Crafty Creative Crochet - A Craft Review

Crochet is a Fiber Arts Craft. Crochet crafting is defined as the art of creating fabric by locking loops of yarn together with a single hooked needle. 

My World of Crochet

My crafting world revolves around the fiber art of Crochet. 

Personally, most of my own crochet is done using single & double crochet, with the occasional fancy stitch for a border. Therefore, I really admire the crochet artists who create using intricate and beautiful stitches, as you will see in their gorgeous creations sprinkled throughout this page and featured in their Etsy Shops, and Elsewhere..

Crochet in the Past...

The fiber art of crochet became popular as a craft during the 19th Century. Other needlecrafts were known earlier, but there is no real history of crochet much before that time. Crochet basically began in Britain, America and France as a less costly substitute for lace.

What began as a Cottage Industry has grown today to include many styles and forms from clothing created with crocheted fabrics to caps for newborn babies and darling plush animals for children. Every kind of yarn imaginable is used in modern creations, including baby yarn, sport yarn, 3- and 4-ply yarns, specialty, bulky and rug yarns. 

Cotton is still used in bedspread thread yarn and has become very popular today for washcloths and dishcloths because it is durable and strong. 

Wool yarn continues to be popular, particularly for home decor and winter wear (and many crafters love to 'felt' with wool yarn). Acrylic yarn is used by most crafters for its versatility and washability.

Basic Crochet

Crochet is begun by placing a slip-knot loop on the hook, pulling another loop through the first loop, and repeating this process to create a chain of the length needed for a specific pattern or project. Work the chain in rows, or in rounds. Stitches are made by pulling one or more loops through each loop of the chain, with only one loop left on the hook at any one time.

There are actually just 6 basic stitches --

• chain
• single crochet
• half-double crochet
• double crochet
• triple crochet
• double tripe/treble crochet

Most items use just two stitches, the chain and single crochet. By combining stitches, different patterns can be achieved.

There are many how-to videos for various kinds of crochet stitches available on YouTube and any number of articles with instructions, so individual ones won't be presented here. This is mainly a brief explanation of various crochet stitches ~ with delightful handmade examples showing how a particular stitch looks in a sweater, a scarf, a pair of booties...... etc.

Lacy Crochet Stitches

Filet Crochet is a type of crocheted lace that is 'gridlike' because it uses only two crochet stitches, the chain and double crochet. It forms patterns by filling in parts of a chain stitch mesh. Filet crochet is used for decorative items like window curtains, tablecloths, coasters and placemats. Patterns are worked from a graph and created by combining solid and open meshes.

Hairpin Crochet is created by using a tool that looks like a long 'hairpin' or tuning fork. This strip of lace must be removed from the frame before it may be used. Patterns consist of long strips that are joined together to form the finished article.

Broomstick Lace is a crochet technique that results in a lovely pattern used for clothing and blankets. It is done using both a crochet hook and another long slender item such as a knitting needle. It is sometimes called jiffy lace or peacock eye crochet. 

Additional Forms of Creative Crochet

There is Tunisian -- or Afghan -- Crochet, which is a technique that combines both knitting and crochet to form a soft, yet firm fabric. An 'afghan' hook is used for Tunisian Crochet, which is long like a knitting needle, but with a hook on the end. Like knitting, all the 'loops' for the number of stitches required are "cast on", then worked off, for each row. Unlike knitting, the work is never turned.

The Tunisian 'fabric' thus created is less elastic and thicker than normal crochet, making it very suitable for blankets and winter wear.

3D Cluster Stitch Blanket Pattern

Cluster Stitch Crochet: a crochet stitch that creates a triangle shape resembling an upside-down shell stitch. It's worked across an equal number of stitches and joined together (clustered) at the top.

The pattern for the 3D Cluster Stitch blanket was created by Margaret of Alabama and is available in her Etsy Shop Sweet Raggedy. 

Crochet Puff Stitch: This stitch is so named because it gently 'puffs up' into an oval shape. Puff stitching adds great texture to crocheted fabric. To crochet a puff stitch, you half-close several stitches worked in the same stitch and then join them together to finish the stitch.

