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Hello Crocheters, I hope everyone is staying safe and being well during these pandemic times!  Faced with all the new adjustments, I had to step away from a number of activities, and, unfortunately, the blog was the first to get set aside.  But I seem to eventually get drawn back in each time, recognizing that this blog still remains a steadfast way for me to communicate with you all (and a Fall newsletter is in the works too).

A lot has actually been happening behind the scenes!  I've got a number of new designs in the works, two of which have been posted to my Ravelry store:  one is a mid-century modern baby blanket and one is a knitted baby sweater with the sweetest heart buttons!  There's a theme here: babies!  We've got friends still having them, and Many Creative Gifts wants to make it easy and fun to craft the perfect baby gift.  And we've got some new affiliate relationships for a quick and meaningful gift when you're still working on your crochet or knit project and time just slips away from you (don't worry, we've got you covered!).  As a result, the website is getting a bit of a revamp as well.  Yes, that's right, we're finally giving the website an updating :-).  It's a process, but, in the mean time, you can visit the site to get updates on Chausette, the adopted sheep - I've got new photos and an unfortunate but fitting end to the Sheep Saga.

So, what do you think, should we adopt an alpaca?!

A Cute Crocheted Mask

A friend of mine posted this adorable crocheted mask on Facebook, and I thought I could help out by typing out line-by-line instructions in English about how to make it:


Ch 38

Row 1: 1 sc in second ch from hook and next 5 chs, 1 hdc in next 3 chs, 1 dc in next 19 chs, 1 hdc in next 3 chs, 1 sc in next 6 chs, turn

Row 2:  Ch 1, 1 sc in same and next 2 sts, 1 hdc in next 3 sts, 1 dc in next 19 sts, 1 hdc in next 3 sts, 1 sc in next 6 sts, turn

Rows 3 - 8:  Repeat Row 2

Row 9:  Ch 1, 1 sc in same and next 2 sts, 1 hdc in next 3 sts, 1 dc in next 8 sts, 3 dcs in next st, 1 dc in next 10 sts, 1 hdc in next 3 sts, 1 sc in next 6 sts, turn

Row 10:  Ch 1, 1 sc in same and next 2 sts, 1 hdc in next 3 sts, 1 dc in next 21 sts, 1 hdc in next 3 sts, 1 sc in next 6 sts, turn

Mask is done, but then to create the straps to place around ears, you'll make stitches all the way around the mask.

Round 11:  from end of Row 10, ch 28 and connect to bottom right corner of mask by making 1 sc in ch at bottom right corner and 1 sc in each of the chs along the edge of the bottom of the mask, ch 28 and connect to top left corner of mask by making 1 sc in each st along the top of Row 10.

Round 12: make 1 sc in each of the 28 chs from Round 11, sl st along bottom of mask, and make 1 sc in each of 28 chs on other side of mask.  Fasten off.

Now, you can decorate the front side of the mask however you'd like.  And it looks like a fabric liner has been sewn in the inside of the mask.

Post Script:  I made one in about an hour with an F hook and worsted weight yarn.  It came out about the right size for a man's face, but the ear loops were too long.  I'm going to try another one with DK yarn and a D hook and see how that turns out!

Knitting with Common Household Items

Hi crocheters!  Until I figure out how to make a crochet hook with supplies around the house, I had to switch over to knitting.  I know everyone's getting a little stir crazy being at home all the time, sometimes without access to craft items, so I came up with a video demonstration of how to knit with two pencils and some twine.  It's a kid-friendly project and fun for everyone!

Tip: Best Scissors for Yarn

There are so many different types of scissor!  I wouldn't have guessed that before going on my own quest to find the right scissors for cutting yarn.

The important feature to consider in selecting yarn scissors is the length and sharpness of the blades.  You'll want short but sharp blades for cutting and trimming yarn ends, especially in ; you'll want a bigger blade yet still sharp for cutting felted projects.

