MORE TIPS for sourcing crafts supplies and ideas for charity crafting.

Hi Everyone!
I know it's been ages since I blogged but I've been busy putting theory into practice and raising heaps of funds for charity by making and selling good quality, unique craftwork at reasonable prices. Sounds like advertising spin doesn't it, lol? Please forgive me I'm bursting to tell you a few more tips about great sources of charity crafting knowledge.

To all the world's hardworking, creative and amazing craft-based guilds, clubs and groups a hearty apology to you all also: I have been very remiss in not mentioning, in my previous article, that guilds, clubs and groups are excellent sources for pattern ideas and supplies, many having their own libraries, not to mention all the resources members have at home who may be willing to share, including advice and lessons in your chosen craft. Also many crafting "societies" and "communities" have swap meets and sales where you can buy, swap or sell craft supplies at very reasonable prices.

This maybe worth a try: I once put an ad in a newspaper requesting crochet patterns particularly vintage ones as I wanted to save them from the rubbish tip and establish a good library of patterns. Not only did I succeed in acquiring many unique vintage crochet patterns from the days when women really did very fine needlework I also made many long term friendships which still hold true today. *** A word of warning if you do advertise in a newspaper for donations of patterns or craft supplies please don't publish your full name or home address. Ask the newspaper to pass any messages onto to you or simply publish your mobile (cell phone) number and first name. If you are looking for a particular very hard to find pattern or crafts supply this may one way to go however. My city newspaper has a "Desperately Seeking....." column and although it mostly features people searching for other people they've lost contact with, some people I've seen have put in requests for donations of wool, or particular knitting patterns for instance. I know I have answered some of these requests myself and have spoken to some wonderful people who've made such requests often with wonderful results especially if readers know they are trying to do something for charity...... so do mention the cause you are supporting or the charity crafts project that you are endeavouring to fulfill.

I hope this additional information is of help to those of you seeking inexpensive crafting resources.

All the Best and Happy Crafting!
Cate

TIPS FOR SOURCING CRAFT SUPPLIES & PATTERNS/IDEAS FOR CHARITY.

Hi All!
I'm involved in a lot of charity fundraising and have been for 15 years. I not only sell good quality crafts for charities but also supply useful crafts directly to those who need them, such as hospitals, agencies and community groups who work with the underprivileged, cancer sufferers etc.

The first information you need when crafting for charity is a list of charities or groups etc that will accept your crafts directly or else find craft ideas and patterns that you can readily and effectively use to fundraise yourself or through your church or your own community group or community centre.

In this post I will be going through sources/ideas of craft patterns etc and supplies that will add to or refresh what you you already do or even how to start from scratch.

A good "library" of patterns is a must. There are cheap ways of doing this but sometimes it is worth paying a few dollars for a pattern that is likely to be a good seller, if you plan to sell your wares.

Personally I believe it is good as in a small business it is important to find a niche market for yourself. What I found is a niche for small fashionable knit, crochet accessories such as hats, fingerless gloves, neck scarves and hairbands including the ear-warmer type. You might like to follow suit. I don't mind. Small items take less yarn and time to make. You are more likely to find willing volunteers to make them up for you too because of this.

I also sell good quality sewn item such as tote bags and BBQ aprons.

Sources of good free patterns: there's always the internet of course. For knitting and crochet patterns Ravelry.com is a great place to start. You can also buy patterns here if you see something that may be both popular and feasible to make up ie you will be able to make a profit from it. 

There are many places on the internet for free patterns but many may not be tested thoroughly so warning please read through the patts before you
start or at least be aware there may be errors and you may need to adjust your work as you go to correct it. If the patt has a good photo or tutorial to refer to this may help iron out any mistakes in the written pattern.

If you are willing to pay a little for a quality pattern: AnniesAttic.com had some lovely knit & crochet patts as of course does Ravelry.com available as convenient downloads.

You can find for sale some brilliant sewing patts at Etsy.com.

There are plenty of papercrafts patterns on the net too for backing papers, 3D papers, card making ideas, tea bag folding papers etc as well. Of course you need a printer for these.