Popcorn Stitch Baby Blanket in Crochet

Popcorn Stitch: a very versatile crochet stitch similar to the Puff Stitch in that it is oval and stands out from the fabric. It is similar to a shell stitch, involving putting multiple stitches in one base stitch, then the stitches are pulled together at the top. This makes the stitches puff out to make a three dimensional bubble in your pattern.

This beautiful baby blanket was created by a crochet crafter for her Etsy Shop she calls Flower Cardigan House.

Cable Stitch Crochet: Most crafters in the field of fiber art relate a 'cable stitch' to Knitting. Cables can also be created in crochet. Check out patterns and tutorials available on YouTube. 

Ripple Stitch Handmade Afghan

Wave Stitch or Ripple Stitch is created by repeating double crochet stitches interspersed with increases and decreases. It looks particularly interesting on crocheted washcloths, blankets, and afghans. The wave pattern is also called a 'Zig Zag Chevron' pattern.

The above gorgeous afghan was created in the Wave/Ripple stitch by crochet crafter Julie  for her Etsy Shop Stitches by Julie.

Crocodile Stitch Crochet Handbag Pattern

Crocodile Stitch Crochet. This stitch is the perfect 3D technique to imitate feathers or scales. The stitch is worked into a base of several V-stitches on a base of double crochet and separated by single crochet stitches.

This lovely example of the crocodile stitch can be seen in this digital pattern for a handbag. This one is ready to download from the Etsy Shop KnitcroAddict and was designed by Wan, a girl from Thailand who now lives in Minneapolis. 

More Creative Crochet Techniques

Many of the crochet techniques and stitches presented here date back to the 18th and 19th centuries. One style of crochet -- Amigurumi -- is quite recent, having its beginning around 2003. It has no practical use, but is becoming a well-loved creation because of it's overall 'Cuteness'. 

Golden Bunny Girl on Etsy

Typically, amigurumi animals have an over-sized spherical head on a cylindrical body with undersized extremities. 

This Amigurumi Golden Bunny, wearing a dress, can be found in the Etsy Shop of Coastal Crochet Crafts.

Sometimes inanimate objects are crocheted and given features, once again creating something 'cute' and a fun toy. These are called Anthropomorphic designs, as you can see in this Cute Review of Anthropomorphism. They are a fun item to create and easy to do as most are made 'in the round' using the single crochet stitch. 

Felting is another crochet technique. Felting is the shrinking of the material together using water, heat, and agitation. The fibers will lock together, and what once was a loose crocheted piece of cloth now will look like a solid fabric. Felting is wonderful for knitted or crocheted bags, because it will tighten the fibers into one durable material. The yarn used in a felted project needs to be 100% animal fibers, so wool yarn is usually the felting material of choice.

*Granny Square - Sometimes called an Afghan Square

It tickles me to read the description of a granny square as being a crochet technique that produces square fabric by working in the round. Traditionally, a granny square is made with a series of chains and double-crocheted blocks--a kind of filet crochet in the round, if you will, working from the center outward. Crochet crafters usually create multiple small 'granny squares', called 'motifs', then put them together to form a completed piece.

You can read all about this popular crochet craft in this review of The World of Granny Squares.

*Shell Stitch or Fan Stitch in crochet creates the shape of arcs and semicircles. It's often used as edging for Afghan blankets and sweaters. The crochet shell stitch is a classic, decorative pattern made by working multiple taller stitches (usually double crochets) into a single base stitch. This creates a textured, fan-like scallop shape that looks like a seashell. 

Crazy Stitch, Brick Stitch, Zig-Zag Stitch are all variations of the Shell Stitch.

The crazy stitch (or Brick Stitch... or Zig-Zag stitch) in crochet makes a unique pattern by using double or triple crochets in an offset shell pattern. It's sometimes called a brick stitch because the interlocking sections at an alternating left or right slant make the finished work look like a brick wall.

Read a full description of this lovely crochet stitch, with examples, in the craft review The Shell Stitch. 

Crochet Crafting Notes:

• For Felting your Crochet - Choose 100% Wool Yarn
• For Cute Stuffed Animals and Toys - Acrylic Yarn is Best

How-To's for Crochet Stitches?

I have not included instructions for all these stitches, because many 'How-To's' are available online.

