Ask Aunt Esther

2011-12-08T06:20:00.001-08:00

Why not consider something unusual and a little daring when you craft near St Louis.

 You’ll be the envy of all your friends, and those who do find out how you took the challenge to try something different

they'll celebrate with you for you leading them to look for new crafts that will last a lifetime!

 
One of the first questions newly crafter gets asked is about the type of crafts and how did you decided to do that.

 The most crafters will soon be deciding on first project and how to get their friends thinking of a new hobby –

but the choice of crafts is generally of equal importance to both parties.

More and more couples are choosing to travel abroad to find new craft projects.

This not only new but also makes this adventure of a lifetime, well, more adventurous!

Cape Town, South Africa has become a popular craft location for many couples.

 A winning combination of fabulous climate, natural geographical beauty and a wealth of stunning venues from which to choose,

 has put the Cape firmly on the map of Great International craft Locations.

Making a Hat

2010-12-25T20:15:00.000-08:00

Q. So I just wanted to ask.. If i were trying to crochet a hat, how would you gradually make the width smaller, and finally after how would i connect the two ends... or is making a hat a different process?

A. Hi! Well, it really depends on how your pattern instructs you. In general, though, if your hat is starting at the top of the hat, you would end up adding stitches (2 stitches crocheted in one, for instance) as you go along. I can't say how many, but your pattern would tell you.

If your pattern starts you out at the lower edge of the hat (which I don't think most hats would), then you would end up slowly decreasing stitches (skipping a stitch occasionally).

There are a lot of online sites that offer free patterns. Find one that is the style you like, and just copy or download it!

I'd love to hear how your hat is coming along!

2010-12-16T08:47:00.000-08:00

Q. Hey there! I'm hoping you're still answering questions on crochet because I just started crocheting again! I just saw your wonderful tutorial on YouTube and (as everyone else mentioned) it was the best crochet tutorial there :)

Anyway, I have been practicing my basic starter chain stitch and I noticed that some of the chains came out a bit twisted as opposed to your nicely flat, and uniform stitch. (This may have been because I followed another tutorial before I finished it off with yours, hehe) BUT nonetheless, I wanted to know how to fix a twisting chain stitch and how does one prevent it from twisting? Greatly appreciated :)

A. So glad to hear you're beginning to crochet again! It is really so much fun!

I was thinking about what would cause you to have twisted stitches, and tried a few things here. I noticed that when I took my hook out and then put it back into my current stitch-loop, coming in from the opposite side of the stitch, then that made my next slip-stitch to look funny. Do you think this is what you may have done?

Try it out and see. I'd be interested to hear your reply, and happy crochet'ing!
Sincerely, Esther

Pattern using term "FPtr"

2009-10-17T19:58:00.000-07:00

Q. Dearest Aunt Esther: Thank you so very much for helping teach me how to crochet. I have been trying to learn for years, and you helped me finally get past the basics.

Now, I would like to crochet a blanket with a pattern I found in a book. I did the chain row of 198, then a double crochet row of 196 like it said. Now I am stuck. Here are the instructions, do you think you could help me out? THANK YOU SO MUCH!

Row 2 (Right side): Ch 2 (counts as first hdc, now and throughout), turn; * + work FPdc around each of next 2 dc, (dc in next 2 dc, work FPdc around each of next 2 dc) 3 times, work BPdc around each of next 2 dc, work FPdc around next dc, work BPdc around each of next 2 dc, skip next 3 dc, work FPtr around each of next 3 dc, working in front of 3 FPtr just made, work FPtr around each of 3 skipped dc, work BPdc around each of next 2 dc, work FPdc around next dc, work BPdc around each of next 2 dc; repeat from * across to last 15 dc, then repeat from + to + once, hdc in last dc.

If this is just row 2, I am not sure if I can do the whole blanket. Is this a difficult pattern, or am I just having a hard time? Thanks so much, again, and again!

