tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5618065845831009484Mon, 05 Mar 2018 17:13:48 +0000crochetknithow totutorialbeginnerhelpeasydesignpattern designprojectcustomyarncreationamigurumisolvelearningproblemtechniquetipssingle crochetright handedleft handedpattern alterationtipChristmascolorfixfree patternjourney gamemotifscrochet hookedgeideapatterntestwristbandEnglish methodangelchartcomparisonstripestree topperyarn burncontainerfloaterfreestylefun furgraphhatlinkpurlreviewslip stitchstrandedworsted weightStargatebindingcharitycircular needlescontinental methoddialysisdouble pointed needlesfair islefinger coverfingerless glovesgamegauge swatchgiveawayhalf double crochetinvdecinvisible decreasejune gilbankkerchiefknittyknookmonsterplanetjuneright sideshell stitchshopsidesmall businessstitchstockingtwistedwatchwatch bandweave in endswrong sideyarn comparisonyarn thimbleChild's PlayFinal Fantasy XIII-2Guild Wars 2HalloweenKollageKollágeMass EffectPenny ArcadeStar TrekWestern Oregon Universityappliqueback loopsback postbavarianbeaniebeginning rowblanket stitchbookbread bag clipbreast cancer awarenessbright light fixbusinesscare instructionscello yarnchainchaircoastercontestcuffcurlcurtaindogdog sweaterdollexperimentfiber friendfigurinefirst rowflip flopsfollowfreegarter stitchgranny squareshandmadehearthook shapehook sizeinsert hooklamp shademacromittensmogmooglemother bearmug coziesmug cozymultiple stitch decreasenovelty yarnphotographyquestionsc decseed stitchslip coverslippersslolvesnowflakessock yarnspike stitchsquare knitting needlesstorytit bitstreble crochettribbletwo-finger mittensversuswindowyarn ballyarn bobbinKnit. Crochet. Fun.http://antsfibers.blogspot.com/noreply@blogger.com (Nancy Clark)Blogger78125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5618065845831009484.post-4819528147376813989Thu, 10 Jan 2013 16:00:00 +00002013-01-10T08:00:01.142-08:00beginnercrochetcustomdesigneasyfingerless gloveshow toknitmittenspattern alterationpattern designtutorialtwo-finger mittens I don't know about you, but my fingers get cold with they're in regular gloves, and stay warm in mittens.  But it's harder for me to grab stuff with mittens because my fingers are constricted. My solution?  I made custom mittens that were two fingers, instead of one big pocket for my fingers. Here's how you do it: 1) Take a mitten, fingerless glove, or glove pattern you already have, and http://antsfibers.blogspot.com/2013/01/two-finger-mittens.htmlnoreply@blogger.com (Nancy Clark)0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5618065845831009484.post-8210206305359027387Tue, 08 Jan 2013 16:00:00 +00002013-01-08T08:00:06.450-08:00I couldn't resist!  I had to tell you about these when I saw them because they are awesome! Star Wars, R2-D2 Mittens! I want that pattern!  I want them!  I would wear them all the time.http://antsfibers.blogspot.com/2013/01/r2-d2-mittens.htmlnoreply@blogger.com (Nancy Clark)0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5618065845831009484.post-9096480879108189244Thu, 03 Jan 2013 16:00:00 +00002013-01-03T08:00:10.646-08:00containercrochetknitproblemprojectsolvetiptipsyarnI'm currently working on the free pattern for the blog, and when my internet was down I went to a local coffee shop to just get away from the house and do something. So, normally when I go out and work on a yarn project, my yarn is out and exposed.  This, is no fun.  It can get dirty or tangled, and it can just be a pain. To solve this, I have one of those snap canisters that's for yarn, to http://antsfibers.blogspot.com/2013/01/a-traveling-companion.htmlnoreply@blogger.com (Nancy Clark)0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5618065845831009484.post-6834682450769793761Tue, 01 Jan 2013 16:00:00 +00002013-01-01T08:00:00.900-08:002013 is upon us!  I say, bring it on! My New Years Resolution is to design a pattern a month to post for free on my blog. My internet is down (hurray for coffee shops' free internet so that I can make this blog post), but we're getting it fixed tomorrow, so I can only do a little blurb of my future plans of a pattern a month. This month is my birthday month, and so, I'm going to make two http://antsfibers.blogspot.com/2013/01/bring-on-new-year.htmlnoreply@blogger.com (Nancy Clark)0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5618065845831009484.post-8605501494567016064Thu, 27 Dec 2012 16:00:00 +00002012-12-27T08:00:03.510-08:00As you know, I haven't been as punctual with my posting times. I feel like I should explain. Life's been hectic over here in Corning, being a stay at home nurse for my mom.  