My favorite scissors so far are my classic "stork" or "crane" scissors.  They just exude craftiness and evoke a simpler time in stitch work.

I also love my flower scissors because they are just so beautiful (you know how I feel about flowers!), and I bought them on a special trip to London a few years ago.

These little rubber scissors are great because they have a protection rubber cap.  I found them in a needlepoint/embroidery shop.

For cheap and easy but effective scissors, you can't go wrong with these "thread nippers" that tuck right into your project bag without worry.

And for travel, nothing beats the "yarn cutter pendant" available on Amazon (affiliate link):



This article by Creativebug gives great scissor options for all fabric and needle craft projects.  We'll be covering other tools that you need to have on hand for crochet projects (we've already covered stitch markers here), so please come back for more!

Tip: Storing Your Yarn

There are so many different ways to store yarn, but you should have a storage system.  First, think about the type(s) of containers you want to keep your yarn in.  My long-term solution is to keep yarn in clear plastic containers (because I was to ensure that the yarn will stay dry and safe from moths, etc); my short-term solution is to keep an ongoing project in its own tote bag or plastic basket so that I'll have everything I need for that project already together in one place.  I've also been experimenting with canvas closet shoe hangers so that I can more easily see yarns grouped together.

Which brings me to a second consideration:  once you've determined how you want to store your yarn, you should determine how you want to sort your yarn.  The two most popular ways are either by color or by texture/weight.  Since I've decided that I really prefer to work with only DK and worsted weight yarns, it made sense for me to organize by color.

In a future tip, I'll go through some methods for making an inventory of all of your yarns!

#NatCroMo2020 Comes to an End

It's hard to believe that March is almost over!  I'm taking a break today from posting crochet tips to mark the end of another great National Crochet Month.  I guess an upside to being at home all of the time now is that I had a chance to see all the beautiful posts by other crochet designers during Crochetville's month-long celebration.  I hope you'll get a chance to catch up too, and if you missed my post for NatCroMo, here it is.

But Many Creative Gifts is not yet ready to end the party!  Since it will be our 15th Anniversary on April 5th, we've extended the one-time use 50% off coupon code for your total purchase in our Ravelry store.   The offer is good until April 5th (11:59 PM EDT).  Just use the code "50for15" in the coupon section at check out.

I hope you've been enjoying the crochet tips, we've got 10 more to go, but if I don't cover something you wish I had, please leave a comment here or on our Facebook page!

Tip: Pom Pom Makers

Pom poms are so popular now, and it's easy to see why: they make great embellishments to all sorts of crochet and knit projects.  My Clownie the Crochet Clown Doll project takes 5 pom poms, so I had to find something to make it easier to make poms!

But making a thick and fluffy pom pom is harder than it looks!  I've tried all sorts of gidgets and gadgets to achieve the perfect pom, and the closest I've gotten to creating a pom pom that I really like is with the Clover Pom Pom Maker Set ~Includes 4 Different Sizes! (Extra Small and Small Sizes)(I have no deal with Clover, I just think the company makes a great product, but I am including an affiliate link to the 4-size set on Amazon for your convenience and a small referral fee to me).  Here also are the large ones: CLOVER Pom-Pom Maker Large and the whole set of 7: Clover Pom Pom Maker Set ~Includes All 7 Different Sizes!

Like many times in crafting, you have to experiment with different tools and techniques to see what you like and get what you want! I've learned through experience that it's good to always count and keep track of how many times you wrap the yarn around whichever tool you choose so that, once you get what you like, you can continue to create consistent poms in the future.

The following video shows a variety of pom pom tools as well as the Clover one.  Please leave a comment if it would be helpful for me to do an actual pom pom making demonstration on any of the tools shown :-)

Tip: Stuffing Your Amigurumi

"Amigurumi" is the Japanese art of crocheting small stuffed animals ("ami" means crochet and "nuigurumi" means stuffed doll).  The emphasis of this crochet technique is definitely on achieving cuteness through attributing human features to the animal form.  You'll hear references to "anthropomorphic" creatures.