There are some great Papercrafting magazines that supply CDs full of papers and card making ideas etc as well and with some imagination and creativity you can use these as inspiration for your own creations. You don't have to use or buy all the supplies recommended in these magazines. You can use what you already have, recycle old greeting cards and use newspapers, wrapping papers and magazine papers
especially for techniques such as Iris Folding etc.

Sometimes E-bay is a cheap source of craft supplies.
as can be yard or garage sales and opportunity shops (charity shops) and $2 shops. Also once the word gets around you are crafting for charity you may receive some donations of supplies and craft books etc from friends and family and your community.

Thanks for "listening" Happy Crafting and All the Best!
Cate 

CATE’S SOFT, STRETCHY SPIDER STITCH HAIRBAND

There is also a nicer, easier to read copy of this pattern in my "Patterns" section with a photo of the finished hairband.

These hairbands are really quick and fun to crochet, ideal for charity bazaars. Here are the instructions to crochet them:

MATERIALS: Cascade Fixation (98.3% cotton, 1.7% elastic). This yarn is ideal for this project as it makes a very soft and stretchy headband, very comfortable for those fussy tweenies and teens and it comes in some great girly colours and also in black, dark purple plus more. 1 ball makes two or three hairbands depending on the size of hairband. 1 ball makes 3 child sized hairbands.

**** 1 x 4mm (US-size G, UK and Canadian-size 8) crochet hook. Using a smaller hook will make a smaller hairband as seen in above photos. Please use the size hook you are most comfortable with using. A 4mm hook suited me the best, it may not suit you. Exact gauge does not matter so much with the finished size in this project.

 **** 1 x knitters and tapestry sewing needle big enough to thread this yarn.

INSTRUCTIONS: (Please note: These instructions are written using U.S. crochet terminology). Ch 17 loosely leaving an end long enough to sew hairband together later on.

Row 1: (Right side) Dc in fourth ch from hook (3 skipped chs count as first dc),dc in each remaining ch across to end (15dc).

Row 2: Ch3, (counts as first dc, now and throughout), turn; dc in next 3dc, 3ch, tr in next dc, (skip next 2dcs, tr in next ch) twice, ch3, dc in last 4chs.

Row 3 and 4: Ch3, turn; dc in next 3dc, ch3, skip next ch-3 space, sc in next 3 trebles, ch 3, skip next ch-3 space, dc in last 4dc.

Row 5: Ch3, turn; dc in next 3dc, skip next 3ch space, tr in next sc, (ch2, tr in next sc) twice, skip next 3ch space, dc in last 4dc.

Rows 6 and 7: Ch3, dc in each stitch across, including chs, (ie you do not need to put hook into the actual ch stitches themselves just dc "under and around" each ch)(15dc).

Repeat Rows 2-7 five times plus rows 2-6 once more for an adult or teenager’s hairband or until desired length ie one less repeat for a young child.

You should have two thread ends left. To finish off; sew in one of the ends and use the other to hand stitch the two ends of the hairband together neatly with a flat seam using a sewing needle, as described above under "materials".

Copyright: CateW, November 7th 2011. Please do not post or publish this pattern elsewhere and use only for personal or charitable uses.

BIG NEWS- My Spider stitch hairband now free on Ravelry.com

Hi All!
I have been to the osteopath finally after many years of suffering tendonosis in my thumbs and wrists and have been advised not to do anything repetitive again.... sadly this means no more craft work and probably no more designing for me!

As a gift to all of you I am offering my popular spider stitch headband pattern to you for free again and forever. It is crocheted out of Cascade Fixation which very soft and comprised of 98.3% cotton and 1.7% elastic which makes it ideal for hairbands and babies and kids hats especially. It comes in many plain and multi colours. You can get three hairbands out of one ball if you make one in the smaller size ie 6 repeats of the pattern instead of seven. This makes it so affordable as gifts and as fundraisers at fairs and bazaars for charity. They are very popular sellers on my monthly charity crafts stall. 
The pattern is available as a PDF file on www.ravelry.com search for "spider stitch hairband pattern.

