, if you find any please let me know.

Here are just a few that I want to get around to.