A. Hi Grace! Sorry it's taken me a few days to answer your questions, but I wanted to take the time to read through it carefully. Also, I wanted to find out what fpdc meant - hey you are one up on me! I did find out that "Fpdc means front post double crochet, a type of stitch".

I find that if I take the directions and list them on another page to read from, it makes it so much more do-able! So here it is...

Row 2 (Right side):
(1) Ch 2 (counts as first hdc, now and throughout),

(2) turn; * + work FPdc around each of next 2 dc,

(3) (dc in next 2 dc, work FPdc around each of next 2 dc) 3 times,

(4) work BPdc around each of next 2 dc,

(5) work FPdc around next dc,

(6) work BPdc around each of next 2 dc,

(7) skip next 3 dc,

(8) work FPtr around each of next 3 dc,

(9) working in front of 3 FPtr just made, work FPtr around each of 3 skipped dc,

(10) work BPdc around each of next 2 dc,

(11) work FPdc around next dc,

(12) work BPdc around each of next 2 dc;

(13) repeat from * across to last 15 dc,

(14) then repeat from + to + once, hdc in last dc.

I have also enlarged the instructions, and if it were me, I would make a copy of these steps and mark off one at a time as you do them. Even if you have to make several copies to mark as you go along, I think it would save you a lot of confusion in the long run!

Let me know how it's going! Esther

Pattern using term "tr"

2009-10-17T19:42:00.000-07:00

Q. Dear Aunt Esther.
I am also fairly new to crochet but I have seen a nice pillow cover I would like to do. It didn't seem to be too difficult - until the numbers didn't add up anymore! Can you help?

Round 1 - 3ch, 11tr in ring, pull end to tighten ring, ss in 3rd chain. 12 sts.

Now my translation for that would be to make a ring, then do three chains and then to the 11 trebles into the ring with a slip stitch into the third chain when I come round. I end up with 12 stitches. So far so good.

Round 2 (and every alternative round) - 1chain and 1 double crochet around the stem of each stitch, ending with a slip stitch in the first double crochet. Still all good.

BUT then...Round 3 - chain 3, 1tr in same place as ss [2tr in each dc] to end, ss in 3rd chain. 24 sts.

So I'll go all the way round doing my 2tr into each stitch? - ie the edge of my crochet at this stage or is doing 1 tr into each dc different to my stitches all the way on the outside?

Either way - I'll end up with more than 24 stitches so I'm obviously going wrong somewhere but I just don't know where...

The pattern then increases to 48 stitches and I seem to end up with 72 stitches. Any idea what I am doing wrong? Thank you for your time and keep up the good work! Best wishes Sonja

A. Hi Sonja, sorry it's taken me a few days to answer your question, but I wanted to take the time to read it carefully.

The way I'm reading the instructions, it sounds like you understand the first 2 rows, which ends up making a circle. On the 3rd row, it just sounds like you are making 2 tr in each one of the previous rows of double crochets. I would read that row like this:

Round 3 - chain 3, 1tr in same place as ss, [2tr in each dc] to end, ss in 3rd chain. 24 sts.

So the steps would be like this:
1. chain 3
2. 1tr in same place as ss
3. 2tr in each dc to the end
4. ss in 3rd chain

Since you are making 2 stitches latch onto every 1 stitch from the previous row, this should take you to 24 sts.Does this help any? Let me know! Esther

2009-10-17T07:29:00.000-07:00

Q. Thank you so much for teaching me how to crochet Aunt Esther! I've wanted to learn for a long time, and your videos taught me much much better than the books and websites I had already tried. The reason I am trying to learn to crochet is so that I can make scarves as gifts for my family and friends this Christmas. Do you have any helpful tips for a beginner for the best method to make a scarf? What pattern or type of yarn is easy to work with? What should I look out for or pay attention to as I try to make a scarf?

A. Hi Hannelore! Sorry it's taken me a while to get back to you. I think if I were making scarves that I would choose to make them double crocheted. (First row - chain stitches as wide as you want your scarves to be, second row - single crochets, third (and every other row as long as you want your scarf to be) - double crochets.