Summary of Crochet Crafting

Crochet crafting is definitely a creative process that wraps you in warmth, turning soft yarn and quiet moments into cozy handmade treasures.

Crafting in crochet, or learning various crochet stitches and techniques, can be a very enjoyable and relaxing activity. Did you know that Crochet is considered a form of meditation? :-)

Do you like to crochet? - Or would you like to learn? 

I'd love to read your comments about the crafty world of crochet.

*The world of crochet review was written by Wednesday Elf in © 2011. It originally appeared on another site no longer in existence.

Image Credits:

• Lacy Crochet Stitches images were found on Wikipedia
• The Intro Image was created from a personal photo by blog author Wednesday Elf. The plump plush penguins in the image are available in her Etsy Shop Coastal Crochet Crafts

Note: The author may receive a commission from purchases made using links found in this article. “As an Amazon Associate, Ebay (EPN), Esty (Awin), and/or Zazzle Affiliate, I (we) earn from qualifying purchases.”

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Reviewing Tunisian Crochet Join-as-you-go Tutorial by TL Yarn Crafts

Crochet is such a fun yarn craft that makes beautiful items. I've crocheted for decades but have always had trouble joining panels of crochet or granny square blocks. I recently started a small Tunisian crochet project that was less of an actual project and more to give me something small and easy to do on days that I don't physically feel like doing much else. By chance, my little crochet project that looked like a small scarf is turning into a beautiful lap blanket because of a wonderful tutorial from TL Yarn Crafts. I am exceedingly pleased with how this project is shaping up. It will make a beautiful gift.

TL Yarn Crafts.  I found TL Yarn Crafts quite by accident. It was perfect timing since I was refreshing my memory with Tunisian Crochet. The TL Yarn Crafts channel and websites were created by Toni.  On her YouTube channel, she shares over 200 crochet patterns. She has tutorials for crocheter's of every skill level: beginning, medium and advanced.  I found her tutorial to be very well-filmed, with every motion easy to see. Her instructions are easy to understand.

The TL Yarn Crafts crochet YouTube channel includes:

• crochet patterns - hats, sweaters, granny squares, and blankets
• crochet tips and hacks - blocking, twisted tassel, keyhole tassel, edging, and more
• Tunisian crochet tutorials - Tunisian hooks, the absolute basics, and patterns such as tunisian crochet in the round.
• yarn and accessories reviews
• yarn craft business tips and advice
• My Project - Tunisian Swatch to Striped Lapghan (happy accident) 

I had a pretty green gradient yarn by Lion Brand in my yarn hoard. Since I didn't feel up to working on larger projects, I decided to practice my Tunisian crochet skills.  Basic Tunisian crochet consists of using one long crochet hook, picking up loops in one direction, and pulling the yarn through each of those loops in the opposite direction. Easy-peasy. No counting. Just row after row of "yarn on" in one direction and "yarn off" in the other direction.  I hadn't Tunisian crocheted in quite awhile and wanted to practice the technique for making even edges that I had recently seen in a video. 

Once I had a scarf-length piece, had come across a video in which TL Yarn Crafts was making little Tunisian crochet squares. Rather than making the squares separately and joining them later (usually using a simple sewing stitch with yarn and a needle) she was joining as she went.

TL Yarn Craft's project was beautiful and her tutorial was clear.  I realized that I could use the same technique to join my scarf-shaped swatch with other scarf shaped pieces and make a striped lapghan.  The result is easy and turning out beautifully.  The seams are even -something I wasn't able to do when trying to sew blocks together.

I am using the green and the blue skeins of Lion Brand Gradient yarn cakes. This yarn is easy to work with, soft, and offers beautiful colorways.  This yarn is soft and easy to work with. It is a great choice for a large variety of crafts: blankets, sweaters, hats, and stuffed animals.

Note: The author may receive a commission from purchases made using links found in this article. “As an Amazon Associate, Ebay (EPN), Esty (Awin), and/or Zazzle Affiliate, I (we) earn from qualifying purchases.”

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Reviewing the Rivers Shawl Crochet Pattern by Rich Textures Crochet

The Rivers Shawl crochet pattern is a beautiful and versatile pattern with interesting texture and pretty drape. Whether you crochet for yourself or as gifts for others, this is an excellent pattern to choose. 