Enjoy!!!

UPDATE!!

Hi All!
I haven't been able to post for a while. Our computer died, I've been ill on and off with a stubborn infection for two months, I've been fitness training still when I can and have a lot of stuff to keep up with like CWA, my craft group, various charity projects and fundraisers besides what I do for The Fred Hollows Foundation. Also I've been trying to get my "affairs" in order so that my family will never be left in the lurch anytime in the future. I still have to do the round of a couple of specialist Drs next week and I want to have my eyes tested ( well overdue), get new glasses, go the dentist for a check-up ( also overdue) and make a few changes to my Will. No, I'm not about to drop off my perch! I just don't ever want my family to suffer from financial stress when the time does come, whenever that may be.

Our May, June and July market stalls for The Fred Hollows Foundation were a bit on the quiet side. We continue to get a lot of very positive feedback from customers & raise much more than it "costs". Please note: we hold extra fundraisers to pay for the costs of having the charity crafts stalls at The Nunawading Market nothing comes out from e=what we raise at this market. It all goes to The Fred Hollows Foundation- See more at: http://www.planbig.com.au/crafters-for-charity-creating-and-donating-crafts-to-raise-funds-for-the-fred-hollows-foundation#sthash.vElIFCWG.dpuf

One of the other charity projects I'm involved with is;  "Knitted Knockers", which are machine washable prothesis for women who have had mastectomy surgery knitted from very soft 8ply (DK or sportsweight) cotton yarn. If you Google "Knitted Knockers" you'll find patterns for them using both double pointed needles and two regular needles. Here in Australia we are going to knit them in 8ply cotton from The Bendigo Woollen Mills and with 4mm pairs of knitting needles. We are hoping some Country Women's Association of Victoria members will volunteer to knit for us plus gain help from the Knitter's Guild and Rotary and anyone else that wishes to help. We hope to pay for the pattern and cotton for any volunteer knitters with grant money.

All the Best and Happy Crafting!!
CateW :0)

MY DESIGNS FOR SALE ON RAVELRY.COM!!

Hi All!

I have just set up a Ravelry store to sell my crochet designs to the world!! To view and buy please go to Ravelry.com, and join up if you haven't already, then search using Quick Search for "Catherine Weaver's Ravelry Store".

Ravelry.com has heaps of wonderful crochet, knit and fibre art patterns for sale.

All the Best and Happy Crocheting!!
CateW :0)

CATE'S ORIGINAL SPIDER STITCH TOWEL TOPPER DESIGN

Hi All!
I know it has been a while since I blogged. Here pictured below is an example of just one of the many and varied things I've been up to since I last "spoke" to you. I've crocheted an original spider stitch towel topper design! I've still to write the pattern to go with it which may take some time. I've also crocheted an original jogger's ipod/iphone/mobile holder armband also in guess what (?): spider stitch plus a dainty spider stitch Christmas angel tree ornament in white No.10 (bedspread weight) thread. Again I've still to jot down the written patterns and test them. This is the most time consuming part. These patterns will be for sale once I complete the written patts and then work out how to enable downloading of PDF files through Etsy etc. I may also sell actual spider stitch headbands on Etsy in future but only if I give up going to markets.

I'd love to hear your comments and feedback regarding the towel topper.

I hope to publish photos of my other designs at some point as well to give you a sneak preview of them as well.

What else have I been doing to disrupt my designing: heaps of charity fundraiser planning and organising, holding charity crafts market stalls, restocking my crafts stalls, attending C.W.A. (Country Women's Association of Victoria Inc), craft group meetings, birthday and other parties, fitness training five times a weeks plus recovering from them, lol, advertising fundraising events, going to the local theatre and to the movies, keeping "fuelled up" for training and other stuff.

Thanks for reading and please feel free to share pics of my original towel topper.

All the Best!
Cate :0)

Close up of my Spider Stitch towel topper.



