Individual Identity

A Great Resource!

2006-12-05T21:29:00.001-08:00

The website, “Annie’s Attic” is a fantastic resource to those of you who are getting serious about crocheting. It provides easy to follow diagrams on how to create different types of stitches and some even have videos to show the process. Furthermore, it has links to a messageboard, newsletter, product reviews, tips and featured articles.

"Can Something As Simple As A Knit Or Crochet Cap Help Save A Newborn Life?"

One of the articles I enjoyed reading was called “Caps to the Capital” It talks about how one of the reasons for newborns dieing at an early stage is due to not having enough warm caps to wear and how “Many of these deaths could easily be prevented with cheap interventions, such as knit caps to keep newborns warm.” (Save The Children, 2006). This article is on behalf of an organization called “Save the Children” who is funding this project to get help from crocheters and knitters from the United States to donate baby caps. They even provide a website where donators can download a step-by-step kit for directions and materials to create the caps. Also, they are not looking for people to just purchase a crocheted cap and send it to them, they want people to participate and have their voice speak. If you don’t know how to crochet then you can donate money to help fund the cost of shipping the caps. You can read the article here.

REFERENCES + IMAGE FROM:

Annie's Attic. (2006). Caps to the Capital. Retrieved on December 5, 2006 from
http://www.anniesattic.com/crochet/content.html?type_id=S

Annie's Attic. (2006). Retrieved on December 5, 2006 from http://www.anniesattic.com/

Samples of my work II

2006-12-01T22:05:00.000-08:00

I would like to share some of my latest work where I again used double crochet stitches. These pieces include two scarves and my first attempt to a winter hat. For the scarves, I sketched out the pattern and color choices and added the fringes to resemble a real scarf. Both of them took me about a week to complete. The hat was my first time experimenting with rounds and surprisingly it turned out alright. I had to undo a lot of my work in the beginning and redo the stitches to get the circle to form smoothly. Some of the chain stitches at the top of the hat turned out too tight which does not make it a perfect fit and feel a bit too snug. I used a pattern from a kit I bought from Wal-mart. It took me about 3 days to finish this piece.

Black and Grey Scarf (Measure 52 inches)

Pink and Green Scarf (Measure 52 inches)

Pink Hat (Measure 6.5 inches)

PHOTOGRAPHS TAKEN BY KRISHNA PATEL

Materials To Start To Learn Crochet

2006-11-30T21:06:00.000-08:00

To start learning how to crochet, you only need 2 items to start:

1 crochet hook (the size doesn't matter)

1 ball of yarn (color doesn't matter, although it is good to start with 4 ply 100% Acrylic Wool

Crochet hooks can come in different sizes and materials such as, aluminum, steel, plastic and wood and yarn comes in different weights and lengths as well. The difference is that if a thinner hook and yarn is used, you will be able to create delicacy in your patterns similar to lace and with thicker hooks and yarn, you can create chunky sweaters, blankets and hats.

REFERENCES:
Toth, K.C. (1994). The Illustrated Book of Needlecrafts. New York, Carroll & Brown Ltd, Hearst Books.

IMAGES TAKEN FROM:
http://www.staplermofo.com/crochet/06.jpg
http://altura.speedera.net/ccimg.catalogcity.com/220000/225700/225770/
Products/8971418.jpg
http://tk.files.storage.msn.com/x1pbglk-vqL4Bvg-AnC3-2iy0KAzGOscAyXua
SIm_8G1KmfwTbv3BEHl856AeMqNXYJcKggnnIJvPW_2Fgfv8KZfLoyBRCNPqb
HZXGg3cV_dedeTmWVx7-VDEbJ_IqV06g5_o3_WV88x-dpjlCQ70yoTH6Kg6Iq
eLe5

Crochet a Fortune Cookie

2006-11-29T19:40:00.001-08:00

The following short video shows how to crochet a fortune cookie. I can't believe how easy she makes it look! It's incredible! Check it out at http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=P0Wmm6DX8qA

REFERENCES:
YouTube, Inc. (2006). Crochet Fortune Cookies. Retrieved on November 29, 2006 from http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=P0Wmm6DX8qA

Crochet Talk

2006-11-27T21:13:00.000-08:00

The Internet has allowed the word of crochet to be spread. Having a blog to share your patterns and get help with your projects is a great resource to be able to interact with other crocheters and enjoy and succeed at the craft more. It makes it easier to tackle frustrations if you don’t know how to carry on with a stitch or don’t understand how to read a pattern. You are able to view images of the finished product or even post a visual showing what you have if you can’t explain it. There are many helpful sites and the network is growing which is a bonus for us.