I would avoid cotton and baby yarns and I would also avoid loosely twisted yarns. The cotton yarn wouldn't be warm, and the baby yarn small to work with and would take forever to complete each scarf. The loosely-twisted yarn catches in your hook and takes time to untangle it. Each untangle wouldn't take that long, but if it happens every few stitches, it gets frustrating quickly.

Oh yes, and also count your stitches at the end of each row for the first few rows, just to make sure you aren't adding or subtracting stitches on each row.

Hope this helps! Esther

Edges coming out slanted

2009-10-09T07:59:00.000-07:00

Q. Hello Aunt Esther, I am basically a beginner. I learned a little from my grandmother before we moved away from her when I was 11 and some of it has come back since I started up again (at the age of 38,hehehe) but I am so lost on some things and wanted to thank you for your great instructions. I have not viewed all of your commments but am hoping you can tell me two things.
1. Why do my ends keep coming out slanted on my single crochette blanket? and
2. I really want to do a nice granny square blanket for my daughter and cannot get it right no matter how hard I try.

Is there any way you can demonstrate the first few rounds of this type of blanket? Thank you so so so much. Dawn If you need more info on me or from me please ask :) Again, thank you so much. You make me think of my grandma who is now passed away and of all the times we shared.

A. Hi Dawn - good to meet you! Yes, I think I know why your edges are coming out slanted. It's usually because we "I've done this before, and that's why I think this is the answer!), are not making the final stitch at the end of each row. You shoud be putting a stitch in the last space where you made a chain (or 2 or 3), from the previous row. I'll try to include an example in my next video.

You've helped me decide which stitch to demonstrate next, too! I think I'll do a Granny square - they're really quite simple! Let me know how it goes! Esther

2009-08-19T20:15:00.000-07:00

Question: I am also new to crochet, but I would love to start making blankets and start a collection that can later be passed down.

After many hours of searching I found a pattern that I like very much, and that claims to be for us "newbies", but I cannot figure out what the pattern is telling me to do. I watched your videos and I learned the most from then that I ever have! I was wondering if you could help me understand this pattern.

It says:Row 1: In the 5th chain from hook, work 1 sc, ch 2, and 2 dc, *skip 2 ch, work 1 sc, ch 2, and 2 dc all in the next ch. Repeat from * across to last 3 ch (29 clusters), skip 2 ch, work 1 dc in the last ch.

Row 2: Chain 3, turn. Work 1 sc, ch2, and 2 dc clustered all in the first ch-2 loop. Repeat in all loops across to last loop. Work 1 dc in ch-3 space at the end of row.

Repeat Row 2 until piece measures approximately 36". Do not break off yarn. Continue around the corner and the remaining 3 sides of the blanket, working 1 sc-ch 2-2 dc clusters in each space. Slip st at the end.

I cannot figure out crochet lingo, so I am not entirely sure what I am supposed to do. I would greatly appreciate the help!

Answer:
Hello to you! Yes, I know what this pattern is saying. I'll explain how to do it, and also highlight the abbreviations for you.

In your Row 1, they are developing a specific pattern. Where it says, "In the 5th chain from hook", you'll be putting all these stitches (sc, ch 2, and 2 dc) into the same chain. Once you have done your sc (single crochet), then you'll just chain 2 times (the chains do NOT go into this stitch you're working in). After you chain 2, then you'll do 2 double crochets in this same stitch.

After you work in this stitch, you simply skip the next 2 chains of your original chain row. Then you just repeat this same pattern (that I described in the previous paragraph), all the rest of the way across the chained row.

On Row 2, you chain 3 times before you turn your work around. This simply builds your crochet height up enough to start a new row.

