March is National Crochet Month

Did you know that March is National Crochet Month? I just realized it a few days ago when I saw someone post about it online. I'm so glad I saw that because it helped to rekindle the fire inside me to get hookin' again on a crochet shrug I've had stuffed in my craft cabinet.

If you're not already a crocheter this is a great time to give it a whirl! Some great starter projects are dishcloths, neck warmers, scarves or even little bags or pouches. It's easier than you might think to become a crocheter. A quick search on Ravelry will lead you to a TON of free patterns.

 Here are some tips for knitters who want to try crochet:

• Start with Tunisian Crochet: it has a look that is very much like knitted stitches so it will get you acquainted with Crochet in a familiar way Get started with Tunisian here  Click here for Tunisian Purl Stitch  Click here for Tunisian Knit Stitch
• Add a crochet trim to a knitted dishcloth or blanket: many knitters are already familiar with using a crochet hook to pick up dropped stitches, so begin with a slip knot and learn to make chains. After you've completed that first step you're ready to turn and begin adding rows.

If you're completely new to using a crochet hook check out this video on getting started with crochet, or if you're ready to dive right into a project check out my videos on YouTube or through the ShortysSutures Facebook page where you can get started without a chain and move right into foundation stitches to make a cowl.

Hurry over to Lion Brand Yarn where you'll find an an exciting giveaway. Don't delay... today's the last day to enter. Click on the link to complete a survey and who knows... you might win!

Enjoy National Crochet Month and keep those hands stitchin'!

Episode 27: Normalcy Approaches

Today's podcast feels long overdue, so it's full of all kinds of goodies! This episode will feature Out 'o the Bag, In my Crochet Bag, In my Knitting Bag, In my Ears, In my Stash, Fit 'n Stitchy and Prattle.

First let's begin with a hearty congratulations to Ravelry for reaching 3 million members! Jess and Casey have prepared a fun video to share with everyone on the Ravelry home page.

Kelly's Grey Shrug

 Out 'o the Bag

• Kelly's Gray Shrug (aka Speckled Shrug)
• Baby Leg Warmers/Yoga Socks

In My Crochet Bag

•   Glittery Shrug CAL (thanks to great input at the FF Retreat!)

In My Knitting Bag

• Bonnie Jean Infinity Cowl
• Rainbow Striped Baby Legwarmers - Lorna's Laces Unicorn Parade

In My Ears

• Craft Lit

In My Stash

• Cascade Superwash 220 (Light Pink, Hot Pink)

Fit 'n Stitchy

• Eating better
• Walking (fast)
• Lift and Squeeze/Core tightening

Prattle

• New recipe to share - Suavis Bubulae (Latin for Sweet Beef)
• Details of the Fancy Fiber Retreat in February (new friends, new skills, new outlook on stitchy recreation!)
• Feeling good about de-stashing

My Core Stitchy Group at Fancy Fiber Retreat 2013!

A huge thanks to everyone who's reached out through the Shorty's Sutures Ravelry Group to chat and comment on the episodes! It's always fun to interact with you all.

Feel free to contact me at shortyssutures@gmail.com, comment here on the blog, reach out on Ravelry in the ShortysSutures Group, comment where this podcast is hosted at shortyssutures.libsyn.com, or look me up on Facebook, Twitter or Pinterest. Thanks so much for joining me today and I hope you’ll join me again next time.


Until then, keep those hands stitchin’!