Spider stitch towel topper as in use, hanging on oven rail.



CUDDLING CARROTS!!!

Hi All!
This is a bit off-topic this time but I had to share it with you.
Take a look at these two carrots we pulled up out of our vegie patch last week. Now you know what carrots can get  up to underground, lol!!

Our very own home-grown "cuddling carrots"!!

PHOTOS OF C4C'S CHARITY CRAFTS STALL

Hi All!
Here below are ten shots of my "Crafters for Charity" crafts stall we hold every month at the Nunawading Market in Melbourne Australia for The Fred Hollows Foundation. All proceeds from this stall each month go to The Fred Hollows Foundation.

You'll notice our charity stall is very colourful and very busy looking ie full of lovely crafty bits.

All the Best! :0)

     

GORGEOUS CROCHET & KNITTED BEAR WEAR!!

Bears featuring my crocheted tu-tu dresses, see pattern to make taylor made tu-tu for any sized bear here in this blog under "Patterns", and knitted beret/scarf sets.

These bears will be on sale on my charity crafts stall for The Fred Hollows Foundation on Sunday. These outfits were crocheted and knitted by one of our volunteer craftswomen. The tu-tu pattern she used is my design but she has the pattern for the beret, with a gorgeous ear hole I might add, and the scarf.

All the Best!

JOEY BAGS- Pattern for knitted bag for orphaned Australian wildlife

JOEY BAG for baby wildlife: KNITTING & SEWING PATTERNS

My CWA branch will be making these at our next meeting. They are a simple item to knit or sew and important contribution to the survival of our Australian orphaned wildlife.

Wildlife carers, such as the voluntary members of W.I.R.E.S, in Australia, use these bags as "pouches" for baby orphaned kangaroos, wallabies, wombats, bandicoots, gliders and possums.

The info below was taken from a W.I.R.E.S. fact sheet on their website.

info@wires.org.au

 www.wires.org.au

Rescue Service Ph: 1300 094 737

Making pouches

When young wombats, gliders, wallabies, bandicoots or possums come into care they need to be kept warm and quiet. WIRES carers are always in need of suitable pouches. The pouches are used for many different animals, some for two or three young ringtail possums at once, others for brushtail possum joeys which are larger and even for very young bandicoots. This means various size pouches are useful. Many people who would like to help our wildlife but are unable to commit to rescue or care volunteering can help by making pouches and linings.

Standard Pouches-2 sizes needed

Wool: 8 ply (U.S. = sportsweight, U.K. = DK), pure wool (unfortunately we are unable to use pouches made from synthetic materials as the joeys cannot breathe in closed synthetic pouches)

Knitting: Pouches should be knitted in plain stitch ( ie in garter stitch).

Needles: Size 4mm or the old Imperial 8 needles (U.S.=  size 6, U.K. = size 8 ) 

Finished Dimensions: For the smaller size: 18 cm wide by 20 cm long  ( ie 7 inches wide x 8 inches long)(after sewing together) ie cast on 42 stitches and knit in plain stitch until it reaches 40cm ( ie 16 inches) in length.

For the larger size: 24 cm wide by 30 cm long when finished ( ie 9 and a half inches wide x 12 inches long)(after sewing together) ie cast on 56 stitches and knit in plain stitch until it reaches 62cm ( ie 24 and a half inches) long.

**** Adjust needle size if required to achieve correct finished size.

Both sizes: Fold in half bringing the bottom edge up to meet the top edge and sew together down the sides leaving it open at the top. Stitch in ends. 

Lining (For those who sew)

Material: Pure cotton or flannelette, washable material only Dimensions: 18 cm wide by 20 cm long when finished (after sewing together) or for the larger size 24 cm wide by 30 cm long when finished (after sewing together). The lining should not be attached to the pouch as it will need to be changed regularly. We generally require more linings than pouches to allow washing and regular changes. The lining should be closed on the two longer sides and one end and open at the top.  