(Work 1 sc, ch2, and 2 dc clustered all in the first ch-2 loop.) This is simply telling you to go into the first space that you see (which will be a chain-2 space from the previous row), and do your same pattern (1 sc, ch2, and 2 dc) all in that one space. Then you just repeat this same pattern (in each chain-2 space) the rest of the way across the whole row. Then you double crochet in the last loop that is left in that row.

Then you just keep on repeating Row 2 until your blanket measures 36 inches across.

The last step sounds like they want you to make an edging around the remaining 3 sides of your blanket, using the same pattern (1sc, ch2, and 2 dc). After you do this, make the loop on your hook bigger, then carefully take your hook out and lay it aside. Cut your yarn about 1 inch away from this loop. This leaves you a tail that you will slip inside of your loop, and gently pull to tighten. Use your hook to thread this tail into your blanket so that it is now hidden.

Then you're finished!
Good luck and let us know how it goes!
Esther

Some sites for crochet patterns

2009-04-14T13:50:00.000-07:00

Q. Hello Esther.. m frm Canada.. n m really interested in Crochetin .. bt never ever did it ... since im new to it.. could u please forward sm videos to help in learnin crochet..!! im really lookin forward fr blankets as of now.. Please be my angel n teach me how to make blankets ... please send me an Easter gift of good video of makin crochet blankets..!! Thnks in advance and Happy Easter...!! God bless

A. Hello! I will do my best to get you started crocheting! First of all, you CAN do this fun hobby! I've been doing this since I was 13 years old, and am 51 now....and still crocheting! It's fun, and you can always crochet gifts for your loved ones! I don't know if you've seen my 3 YouTubes about learning to crochet. If you haven't, here they are:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=w45qDIM5S9Y
Learn to crochet 1

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MwXiDHblne4&feature=related
Learn to crochet 2

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IOd2EOtLi1I&feature=related
Learn to crochet 3

There are SO many sites that have crochet patterns! Here are some of them I use:

http://www.purplekittyyarns.com/free-patterns/afghan-patterns.html
Purple Kitty - this page has a lot of free afghan patterns!

http://www.favecrafts.com/Crochet
FaveCrafts - I just Googled and found this one! I'll have to get back to this site, definitely!

http://www.anniesattic.com/crochet/list.html?cat_id=125
Annie's Attic (They list patterns for you to buy, but if you sign up for their daily e-mail, they send you a new one each day to look at. And if you check their site each day, there is a tab for a free pattern every day. There are different hobby patterns sometimes, but a lot of times it is crochet patterns.)

http://www.e-patternscentral.com/?source=EPOTDE
e-patterns Central (patterns to buy)

I'd be interested to know how you're doing!
Sincerely, Esther

Where to use chains

2009-04-14T12:31:00.000-07:00

Q. Hi my name is Iesha and i am trying really hard to crochet. I have watched all your videos but i keep getting stuck on where i need to make another chain...... can you help me?

A. Sure, I will try to answer your question! At first, the main place you'll need to use chains is to start your project out, then you'll also need to use chains at the end of each row.

At the end of the row:
a. if you'll be crocheting in single crochets, you'll use 2 chains first.

b. If you'll be crocheting in double crochets, you'll use 3 chains first.

Does that make any sense? Let me know.
Esther

Getting Started - Crochet Basics

2009-01-27T07:31:00.000-08:00

Q. Dear Aunt Esther,
Hello from Canada eh! I've never ever crocheted in my life however I'm willing to learn because of a pattern I came across of a unicorn/horse that I would like to make time and time again.
Link: http://web.archive.org/web/20070104045405/http://www.allfreecrafts.com/crochet/horse.shtml
In your opinion, where should I start and what should I be learning to understand the basics of crocheting and not just the doing but the written instructions as well? Thank-you for your time and all of your great videos!
Sincerely,A Canuck Wanting to Crochet

A. Hello, my Canuck friend! I'm so glad you're wanting to learn to crochet! You will really enjoy it! You ask where to get started in learning how to crochet. First, you'll need to buy a hook. Some of my favorite sizes are the F and G hooks. Hooks can be labeled differently, so I've made a chart up showing how the different labels match up. It's shown on this site:
http://askauntesther.blogspot.com/search/label/Different%20Size%20Hooks