I've been pretty busy with that, and we've been getting the Christmas gifts ready for my sister and her kids.  Then we've had appointments for my mom, and all the while I've been looking for a job. I haven't had much time http://antsfibers.blogspot.com/2012/12/life-update.htmlnoreply@blogger.com (Nancy Clark)0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5618065845831009484.post-4758462127319444837Tue, 25 Dec 2012 16:00:00 +00002012-12-25T08:00:07.185-08:00angelbeginnerChristmascrochetcustomdesignknitpattern designprojecttree topper Merry Christmas! I finished my tree topper project just in time.  I wasn't able to take pictures with my normal camera, all I had was my phone, so they aren't the best pictures, but here's what my tree topper looks like!    I couldn't be happier with how it turned out :).  It actually turned out better than I thought it would!  My mom wants me to make another one, so that when I move http://antsfibers.blogspot.com/2012/12/finished-project-tree-topper.htmlnoreply@blogger.com (Nancy Clark)0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5618065845831009484.post-8357141832542706168Thu, 20 Dec 2012 16:00:00 +00002012-12-24T12:23:12.771-08:00appliqueChristmashelpideamotifsproblemprojectsnowflakesstockingRemember my blank Christmas stocking? I asked for suggestions on? Well, no suggestions, but I ended up crocheting snowflakes and sewing them on. I'm debating whether or not I want to sew my name on it...it took all of my patience to sew on the snowflakes!  Plus, I've never embroidered letters before, and I want it to look nice.... Yeah, it's an inner battle.http://antsfibers.blogspot.com/2012/12/applique-christmas-stocking.htmlnoreply@blogger.com (Nancy Clark)0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5618065845831009484.post-7805074745059156502Fri, 14 Dec 2012 16:00:00 +00002012-12-14T08:00:00.891-08:00crochetexperimentknitmug coziesmug cozyproblemprojectquestionslolvetestyarnIt's a simple question, do crocheted and/or knitted mug cozies even work? I certainly wanted to know.  So I made a little experiment.  Taking the same mug, I filled it once with boiling water without the cozy, and once with, and measured the temperature of the water every ten minutes for an hour and twenty minutes. The results? The temperature of the water for the mug without the cozy was 85º http://antsfibers.blogspot.com/2012/12/do-mug-cozies-really-work.htmlnoreply@blogger.com (Nancy Clark)0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5618065845831009484.post-2589763942502243427Tue, 11 Dec 2012 16:00:00 +00002012-12-11T08:00:07.501-08:00beginnerchartcrocheteasygraphhelpleft handedproblemsolvetiptipsPart 1 of left handed stitching talked about the "mirror image affect." I want to take that further, and talk about the "reverse spiral affect": When a lefty works in the round, they work clockwise. When a righty works in the round, they work counterclockwise. If all you have is a chart to follow, you have to keep this in mind.  I was working on the triangle motifs for my Christmas http://antsfibers.blogspot.com/2012/12/the-affects-of-being-left-handed-part-2.htmlnoreply@blogger.com (Nancy Clark)0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5618065845831009484.post-6068462555547025738Thu, 06 Dec 2012 16:00:00 +00002012-12-06T08:00:04.070-08:00angelbeginnerChristmascrochetcustomdesignknitpattern designprojecttree topperI made the wings! I stiffened them with Aleene's Stiffen Quik Spray and it worked great.  I recommend this fabric stiffener, if you need one.http://antsfibers.blogspot.com/2012/12/operation-christmas-tree-angel-part-3.htmlnoreply@blogger.com (Nancy Clark)0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5618065845831009484.post-2625306013050676685Tue, 04 Dec 2012 16:00:00 +00002012-12-04T08:00:05.694-08:00angelbeginnerChristmascrochetcustomdesignknitpattern designprojecttree topper Here's where I'm at on the tree topper project! The ends haven't been woven in yet, and I'm debating whether or not to add more red to the dress, but that's where I am so far. I'm liking how its turning out.  