Linda's Crafty Chronicles - Volume 1 Issue 7 - August 2000

Welcome to another issue of Linda's Crafty Chronicles. Summer is almost over and school is almost ready to begin. I have some interesting information and 3 NEW patterns and have already started on the ones for next month. For those that are waiting for the pattern for the recycled Hyacinths, I am almost finished but need to make some finishing touches. I promise to have it ready for the next issue.

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This Issue:
Handy Ideas and Helpful Hints
Color Changes and New Colors
3 New FREE Patterns

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Handy Ideas and Helpful Hints

Pompoms for baby booties look nicer and fluffier when they are brushed out using a hair comb or teasing comb.

Threading yarn into a yarn needle: Cut a strip of paper from your yarn wrapper about 1½" x 1/8". Fold paper in half over end of yarn - the paper makes it easy to thread through the eye of the needle. This works for 1 or 2 strands of yarn.

In making crocheted snowflake Christmas tree ornaments I discovered that 3/4" styrofoam sheets are great for blocking. Pins slide in easily and it will not warp. For sweaters and afghans you can also use large 4' x 8' sheets from a lumber yard or window store.

To make non-slip crocheted slippers, simply cut an overall iron-on patch in a matching color to fit the sole, and stitch or iron in place. If you iron, be careful of the type of yarn and the heat of your iron. Some yarns can melt. Test on a separate piece of yarn.

Whenever you have to put your crocheting down or away, take the loop off the hook and pull it out about 4 inches. Take the loop in one hand and your yarn in the other and tie a loose knot with the two. This will keep your project from unraveling while you are away from it - especially if you have small children or pets around.

When a skein of washable yarn gets dirty, remove the wrapper and place the yarn in an old nylon stocking, tie the top of the stocking in a knot and put the whole thing in the washing machine. (Follow washing instructions printed on the wrapper for best results). Some yarns may also go into the dryer on very low setting or tumble dry. Your yarn is now ready for crocheting.

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Color Changes and New Color

If you are working in dc, finish the dc until there are 2 loops left on the hook, then join your new color and complete the stitch by pulling through the last 2 loops with that color.

There are several ways to attach a new color in a corner(granny squares, etc.) Try the one you like best:
1. Tie the new yarn in the corner and ch 3 to begin your new round.
2. Make a dc with the first st of your new color and forget about the ch 3(the dc will be your first st of the new round). To do this, make a sl knot on your hook, yo and into a corner space. Complete dc. This is my favorite for most patterns.
3. Make a sl knot on your hook, work a sl st in your corner and ch 3.

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3 New FREE Patterns:
The new patterns this month were inspired by August, the last month of summer. The first is You Are My Sunshine Potholder". The next is a Toy Tote Bag that can hold marble, cars, barrettes, lunch money, or whatever children want to put in it. The last is a No Button Towel Topper for those that hate sewing on the button for your towel topper.

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Next Month:
New Patterns
Hyacinths Craft Pattern(save your plastic 6-pack holders)
Back to School Fun(recipes and crafts)

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