I was surprised to come across a website called ‘Crochet Me’ which is an online magazine targeted towards all aspiring crocheters who want to create accessories that are hip and that help express their individuality. It showcases work from professionals around the world, provides tutorials and a store directory, displays articles, has a forum and a blog, and provides more resources on other popular crochet sites. The website has a picture of a teenage girl wearing a crocheted wristband which is a great way to get the youngsters to feel like it can also be a part of their expressive clothing style. They are able to alter the designs and choose their own colors and give the project their own sense of style. Also, by knowing just the basics they can create a lot of useful garments such as hats, purses, scarves, wrist bands, hair scrunchies, etc. It is nice to see young people taking part in a culture that was known only by old people. It is definitely fostering the growth of crochet culture. Check it out at http://www.crochetme.com or click on the picture below:

Another growing resource is the ‘Crochet Magazine’ which is one of the first types of magazines that showcase crochet fashion in the latest and most impressive stylistic way that would accommodate a large range of audience. It shows how accessories that are crocheted can also be used the same way another material would be used. For example, a purse made out of fabric can easily be made using crocheted wool, not only meeting the aesthetic aspect but that it can be washed in the dryer if its gets dirty as well. I made a subscription to try out one issue of this magazine for free a few weeks ago, if any of you are interested check it out at http://www.crochetmagazine.com or click on the picture below:

REFERENCES + IMAGES TAKEN FROM:
Creative Commons. (2006). Crochet me Magazine. Retrieved on November 27, 2006 from http://www.crochetme.com/

Alexander, C. (2006). Crochet! Magazine. Retrieved on November 27, 2006 from http://www.crochetmagazine.com/

Crochet as a fashion trend?

2006-11-26T23:05:00.000-08:00

Crocheted garments have definitely hit the fashion runaway and are now available for purchase as fashionable trends in your local shopping centers. It is definitely not just something that grandmas do all day. It is more than just a mere past-time hobby. You can sell your production as the latest fashion accessory and not feel limited to the social image of crochet being just about grandma’s doilies.

Also, crocheting is very popular for designing dolls clothes. There are many types of crocheted dresses available for dolls that are sold all around the world. People can make requests and have them custom designed or even buy or download the patterns online.

In the following site you can download patterns for Ken and Barbie dolls for free. (Although some links are broken)

http://home.inreach.com/marthac/fash.html

REFERENCES:
The Age Company Ltd. (2006). Hooked on crochet. Retrieved on November 26, 2006 from
http://www.theage.com.au/news/Fashion/Hooked-on-crochet/2005/03/31/1111862504930.html

StarGazer. (2005). Crochet for Fashion Dolls. Retrieved on November 26, 2006 from http://home.inreach.com/marthac/fash.html

Telegraph Media Group Limited.(2006). Retrieved on November 26, 2006 from
http://www.telegraph.co.uk/error_page.html;jsessionid=MUL3AXZUV341JQFIQMGCFGGAVCBQUIV0?_requestid=557192 (Unfortunately this link is not available anymore)

IMAGES TAKEN FROM:
http://members.aol.com/mmummer/Barb81a.html
http://www.telegraph.co.uk/fashion/main.jhtml?xml=/fashion/2005/04/15/ef
crochet15.xml

Samples of my work I

2006-11-25T22:23:00.001-08:00

Here are some of the first few crochet pieces that I worked on when learning how to crochet. These demonstrate the single crochet, double crochet and changing colors. I used 100% Acrylic wool from Red Heart and a 4.00 mm hook. It took me about 6 hours to finish the blue one (measures 5 feet); 5-6 hours for the pastel green and black one (measures 5 feet and 7 inches); 5 hours for the pastel green one (measures 6 feet and 2 inches); 8 hours for the dark green, white and black (measures 6 feet).