Now I just need to get the wings, arms, face, hair, etc. Lots to do! http://antsfibers.blogspot.com/2012/12/operation-christmas-tree-angel-part-2.htmlnoreply@blogger.com (Nancy Clark)0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5618065845831009484.post-3977757815115599491Thu, 29 Nov 2012 16:00:00 +00002012-11-29T08:00:07.957-08:00Christmashelpideaproblemprojectstocking I've outgrown my childhood Christmas stocking, with its giganto picture of Santa on the front... I want to knit or crochet one, but I just can't decide on what I want to do. I bought a pre-made one, thinking maybe I could embroider something on it...but I don't know what. I'm open to suggestions, even if it's knit or crochet one from scratch. So, please leave a comment if you have anhttp://antsfibers.blogspot.com/2012/11/blank-canvas-stocking.htmlnoreply@blogger.com (Nancy Clark)0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5618065845831009484.post-1889471715087551081Tue, 27 Nov 2012 16:00:00 +00002012-11-27T08:00:00.170-08:00beginnercrocheteasyflip flopsfun fursingle crochetslippersstitchOkay, I have about 4 pairs of slippers, and each pair has its own category, from warm weather, to cold weather, and sleeping slippers. Now, as I've said before, my mom is a dialysis patient, and because of that it can get pretty warm in the house.  So, instead of having sweaty feet in my slippers, I made those fun fur flip flops you see on the free patterns in yarn aisles of stores. I used ahttp://antsfibers.blogspot.com/2012/11/green-fuzzy-flipper-slippers.htmlnoreply@blogger.com (Nancy Clark)0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5618065845831009484.post-9174684580731175653Thu, 22 Nov 2012 16:00:00 +00002012-11-22T08:00:09.294-08:00bread bag clipcrocheteasyfreehelphow toideaknitlearningsolvetiptipsyarnyarn bobbinDon't buy a yarn bobbin, if you just want to tidy up a long tail of yarn, keeping it out of the way while you knit or crochet. Use that left over bread bag clip! It's free!http://antsfibers.blogspot.com/2012/11/the-free-yarn-bobbin.htmlnoreply@blogger.com (Nancy Clark)0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5618065845831009484.post-5642029145150095964Tue, 20 Nov 2012 16:00:00 +00002012-11-20T08:00:05.194-08:00beginnerfun furhelphow tolearningnovelty yarntechniquetiptipsyarn burnyarn comparisonWhen I'm knitting or crocheting, I hold the yarn two different ways, depending on the yarn. If the yarn is bulky, or rough, I hold the yarn like this: It minimizes resistance on your fingers by going through less fingers.  These yarns are resistant in nature, and you want the yarn to glide through your fingers, not rub on your fingers. If the yarn is slick, small, or silky, I hold the yarn http://antsfibers.blogspot.com/2012/11/quick-tips-holding-yarn.htmlnoreply@blogger.com (Nancy Clark)0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5618065845831009484.post-6791340310720544420Thu, 15 Nov 2012 16:00:00 +00002012-11-15T08:00:11.227-08:00amigurumidollgiveawayjourney game The first person to email me at antsfibers@gmail.com with the subject, "Journey Doll Giveaway" and in the body of the email, tell me If you crochet, knit, or even sew What you'd like to see more of in my blog. How you found my blog. I will give you one of the Journey™ dolls I made.  Your choice of white or red. http://antsfibers.blogspot.com/2012/11/journey-game-doll-giveaway.htmlnoreply@blogger.com (Nancy Clark)0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5618065845831009484.post-3464884262052376704Tue, 13 Nov 2012 16:00:00 +00002012-11-13T08:00:06.614-08:00angelbeginnerChristmascrochetcustomdesignknitpattern designprojecttree topperGrowing up, my family had an angel Christmas tree topper that somehow disappeared.  We really liked it, an all fabric angel topper, that was cute but not overly so.  And we haven't had that topper for a few years now, and having nothing on the tree top is just strange. So I decided to make one, this year. And Step 1 of Designing a Pattern is make a sketch, so that's the stage I'm in now. http://antsfibers.blogspot.com/2012/11/operation-christmas-tree-angel.htmlnoreply@blogger.com (Nancy Clark)0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5618065845831009484.post-6168440304823969306Thu, 08 Nov 2012 16:00:00 +00002012-11-08T08:00:10.113-08:00creationcustomdesigneasyhelpideaknitlinkproblemprojectsolvewatchwatch bandworsted weightwristbandyarn burnOkay, remember the knitted watchband I made? After wearing it for awhile, the weight of the watch would constantly tug on the band, shifting the face of the watch to the inside of my wrist. So, I don't recommend that pattern, unless you sew a piece of elastic in the inside, then sew the watch face to the elastic. I was too lazy to knit that band all over again (since it took me a week to do), http://antsfibers.blogspot.com/2012/11/knitted-watch-band-update.htmlnoreply@blogger.com (Nancy Clark)0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5618065845831009484.post-8740599773915619565Tue, 06 Nov 2012 16:00:00 +00002012-11-06T08:00:10.434-08:00beginnerchartcolorcrochetdesigneasyfree patternleft handedmotifsprojectright handedright sidesingle crochetstripesyarnWell, today is Election Day!  