Amigurumi projects are usually worked in one continuous round or spiral of single crochet stitches, to create a typically oversized head, with a cute, quirky face, and undersized torso and limbs (which are usually crocheted separately and attached).  It's often suggested that you use a crochet hook that's one size smaller than usually recommended for the yarn you've chosen in order to create a tight fabric (but an amigurumi pattern usually has anticipated this, so you should be fine following the specific instructions).

In stuffing your amigurumi creations, you might want to consider using a pellet-like stuffing rather than fiber to give it some heft and weight.  In addition, whether you're using pellets or a fiberfill, you might want to use a clean knee high or cut pantyhose to provide a barrier between the fiberfill and the crochet so that the fiber doesn't start to peek out between the crochet over time.

Amigurumi projects can be a lot of fun, especially for beginners since only the single crochet stitch is used, and it's a great way to use up scrap yarns.

Tip: Tunisian Crochet

Tunisian (also known as Afghan) Crochet has been enjoying a resurgence in popularity.  The best way to describe it is to say that it is a cross between crocheting and knitting.  You still use just one hook, but it is as long as a knitting needle.  You pull up and keep loops on the hook for one row, then, without turning, you pull yarn through two loops at a time, similar to casting off, to create another row.

This technique tends to produce a fabric that resembles weaving and that is thick and sturdy (meaning not very flexible and drapey, though there are ways to add a little more drape and movement to the fabric), though there are Tunisian stitches that are lacier.

In some ways, it's an easier technique for beginners to learn because it's easier to see where the loops and stitches are, and the movements required are more uniform and repetitive.

And, in case you're wondering when and where Tunisian crochet came about, well, no one knows! Some historians think it evolved from the ‘hook knitting’ of Egypt, Afghanistan, and Tunisia, which uses two long needles with hooked ends, but it's not clear. In fact, no samples of this crochet technique have been found that predate the twentieth century. Most people believe the French coined the term "Tunisian crochet" because instructions for pieces using the technique appear in Europe around the same time as standard crochet, in the mid-nineteenth century.

Tip: The Well-Written Crochet Pattern

Just like yarn labels, crochet patterns contain a lot of information beyond just giving instructions on how to make a particular crocheted item.  A well-constructed pattern will contain almost all of the following components:

1) skill level (beginner, intermediate, advanced) needed to be able to complete the pattern;
2) a list of materials needed for the project, such as the recommended yarn and how much of it you will need, the recommended hook size,  and any notions (buttons, yarn needle, etc.) for finishing;
3) the measurements of the finished item, including a variety of sizes for garments;
4) the gauge information, usually presented as the number of stitches and rows that will result from using the recommended yarn and hook and that will fit in a 4x4 inch test square;
5) a glossary of terms and stitch abbreviations used in the pattern as well as specific instructions for a specialty stitch pattern being used;
6) some patterns will provide both row-by-row written instructions using words and abbreviations as well as a schematic chart using stitch symbols and/or drawings of the various pieces for the assembled project;
7) the designer's name and contact information; and
7) photos of the finished item, sometimes in different color combinations or yarn textures.

Tip: Health Benefits of Crochet

Crochet has many health benefits, both physical, mental, and it's great for the spirit too.  Today, I'm focusing on the mental benefits.  The action of crocheting is very meditative and helps achieve mindfulness too.  Mindfulness is a little bit different than meditation:  meditation is a technique for achieving mindfulness.  Mindfulness is an awareness of the present moment and all that is in that moment.  It's also being aware of the world's effects on you at any given moment and your effect on the world.

