the new crochet

Looking for Pinners ;-)

2014-10-30T13:32:00.000+01:00

I have recently started a board on Pinterest called 'Crochet for kids'. But I thought it would be more fun to pin with others on this board.

This is call to find other pincers out there whose name would like to be added to this board in order to help us pin 'crochet patterns we could make for our kids'.

Leave a message here or send me an email at thenewcrochet[at]gmail[dot]com with your name or email linked to your pinterest account!!!

Let's do some pinning together!!! ;-)

Orange the colour of amusement...

2014-10-23T15:20:00.003+02:00

It is already the end of October, just a few days away from Halloween. When thinking of Halloween or even autumn, we think of the colour orange. A colour which radiates warmth and happiness, combining the physical energy and stimulation of red with the cheerfulness of yellow.

Here is a lovely collection of orange crochet patterns. Clicking on the pictures will bring you to the pattern.

Hayden the Owl our newest animal mitts

2014-10-20T11:40:00.000+02:00

Kids love to have fun accessories and these easy fingerless mittens are such a great way to give them that special feeling when going to school. Basic crochet knowledge is required, you can use the most funky colours you have to make those little creatures.

The pattern can be found at my Etsy or Ravelry store.

Don't miss our they could make great gifts for the coming holiday season ;-) !!
Lots of other creatures will join 'Hayden the Owl'. Keep checking our shop for more.

Crochet Cowl Fall/Winter 2014

2014-09-19T11:18:00.000+02:00

I have been away for a while but life has been pretty busy and pretty hot here in the South of France. It has been so humid that picking up some yarn and a crochet hook were one of those things you would like to avoid. But luckily the temperatures are a lot cooler now and I can feel the urge to prepare myself and the family for those cold winter days.

This time I will be bringing many fall/winter cowls & scarfs for 2014/15. 2 Patterns have been added already to my Etsy Shop.
Both of them are using basic crochet knowledge but they have a rather 3D aspect and will definitely bring that something special you have been looking for!
These patterns provide baby, toddler, child and adult sizes. So you can make them for the whole family.

Madelyn Flower Cowl - Pattern

Brooklyn Ruffle Cowl - Pattern

Weekly Inspiration_10:: Crochet Bags

2013-04-25T07:10:00.001+02:00

A collection of inspiring crochet bags, found on Pinterest!!! Ready for spring and summer.

Top from left to right: 1, 2, 3, 4
Bottom from left to right: 5, 6, 7, 8

What's new??? Crochet at Milano's design week 9-13 April 2013

2013-04-11T09:17:00.001+02:00

Last week I visited the Milan Design Week in the North of Italy. The land of great food and excellent coffee :-). Milan during this week, is such an inspiring place and definitely this year had a better feel to it than the past few years due to the crisis. But this year lots of lovely ideas were presented with a great finishing. They offered a more luxurious feeling. Recycling was not anymore the main concept.

Of course I was there for work but I have picked up some of the ideas referring to crochet or knitting but in a more advanced or creative way.
Unfortunately I took hundreds of pictures but I can not remember the designer or company who created these products.

(Italy)

(China)

(the Netherlands)

(United Kingdom)

You see, all those people who knit or crochet are quite fancy and people do try to make their living out of it. It feels really inspiring when you walk around there to see that nothing everything is based on hi-tech but that some people still exploit their artisan skills.

If you do know any of the designers presented here don't hesitate to leave a message and I will up date this article as we go along.

Call for Facebook Likes

2013-04-05T14:59:00.002+02:00

I have decided to go from a normal Facebook page to a Business page on Facebook. So this is a call for LIKES. As soon as there are 150 LIKES I will hand out a promotion code for a 25% discount on the entire shop for 3 executive days!!!

So start liking here..... :-))

Weekly Inspiration_09: Geometric ideas

2013-04-03T11:02:00.002+02:00

When you have a look at Etsy you will find many designers/shops, using geometric designs and prints. Here you can find some of them. They give this artistic and rather unique look to a simple product. A great way to be different from the others ;-)

Simple, Sleek iPhone cover

2013-03-26T14:48:00.004+01:00

The other day I have made this simple iPhone cover completely out of cotton. It feels very strong and fits tight around the phone. No button or closing are necessary to keep your phone into this sleeve.

You can grab the pattern from Etsy and diy it yourself or you can find the finished products on Etsy as well. The only thing you will need to do is choose your colour ;-).