My Rivers Shawl with Mandala Gradient yarn colorways 

While focused on making items for my first donation to a local care home, I have tried to focus on shawls, lap blankets, and other items that the residents would find functional and enjoyable. I am thrilled about this pattern and highly recommend it.  

Rivers Shawl Crochet Pattern by Rich Textures Crochet

As soon as I saw the photo of this pretty shawl pattern, I hoped that it wouldn't be too difficult for me to complete. Wonderful news!  I've completed several projects with this pattern using different yarns. I am very happy with each of the projects and plan to continue with this pattern.

Pattern information:

• listed at the skill level - Easy
• finished size is 18 x 64 inches
• worked in rows - a 6 row repeat
• written pattern uses American English crochet terms
• pattern is worked in rows
• stitches used: chain, double chain, half double crochet, single crochet, slip stitch and triple stitch
• available in a video tutorial and written pattern (see links below)

I consider this size as a wrap shape, due to the long rectangular shape, rather than a triangular shape which is what I consider a shawl. Due to the original rectangular shape, this wrap is easily reduced in size to lap blanket size and would easily be increased in size to a sofa throw size.

My Personal Thoughts About the Rivers Shawl Pattern

While I've crocheted for decades, I crochet slowly so it takes a very long time to finish projects. Since I'm attempting to make over 20 blankets for gift, I was very happy that this pattern works up quickly.  I also have trouble with multi-row repeats or patterns that require counting and keeping track of rows. I almost did not try this pattern since it is a 6 row repeat.  How fun when I realized, after completing about 18 rows, that there are 2 rows of single crochet followed by a 3rd (and 6th) row of the single, half double, double, and triple crochet pattern.  That 3rd and 6th row is the same stitch combination. However, it begins on a different stitch, making it seem like a different pattern. That is what causes the "waves" to alternate; row 3 starting with a single chain and row 6 starting with the triple. After these rows have repeated into the blanket it is fairly easy to make sure you are on the right track by checking to see if your current stitch pattern row lines up with pattern two rows below.

Yarns I've Chosen Thus Far.

Puzzle Premiere. To begin, I chose Puzzle Premiere yarn because it is size 5 weight and works up quickly. It is also a self-striping (although, I wouldn't call it stripes exactly). Which means few tails to work in from yarn color changes. Because the yarn is slightly thicker than the pattern creator used, I used a smaller crochet hook to make up for the size difference.

Puzzle Premiere 

Mandala Gradient. Then I used Mandala Gradient cakes for the next project. It is a size 4, worsted weight yarn. That is the size the pattern creator used for her Rivers Shawl. Mandala Gradient yarn created a beautiful color pattern and a soft piece. 

Other Yarns. This pattern has enough texture that it would look pretty with both smaller weight yarns and with solid color yarns. I think this pattern would make wonderful baby blankets in DK or Sport weight yarns. Yes. A baby blanket is next on my list for this pattern.

Related Links:

Rich Textures Crochet video tutorial and free written pattern on the Rich Textures Crochet website.

Note: The author may receive a commission from purchases made using links found in this article. “As an Amazon Associate, Ebay (EPN), Esty (Awin), and/or Zazzle Affiliate, I (we) earn from qualifying purchases.”

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The Knitted Scarf that Reignited My Desire to Master Tunisian Crochet

The beautiful knitted Sophie Scarf has taken the yarn art world by storm. This is a retro style scarf with a modern, knit pattern.  This scarf reminds me of fashionable women in the 1950's, women such as Audrey Hepburn, and has reignited my desire to build my Tunisian crochet skills. 

Knitted Sophie Scarf

As far as I can determine, the original Sophie Scarf knit pattern was created and offered by Petite Knit.  It is no wonder that this small scarf, with a pleasing shape, and I-cord edging became popular. It is a handmade item that many people would choose to wear. It is functional and pretty. 

Of course, with all things viral or popular, the copycat versions appeared overnight. 

If you are a knitter, or if you are a person who supports small business, I hope you will find Petite Knit and use her pattern or support her by interacting on her social media pages. I will include those links below.

