Tuesday, April 26, 2016

Why Does Mine Look So Different?

Many of today's crocheters are 'self taught'.  Seeing cute stuffed toys or the latest "gotta have crochet fad" has made the casual onlooker an avid YouTuber looking for 'How To's' on everything from single crochet amigurumi projects to wearable crocodile stitch, rubber soled shoes.

But why so many differences in appearances?  I mean, aside from individuality of the people who are crocheting the items? 




In the image above, which more does your work resemble?  They are each made with a Size 7 Crochet Hook, Each has the same number of rounds, the same number and type of stitches and each uses the same exact hank of cotton.   Each is even stuffed with exactly the same amount of "filling" (which is a 1.5 plastic bags) and were also crocheted by the same person... so why do they look so much different?


A closer look might suggest that different crochet stitches were used.  But I assure you - they are both crochet'd using simple single crochet stitches - nothing fancy, nothing unusual - the same single crochet stitch that is used in tens of thousands of crochet projects. 


So if everything is the same, then why do they look so different? 
I am a firm believer that there is "no wrong way to crochet".  Crochet is an art form - therefore, 
art in and of itself can't be "wrong".  It can be criticized, disliked or even hated - but that still doesn't make it 'wrong'.

Okay - no more guessing games.  I will let you in on the 'why'!  One is "inside out".  I say inside out, because there is some debate as to it being "wrong side out".  

In Japan, where art of amigurumi is said to have originated and where working in the 'round' in a continuous spiral is more the norm, than working in the round with a join; many artists actually complete their entire project with the "wrong side out".
Whereas, in the United States and other English speaking countries, where most have been crocheting in the 'round' (with a slst and a ch-1), there is definitely a "right and wrong" side; just as there are for other stitches in crochet, such as the Popcorn, Bobble and Loop Stitches.

So a look at the "wrong side" :



The most notable difference is going to be the little horizontal bars that grace the showing side of any piece.  These are highlighted by the black circle above.  To me, personally, I find them unappealing - they don't look like they belong - BUT, that could just be because I was taught this is "not the right side".
My biggest issue with working this side out actually has nothing to do with the 'looks' of it.  Nope - my issues comes when it's time to 'close' it up. 
Working with this side as the right side, I have to work counter-clock wise and with my hook in the 'inside' of the work - so closing becomes a very tight squeeze.  In fact, in these two pieces in the photos, I stopped decreasing at 18 sts in the round.  Which was only starting to become challenging (as the free edge was getting in my way).

I have had a good friend who crocheted like this.  That was until I saw her doing it and smacked her hand with a ruler - okay, just kidding on the ruler part (Catholic School joke I am sure not many will understand).  But I showed her how to crochet the way I did and she found it MUCH easier and much faster.

So, with that lead in, this is what MOST (in English speaking countries anyway) consider the "right side" of crocheting in the round.




Whatever your preference, and you really should give both a try to discover which you prefer, crocheting is about YOUR art.  

Your ART is an interpretation of what YOU create from putting fiber and hook together.  What really matters in the end is not the "right side" or the "wrong side" or why stitches looks so different from a photograph, it's about how YOU feel about your finished project.

Imitation is not the most sincere form of flattery - it's actually the least.  Allowing your own individual personality shine through, because you are inspired by someone - THAT is where true flattery comes in.

Page Updated on: 2 September 2020


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Permission has NOT be granted to any 3rd Party to re-print, re-post or translate any FiberDoodlesbyK4TT products.

By utilizing any product from FiberDoodlesbyK4TT, whether by clicking over the internet, telephone, facsimile or otherwise, you agree to the Terms and Conditions of the FiberDoodlesbyK4TT End User Licensing Agreement (EULA) or qualification.
All patterns are sold in good faith. Every effort has been made to ensure that all instructions are accurate and complete. FiberDoodlesbyK4TT cannot, however, be responsible for human error or variations in individual work.


All patterns released from FiberDoodlesbyK4TT are protected under Federal copyright laws. Reproduction/distribution, in part or in whole, is strictly prohibited unless specifically authorized. This includes, but is not limited to, any form of reproduction or distribution on or through the Internet, including posting, scanning, "Crochet-A-Longs" and/or eMail transmission. 

Friday, April 22, 2016

Courtesy Pattern : CP25B - LoveBugs (When Doves Cry Mod)



The DumDum Lovebugs pay Tribute to PRINCE
Rest In Paradise : 1958-2016

Red Heart® Classic® WW 4-Ply Yarn in White, Charcoal and Purple
Size E4/3.50 Crochet Hook (US)
Filling for Plushies (fiberfil or similar)
6mm Black Plastic Beads for Eyes
Yarn Needle for Sewing

Head/Body (Make 1): with White, no other changes made.

Wing (Make 2) :
with White,
Chain 6,
___ ROW 1: sc in 2nd ch from hook, sc in ea of nxt 3 chs, 3 sc in nxt st - turn piece to allow you to work down the other side of original beg chain (as if a flat round), sc in ea of nxt 4 sts, ch-2, TURN (11 sts/2 chs)
___ ROW 2: sc in 2nd ch from hook, sc in ea of nxt 5 sts, 3 sc in nxt st, sc in ea of nxt 4 sts, TURN (13 sts)
___ ROW 3: skp first st, sc in ea of nxt 4 sts, 3 sc in nxt st, sc in ea of nxt 7 sts, ch-2, TURN (14 sts/2 chs)
___ ROW 4: sc in 2nd ch from hook, sc in ea of nxt 6 sts, draw up a loop in ea of nxt 4 sts, yo, draw through all 5 loops on hook, slst in same st (9 sts)
Finish off, leaving sufficient tail remaining to secure to Body. 