Crochet is a wonderful physical manifestation of achieving calm and mindfulness because it requires focus and attention.  When you are following a pattern and counting stitches, it's hard to think about anything else.  That's good, that's what leads to a clearing of the head and achieving relaxation.  Challenge yourself with a pattern that you think is too hard -- the extra effort and concentration put into the project will enhance your abilities to achieve focus and mindfulness.  But, at the first sign of frustration, put the project down!  Nothing is achieved by added stress or disappointment.  Come back to it when you're ready or abandon it all together -- it is the experimentation that is valuable in this setting, not the finished product.

This video has a breathing exercise for preparing to relax and crochet as well as a discussion of the sensory nature of working with yarn.

Tip: "Blocking"

I know, "blocking" sounds like a sports reference, but, in the fiber world, it's a way of setting the shape of your finished project to prevent it from curling or losing its intended shape.  Frankly, I think blocking is much more important with knitted items than with crochet, but it's still good to be familiar with its process.

First, you need to decide if you're going to spray or soak the item or steam press it.  This decision will depend on the fiber content of the yarn and its care instructions (another good reason to keep that yarn label, as explained in this tip).  From experience, I can't emphasize enough the importance of checking the yarn instructions before using water, heat, or steam on your crocheted pieces.

One method is to soak the piece(s) of your project in a special fabric wash, like Eucalan no-rinse fabric wash that comes in lovely scents, like jasmine and grapefruit (affiliate link):Wrapture - Jasmine Large 16.9 Oz.  Soak for up to 30 minutes and gently squeeze (no wringing) out the water and roll up in a towel to really absorb as much water as you can.  Smooth out the pieces, right side facing down, on a flat surface or these blocking mats (affiliate link):Boye Interlocking Needlepoint, Knitting, and Crochet Blocking Boards, 12'' W x 12'' L, 4pc and pin into the shape desired with these blocking pins (affiliate link):Knitter's Pride KP800417 Rainbow Knit Blockers-Package of 20. Let dry naturally overnight.

Another method is to "steam press" the item.  Instead of spreading on the blocking mat, smooth the finished project out on a heat-resistant surface, like an ironing board or a flat surface with padding and a sheet over it.  Pressing is NOT the same thing as ironing; the iron should be on the steam setting and should be held over the piece, hovering about an inch above for a second or two.  You shouldn't actually slide the iron over the piece -- at most, just touch down lightly and quickly over the piece, with a damp linen between the project and the iron.  Please don't use this method with acrylic yarns, the heat is just too much for them.

If heat or steam is not recommended, and you don't want to wash or soak the item just yet, then, after shaping and pinning, lightly spray the project with water or cover with a damp cloth.  Instead of pinning down the ends, you might want to consider covering the dampened project with a plastic sheet and placing heavy books on top of the plastic.  Let the piece dry naturally overnight.

Don't be afraid of blocking, just gently experiment with the different methods to see what works best for you and your projects.

Tip: Stitch Markers

An important addition to your crochet tool box is a box of stitch markers.  They are most useful when crocheting in the round, to mark the beginning of a round/end of previous round, but they are also really helpful in big projects, like a blanket (space out the markers every 20 stitches so you don't have to keep counting stitches, you can just keep track of the markers).

Stitch markers also are useful to keep your project from unraveling when you take a break. Just slip one onto your working loop after removing the crochet hook before setting the project aside.

Also, be sure to get stitch markers that are intended for crochet, not for knitting, because you have to be able to open them, like a safety pin.  A crochet stitch marker is placed directly into a loop or stitch once it has been made.  In a pinch, you can use a hoop earring or a wine glass marker, but avoid using a real safety pin because the yarn can get caught and snagged in the spring coil.  I like using "lobster claw" stitch markers with charms because they stay closed until you want to open them, they have smooth edges, and look pretty!

Tip: Skein v. Hank

The fiber world really does have a language of its own!  For example, it's easy to confuse specific terms for how yarn is packaged.  Large manufacturers usually produce their yarns in a "skein", which is cylindrical in shape, with the label wrapped around the middle.  You do not have to unwind a skein and roll or wind it into a ball; you can use it as is by either unraveling the yard from the outside yarn end or finding the beginning end inside the center of the skein and pulling it out.