Crochet Scarf Versions

I enjoy crocheting. There are many beautiful crochet stitches and a vast variety of patterns available from beginner to expert. There are some crochet Sophie Scarf (or skinny scarf) copycat patterns that I like. Some of those feature ribbing, thicker yarn, and bigger stitches. I have plenty of those patterns saved for later. They often have a more rustic look that would pair great with Carhartt, denim, or similar jackets and coats.

However, in my opinion, knit makes a prettier, more delicate, stitch and lends itself better to certain items; sweaters, socks, and many styles of scarves are handmade wearables that I think are often prettier done in knit.  

Tunisian Crochet

I think that Tunisian crochet is a wonderful blend between the knit and crochet outcomes. Tunisian crochet is created with one hook that is often the length of a knitting needle but with a crochet hook on the tip. Tunisian crochet, in my opinion, creates a more fine stitch than crochet. 

Don't misunderstand me. I love crochet. When making afghans, chunky hats, thick scarves and slippers I feel that I will always gravitate toward crochet. But now that I have decided to make 

The best difference between knitting and Tunisian crochet, for myself, is that when I drop a knitting stitch, or make a mistake, I can NOT successfully backtrack and fix the mistake or pick up the dropped stitch. With Tunisian, like crochet, each row starts with one loop on the hook. I can rip out the mistake back to the beginning of the row, and continue on with the project. 

But I Don't Wear Scarves

That is right, I don't wear scarves. Nor do I gravitate toward trends, especially fashion trends. So why am I head over heels with this scarf trend?

Gifts.  Gifts that I think the receivers will love. 

Over the past couple of months, I have focused on creating crochet items to donate to the local care home.  I feel that the elderly who live in a care facility are often overlooked. I am planning to donate lap blankets, hats, shawls and such.  As soon as I saw the Sophia Scarf trend I thought of women's fashions and the women who may have worn that trend in their youth.

While I recently wrote that I am learning knit, thanks to switching to wooden knitting needles that help me to control the yarn, I am very slow when knitting. I make many mistakes and I am not yet able to fix mistakes. I end up scrapping an entire project when knitting. However, when I am finished working on these projects with the self-imposed timeline, I WILL continue to practice knitting and WILL begin to make the knit Sophie Scarves by Petite Knit. They are just that pretty. 

I made a very brief video to show friends and family my newest project. You are welcome to look. I realize that I misspoke and named the wrong Hepburn in the video. 

Related Links:

I believe the original, knit Sophie Scarf pattern was created by Petite Knit. You can find that pattern on the website. 

For Tunisian Crochet inspiration, I highly recommend checking out HookLoopSarah on Instagram for beautiful photos of her talented yarn work. It is difficult to believe that her sweaters are handmade. But I believe it since I've followed her for almost 10 years now. I used her very brief tutorials on her YouTube channel for reminders and pointers with Tunisian crochet. You can also find her on her website.  

Note: The author may receive a commission from purchases made using links found in this article. “As an Amazon Associate, Ebay (EPN), Esty (Awin), and/or Zazzle Affiliate, I (we) earn from qualifying purchases.”

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Crafts in the House of Sylvestermouse Reviewed

Have Fun and Craft On!

Let's Play, Create and Make A Lifetime of Treasures 

I love handmade gifts and crafts! I guess I have been crafting all of my life. I honestly cannot remember a time that I did not have a hook or needle of some kind in my hand or a project in some phase of construction. 

One of the most frustrating problems a crafter or needlework enthusiasts faces, is getting patterns, ideas, or instructions without spending a lot of money. The supplies alone will often deplete any crafting budget. 

Because I understand the real desire to make original treasures, I am sharing some of my own personal ideas and instructions for making unique heirlooms. I have also written several articles that teach basic skills for beginners. 

 

Cross Stitch Memories

My favorite needlework is cross stitch. It is certainly one of the easiest forms of needlework and there are tons of patterns and kits readily available. 

I started cross stitching when I was in jr. high school (It is called middle school today). One of my earliest projects is still one of my favorites. I cross stitched the flowers in the photo for my grandmother. I made one for my mother as well. My mom helped me make them into pillows. 

After my grandmother died, my step grandfather put a lot of her personal treasures in boxes. He later gave some of them to my mother. She discovered the pillow among those items and brought it back to me. The pillow was stained and the cross stitch cloth was "aged." I cut the cross stitch design off of the pillow and carefully cleaned it with Woolite in my kitchen sink. This cross stitch heirloom now resides in my bible. A world of memories right there in that one little square. 