Weekly Inspiration _08:: Crochet for the home

2013-03-25T09:34:00.000+01:00

I don't know what is wrong with the weather in the South of France lately but it is raining so often, and again after a rainy weekend and one dry day they are predicting rain again for the rest of the week. That is why my 'Weekly Inspiration' goes to crochet projects for the home. Lovely designs that make you forget about the horrible weather outside. :-)

Speckled cushion cover (+ pattern)

2013-03-19T13:53:00.002+01:00

The past year I have bought several rectangle cushions (they were all 30cm x 50cm ) but after one year I would love to change their covers. So this is what I started doing during last weekend.

I have actually re-used the cushion cover that came with the cushion. It had a flower pattern on the front and it was plain grey (with a zipper) at the back. So I took the cushion cover apart and only replaced the front part.

Not only is this an easy way to do it but at the same time it makes your crochet cushion look more modern and up to date as it includes a fabric at the back.

Have a look after the jump for this simple pattern and combine your own colors to go well with your interior ;-)

Material used:

- 1 black worsted weight yarn and 1 white worsted weight yarn

- crochet hook 4mm

- yarn needle

- old cushion cover (same size as your cushion) in this case 50cm x 30cm (19.7" x 11.8")

PATTERN:

Chain 85 with a combination of black and white yarn using hook 4mm

Row 1: 1sc in 2nd chain from hook, *1sc in next ch*, repeat *-* until the end of row, chain 1, turn piece

Row 2: 1sc in 1st sc, *1sc in next sc*, repeat *-* until the end of row, chain 1, turn piece

Repeat Row 2 until you reach a height of 31 or 32cm (around 12.5"). Fasten off and weave in ends.

Next Steps:

- Remove the front of your old cushion cover.

- Take out your sewing machine and place the left side of your crocheted rectangle against the left side of your old cushion cover back and sew them together.

- Turn your new cover inside out, open the zipper (or buttons) and slide in your rectangle cushion.

Well the work is done. Hope you'll enjoy it!!

Tip: it is always easier if the crocheted rectangle is a bit larger than necessary, like this it is easy to sew together with the back of your old cushion cover.

Weekly Inspiration_07: Yellow accents

2013-03-18T09:05:00.000+01:00

Last week I went through many interior magazines as I feel spring is almost there and want to change something in my apartment to express summer is on its way :-). Well, I realised that a big trend this spring is having yellow accents in the interior and in your outfits. Have a look at the examples I have gathered.

Top links: 1, 2, 3, 4
Bottom links: 5, 6, 7, 8

Triangle Spring Cowl

2013-03-13T15:33:00.000+01:00

Spring is in the air and it definitely starts requiring different clothing. That is why I have designed this Triangle Spring Cowl. It closes at the back with a button and looks great with casual clothes such as a pair of jeans and some sneakers.

It is a simple pattern with easy crochet terms and even a Universal Symbol chart.

Grab the pattern at Etsy.

Weekly Inspiration_06:: Easter Decoration

2013-03-11T11:43:00.002+01:00

I do not want to wait until the last week of March. It is better to be prepared and to know how you would like to decorate the Easter table and to get in the mood for this festive holiday, in the weeks to come.
Here are some images that started sparking some ideas for my interior decorations. ;-)

Links Top: 1, 2 ,3

Links Bottom: 4, 5, 6, 7

Fancy up your hair tie {DIY tutorial}

2013-03-08T10:45:00.003+01:00

Everyone has got some simple plain hair ties laying around at home. If it is not for yourself, it might be for your daughter(s). With a crochet hook and some yarn (cotton or acrylic, as you wish) you can quickly make your hair tie look more fancy and even match it with your outfit.

Have a look here at this easy pattern, after the jump.

Ready in less than 15mins!!!

Material:

- cotton yarn

- hook 3mm

- yarn needle

- elastic hair tie

PATTERN:

Round 1: Create sl st all around your hair tie so that the color of your hair tie is no longer visible, end the round with 1 sl st in 1st ch.

Round 2: ch1, 1sc in same loop, ch10, 1sc in next ch, *1sc in next ch, ch10, 1sc in next sc*, *-* repeat all around and end with a sl st in 1st sc.

Finish off and weave in ends.

Happy crafting!

iPhone case with button

2013-03-06T16:12:00.004+01:00

This is the first Iphone case I have designed. I have created an easy pattern which only requires basic crochet knowlegde. It is completely made out of yarn going from the actual cover to the home made button. Although it is all made out of yarn it still looks fashionable and rather minimalist. It would make a great gift!! ;-)

You can purchase this pattern here.

