Old Ladies Only? Addressing the Stereotype

A few months back, I was contacted by a male who thought I should be marketing crochet DVD's to little old ladies in nursing homes. That was his pitch.  It was a serious inquiry because he wanted to include some of his video work on the DVD as well. 


How old were you when you first learned how to crochet?  I was 20 when I learned.  I want to get rid of this "old lady" stereotype because anyone and everyone can crochet.  Being a former Army wife, crochet accompanied me around the world and became a friend who was there for me through all times.  As we share our knowledge, I want our next generations, both male and female to feel that they can do this at any point in their life.  Crochet is NOT just for "old ladies".


How to do you think the stereotype got started?

Crochet Spring Rose

Crochet Spring Rose

If you are a beginner, you can find a playlist for the basic crochet stitches by clicking on this link.  Beginner Crochet Stitches

Written by Teresa Richardson

Video Tutorial:  Crochet Spring Rose

Video Tutorial:  Left Hand Version Crochet Spring Rose

Skill Level - Easy

Abbreviations
DC - Double Crochet
HDC - Half Double Crochet
CH - Chain
SC - Single Crochet
SL ST - Slip Stitch
TC -Triple Crochet

Materials
Size I/5.5 mm crochet hook
4 ply yarn
Tapestry Needle

Row 1: Work 78 foundation single crochet or a chain of 79 with a single crochet in each chain.


Row 2: CH 1, * Work a Single Crochet , skip one stitch, work 5 HDC in the next stitch, skip a stitch, complete 5 times from* ,   * Work a Single Crochet in the next stitch, skip one stitch, work 5 DC in the next stitch, skip a stitch, complete 5 times from*,  * Work a Single Crochet in the next stitch, skip one stitch, work 5 TC in the next stitch, skip a stitch, continue across from* , work a single crochet in the last stitch, cut the yarn and secure.


Row 3:  Attach the new color yarn.  Work a series of back post half double crochet around each shell, slip stitch between.

CASAQUINHO PRINCESA PARA BEBÊ

Fiz meu primeiro casaquinho para bebê para um serzinho muito especial que vai chegar logo logo. É o Murilo, meu sobrinho-neto. Seja bem vindo meu pequeno, que o amor te espera. Irei fazer também os sapatinhos, a manta e a touca. Ficou um encanto.
A receita é da Prof, Elaine Tripiano e o vídeo é esse.

TOUCA COM POMPONS

A touca faz conjunto com o cachecol abaixo, se alguém desejar a receita me comunique que posto depois, pois preciso procura-la em em meio  a tantos papéis que precisam de organizaçao e arquivo. Minha proxima reforma, será um escritorio-ateliê aonde terá espaço suficiente pra tudo.

CACHECOL TRANÇADO EM TRICO, CROCHE E TUNISIANO

Fiz esse cachecol baseado no trançado abaixo, mas diferenciei fazendo 3 tiras em pontos, cores e texturas distintos. Ficou diferente.

Novelty Yarn - Choking Hazard - Not for use with children

I want to address a question that was just asked about novelty yarn and baby blankets on my Facebook page. The person asked if it would be a choking hazard.  Yes it is a choking hazard! 

Novelty yarn should not be used anywhere near a baby or toddler in any type of crochet item. Think about the result from fibers and invisible particles building up in the air passages of a newborn baby! In fact, novelty yarn should have a warning label, "Not for use in items intended for age 13 and below". I am not saying not to use it but use it responsibly on adult items.  

Crochet TearDrop Earring

Crochet TearDrop Earring

If you are a beginner, you can find a playlist for the basic crochet stitches by clicking on this link.  Beginner Crochet Stitches

Written by Teresa Richardson

Video Tutorial:  Crochet TearDrop Earring

Video Tutorial:  Left Hand Version Crochet TearDrop Earring

Skill Level - Easy

Abbreviations
DC - Double Crochet
HDC - Half Double Crochet
CH - Chain
SL ST - Slip Stitch

Materials
Size 10 Steel crochet hook
Size 10 Crochet Cotton
Tapestry Needle
26 Gauge wire
Assortment of tiny glass beads
Earring Findings


Rounded Needle Nose Pliers (Jewelry Pliers)
Scissors


Cut a length of wire, approximately 10 inches long.  Round one end of the wire, with your pliers so the beads do not come off.  Put the beads on your wire.  I put mine on in segments of 3 for a total of 36.  You can modify and create a bead pattern of your choice.  Once you get the 36 beads on the wire, turn the other end of the wire, leaving room between the beads to attach the crochet work.


NOTE:  Be careful not to twist your wire to much or it will break.


Attach the slip knot to the crochet hook.  Attach the thread to the work with a slip stitch.
Row 1: Work a single crochet, *chain 5, skip 3 beads, work a single crochet between the beads, chain 5, skip 3 beads, work a single crochet between the beads. Continue across from * repeating until  you get to the end. Skip the last three beads, work a single crochet. Chain 1, turn.
Row 2:  *Work 3 single crochet in the chain 5 loop, work a picot, chain 3, slip stitch in the same single crochet, work 3 more single crochet in the same loop. Work a slip stitch in the single crochet.  Continue across from *. When you get to the end, cut the thread and pull through.  Sew in all the tails.


Now you will take your loose wire ends, and insert each side through the center of the earring loop. Twist and secure, being careful not to twist to tight. Cut of any extra wire end. You can adjust your earring to many different shapes.