Tutorial:  Visit How to Cross Stitch on Crafters Kingdom 

 

Beaded Ornaments ~ A Gift to Cherish from Year to Year

Another one of my favorite craft projects is beaded ornaments. They are fairly easy and require very little talent. They do, however, demand patience since they entail working with small beads and pins. 

Not only do I enjoy making these ornaments for our family tree, I like making them to give a gifts. The ornament in the photo was a gift I made for my son. I bet you can guess his favorite color. 

In just a few hours, I made a lovely treasure, a precious gift and a lasting tradition. 

Tutorial:  Visit How to Make Beaded Ornaments

 

Crochet With Love

When it comes to home décor, there is nothing prettier than the lacy effect of a crocheted doily or tablecloth. 

I enjoy browsing in antique stores and it never fails to bring tears to my eyes when I see a beautiful crocheted afghan or tablecloth in one of the display cabinets. I know from experience how many hours are lovingly stitched in these beautiful heirlooms. I simply can not imagine selling one of these family treasures. I am always tempted to buy them, take them home and give back the love they deserve. 

Tutorial:  Visit Beginner Crochet  

 

 

Beaded Easter Eggs

If you are really looking for something original, this craft project is for you! 

Out of sheer determination to find a new, unique gift for my children one Easter, I dreamed up these eggs. They are really very easy and require a minimal investment for the supplies. I actually made the first few with beads and glue I already had in my craft supplies. 

They make a great surprise or grand prize in the traditional Easter egg hunt. 

Tutorial: Visit How to Make Beaded Easter Eggs

 

Let's Party ~ Mad Hatter Style

I made this Mad Hatter's Hat for my son right before the debut of the new Tim Burton's Alice in Wonderland movie. 

Yes, he actually wore it to the movie on opening day! Can you imagine how much fun he had with his group of college friends when they donned their "Alice" attire and stormed the theater doors? I wish I could have been there. I would have at least like to have had a picture, but you know kids, they don't worry about such things. 

Tutorial: Visit How to Make a Mad Hatter's Hat 
like Johnny Depp's in Tim Burtons Alice in Wonderland Movie

 

My Decoupaged Purse

One of my most treasured gifts is the decoupaged wooden purse that my grandmother decoupaged for me when I was a young girl. 

I love all of the photos on the purse, but the photo on the right shows my favorite picture.  I have always loved giraffes and I always had long, blonde hair.

I loved it when she originally gave it to me back in the 70's. I carried it everywhere I went and actually used it as my everyday purse. My grandmother died several years ago and I treasure the gifts she so lovingly and painstakingly made for me. I can't touch this purse without thinking of how her hands touched it so many times as she turned a wooded box into a beautiful work of art just for me. 

Tutorial: Visit How to Make a Decoupaged Wooded Purse

 

A Very Special Valentine

I love the stories behind the original sailor's valentines! 

I can assure you, the sailor's valentines that I have made reflects a greater depth of love than those 19th century sailors felt for their valentines. 

In the tutorial linked below, I have told about the origin of the Sailor's Valentine and given instructions to make your own. There really isn't a prettier way to express your love. 

 

Tutorial:  Click here for - How to Make a Sailor's Valentine

 

Beaded Cross Stitch Pin 

Embellishing cross stitch with shining beads is simply a joy! 

I love adding beads to my cross stitch. The beads add another dimension to cross stitch. 

I use the beads to highlight and accentuate focus areas of my cross stitch work. I love the way the little beads will pick up and reflect light and color. 

I made the beaded cross stitch pin for my son for Halloween. As I was making it, I took the time to take lots of pictures to show in an article. 

Here is my Tutorial:  How to Make a Beaded Cross Stitch Pin 

 

Halloween Ghost 

I made the original ghost over a decade ago for my son who just loves ghosts and anything Halloween. 

This is my own pattern with step by step instructions and photos, which I have shared exclusively on Crafters Kingdom. 

I hope you enjoy my friendly ghost!  I am certain he will enjoy being with you.