This same page also shows the different terms that are commonly used in crochet patterns. The basic 2 that you'll need to learn first are the chain (ch) stitch and the single crochet stitch (sc). It looks like the pattern that you're wanting to make is made up of single crochets, so that would be good. Before you start your pattern, though, I would recommend that you make a practice swatch (square) just to learn how to do these 2 stitches. Perhaps chain 15 stitches, then turn and single crochet in each of those stitches. I have a YouTube that shows how to do this at:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=w45qDIM5S9Y

After you're comfortable with these 2 stitches, I have 2 other YouTubes that show a couple of other stitches, if you're interested. Here they are:

Double crochet, how to hold the yarn for tension, counting stitches, end of row turn
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MwXiDHblne4

crocheting in back of stitch, half-double crochet
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IOd2EOtLi1I&feature=related
When you've accomplished these few techniques, you'll be able to crochet most patterns! Even if a pattern uses another technique, they will always explain how to do it in the pattern. I plan to do some more videos of different stitches, but need to learn how to do a movie maker editor first.

Again, I know you'll love crocheting - let me know if you have other questions!
Esther

Hanky babies in blankets

2009-01-18T18:14:00.000-08:00

Q. My aunt used to entertain us little girls by folding her hanky to make it into a baby wrapped in a blanket. Very small of course. I have a granddaughter now and would love to have the directions to create this little gem. My aunt is gone now. Any knowlege of these little hanky babies in blankets?

Esther - The following was sent to me by one of our wonderful readers:

A. CHURCH BABIES
Do you know what a "church baby" is? Of course, you probably have infants and
toddlers in your church nursery, but they are the real-live crying and diaper-wetting kind!
However, in Elsie's time, "church babies" were tiny, old-fashioned dolls that a very
young child would carry to church. Unlike a rattle or some noisy toy, these were
perfectly acceptable for even the strictest parents because they were . . . well, silent!
Made simply from things they had at home, mothers showed their ingenuity by creating
these tiny dolls that would amuse their wriggling children. And so, church babies were
born! And like all handmade items, no two are exactly alike - which is what makes it that
much more fun. If you had been born in Elsie's day, it is likely that you would have had
a "church baby" in your carriage as your parents pushed it to church. Oh, what a sweet
scene! But we have work to do!

One of the ministries that would benefit from these sweet and easy-to-make dolls is your
own church nursery. Perhaps, if you and your friends made enough "church babies," then
they could be given as a special token to each infant that is dedicated or baptized in your
church. You could always make some for the nursery workers to keep on hand for that
little one who just needs a special plaything while at church.

Or maybe you could see to it that there were always several of these dolls in a pretty
basket for guests who visit with small children. Think of it! A new couple attends your
worship services with their very young boy. He is fidgety, he is fussy, and because his
parents are strangers and probably a little nervous, too, they keep him with them in the
pew. What if someone were to hand the baby (or toddler) a "church baby" -- with a blue
ribbon, of course! -- as a welcome gift? His parents would be grateful for the
thoughtfulness and hospitality of your church and the small boy would be . . . well, silent!
It's just the sort of gracious, little gesture that goes a long way toward making strangers
into friends.

There are so many other uses for these soft, sweet dolls. How about the nursery of a local
hospital, or a day care center, or pre-school, or any place that has small children that need
to be reassured and loved. And there is hardly a sweeter baby gift than a handcrafted
"church baby" for a new sister or brother or cousin or other newborn!

As always, use your wonderful creativity, and be generous and sweet in your giving.
"The Lord loves a cheerful giver," the Bible says! So enjoy this next activity and spread
good cheer. You are sure to be rewarded in smiles and thanks beyond what you can
imagine.