Smaller manufacturers and hand spinners usually wrap their yarn into "hanks."  A hank is made up of long loops of yarn that are then folded and twisted together.  Do NOT try to use a hand of yarn as is, it will soon become a tangled mess.  It must be wound into a ball of yarn first, either by hand or with a "swift" and ball winder (more on those items later).  If you don't have access to a swift and ball winder (many local yarn shops will provide access for purchased yarns), you can untwist the hank and place the loops of yarn on the back of a chair, around someone else's arms, or around your own feet while sitting on the floor (makes for a great hamstring stretch!) and manually unwind the loops and wind into a ball.

Tip: Yarn Label Information

Please don't just rip that label off your new skein of yarn and get started on your project (as tempting as that is)!  There's valuable information on that label, and you're going to want it later.  So, instead, peel the label off carefully, trying to keep all the print information intact.  Then, you might want to clip 6 to 12 inches of the yarn itself and staple or attach it to the label.  This way, you will have all of the details about the yarn and its care instructions.  You might also want to attach the label to the finished crochet project, especially if it's a gift, so that the recipient will know all about the yarn too and how to properly care for it.

There are no standards for what information must be included on a yarn label, but labels can include some or all of this information (especially those from the large manufacturers):  the name of the yarn and the dye lot number; how many yards/meters of yarn is included in the hank or skein; how many ounces/grams are included; the designated weight of the yarn (for example, worsted weight, DK, etc.); the fiber content of the yarn and how best to care for the finished project (for example, hand or machine wash); recommended sizes of knitting needles and crochet hooks to use with the yarn; the number of stitches and rows that should work up using the recommended needles or hook (the "gauge swatch"); where the yarn was manufactured; and, sometimes, recommended patterns for the yarn.

Tip: "WIP"

What's "WPI"?  It stands for "wraps per inch."  Literally, you determine wpi by wrapping yarn around a ruler for one inch, with each strand of yarn being wrapped parallel and next to each other.  Be careful not to wrap too tightly, no twisting or crossing the yarn either.  Just try to wrap with a moderate tension and keep the yarn flat and smooth against the ruler.

Once you've finished wrapping, you count the number of parallel strands within the 1 inch.  Usually, there will be about 16wpi for fingering weight yarn, 8 wpi for bulky weight yarn, and somewhere in between for worsted and DK weight yarns.

This technique is one way of determining the density or weight of a yarn and often is used by hand spinners to help categorize their yarns.  It's also a way of determining if different yarns can be substituted for each other in a pattern.

Tip: Crochet Hook Anatomy

The crochet hook obviously is going to be the most important tool you are going to be using to crochet.  All crochet hooks are not created alike, so here are some basic features of a crochet hook that you need to know to decide the type of hook that you want to use.  The choice of type of crochet hook to use is personal, with no right or wrong answers, so please experiment with the different variations to decide which ones you like best.

A crochet hook has a head, a throat, a shaft, maybe a thumb rest, and a handle.  The head will be either round or flat (also called "in-line").  Some crocheters prefer the round head because it is a little pointier and makes entering stitches easier; some prefer the flat head because it can make catching and pulling through the yarn easier.  The throat of the hook starts from the indent of the head and tapers to the round, uniform part of the shaft.  Whether the hook has a round or flat head, it is the width/circumference of the shaft that determines the size (which is labeled with either a letter and/or number and/or millimeters) of the hook and thus the size of the stitches you make.  The shaft measures about 1 to 1 1/2 inches from the head to the thumb rest (if there is one).  Many hooks have thumb rests or an indentation at this location of the hook to make the hook easier to hold and to keep the hook from shifting in your hand while you are crocheting.

The remaining part of the hook is called the handle, and a regular crochet hook has one that is about 6 inches in length (compared to a Tunisian/Afghan crochet hook, which is usually much longer).