 

Tutorial: How to Make a Halloween Ghost with Fleece 

 

A Unique and Impressive Holiday Centerpiece 

During the holidays, we decorate our homes with glitter and sparkle that reflects the beauty of the lights on our trees and in our hearts. 

I originally made this centerpiece with beaded fruit for autumn and Thanksgiving, but when it was time to decorate for Christmas, I changed the floral picks to gold and red berries. 

Since I was changing it out anyway, I photographed the process and wrote an article describing the steps to make a sleigh centerpiece. Regardless of the holder or vase, the steps in the article below will show you exactly how to make you own original arrangement. 

Tutorial: How to Make a Christmas Sleigh Centerpiece 

 

Some Things Really Are Just Too Easy 

These ornaments are probably the easiest crafting project I have ever made. 

You will be surprised and thrilled to find out just had simple these ornaments are to assemble. 

We had a bit of an unplanned craft party one year when our family was gathered during the holidays. I had just purchased some glass ornaments and I had a wild idea for all of us to make something and exchange them with each other. 

These ornaments are the results of our afternoon of antics and fun. A wonderful memory! 

They smell good too! 

Tutorial: How to Make Quick & Easy Glass Ornaments 

 

Just Playing Around - Making a Pincushion 

As a seamstress, I can really appreciate a large pincushion. If it is pretty, that makes it even better. 

I was inspired by a pattern book that gave some basic instructions on how to construct a felt pincushion. 

Intrigued, I gathered my supplies, called my mother and we went to work creating our own pincushions. I also created the article below. I have given step by step instructions with lots of photos so you, too, can create a felt pincushion. 

This really is a very easy project. The hardest part is choosing the supplies. 

I will never again look at my pincushion without thinking of the day my mother and I were just playing around! 

Tutorial: How to Make Felt Cupcake Pincushions 

 

Mosaic Picture 

Mosaic pictures are rather impressive when complete, but they don't have to be hard to make. 

Several years ago, I made the raccoon mosaic picture for my father for his birthday and he loves it. 

Making the mosaic was not hard since I used a kit, but I do have several tips and suggestions for making the craft easier. 

This is a craft that does take a good bit of time, so organization and taking your time is key to successfully creating a beautiful mosaic picture. 

 

Tutorial: How to Make a Mosaic Picture

 

__________________

This tutorial directory page was originally published on a website that is not longer in existence and All Photos are the Exclusive Property of Sylvestermouse.  

© 2010 Cynthia Sylvestermouse 

 

More Craft Tutorials by Sylvestermouse

 How to Make a Very Easy Afghan with Loop Yarn How to Make a Christmas Spider Ornament How to Make a Pom-Pom Bee How to Make a Quilt Magic Kit Wall Hanging

 

 Read More Crafts & DIY Reviews On
ReviewThisCrafts.com!

 

Crafts in the House of Sylvestermouse Reviewed  written by:

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Reviewing My Turned Wood Crochet Hook by A Couple 2 Tree

My son recently gave to me a handmade, beautiful and thoughtful gift. He had purchased a handmade wood crochet hook with a metal tip. Exactly the type of crochet hook I have grown to love.  This crochet hook was made by A Couple 2 Tree and my son found them at a booth during the Connecticut Renaissance Faire 2025.

Turned Wood Crochet Hooks

The crochet hook my son chose for me is a combination wood and epoxy handle with a commercial made metal tip.  The wood is light colored. The epoxy appeared only white to me initially. But I quickly discovered that it has a very subtle glimmer. A glimmer that reminds me of the Aurora Borealis or the Milky Way. All of you who know me, know that I do not gravitate  toward big bling or neon bright colors. But I love a subtle sparkle, like the sheen of a peacock's chest feathers and dragon fly wings. 

With this thicker epoxy and wooden handle, it is easier for me to use for longer periods of time. This would make a great gift for folks with grip difficulties such as arthritis.  The epoxy and wood are smooth and silky, but not slippery. I am currently using this hook for a project and find it to be very comfortable. 

In addition to wood-handled crochet hooks, A Couple 2 Tree also offers other great gift items:

• Bottle Openers
• Ice Cream Scoops
• Coffee Scoops
• Charcuterie boards
• Decorative Items and Fidgets: Eggs and Mushrooms
• Bowls 

The combinations of wood, metal, epoxy, and fractal burning make unique, one-of-a-kind items that are unique gifts.