Foot (Make 2) :
with Charcoal,
Chain 3, hdc in 2nd chain from hook twice, drop loop from hook, insert hook from front to back in 3rd ch of beg ch-3, pull dropped loop through stitch, ch 1, slst in same st as hdc worked.
Finish off and secure Foot to bottom of Body to help stabilize project. 


Tail (Make 1) :
with White,
Chain 5,
___ ROW 1: sc in 2nd from hook, sc in ea of nxt 3 chs, TURN (4 sts)
___ ROW 2: ch-2, sc in 2nd ch from hook, sc in ea of nxt 3 sts, 3 sc in SIDE of 1st st made in Row 1, working down the opposite side of original beg chain, sc in a of nxt 4 sts, TURN (11 sts)
___ ROW 3: ch-2, sc in 2nd, sc in nxt st, loosely slst in ea of nxt 3 sts, sc in nxt st, Dec nxt 2 sts tog, slst in same st (8 sts)
Finish off and secure tail to back of Body to help stabilize project. 


Features:
with Charcoal, embroider a Beak on front of Head between your Eye placement.
Optional : with Purple, embroider a small tear under the Eye.
Page Updated on: 23 October 2020


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Should you wish to share this Information or FiberDoodlesbyK4TT Patterns, please share using an Official FiberDoodlesbyK4TT authorized page 
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Permission has NOT be granted to any 3rd Party to re-print, re-post or translate any FiberDoodlesbyK4TT products.

By utilizing any product from FiberDoodlesbyK4TT, whether by clicking over the internet, telephone, facsimile or otherwise, you agree to the Terms and Conditions of the FiberDoodlesbyK4TT End User Licensing Agreement (EULA) or qualification.
All patterns are sold in good faith. Every effort has been made to ensure that all instructions are accurate and complete. FiberDoodlesbyK4TT cannot, however, be responsible for human error or variations in individual work.


All patterns released from FiberDoodlesbyK4TT are protected under Federal copyright laws. Reproduction/distribution, in part or in whole, is strictly prohibited unless specifically authorized. This includes, but is not limited to, any form of reproduction or distribution on or through the Internet, including posting, scanning, "Crochet-A-Longs" and/or eMail transmission.

Saturday, April 2, 2016

Product Page : SA033 - Aubry the Autism Awareness Bear

PDF CROCHET PATTERN
SA033 - Aubry the Autism Awareness Bear
Instant Download of Aubry the Autism Awareness Bear
$5.95 USD

Please Note: At this time, Instant Downloads are available via Ravelry.com. You do not have to have a account to complete your purchase, however, if you want this item stored in your library you will need to log into your account. For help with Downloading Patterns, Please read Help w/Downloads
Due to the format and ease in reproduction, patterns are non-refundable.

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Skill Level: Easy / Advanced Beginner
 
Measurements: 19 inches in height (approx.)
Gauge is not critical for this project, however your finished size may vary slightly, depending on materials used and personal crochet style. 

Materials Used in Model: 
Red Heart® WW 4-Ply Yarn in 0356 Amethyst, 0886 Blue, 0319 Cherry Red, 0672 Spring Green, 0886 Blue, 0321 Gold, 0235 Lemon, 3251 Flame, 0334 Buff, 0365 Coffee, 0311 White and 0312 Black
Size H/8-5.00mm Crochet Hook (US)
Filling for Plushies (fiberfil or similar)
4 - 16mm Button (Optional)
Yarn Needle for Sewing 
Long Straight Pins for Positioning

SA033 - Aubry the Autism Awareness Bear


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This PDF file is complete with written instructions to help you create Aubry the Autism Awareness Bear plush viewed on this product page. This pattern is written by a right handed crocheter, in English and uses US Crochet Terminology

You will need an Adobe Reader, or similar program to view this pattern. The Adobe Reader program can be downloaded for free at http://www.adobe.com 

Pattern Support: While every effort has been made to be as thorough as possible, in giving instructions regarding this pattern (including links to unusual techniques or stitches - on Pg 2 of the PDF), it may still happen that you need some individual assistance. 
Please contact me at fiberdoodles@gmail.com if you have any problems completing your project. I will assist you in anyway I can to help you quickly get back to work on your project.


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SA033 - Aubry the Autism Awareness Bear 1

SA033 - Aubry the Autism Awareness Bear 3
SA033 - Aubry the Autism Awareness Bear 2

SA033 - Aubry the Autism Awareness Bear 4

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Should you wish to share this pattern, please share using an Official FiberDoodlesbyK4TT authorized page 
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Permission has NOT be granted to any 3rd Party to re-print, re-post or translate any FiberDoodlesbyK4TT products.

By utilizing any product from FiberDoodlesbyK4TT, whether by clicking over the internet, telephone, facsimile or otherwise, you agree to the Terms and Conditions of the FiberDoodlesbyK4TT End User Licensing Agreement (EULA) or qualification.
All patterns are sold in good faith. Every effort has been made to ensure that all instructions are accurate and complete. FiberDoodlesbyK4TT cannot, however, be responsible for human error or variations in individual work.


All patterns released from FiberDoodlesbyK4TT are protected under Federal copyright laws. Reproduction/distribution, in part or in whole, is strictly prohibited unless specifically authorized. This includes, but is not limited to, any form of reproduction or distribution on or through the Internet, including posting, scanning, "Crochet-A-Longs" and/or eMail transmission.