(Here's the Facebook video)

Tip: Do Your Stretches

If you're planning a marathon crocheting session, please remind yourself to stop every 30-45 minutes to stretch your wrists, arms, and shoulders to avoid getting stiff and aggravating any repetitive motion injuries.  It only takes a few moments, and it'll make a lot of difference in maintaining physical comfort while crocheting.

Here are a few stretches to try:

1)  Stretch your arms out, shoulder height and palms facing down, and flex your hands upward, like you're telling someone to stop.  Then, bend your hands down, with your fingers pointing to the floor.  Now, twist your arms so that your palms are facing up towards the ceiling.  Then, bend your hands toward you, so that you are looking at your palms, then bend your hands backwards so that our palms are facing away from you and your fingers are pointing downwards.  As you change positions, be sure to wiggle your fingers and relax them as well.

2)  Drape your right arm over your head, so that your right hand covers your left ear.  Gently bend your head towards your right shoulder and hold for at least 10 to 15 seconds.  Switch sides.

3)  Stand up and place your hands on your hips.  Gently twist to the right and then to the left, while trying to keep your hips facing forward.  Do that a few times to work out the kinks.  Take a few gentle squats as well to get the blood flowing again.

Now, you're ready to sit and crochet some more!

Happy NatCroMo 2020!!

Hey Crocheters, it's National Crochet Month, and I'm celebrating until Many Creative Gifts' 15th Anniversary on April 5th.  Keep reading for a great coupon code for my Ravelry Store.

It's so great to be a part of Crochetville's Designer Blog Tour in celebration of NatCroMo, and I've really been enjoying this year's theme of Crochet Memories.  I feel like I have quite a few of them at this point:  There are memories of learning how to crochet from my favorite 6th grade teacher and my aunt; there are memories of crocheting my first sweater with royal blue yarn and feeling like I could actually wear it in public; there are memories of making cute little baby clothes for dear friends' baby showers; and there are memories of creating Many Creative Gifts as an entrepreneurial endeavor to test out design ideas and new technologies! 

Speaking of technology, I've been going live on Facebook, with a quick crochet tip each time.  My goal is 30 days' worth of videos to give you a taste of my ebook 101 Crochet Tips.  I'll be posting the tips on this blog as well, and, as a result of this journey, I'm going to put together a new edition!  Stay tuned for launch details.


And, in celebration of NatCroMo 2020 and our 15th Anniversary, I'm offering my best discount yet -- a one-time use 50% off coupon code for your total purchase.  Just go to my Ravelry Store here and type in "50for15" in the coupon section at check out.  The offer is good until April 5th (11:59 PM EDT). 

I hope you've enjoyed visiting my blog and want to subscribe to future posts (see subscription box in left column).  I have a feeling that 2020 will be a great year in which to create some new Crochet Memories.  Thank you for celebrating NatCroMo2020 with me, and Happy Crocheting!!

A New Year, A New Approach Going Forward!

Hello Crocheters!  I'm sorry I "ghosted" on all of you, but my mama passed at the end of July, then my godmother in August.  Things just had to give, both before and after.  No regrets, but I do need to make amends with those of you who have supported me and Many Creative Gifts all these years!  After all, it's our 15th Anniversary this year!!

So, in this new, fresh year, I'm shifting my focus to connect with you all in different and hopefully more helpful crochet ways, and I hope you'll agree and continue to stick with me :-).  In addition to occasional blog posts, I want to make better use of other media to convey meaningful crafty information to you.

For the next 30 days, starting Wednesday, January 29th, I'll be livestreaming on my Facebook page (go straight there) with a different crochet tip or trick each day to help you refresh your crochet knowledge and hopefully experience something new and different!  All of the crochet tips, and way more, are in my ebook 101 Crochet Tips, available on Amazon (this is my affiliate link). 

For those of you who no longer utilize Facebook, I'll be figuring out other venues in which to post the videos, so check back here for more alternative links.

Happy 2020, Crocheters, it's going to be a great year!