HOW TO MAKE CHURCH BABIES
Materials needed: Handkerchiefs (large men's handkerchiefs are good for the boys and
lacy, embroidered or pretty ones are sweet for the girls); cotton balls or polyester batting,
fine point fabric markers or paint pens, rubber bands, satin ribbon (blue, pink, green,
yellow, peach and white), and scissors.

This craft is very, very easy! Why not have a "church baby" get-together and make lots
of these dolls? First, all you do is take the handkerchief and pull it up in the center. Stuff
the "head" with cotton until it feels soft but firm enough to draw a face on. Then wrap a
rubber band to secure the "head" in place. What you should have at this point is a round
ball, a fairly tight neck and a flowing gown. You may need to adjust and play with it
yourself to get it to look just the way you want it.

Next, you'll design and draw a very simple face. Remember these are for young children
and it's often better to let them use their active imaginations than to fill in too much
detail. Besides, these are very tiny dolls and it might be overpowering or look more like
a clown than an angel! A simple dot for each eye, maybe eyebrows, a tiny nose and a
sweet mouth and you are done with the face. If you want you may draw or paint hair, but
it usually looks really fine without it. It's up to you. However, don't add any buttons or
glued on items or yarn hair that a child could swallow!

Now, the final step of the craft is as easy as the rest. Take some ribbon - blue for boys
and pink for girls (use other colors when you don't know the gender of the child and for
variety's sake!) and wrap that around the neck covering the rubber band. Tie it in a firm
knot, then make a pretty bow and let the rest of the ribbon stream down onto the
handkerchief. Important: after you have secured the ribbon, snip the rubber band away
and remove all traces of it. We don't want anybody choking! Babies and young children
love to stroke the satiny edges of blankets and dolls -- for some reason it is a comfort to
them. So, don't scrimp on the ribbon! Be lavish with it. It's part of the old-fashioned
charm and it's the only colorful part of the church baby. In fact, if you choose to, you
may make an all-white "angel church baby" using white ribbon on a pure white hankie.
Then you can add tiny dots for eyes and a smile using a gold or silver paint pen. Simply
lovely!

So there you have it -- easy as pie. (Well, maybe easy as eating a pie is more like it!)
Have a great time and feel free to experiment with different sizes and face designs and
ribbon colors, but remember -- absolutely nothing that would choke a child, okay? Okay!
God bless you as your hands do the work of the Lord. Be Creative and Have fun!

Crochet Necklace Repair

2008-08-26T13:13:00.000-07:00

Q. Hi,
I've never crocheted before and came across your videos. i now have an understanding of how it all works. I want to crochet part of a necklace I'm making/repairing. the only crocheted part is the loop/closure. Since I'm new to this (I've only watch a few videos, that's all I know), I was wondering if you could point me in the right direction. I'm not sure what kind of needles to buy or where to even start. Since the part I'm crocheting is small and uses silk thread I'm not sure what kind of stitch to crochet or where to even begin. Also, the necklace has it's closures intertwined into the silk thread and again, I have no idea how to start or begin to do that. Would it be possible to tell me what kind of stitch I need to use? Any info you can provide will be much appreciated. I'll include the picture as well.

Thanks for providing such a wonderful website. I hope to hear from you soon. Maritsa

A. Hi Maritsa,
So glad to hear you're learning crochet! I apologize for not getting back to you sooner!

It's been SO long since I've crocheted anything with a smaller hook! However, just looking at the charts, I would choose:
* bone, wood, or plastic - size 2 or 3 (C or D)
* steel hook - size 6 or 7

It looks like the necklace closure is made of single crochet stitches. I would chain about 20 stitches, then turn your piece around and single crochet in each chain-stitch. In the last stitch, insert your hook into the opposite end, and chain a stitch through it. You now have a crocheted circle. Pull your loop, that is still on your hook, into a larger loop. Cut a 2-inch tail off the end of your yarn, and send this tail-end through the remaining larger loop. Now your circle is free from your yarn.

