I gave up crocheting about a year ago because of time and the fact that it took me literally years to make an afgahn. I'm a person that likes immediate reselts or I get bored and shove it in a closet for a few months.

I would like to start crocheting again. I'm looking for ideas for easy projects that I can complete in a weekend. Help please?

I made...a bunch of doilies in a weekend and sold them in a silent auction. Basic doilies:
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v33/Alicia_Kendra/MVC-003S.jpghttp://img.photobucket.com/albums/v33/Alicia_Kendra/MVC-004S.jpg
Simple ones. I made some colored ones too.

Oooh you're just like me. I tried an afghan, but dang it... it was taking too long :lol: Like you, I want results..and FAST!

So far I crochet bun covers (there should be a thread by me on it... yes.. HERE (http://forums.longhaircommunity.com/showthread.php?t=17068) that's a pattern I used ..etc. ) and I just tried my hand at this (http://www.allfreecrafts.com/crochet/crochet-ponytail-tube.shtml) ... it's a bit long. I think it should be cut in half..and one definetely needs buttons to help it attach easier. Still working on how to keep it up at the top of the ponytail (Right now I'm using a small jaw clip)

Both of those took a maximum of 40 minutes for me to do start to finish. Wheeeee. I'm going to try to do a smaller version of that last one though I really like it.

You could also try a dishcloth (just your basic square or any variant).. maybe a towel or two.... potholders... scrunchies for the hair... coasters.. change purses..cellphone holders...Um what else... all sorts of stuff!

Here's a few sites I enjoy, but you can always punch into google what you're looking for in a pattern!

http://www.crochetpartners.org/Patterns/

http://www.marloscrochetcorner.com/patterns.html

http://crochet.about.com/

Hope that helps some!

Saji

Do you crochet with cotton thread, too, or just yarn?


Here's some quick things

http://www.geocities.com/Heartland/6340/bookmark.html
http://www.marloscrochetcorner.com/childs%20kerchief.html
http://www.crochetpartners.org/Patterns/CPpat140.html (that one's a cat toy)
http://home.tulsaconnect.com/kleenlandreth/crochetwiz/main.htm
http://www.jpfun.com/patterns/12dishcloths/bodyscrubber.shtml
http://web.archive.org/web/20011123091442/pages.ivillage.com/debbilynnc/wearables/id18.html
http://members.aol.com/SAG55/sshawl.html (I made this one and it turned out great. Worked up fairly quick, too)

i like scarves, mittens, hats, and dishcloths for quick things to make :)

I just posted crochet snood method on another crochet thread going here - very easy, essentally a net, worked in the round, and with elastic woven through the edge.

Ursula

I have a problem with getting bored with big projects too. At the moment I'm making a baby blanket that I started before my sisters first child was born.. go figure she's expecting the second one now :rolleyes: In my defence I must say that I hadn't crochetet anything in a while when I started it so of course I had to pick the most complicated pattern that I could find..

For quick projects I like to do cell phone cozies, but I don't have any pattern for those, I just measure the phone and start crocheting. The snood pattern from Ursula looked nice and you can find many scrunchie patterns on the net. Fashion doll clothes would be pretty quick too.

Do you crochet with cotton thread, too, or just yarn?


Here's some quick things

http://www.geocities.com/Heartland/6340/bookmark.html
http://www.marloscrochetcorner.com/childs%20kerchief.html
http://www.crochetpartners.org/Patterns/CPpat140.html (that one's a cat toy)
http://home.tulsaconnect.com/kleenlandreth/crochetwiz/main.htm
http://www.jpfun.com/patterns/12dishcloths/bodyscrubber.shtml
http://web.archive.org/web/20011123091442/pages.ivillage.com/debbilynnc/wearables/id18.html
http://members.aol.com/SAG55/sshawl.html (I made this one and it turned out great. Worked up fairly quick, too)

Actually, I can do both. Although I find thread crochet to be a bit overwealming with all those little stitches. I tried to make a doily one time but I stopped midway because I was..you guessed it, bored. I wouldn't mind making some thread crochet bun covers if I can find them. I haven't had a chance to check out your threads yet but I'll bookmark them for later. Thank you.

I have a problem with getting bored with big projects too. At the moment I'm making a baby blanket that I started before my sisters first child was born.. go figure she's expecting the second one now :rolleyes: In my defence I must say that I hadn't crochetet anything in a while when I started it so of course I had to pick the most complicated pattern that I could find..