**** Completed pouches are always gratefully received at our Forestville office at PO BOX 260, Forestville, NSW, 2087, Australia. Alternatively you can call 02 8977 3333 to find your nearest branch. Further information is available on request from WIRES Administrative Office WIRES PO Box 260 Forestville NSW 2087 Tel: 02 8977 3333 Fax: 02 8977 3399

BABY SPINACH, MUSHROOM & BOCCONCINI CHEESE PIZZA!!

BABY SPINACH, MUSHROOM & BOCCONCINI PIZZA

Ingredients:

Wholemeal pita bread to use as the pizza base (one small one for brekkie or you can use a larger to share with others for lunch or dinner),

Edgells tomato supreme or whatever you'd like to use as the tomato base for your pizza,

Baby spinach,

Fresh sliced button mushrooms or other fresh mushrooms and

Cherry Bocconcini cheese or you can use the larger ones if you like.

Method:

Preheat oven to 200 degrees celcius and line oven tray with baking paper.

Slice mushrooms or to save time buy presliced fresh mushrooms. Slice as many as you want covering your pizza.

Rinse baby spinach in cold water and drain.

Saute the mushroms for two to three minutes in a little olive oil (just brush a non-stick pan with a little of the oil) in a small frypan.

Add the drained baby spinach and saute with mushrooms for another two minutes until the baby spinach has wilted down.

Spread some of the tomato supreme onto your pita bread.

Spread the sauted mushroom and baby spinach evenly onto the pita bread.

Place slices of the Boocconcini cheese all around the top of the pizza to your taste but not too thickly.

Bake in oven for 15 minutes.

**** Be careful not to burn your mouth. The tomato and cheese will be hot when it comes out of the oven.

Eat hot or for leftovers for brekkie or other. Enjoy!!

The To-Do Lists I sell on my charity stall.

Hi All!
Here, below, are some shots of four of the eight designs of A4-sized laminated magnetic To-Do Lists that I produce and sell on my charity crafts stall for $4.00 each for The Fred Hollows Foundation, http://www.hollows.org.au/

The Cooking Theme To-Do List. One of our best selling To-Do Lists.

The Primhouse To-Do List. Another good seller.

The Sewing Theme To-Do List. Also a good seller.

Our "Spring Gal" To-Do List. Also sells well.

NEW, ORIGINAL, QUICK, SIMPLE, SOFT Spider stitch crocheted stretchy hairband pattern!!

Hi All!
These hairbands are really quick and fun to crochet.
**** The new, improved pattern for this hairband is now available on this blog in my Patterns section or as a free PDF download on Ravelry.com by searching for "Cate's soft, stretchy spider stitch hairband". Please check out my other improved original crochet patterns on Ravelry.com at "Catherine Weaver's Ravelry Store".
All the Best and Happy Crocheting!
CateW :0)

Picture of my crocheted cloche hat with Irish roses and tips.

Hi All!
Here are a couple of  pictures of one of the crocheted cloche hats I made for my charity stall.

Crocheted Irish Rose cloche hat.

A closer up view which shows the stitches better.

These are quick to make. The pattern for this came from  the book "Crochet Hats!" by U.S. author Candi Jensen. The pattern I used is on page 76 "Retro Flowers" I added a picot edge for mine and used a different pattern for the flower ie an Irish Rose and stitched 6 x 4mm pearls into a ring in the centre of each rose.
I crocheted mine out of Bendigo Woollen Mills Classic 8ply. You can order online from them and they will ship to overseas in the U.S. or U.K or wherever. You could substitute DK or sportsweights yarn for this and use a 4mm (or size US G/6 or size UK 8) crochet hook.

All the Best and Happy Crocheting!!
CateW :0)

Picture of my yarn necklace, LINK to free pattern for Lion Brand Trellis yarn necklace and how to substitute different brands of trellis yarn to make your own.

Hi All!
Here is the Link to a free trellis yarn necklace pattern, as I have made many times from Lion Brand and also other finer types of trellis yarn, for my Fred Hollows charity crafts stall. See picture of one my attempts below. See below tips for using alternative brands to Lion Brand as Lion Brand Trellis Yarn is now discontinued.
LINK: http://store.knitting-warehouse.com/trellisnecklace.html
This site has a nice picture of one made. There are other patterns around that are exactly the same but easier to read and better set out but this one has the good photo.