It sounds like your necklace is still intact. If the ends of the necklace are still tied-off, and aren't coming apart, I would leave that part alone. I would then use a threaded craft needle (use the same thread as you used to make the above circle), and make a small stitch through the yarn at the end of the necklace. Put the needle around your crocheted-circle, then tie off and snip thread/yarn. You would also attach your circle in the same way onto one of the links in the end of the necklace.

Use the same procedure for the other end of the necklace.

Let me know if this doesn't answer your questions! And if you understand it!
Good luck! Esther

Update on Shawl Pattern Question

2008-08-13T21:45:00.000-07:00

A. Update, 8-14-08: I did sit down and crocheted these instructions. There is one thing that I want you to know, it's NOT your lack of expertise that is giving you problems! I also had trouble deciding what the author was trying to say!

I have decided that when the pattern says "spaces" in the first 2 instructions, it just means the hole that is formed after you do the half-double-stitches.

When the pattern says this in Row 3:

Row 3: Chain 4, hdc in first chain - 2 space, chain 2; hdc in next chain, - 2 space, chain 2; hdc in second space of beginning chain-4, 3 spaces made, turn.

This is what I believe the author is saying:
Row 3: chain 4; hdc in first chain-2-space; chain 2; hdc in next chain-2-space; chain 2; hdc in second space of beginning chain-4; 3 spaces made; turn.

Then Row 4, when it says:
Row 4: Chain 4, (hdc, chain 2) in each chain -2 space across, hdc in 2nd chain of beginning, chain-4 - 4 spaces made, turn. Repeat Row 4 60 times.

I believe Row 4 means this:
Row 4: Chain 4, (hdc, chain 2) in each chain-2-space across; hdc in 2nd chain of the beginning chain-4; 4 spaces (holes on this row) made; turn. Repeat the fourth row 60 times.

DebtIQ

2008-08-05T19:11:00.000-07:00

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There are certain bills which simply must be paid every month: the house payment, utilities, auto insurance, credit cards, and medical bills. In the past, I would sit down and list each of my finances out again. After I did this, I would prioritize these finances. Sometimes, I did it with pen and paper. Other times, I used Microsoft Word, in a table. Whichever plan you use, when you have finished your new list, it makes it so much easier to make a new plan.

Now, I would just go to BillsIQ. They specialize in helping you to obtain debt relief.

Bills IQ helps you realize where all of your debt is, then works with you to decide on a plan of action to get you out of debt. They also educate you on how to improve your financial score.

Disclosure Policy

2008-08-05T18:19:00.000-07:00

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Shawl Pattern question

2008-08-01T20:23:00.000-07:00

Q. HI! Love your videos! I am having the dardest time (and that is by far the mildest word I've used to describe it so far:) starting what looks like a very simple shawl pattern. I'm new to crochet -- though I can do Tunisian crochet, and I can knit. I'm having problems with my pattern that goes like this:

Row 1: chain 4, half-double crochet in first chain to form ring - I space made, turn

Row 2: Chain 4 (counts as half-double crochet, chain 2), half-double crochet in ring, chain2, half double crochet in ring, 2 spaces made; turn.

Row 3: Chain 4, hdc in first chain - 2 space, chain 2; hdc in next chain, - 2 space, chain 2; hdc in second space of beginning chain-4, 3 spaces made, turn.

Row 4: Chain 4, (hdc, chain 2) in each chain -2 space across, hdc in 2nd chain of beginning, chain-4 - 4 spaces made, turn. Repeat Row 4 60 times.

I can’t get past Row 2!!! I think part of the problem is that I am making this thing with Lion Suede, which is very chenille-like.
I don't really grasp the concept of the "spaces" that the pattern mentions, or where exactly my needle should be going. If you perchance make another video, do you think you could do the first 3 rows of this -- if I can see someone do it, I might get it :) Thank you!