So I whipped up this little flag in honor of today: Don't forget to vote! If you like it, here's the pattern: Materials: *Crochet Hook: Size I (5.50 mm) or the proper size to obtain the gauge *Worsted Weight Yarn in Red, White, and Blue (used in the pattern is:) Vanna's Choice Cranberry Vanna's Choice White Vanna's Choice Colonial Blue *Yarn Needle http://antsfibers.blogspot.com/2012/11/crochet-for-election-day.htmlnoreply@blogger.com (Nancy Clark)0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5618065845831009484.post-5697478914023340033Thu, 01 Nov 2012 17:56:00 +00002012-11-01T10:56:24.270-07:00No post today. I have been feeling under the weather for about a week, and so I haven't been able to work on my posts. I have the posts planned out, so come back next post day (Tuesday, 8 am). You won't be disappointed! :)http://antsfibers.blogspot.com/2012/11/till-tuesday.htmlnoreply@blogger.com (Nancy Clark)0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5618065845831009484.post-1918036168861063533Tue, 30 Oct 2012 15:00:00 +00002012-10-30T08:00:01.419-07:00circular needlesdouble pointed needleseasyfixknitknittylinkpatternproblemprojectsock yarnsolvewatchwatch bandwristbandProblem: You have a tiny tiny wrist, so the only watches that fit your wrist are those velcro ones.  The watch you have is falling apart, and you'd like to replace it, but with something that looks nicer than a velcro band. Solution: Knit the band, and stick the watch face on it. I found a watch band pattern years and years and years ago on Knitty, and always wanted to try it out because I havehttp://antsfibers.blogspot.com/2012/10/problem-solving-with-yarn-knitted-watch.htmlnoreply@blogger.com (Nancy Clark)0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5618065845831009484.post-6188899631239877547Thu, 25 Oct 2012 15:00:00 +00002012-10-25T08:00:07.974-07:00back postbavarianbeginnerbookcolorcontainercrocheteasymotifsmultiple stitch decreaseshell stitchtechniquetreble crochetHave you seen this book, Learn to do Bavarian Crochet by Jenny King.  I went to a local craft store, and they were having a sale on knitting and crochet books at 40% off.  So, I went through EVERY knitting a crochet book, and found this little, teeny weeny, 47 page book. "Bavarian crochet?" I thought.  "What's that?" I looked through the book, and thought this was the coolest thing ever. This http://antsfibers.blogspot.com/2012/10/learn-to-do-bavarian-crochet-book-review.htmlnoreply@blogger.com (Nancy Clark)0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5618065845831009484.post-5852825945436926591Tue, 23 Oct 2012 15:00:00 +00002012-10-23T08:00:03.794-07:00beaniecolorcreationcustomdesigneasyHalloweenhatideaknitprojectyarnQuick!  Halloween's next week, and you don't have a costume?  You want to make it, but you don't have a huge chunk of time? A few years ago, I wound up in this scenario.  I wanted to dress up for Halloween, but didn't want my costume to be in your face as if to say, "LOOK AT ME!  I'M IN A COSTUME!" So, here's what I did: 1) found a basic knit beanie pattern 2) added text across the front via http://antsfibers.blogspot.com/2012/10/knit-your-halloween-costume.htmlnoreply@blogger.com (Nancy Clark)0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5618065845831009484.post-8673975139836028770Thu, 18 Oct 2012 15:00:00 +00002012-10-18T08:00:10.038-07:00beginnerbeginning rowchaincrocheteasyfirst rowhelphow toinsert hooklearningleft handedright handedshell stitchsingle crochettechniqueSometimes, it's confusing on where to insert the hook for that first row. Here's my tip: when you count your chains, count the top loop.  So when you insert the hook, insert it in the top loop.  I tried helping a woman with this the other day, and I forgot to tell her this.  I was telling her to insert the hook in the top, and she was inserting the hook in the bottom...so our counts were off.http://antsfibers.blogspot.com/2012/10/crochet-1st-row.htmlnoreply@blogger.com (Nancy Clark)0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5618065845831009484.post-7479212058243751930Tue, 16 Oct 2012 15:00:00 +00002012-10-16T08:00:10.315-07:00breast cancer awarenessknitknittylinktit bitsAs you probably know, October is Breast Cancer Awareness month.  This is a touchy subject for me.  Touchy in the fact that my aunt on my dad's side of the family...the aunt I was closest to, died from breast cancer.  Plus my namesake died from breast cancer right before I was born.  I wouldn't have the name Nancy, if she survived the cancer.  My first American Sign Language teacher survived http://antsfibers.blogspot.com/2012/10/knit-until-theres-cure.htmlnoreply@blogger.com (Nancy Clark)0