I made this one from another brand of Trellis yarn ie not Lion Brand as this brand is now discontinued.

I have also used Sirdar Fireply,Twinkly Trail from JL and Eros II from Plymouth yarn company. There are also others out there. These alternatives are usually thinner in width than Lion Brand and have a more crinkled look when made up. It comes in many lovely colours including many multi-coloured trellis yarns not just plain colours.

Fortunately I was able to track down a few balls of Lion Brand Trellis Yarn before it was impossible to get and I worked out measurements, which I will share with you now, for each of the seven lengths of chain stitch required to make up this necklace. Here they are starting from the longest length: 

Make one length of chain stitch to each of the following lengths, with a crochet hook is the easiest (and I don't think it matters if the yarn twists as you go but by all means keep it untwisted if you want a slightly smoother look); 65cm (about 26 inches), 55cm (about 22 inches), 45cm(about 18 inches), 40cm(about 16 inches), 35cm(about 14 inches), 30cm(about 12 inches) and 25cm (about 10 inches).

Then follow the instructions using the pattern I have given at the store.knitting-warehouse website, URL as above, to construct it. In this way you can substitute any Trellis yarn brand and still get the lengths right.

Another tip: Once the lengths are all crocheted I find it is easier to tie the ends up together in a knot evenly if you lay them out flat in ascending order in front of you on a table first, ie smallest chain at the top, longest chain at the bottom with the ends as close together as you can, then tie them together in a slip type knot but pull the ends totally through.

**** Please note: This necklace can be made without a crochet hook if you prefer not to use one.

Enjoy!!

All the Best and Happy Crafting!!

CateW :0)



KIDS CRAFTS for holiday time.

Hi All!
I've just completed a successful week of kids crafting with some very happy and satisfied young crafters.
One of our young students, only six years old, made six memory wire bracelets and a witchy-poo card in the two-hour session!! Once she got the knack of how to hold and thread the wire with the beads she was away, there was no stopping her!
Here's some pics of the crafts Carrie (not her real name) and I made with the kids:



We made memory or remembrance wire beaded bracelets with the kids. These are not the actual ones the girls made since they took they're bracelets home with them.
What they did make was pretty spectacular.



Beady aliens. Using some glow-in-the-dark beads can add some real interest.



This is a sample of the Witchy-poo card we made. We made a simplified version with our kids; ie without the round cutout and magic spells at the front.


If you're from Melbourne, Australia, good quality memory wires are available for a good price from "Theos Discount Crafts" at 3 Macquarie Place, Boronia. Another Melbourne stockist is "Spacetraders" in St Kilda and you can order from them online.  If you're from overseas a search in Google or another search engine for "memory wire" or "remembrance wire" should bring up some stockists that will sell online to you or look out for it at your local craft supplies stockist.

The Witchy-poo card features a turning wheel held in place with a brad. Inside the little round window on the front of this card are written magic words and spells so the card can be used as a game; ie  kids can take turns turning the wheel so that a new magic spell or word appears which the child can cast or act out.

I sourced my pony beads (9mmx 6mm) for the Beady aliens online through e-Bay. The patterns for these came from a Beady kit I bought years ago. This kit, as far as I know, is no longer available unfortunately but give the kids an idea and they'll run with it creating they're very own alien beady designs. You can use scooby plastic for these but I just used some thin plastic tubing I found at a hardware shop. It's exactly the same sort of stuff just heaps cheaper.

That's it for now!
All the Best and Happy Crafting!!
CateW :0)

Three of my original crochet patterns added to PATTERNS page!!!

Hi All!
I have just added three of my original crochet patterns to the PATTERNS page of this blog. These patterns are for instructions on how to tailor make a crochet teddy bear's or doll's tu-tu, as posted below, a thread crochet pattern for wedding/Christmas mini bells and a beaded milk jug or creamer cover ( both of these thread crochet patterns are not posted here on the main page but can be accessed on the PATTERNS page of this blog). All patterns include pictures.