A. I want to try this myself - I'm such a "hands-on learner" person! I'll get back to you soon!

White Keepsake Hanky Bonnet

2008-08-01T20:06:00.000-07:00

Q. Aunt Esther! Thank you so much for your videos! I am determined to learn how to crochet as I really want to make one of those lovely christening caps that turn into a bridal hankie, for my baby daughter's christening next month. I will be watching your videos until I get the techniques down. Do you have a recommendation where to get a pattern for something like this? Do I just need to make a simple square?

Thanks again, these videos and blog are a wonderful idea to share your skills!

A. "White Keepsake Hanky Bonnet"
I have not ever heard of this hanky-bonnet, so went looking on the internet. I have located a site that explains how to fold the hanky, so that it becomes a baby-bonnet. This is the site address:
Bonnet Folding Directions

After checking several leads, I've found a site with free crochet instructions for the edging. The site is e-patternsCentral, and you need to be a member before you are allowed to access their free patterns. I believe it is free to join. Here is the location of the instructions:
Free Crochet Patterns (2 different patterns)

I'm sure there are also other sites that would also have free crochet patterns for the White Keepsake Hanky Bonnet. Hope this helps you out!
Sincerely, Esther

Brillante Weblog Award Nomination

2008-07-27T20:19:00.000-07:00

This blog has been nominated for the Brillante Weblog Award! You can see the nomination at: Brillante Weblog Award

These are their requirements for receiving this nomination. Quirkywrites:
"Andee (my mate across the pond) who writes The Modern Diary at http://moderndiary.blogspot.com/ nominated me for the Brillante Weblog Award. Thank you Andee. You made me smile very widely. Here's how it works…."

1. The winner can put the logo on his/her blog.
2. Link to the person you received your award from.
3. Nominate at least 7 other blogs.
4. Put links to those blogs on yours.
5. Leave a message on the blogs of the people you have nominated.

Esther says, "This couple live in Australia, and I really loved one of their entries about a spider inside of their car. This person knows how to write a great story!"

My Web Page

2008-07-27T19:22:00.000-07:00

I have a web page (in progress) that lists several of my interests in life. This is probably where I'll be posting the new crochet and knitting videos for sale. Here's the web page address:

My Web Page

As I'm making the next few videos, what would you be interested in seeing?

The following is my YouTube address:

My YouTube Address

My Knit Afghan-in-progress

2008-07-27T19:07:00.000-07:00

The pink and blue strips are both made of the cable stitch. I'll post those at a later date.

This afghan was supposed to be finished by the time my 1st grandchild was born. Well, she's 1 now, and I'm hoping to have it finished for her brother or sister's arrival around Thanksgiving!

New videos to be published soon

2008-07-27T19:03:00.001-07:00

Within the next 2 weeks, I will be recording more videos. I plan to make them to sell. Some of the content I will be recording is: granny squares, ripples and shell stitches. I also plan to make videos on how to knit.

Knitting - New Method of Terms

2008-07-27T18:59:00.000-07:00

For my fellow knitting friends, I am hearing about a new way to read knitting terms. In an effort to make knitting terms understandable to all languages. I will be checking this out, and will write more on it. Check back!

SparkPeople

2008-07-24T19:57:00.001-07:00

I've recently run across this site:

www.sparkpeople.com

It's a site devoted to becoming a healthier person - with your diet, exercise, etc.

It's a place where I can enter in all the foods that I eat each day, and SparkPeople adds up all your calories for you. It also keeps track of your whole week of calories, carbs, fat, protein, etc. They give you daily meal plans, if you want to use that feature.

But that is just the start! There are so many SparkPeople support groups! From a group that says how much you want to lose, to many other hobby groups that you can join, if you like! Some groups have challenges to sign up for.

For those of you who want to lose a few pounds, I recommend this site!

Crochet Hook Charts

2008-07-17T14:23:00.000-07:00

Hello fellow crochet-ers! I have found another chart in a book I have, called "All-Time Great Afghans". It shows the hook sizes, and seems to be easier to understand. Here they are: