Inkscape

Haayy… I’ve been trying to ‘draw’ crochet pattern diagrams using the old fashioned pen and paper. Of course, none worked out as I always end up crumpling the paper afterwards. When I learned how to draw Scalable Vector Graphics (using Inkscape)  it has been useful in my work. From drawing ‘icons’ to logos and skinning user interfaces. I use inkscape for every graphical recreation I need. Since I installed inkscape, I almost have not been using my pen tablet (since it’s not compatible with inkscape) and i can draw in inkscape just using  a mouse. or just the mousepad.

Here are some of my firt svg’s:

Some of Scalable Vector Graphics I drew in inkscape

Now since I’m fed up with trying to draw crochet patterns, and when it dawned on me that i could actually use inkscape, I’ve been trying (again) to master inkscape and draw stitch diagrams. So far, I am improving, and i have somehow found the technique on creating stitch diagrams. So as a ‘yehey’! to this newly acquired skill, I am giving away my instructions on recreating the winter solace bolero.

Creating Crochet Pattern Diagram in Inkscape

For those of you who are curious about this crochet pattern,click here Disclaimer: I am no pro in writing down isntructions. Much more, I admit I am not also good in following one. This instructions are here just to share what i have learned so far in this field. Feel free to write down comments/corrections.

Description of the Project

A cool blend of turquiose and white hues that will remind you of the coming holiday  season. This practical project uses up a simple combination of double-crochet and chain stitches adorned with fluffy plush yarn.  I used just a 100g ball of Indonesian Cotton Thread. You could actually substitute any locally available crochet thread and just adjust the gauge. Luckily for us, the soft plush turquiose yarn used for the borders of the clothing is available locally. I got this one from Bodega sa Rosario, Pasig.

The bolero is made up of 5 parts, crocheted individually. 2 sleeves, 2 front parts and the back part. I sewed them together using left over crochet thread. Then I added the border. The border’s just plain dc. I used automatic locks to close the front part. And attached two medium sized white textured buttons in front to accentuate.

Finished product:

winter solace bolero

This pattern moved to a new home. Visit here.

Red and Black Top

A friend asked me to make her a crocheted blouse. In particular, this one:

Now the problem was the yarn used for this blouse was super thin. It actually took me months to finish this. Plus this one resulted to a failed attempt to follow a pattern.

—-

I had another red yarn from baguio. This yarn’s a very soft two ply cotton yarn. I am not careful with the gauge and when i finished making 8 daisy squares and 4 stretchy squares. I got this:

Of course, I negotiated with my friend regarding the current progress of her request. I gave a price and she agreed. AS long I could really finish this.

Since the yarn used was bulkier than the previous yarn, I made a bigger size. Though worrying about the fit, i went on crocheting until I ran out of yarn. I was confident that I bought a similar yarn from Pasig, but when I checked, the yarns were different. The one I got from Pasig was a three ply acrylic yarn. Frustrated. I pulled out the stitches again and tried to figure a way out.

Even momoink and yakee were helping me  on studying the pattern of the  blouse.

Here’s what I got so far.

Now.. let’s just see what’s gonna happen in a day or two.

On my newly arrived yarns there’s  a very cool shade of turquoise.  The shade will remind you of the coming season.

ICT Variegated Turquoise

The yarn is 100% mercerized cotton. It’s a locally produced yarn from Indonesia. One ball is 100 gram. Just enough for a small-sized bolero.  Hook-size to use would be 2.00 to 2.10 mm.  The threads kinda thick. Thicker than the locally available monaco thread. If you wishes to buy a similar yarn, this multiply user has this on her for sale list.  Or you could buy from craftandme.com

It’s a good thing too, that I have this soft plush yarn from Pasig.

Soft Plush Yarn - Color Blue Green

I don’t actually know what’s the official name of this yarn (as all the yarns i bought there ) But looking at the Berocco’s yarn list, their Soft Plush Yarn comes closest to the one I have.

If these two yarns are actually of the same kind, it’d be 100% Nylon. Hook size to use can be 3.0mm to 4.0 mm. I have a medium size ball (weight is unknown).

Berroco Plush™ 100% Nylon

Funny, coz i never found any use of the soft plush yarn from Pasig. Since it’s too thick to be made into any comfy clothing. Especially here in Philippines, even if it’s cold it’s not practical to crochet anything from this yarn.

Apparently these two yarns are great for each other. The colors are almost homogeneous and the textures are complementary. The plush yarn is soft to touch while (as all mercerized cotton threads are) the ICT is a bit rough and hard.

I am gonna use the cotton yarn for the body of the bolero and the plush yarn for the borders. Just to add accent.

Incidentally these two yarns are freebie for purchasing 2 kilograms of yarns from each store. Wow.. Great deal

Improvised Headband

Materials needed:

Variegated Pink Wool and Pink Cotton Yarn

Materials for the headband

• YARNS (of course!) – I used a variegated pink wool (bulky) and soft cotton
• Plain black headband
• A hook (4.5 mm)
• Adhesive tape (Double sided) – Glue STick is much better, mind you.
• some leaves to accentuate
• button for the flower applique
• needle

Using the variegated wool yarn crochet chain to cover the entire length of the head band.

Cover the headband with the crocheted chain. Put it in place using an adhesive tape. It is much better to glue it with a glue stick, but my glue gun’s at home back in the province so i have to improvise.

Create a 5 Flower applique  using the solid pink cotton yarn.

- Chain 3 slip stitch to form a ring. *Chain 4, slip stitch into the ring * (Repeat 4 more times)

Attach a yellow button to the flower.

Attach five leaves at one side of the headband.

Attach the flower applique by sewing it into the headband.

Now you have an improvised headband. Pretty easy right?

Momoink loves it so much that she tries it on:

Momoink loves the headband

Crocheting over a cup of coffee

And a crochet hook to make me happy.

Brown Shrug in diamond motif

Back of Shrug

I am thinking of writing down the instructions to make this shrug

She was selling yarns on her multiply site and i contacted her.  Hers are the cheapest yarns I’d ever seen online. When I shared this to my friends, one of them volunteered to buy me from their shop.

Craft and Me

The yarns that i liked most:

Mohair Yarn from Craft and Me

I used this yarn as border for my ‘little red riding hood’ project.

And this one:

Everybody loves special and if it’s a special yarn, it’d be super!!!

Special Yarns at Craft and Me

The one i got is the bubble yarn labeled 1. Still dunno what to do with it.