For quick projects I like to do cell phone cozies, but I don't have any pattern for those, I just measure the phone and start crocheting. The snood pattern from Ursula looked nice and you can find many scrunchie patterns on the net. Fashion doll clothes would be pretty quick too.


Oooo, I'd love to make a snood. I really want to make anything hair oriented. Don't know why cause I can't use them yet. Maybe they can be some incentive to keep growing.

Oooh you're just like me. I tried an afghan, but dang it... it was taking too long :lol: Like you, I want results..and FAST!

So far I crochet bun covers (there should be a thread by me on it... yes.. HERE (http://forums.longhaircommunity.com/showthread.php?t=17068) that's a pattern I used ..etc. ) and I just tried my hand at this (http://www.allfreecrafts.com/crochet/crochet-ponytail-tube.shtml) ... it's a bit long. I think it should be cut in half..and one definetely needs buttons to help it attach easier. Still working on how to keep it up at the top of the ponytail (Right now I'm using a small jaw clip)

Both of those took a maximum of 40 minutes for me to do start to finish. Wheeeee. I'm going to try to do a smaller version of that last one though I really like it.

You could also try a dishcloth (just your basic square or any variant).. maybe a towel or two.... potholders... scrunchies for the hair... coasters.. change purses..cellphone holders...Um what else... all sorts of stuff!

Here's a few sites I enjoy, but you can always punch into google what you're looking for in a pattern!

http://www.crochetpartners.org/Patterns/

http://www.marloscrochetcorner.com/patterns.html

http://crochet.about.com/

Hope that helps some!

Saji


Thanks for the link. I'm going to check all of them out tomorrow while dh is at work.

They've got some cute patterns at CrochetMe, like this crocheted hair tie (http://www.crochetme.com/issue_1/flower_power.html).

I've been crocheting a lot longer than I've been knitting (20+ vs. 9 years) but I've been knitting a LOT more lately. Why? Because I'm getting tired of the boring crochet patterns. I think it's a shame that a beautiful art like crochet has such a paucity of good patterns while knitting has an explosion of cool patterns. It makes me want to put on my designer cap....

DBF ... is knitting easy to learn (relatively)??? I've also heard that you use LESS yarn when you knit something, than if you crochet, is that right or not? I've been eyeing learning to knit books at my work... because you're right, the patterns are just unbelievably gorgeous!

Saji

I have a problem with getting bored with big projects too. At the moment I'm making a baby blanket that I started before my sisters first child was born.. go figure she's expecting the second one now :rolleyes: In my defence I must say that I hadn't crochetet anything in a while when I started it so of course I had to pick the most complicated pattern that I could find..

For quick projects I like to do cell phone cozies, but I don't have any pattern for those, I just measure the phone and start crocheting. The snood pattern from Ursula looked nice and you can find many scrunchie patterns on the net. Fashion doll clothes would be pretty quick too.

Wow, I didn't think anyone was like me. I too started a baby blanket for my 2nd dd while I was pregnant. She's now a year old and I haven't finished it yet. Pretty bad. I feel terrible because I made my first dd two blankets. I really wanted to treat them equal and I do except in that area. Maybe I can still make her one for a keepsake.

They've got some cute patterns at CrochetMe, like this crocheted hair tie (http://www.crochetme.com/issue_1/flower_power.html).

I've been crocheting a lot longer than I've been knitting (20+ vs. 9 years) but I've been knitting a LOT more lately. Why? Because I'm getting tired of the boring crochet patterns. I think it's a shame that a beautiful art like crochet has such a paucity of good patterns while knitting has an explosion of cool patterns. It makes me want to put on my designer cap....


Oooo, you knit! I've been trying to teach myself to knit for about 2 years. I just can't get the hang of it. No matter what book I read I can't get it. I would love to learn. I used to knit when I was a teen and haven't been able to pick it back up. How did you learn to knit? I really prefer the look of knit to crochet and would prefer that if I could learn it. And yes, the patterns are much nicer.

I do alot of crafty things, and I've crocheted for quite awhile. I like the Lion yarn website, just type in lion yarn, and it should come up (sorry I dont know how to link to the site).

They have a whole collection of patterns for hats, scarves, etc. Their patterns run from easy beginner projects on. I think you'd easily find something you could do in a day or two on there.

Jeannie

They've got some cute patterns at CrochetMe, like this crocheted hair tie (http://www.crochetme.com/issue_1/flower_power.html).

I've been crocheting a lot longer than I've been knitting (20+ vs. 9 years) but I've been knitting a LOT more lately. Why? Because I'm getting tired of the boring crochet patterns. I think it's a shame that a beautiful art like crochet has such a paucity of good patterns while knitting has an explosion of cool patterns. It makes me want to put on my designer cap....


I'm thinking of trying knitting for this reason. I guess knitting is more trendy now, and they have lots more nice patterns for it. :(

DBF ... is knitting easy to learn (relatively)??? I've also heard that you use LESS yarn when you knit something, than if you crochet, is that right or not? I've been eyeing learning to knit books at my work... because you're right, the patterns are just unbelievably gorgeous!

Saji
Saji, I think knitting is pretty easy to learn, though it may take a while before you get an even gauge. When I first started, all my stitches were different sizes and looked like shite! It took me a while to get them all consistent, but once I mastered that, it was smooth sailing.

I learned to crochet at a very early age (5 or 6) from my great-grandma, but I never learned how to knit. My mom is left-handed and I'm right-handed, and she'd never teach me because she was convinced it would be too hard to teach a rightie. :rolleyes:

So when I was an exchange student in Sweden, I saw that my host mom had a bunch of knitting books. I asked her if she'd show me how to knit, and she was surprised that I was interested. She showed me how to knit (and as a result, I knit Continental style rather than English style) and I've been doing it ever since.

I personally find Continental style MUCH easier and faster. I've tried knitting English style but I find it too clunky to hold the yarn that way. If it works for you, great! I suggest looking at instructions for both methods and seeing which one you think will work best for you.

GreyLady, isn't that the truth? Knitting is really hot right now, so there are lots of patterns being produced. We need to get the same treatment for crochet! I'm just certain that if there were good patterns, crochet wouldn't be just doilies and dishclothes anymore. :wink:

i'm really liking tunisian crochet right now :) do a google for tunisian crochet, and a bunch of good sites come up with how-tos and whatnot. i'm currently working on sweaters for my husband, 2 friends and me. i'd do one for ds, but i think it would be destroyed in about 5 minutes flat :lol:

i'm really liking tunisian crochet right now :) do a google for tunisian crochet, and a bunch of good sites come up with how-tos and whatnot. i'm currently working on sweaters for my husband, 2 friends and me. i'd do one for ds, but i think it would be destroyed in about 5 minutes flat :lol:
Yeah, I love it, too! I always say I'm going to write a pattern or two for Tunisian crochet (aka 'afghan crochet') but I never get around to it.

So... what would people like to see in crochet patterns? Clothing? Housewares? Other stuff?

So... what would people like to see in crochet patterns? Clothing? Housewares? Other stuff?

Hmm. Non cheesy housewares. More hair stuff, of course. :silly: I'd like to see more good sock patterns. Maybe even patterns for crochet skirts and the like.

I've been searching for awhile for a sweater pattern my husband likes, but I haven't found any so far. He says most of them he sees look too short. (I guess I could just make them longer on my own, but I'm not that sure of my skills yet) I'd like to see more clothing patterns for plus sizes, too.

Hmm. Non cheesy housewares. More hair stuff, of course. :silly: I'd like to see more good sock patterns. Maybe even patterns for crochet skirts and the like.

I've been searching for awhile for a sweater pattern my husband likes, but I haven't found any so far. He says most of them he sees look too short. (I guess I could just make them longer on my own, but I'm not that sure of my skills yet) I'd like to see more clothing patterns for plus sizes, too.
Thanks for the ideas! I'll have to think up some designs. Not that I'm sure I can do it - I've never tried to design something before. I tend not to make crochet housewares because all the patterns are (IMHO) ugly doilies or whatnot.

As for sweaters, unless they have weird shaping, you should just be able to add rows before you start the arm hole shaping. That is, after the ribbing and before the arms start. It's pretty easy. Lengthening the sleeves can be a bit more difficult, but you may not need to if the pattern has a good arm length for him already.

I've seen some crochet sock patterns, but they all seem to have too large of a gauge, which makes for stitches big enough to hurt your feet. You need tiny stitches for socks that won't hurt the soles of your feet. Hm... I wonder if Tunisian crochet is suitable for socks?

Off to think about pattern writing when I should be packing...

