Using Hook Placement to Change the Look of Basic Crochet Stitches

         Regular Double Crochet                Double Crochet Between Stitches

I love playing with basic stitches and experimenting with hook placement. This is evident in my latest design for Interweave Crochet's Winter Issue, The Fire Whirl Hat. The structure and shape of the hat is a result of varied hook placement. 

One of my favorite hook placements, is between the stitches. It allows each stitch to stand on its own and be defined. It also has a little different texture. I have done this with single crochet and half double crochet stitches, as well. Give it a try on your next project!

Insert Hook under all loops into space between next two sts.

Wearable Doilies!

I inherited many lovely doilies and books of doily patterns from my dear grandmother. I have been thinking of what to do with the vintage doilies, besides lay them on a table. I love the idea of making them wearable. You can showcase their beauty with a plain and simple background. I was so inspired by these projects I found on the web. The following are some of my favorites, I would also love to hear how you have used doilies!

Doilies on a hairband, by Country Living

Doily pockets on a simple cardigan are so pretty!

What a creative doily use- a video tutorial by ModCloth. I would love to patch up some tights!

Use doilies as a template for creating fabric "prints"- instructions by Joann Fabric and Craft Stores

Loving Mixed Media Crochet

I really enjoy challenging myself to make jewelry from bits and pieces I have collected from my travels, along with things I have in my craft drawers. This bracelet includes broken pieces from a china plate, and yarn that I bought at a charity shop in England. I selected the pieces of china that had the most interesting parts of the pattern on them, and then I crocheted a casing to fit each one. After that, I decided on the order to put them in that was most pleasing to the eye. I thought the bracelet needed a little more embellishment, so I added some beads, sequins and crocheted bobbles. I think it is a unique piece, and it is one of my most favorite bracelets. Like my grandmother always told me, you can be your most creative when you limit yourself to the materials you have on hand. She loved to buy remnants at the fabric store and then let the yardage determine what she should make with them.

Looking at found objects in a new way can become a fresh idea. I challenge you all, to include some interesting items in your next project!