Weekly Inspiration_05:: Pink and Green

2013-03-04T12:00:00.001+01:00

Spring is in the air!! Are you ready for Green and Pink?? It feels like a natural combination as we see it so often in nature. But of course the softer the colors the more easy it seems to wear where as a strong contrast if is often avoided (like picture 3). But look at the cool crochet 'green belt' she is wearing on top of her skirt!! ;-)

Links Top 1, 2, 3

Links Bottom 4, 5, 6, 7

Ruffle ring

2013-03-01T12:55:00.002+01:00

Several years ago I bought this big black ring in Japan, made out of small black pearls, looking a bit spiky but most of all looking like a nice piece of art on your finger (bought it actually at a museum in Tokyo). It wasn't expensive but I have lost it last year and ever since I have been looking for something to replace it with.

Last weekend I have tried this crochet ruffle ring and it came close to the ring I have lost. These ruffle rings are easy and fun to make, without taking too much of your time to finish them and you can make them in as many colours as you want to fit your outfits. They are great to wear and they attract attention when you are out and about.

You can purchase the pattern here at Etsy or on Ravelry.

Chunky T-shirt bracelet (+ pattern)

2013-02-27T21:58:00.001+01:00

A while ago I have explained how to turn old t-shirts into yarn that could be used to crochet or to knit. Well I have used some of this yarn and turned it into an easy chunky bracelet. As it was all grey I have added some colour (ready for spring) by using some store bought cotton.

You can find the instructions after the jump ...

Material:
- recycled t-shirt yarn
- a little bit of cotton
- yarn needle
- hook size 12mm
- hook size 4mm

sl st = slip stich
ch = chain
sc = single crochet

PATTERN - bracelet :
chain 18, with hook size 12mm, and join in the 1st chain with a sl st

ROUND1: ch1, create 25sc in the circle and join with a sl st in 1st chain, finish off and weave in ends.

PATTERN - colored ring:
chain 7, with hook size 4mm

ROW1: 1sc in 2nd chain from hook, *1sc in next ch*, *-* repeat 5 more times, ch 1 and turn piece
ROW2: 1sc in 1st sc, *1sc in next sc*, *-* repeat 5 more times, ch 1 and turn piece

Repeat Row2 until you reach the desired length to fit around the bracelet, finish off, weave in ends and sew both ends together, around the bracelet, by using a yarn needle.

Your bracelet is now finished! Quick and easy :-) Enjoy!

Weekly Inspiration_04: Screen Printing

2013-02-24T15:24:00.001+01:00

Even on Etsy, lots of shops these days are offering products with screen printing. You could do this at home, you probably need the space to mess around with paint :-), but you can find lots of tutorials online.

Let's have a look at the lovely ideas I have gathered from the net, lovely for fashion items or to decorate your home with in a funny way.

Top 1, 2, 3
Bottom 7, 6, 5, 4

What's new??? Crochet art

2013-02-22T11:02:00.002+01:00

When we think of crochet we automatically think of clothes and products we can use in the house we do forget that crochet art exists and has his charm. Have a look at following examples I have found while searching the net.

Crochet playground

more samples after the jump...

Anu Tuominen

Joana Vasconcelos

Emotional sculptures Johan Ku

Crochet your own tealight covers

2013-02-19T19:45:00.000+01:00

Here in the South of France, winter time is coming slowly to its end. The sun is shining and it is even nice to sit outside in the sun with a cup of coffee or a glass of wine. You can say here that spring is in the air. :-)

That must be the reason why light colors are catching my eyes the last few days. So I have decided to crochet some tealight covers in over to bring some fresh colors into my apartment.

I had these little glasses laying around at home. They have a diameter of 5.5cm (2.5 inch) and a height of 6.5cm (2.6 inch).

They are not very big but they are so cute at the coffee table or even at the table during dinner. (I am definitely a candle person). :-)

This is again a very simple pattern but effective!!

Material:

- 100% cotton

- yarn needle

- crochet hook 3 mm

Crochet Terms:

ch = chain

sl st = slip stitch

sc = single crochet

PATTERN

Pattern is written in US crochet terms.

Chain 27 on hook size 3mm and form a ring with 1 sl st in first ch.

Row1: 1ch, *1sc in next ch*, repeat *-*, 25 times and finish with 1 sl st in first ch

Row 2: 1ch, *1sc in next sc*, repeat *-* 25 times and finish with 1 sl st in first ch

Repeat Row 2, 8 more times and finish off, weave in ends.

Tip: make sure when starting chaining 27 that the ring you will form seems rather a bit small for the glass. Like this the cover won't slide off easily once it is finished and placed on the glass.

Weekly Inspiration_03: Longing for a 'blue 'spring 2013

2013-02-18T06:59:00.000+01:00

Blue shades are part of the Spring 2013 colors. See here plenty of examples. Get inspired!!!