Blue Scarf

Pastel Green and Black Scarf

Pastel Green Scarf

Dark Green, White and Black Scarf

PHOTOGRAPHS TAKEN BY KRISHNA PATEL

Interested in learning how to crochet? Check out these videos that show you how

2006-11-22T19:38:00.001-08:00

The following videos go through the steps on how to crochet and some of the basics stitches known as slip stitch and double crochet. It teaches you how to create a foundation chain which is the starting point for any project. You can create an entire blanket or scarf using these basic stitches. In fact, I would practice crocheting with the slip stitch to help me get a good grasp of the skill, and then once I got comfortable with it I started with the double crochet. These are short videos, but do check them out or refer to a family friend if they are interested in learning how to crochet. These are similar to a CD I have called, “Crochet Made Easy” which has taught me how to crochet the basics.

LEARN TO CROCHET (Sorry, this one doesn’t have audio, it is just a visual. Although I will keep searching to see if I find one with audio)

TUTORIAL FOR SLIP STITCH (This is useful when you want to start the second row of your work, known as ‘turning your work’)

TUTORIAL FOR SINGLE CROCHET AND DOUBLE CROCHET (This video also demonstrates how to start a new row or your second row in this case, also known as ‘turning your work’)

TUTORIAL FOR SINGLE CROCHET (This video is pretty good if you want to learn just the single crochet stitch, the one above may not be as clear)

REFERENCES:
YouTube, Inc. (2006). Learn To Crochet. Retrieved on November 22, 2006 from http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SRsGeVk073w&mode=related&search=

YouTube, Inc. (2006). Tutorial for Slip Stitch. Retrieved on November 22, 2006 from
target="blank">http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Q1lSmSkDby4&mode=related&search=

YouTube, Inc. (2006). Tutorial for SingleCrochet (USA) DoubleCrochet(UK). Retrieved on November 22, 2006 from target="blank">http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KoIWO7hQ0i0&mode=related&search=

YouTube, Inc. (2006). Learn to crochet with free patterns and video. Retrieved on November 22, 2006 from http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UHNP-33G6pU&NR

Why is crocheting popular?

2006-11-21T20:16:00.000-08:00

Crocheting is a popular hobby among many types of people of all ages and lifestyles because there are many advantages to it. The following list shows a few common ones:

- It helps relieve stress levels

- Can create sweaters and accessories for yourself or friends

- It’s portable – you can crochet while on the bus, airplane or waiting at a doctor’s office

- It is a skill you can share with elders

- It is cost-effective, yarn isn’t as expensive as buying a brand new sweater

- It is a way to express your creativity in the form of garments and accessories

Personally, I enjoy crocheting because it allows my mind to relax and think of things that are not cluttered by daily techno-induced chaos. It is a flexible artform which allows me to change patterns and combine them to make my own designs. I also love to design and crochet scarfs for my friends and family as personal gifts.

REFERENCES:

Craft Yarn Council of America. (2005). Why Knit or Crochet?. Retrieved November 21, 2006 from http://www.learntoknit.com/why_knitorcrochet.php3

Crocheting

2006-11-20T21:29:00.000-08:00

I have decided to center my blog around crocheting. It is a needlecraft artform I picked up from my sister a few years ago. I remember growing up seeing my mom crochet blankets for my popples, remote control covers and doileys to place on the dinner table as a hot plate. This form of design is usually known to be a popular past-time hobby for elderly women but a lot of younger girls and women are participating in it now. I am so amazed with crocheting that it has inspired me to want to learn how to knit as well. I have bought books, kits and cds to teach myself the basics, but there is nothing better than taking an actual course on it, which I hope to take when I get some spare time. It is unbelievable what you can create with just a string of wool.

Phase 1: Define Yourself Through Your Activities

2006-10-29T19:44:00.000-08:00

The 3 areas of interest I have are:

1) Crocheting
I was first inspired to try crocheting when I saw my sister do it for a textile design project in high school. Unfortunately, they were no longer offering the course when I was in school, so I started to teach myself with instructional CDs, books, and online tutorials. Over the past three years I taught myself the basic crochet patterns for scarves, blankets, and hats. There are many easily accessible resources for someone wanting to learn to crochet. Crochet is becoming a big trend in the fashion industry.

2) Belief in God
I have a strong faith in God, who I believe is the creator of the Universe. In the virtual world people can participate in debates on forums about religion with others from all around the world. Resources for religious topics, as many other subjects, would not be so easily accessible if it were not for the internet. Unfortunately, since anyone can post anything on the internet, the information is usually very convoluted and confused.

3) Typography
In my pastime I sometimes like to sketch words with letters drawn to resemble the way I am feeling. I would like to research typographers and see the type of work they do and take the opportunity to create some of my own digitally.