Supporting Small Businesses

This small business, according to social media and website information, has been a small, part time hobby/passion for years and has just begun to turn toward full time. I celebrate that leap of faith and following a passion. A Couple 2 Tree appears to have offered the majority of their items during fairs and festivals. They do have a website and an Instagram page. If you don't see a large selection, or the item you would like, on the website I encourage you to leave a message.  When I had left a message, I received a response that same day (despite it being during the time they were at the Renaissance Faire)

One Wish - Maybe

There is only one thing that I might (or might not) like added to my next A couple 2 Tree crochet hook. Because of the handmade handle, the spot where the metal crochet hook size is usually displayed is covered. Perhaps, if the size of the hook (for example, a US hook size is "G") could somehow be stamped into the flat end of the handle, it would be useful and wouldn't mar the beautiful aesthetics of the rest of the handle.  But perhaps, it would mar the appearance of the handle.  Or make a roughness that would snag my yarn. I am not familiar with epoxy so I'm not sure if the size could be place there discreetly or not.  However, unlike very experienced crocheters I cannot determine the size of the hook by sight alone. I have to hold it up to other crochet hooks for comparison in order to remember which size this is.

Fortunately, my son reported that he spoke with the helpful folks with A Couple 2 Tree, who helped determine which sizes of yarn I most often use (worsted) and the size hook that I most use. 

For more information:

Check out the A Couple 2 Tree website for more information.

I am very hopeful that you will support this small business owner with his wood shop business. However, I realize that some folks prefer using Amazon.  In that case, there are many Wood Crochet Hooks to choose from.

Note: The author may receive a commission from purchases made using links found in this article. “As an Amazon Associate, Ebay (EPN), Esty (Awin), and/or Zazzle Affiliate, I (we) earn from qualifying purchases.”

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Reviewing Mary Maxim: Exclusive Yarn and Crafts

I have recently received my first order from Mary Maxim. I am delighted both about the Bag-O-Day Crochet Tonal Hues yarn and about the variety of craft items offered by Mary Maxim. With more brick and mortar crafting stores closing over the past few years, it has been important to me find the reliable online sources. Mary Maxim quickly jumped to the top of my list of favorite crochet, yarn, and craft suppliers. I was reminded of my good first impression when I received the printed catalog in the mail.

So excited about the projects shown in the catalog

Mary Maxim: Exclusive Yarn and Crafts

I've only learned about MaryMaxim.com in the past year or two. This is a four generation, family owned and operated craft business with a history in the United States and Canada. 

They offer:

• Yarn (wide range of fiber, weight, and brands)
• Knit & crochet (kits, hooks, needles and accessories)
• Crafts (plastic canvas, paint-by-number, needlework, beaded kits, and diamond painting)
• Jigsaw Puzzles
• Patterns (vintage, modern, and patterns by popular individual designers)
• Gifts and Home
• Gift cards

When I heard talk about Mary Maxim on social media, I hadn't recalled hearing of them previously. Yet, while doing some research, I found that they have been in existence for over 65 years and one of their vintage catalog covers looked so very familiar. We very well may have had Mary Maxim patterns in my childhood home (my mother crocheted and I learned how to crochet at a very young age). 

I am over-the-moon excited about the Tonal Hues yarn that I ordered from Mary Maxim. This yarn was designed by Crystal at Bag-O-Day Crochet and is available exclusively from Mary Maxim. The colorways are gorgeous. The yarn is soft and luxurious. 

Tonal Hues yarn 

Mary Maxim also has craft kits available. For example, I would like to buy a particular crochet afghan pattern. That pattern is an exclusive pattern and includes the amount of yarn required for that pattern. I sometimes have difficulty choosing the yarn that is best suited for a particular pattern and this takes the guess work out of it. 

If you enjoy crafting, and aren't familiar with Mary Maxim, I hope you check out their website and/or request a free catalog. 

Note: The author may receive a commission from purchases made using links found in this article. “As an Amazon Associate, Ebay (EPN), Esty (Awin), and/or Zazzle Affiliate, I (we) earn from qualifying purchases.”

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