So... what would people like to see in crochet patterns? Clothing? Housewares? Other stuff?

definitely clothing! socks and sweaters especially. i've crocheted socks for my husband and i, and honestly, i hate them. so socks would be good (i'm pretty sure you can use tunisian crochet for socks, but don't take my word for it :lol: ). and i looooove sweaters. i live in nebraska. we have 14 inches of snow and below 0 temps at the moment. sweaters are gooooood :grin:

Thanks DBF :)

As for crocheting, EVERYTHING. Especially sweaters, and vests. Socks too. I've yet to find a nice sock pattern.

Saji

some thing really eazy and fast, try makeing cup couters.

Somehow, I missed this thread. You probably want to look for afghan patterns that require a Q hook and 2 or 3 strands of yarn. It shows results very quickly. One book of patterns that I got at Walmart a few years ago is called Leisure Arts Presents Quick and Cozy Afghans. I did this pattern called Rosebuds on page 100 for about 3 family members for Christmas. Very quick and easy, mainly just double crochets.

I like to crochet newborn hats for a quick project. I can finish some patterns in just 3 or 4 hours. I like to keep several on stock so I can pass them out as baby gifts to new parents. I just made this adorable "candy corn" hat for a friend who is expecting a new baby any day:

Free Candy Corn newborn hat pattern (http://peanutzmom1.tripod.com/candycorn.html)

It turned out soo cute and perfect for an October/Halloween baby! I can't wait to give it to her! It only took 3 hours to make too!

I also make this one a lot:

Another free baby hat pattern (http://susan.kraus.net/pages/pattern5.html)

But I've tweaked the pattern a little because when I follow those instructions my hats turn out really big, so I altered it a little to make them smaller and more suitable for a newborn.

There are a lot of cool crochet patterns out there now. Go to Amazon.com and search for crochet and you'll find lots of books with trendy patterns for crochet accessories, clothing, socks, sweaters, etc. Annie's Attic also has a large selection of crochet patterns, including several books on wire crochet, beaded crochet, and felted crochet.

I've managed to complete 2 afghans in my life. I started one when I was in high school that I still haven't finished. :rolleyes: I'm making a ruana now, but I'm using a size P hook and bulky chenille yarn and eyelash yarn in a mesh pattern so things are going relatively quickly. On the other hand I'm still working on a scarf that I started last winter, :smirk: so we'll see. :lol:

Crocheted socks...i have another pattern somewhere for shortie socks, with a cuff...i'll look for it.
http://www.lionbrand.com/patterns/cwe-socks.html

Here's a pattern I worked out for a bun cover. I never did post a pic, although I took one. I'm so bad at working with photo files. I made one for Chameleon with beads. Chameleon, if you are reading this thread, still have the bun cover, and are better at posting pics than I am, feel free to show us a pic. I'll try to get snapping myself.

I also like this snood (http://www.knitting-crochet.com/crochet/persno.html) because it works up fast. I don't put a bow on it. That's just too perky. Also, the last round calls for working sc around an elastic band, but I like a drawstring better, so I substitute dc for the sc and when I'm done I weave a braided length of yarn in and out.

You could try the sweater pattern at the Guidepost Sweaters For Kids (http://www.dailyguideposts.com/sweater/) site. The crochet pattern works up pretty fast, and is interesting because you change stitches halfway through. You could make the pattern for your kids, or make it and send it in.

I bought a Crochet Pattern-a-Day calendar from Elegant Crochet (https://home.comcast.net/~gandal195/elegantorders.htm) that I"ve been looking through and there's a pattern for a sweater that is essentially a giant round that you put sleeves on. If you wear it one way it's a full cardigan with a shawl collar; if you wear it upside down it's a full short cardigan with a collar big enough to be a hood. I don't make clothes because of my short attention span and carpal tunnel syndrome, but I have to admit this is intriguing. :ponder:

I suppose I could do the usual--use a bigger hook and make a mesh. :lol:

I made a bunch of little mats for my cat to sleep on. And a bottle cover.

http://buncombe.main.nc.us/~mbbweb/bottlecover1.jpg

That's one of the mats and the latest bottle cover. ;)

Thanks for all the super ideas. I have found that I do well with scrunchies. I can usually make one in about 1/2 hour. I'm thinking of making a blanket for dd1's beanie baby that she takes everywhere with her.


Curlycare, I found that snood pattern a few months ago and tried to make it but I put it away for a few days and when I went to go work on it I couldn't figure out where I left off. So off went another half completed project to the Salvation Army. I included the instructions so whoever got it could finish it. I wish they had someplace for half finished projects.