Enjoy!
All the Best and Happy Crafting!!
CateW :0)

How to tailor-make a crocheted tu-tu to fit any teddy bear or doll.

Back & front views of both two-strapped and halterneck versions of crochet bear/doll tu-tu.

Hi everyone!

Finally I am posting one of my own crochet patterns; instructions on how to tailor make a tu-tu for teddy bears or dolls.

Cate's crochet tu-tu dress pattern for Bears and Dolls.

Hook size: Select whatever size hook is appropriate for the yarn you are using.

Note: This pattern is written using Australian/British crochet terms. American crochet terms written are in brackets.

Starting with the waistband:

Make enough chains to fit around Bear's/doll's waist.

Do not join.

Ch1, turn, dc (sc) in each chain to end. Do not join.

Bib:

Hold waistband around bear's/doll's waist with opening at the back. Place markers on top of waistband at right and left hand side of bear's chest to mark points to crochet between for tu-tu's bib. Slip stitch to 1st marker.

Ch1, dc (sc) to next marker and continue thusly in rows between the markers until desired length is reached, approximately up to bear's neck. Do not finish. Do not turn.

Shoulder strap (make 2):

Continuing from the top corner of the bib; Make as many chains as will reach over the bears shoulder to top of waistband at the back, directly below the shoulder. Attach shoulder strap you've just made with sl.st being careful not to twist it.

Ch1, turn, dc (sc) along shoulder strap in each chain to end. Sl.st to top corner of bib and finish off.

Attach thread to other corner of the bib and make 2nd strap to match first. 

Skirt:

Rejoin yarn onto bottom edge of wasitband. Ch1, 2dc (2sc) into each unused loop of foundation chain to end.

3ch, turn, 2tr (2dc) in each dc (sc) to end.

Repeat last row until desired length is reached.

Note: Some experimentation may be necessary to achieve the desired degree and placement of frilling on the skirt. Multiple stitches into a single stitch in every stitch of the skirt's row will result in frilling. No more than three stitches into every stitch would be necessary. Where you place this frilling and how much of it you create is up to your particular preference.

Finishing Off:

Sew in all threads except the last one made, then sew up the back seam of the tu-tu, up to and including the waistband, with this last thread.

Variations:

A halter neck can be created by positioning a single shoulder strap to the correct length back around the bears neck and attaching it to the front of the opposite side of the bib with a bead or decorative button, do not attach strap to bib with a slst. The strap consists of a row of chains, turning and crocheting dc's (sc's) into each chain as described above for shoulder strap. To facilitate the bead or button a small loop must be incorporated into the end of the strap.

Copyright: Cathy Weaver, June 13th 2001

Well I do hope some of you can get some use out of these instructions.

All the best,

CateW :0)

Link and my pics of great crocheted FINGERLESS GLOVES pattern.

How to wear the fingerless gloves.



The lacy fingerless gloves I crocheted for my Fred Hollows Charity stall as per URL given below. A very nice pattern and very simple to crochet.

A close up view of the stitching.

Hi All!

It's been quiet here for a while. I haven't posted anything here for a time since I've been busy working on items for my charity crafts stall for The Fred Hollows Foundation: crocheted Lotus neck scarves, crocheted necklaces made from "ladder" or "trellis" yarn, crochet beaded sun hats, mini magnets, paper dolls, and crocheted long fingerless gloves. 

I found a good pattern for crocheted  fingerless gloves called "lacy fingerless gloves at http://crochetme.com/media/p/94426.aspx

It's an easy pattern and you can alter the size to fit anyone or any gauge yarn by adjusting the numbers of stitches you start with ie it has to be a multiple of 8 plus 5 for the pattern to work.

I will try and add a photo of the things I made here onto this post at a later stage so please look back here later.

All the Best and Happy Crafting!!

CateW :0)