Top Pictures 1, 2, 3, 4
Bottom Pictures, 5, 6, 7, 8

7 Tips for making your business card a memorable one!!

2013-02-15T12:02:00.002+01:00

As a designer I would like to pass on some tips in making your business card look appealing and catchy.

Business cards are an essential way to show your blog or online shop. Don’t negletct this fact. Of course you can use an online business, like vistaprint.com but if you have already created your blog logo or shop logo, you better make sure to keep the same house style. In this case you could easily design it yourself.

Here are 7 tips to make your business card a memorable one.... after the jump:

1. Use standard dimensions:

_8.5cm x 5.5cm (3.35inch x 2.17 inch), in Europe this is the most common one as it has the same size as a credit card and can easily fit in someone’s purse.

_ or 9cm x 5cm (3.54inch x 1.97inch)

2. Add your logo and work in the same atmosphere / colors as your online blog or shop, to create a strong brand identity

3. Accompany your logo with a short tagline

A tagline comes in handy if your logo is not expressing clearly what you are doing or selling.

Like this next time someone takes out your card, the slogan will help people to remember what you sell or blog about.

4. Do not forget to Include your blog /website address and your email address

Do add one email address relevant to your blog or online shop.

The same for phone numbers, add just one to make things more clear for everyone.

5. Make your card readable Use simple fonts and font sizes that are big enough to be easily readable without using a magnifying glass. Be sure the type color stands out against the background of the card, too. Your goal isn't to produce a work of art. It's to produce a business card that clearly communicates what you do and how to reach you.

6. Have your business cards printed on good card-stock.

The best of course is to let it print professionally but if this is not the case make sure your print quality is high enough and you are using proper card paper, to express quality in every sense of the word.

7. Why not add a QR code?

This last tip is not a must but it could show you are up-to-date with the latest technologies and trends. You could use the back of your business card to integrate a QR code from your shop or blog. So many people, worldwide, are using smartphones, a QR code might facilitate the initial access to your shop or blog without typing in your URL.

I have found this website where you type your blog’s or shop’s URL and it will give you a QR code that you can easily download and integrate at the back of your business card.

http://qrcode.littleidiot.be/

Check it out:

Good luck!!!

Alex

Your personal businesscard holder

2013-02-14T12:42:00.004+01:00

Nowadays, so many people have their own blog or even their online business / shop and it is a necessity to advertise in order to stand out from the crowd. You could start really simple by making your own business cards to make at least your direct environment aware of what you are up to. In my next blog post I will put all the Do’s and Don’ts on a list of how your business card should look like, what it should contain, including the latest trends to stay up to date with the latest technology.

But of course once your business cards are ordered you can start thinking of how to carry them around. Why not DIY your own business card holder?! :-)

What you need is:

- some cotton yarn (this stays nice specially knowing that this holder might be laying around in your bag or in your back trouser pocket, in that case better not opt for light colored materials)

- a small piece of fabric, I have recycled a cushion cover that I wanted to through out and went well with the orange yarn I had chosen ;-) (let’s go at least 50% green!!)

- needle and some thread (or you can use your sewing machine like I did)

Find instructions after the jump...

PATTERN:

This pattern is based on following business card dimension (standard):

8.5 cm x 5.5cm (3.35 inch x 2.16 inch)

Chain 27 (your rectangle crocheted piece will be slightly bigger, around 1.5cm (0.6 inch) than your actual business cards)

Row 1: 1sc in 2^nd ch from hook, *1sc in next ch*, repeat *-* 23 more times, 1ch, turn piece = 26sc

Row2: *1sc in next ch*, repeat *-* 25 more times, 1ch, turn piece = 26sc

Repeat Row 2 until you reach approximaely 6.5cm - 7cm (2.6 inch)

Your final piece will be 10cm x 6.5cm (3.9 inch x 2.6 inch). Finish off and sew nicely your yarn in on both sides.

INSTRUCTIONS:

1. Cut your fabric 10cm x 7.5cm

2. Fold your fabric on one of the long sides with 1cm towards the inside as this will be the top of the fabric you will see at the open business card holder and sew this part nice and straight.

3. Place the right side of your fabric and the right side of your crocheted part on top of each other.

4. Sew now on the 3 remaining sides and leave a seem of 0.5cm on the 3 sides

5. Turn the little bag inside out, like this both right sides are now outside.

Your business card holder is now ready to use.

If you think it is a little big you could crochet a little hook which you sew at the back and a button at the front so you can close it.

In my case the holder is tight enough to keep the business cards nice at its place.