I haven't been on Mil.com in awhile or something, because I didn't even realize this forum was here! LOL!!

Anyway, I am a beginner crocheter, and wanted to see if anyone else works in yarn.

Crochet and Knit! What's your question??


Sgt Mom

Hi, I crochet and have been doing so for about 20 years. I make baby blankets. It is fun and easy to learn and do.

yup me too..

Yay! Others who work with yarn...maybe you can help me.

I just finished a blanket the other night, and, as usual, I washed it on cold water. The problem is that it came out of the wash very tight, and smelled of mildew. Anyone heard of this happening? Is there a way to save this blanket that I've been working on for ages?

Please help.

Also, if you've come across any easy, cute patterns that you would like to share, I would love to see them!

What kind of yarn was it?
I always either hand wash or was on delicate cycle using woolite. I don't know if I've ever heard of that happening.. Hmm..
Anyway, I crochet although I haven't done so in a loooong time. I've got lots of cool pattern books around here somewhere. I was so happy when I finally figured out how to read patterns!
Lion Brand Yarns has some really neat crochet patterns.

Sounds like it was wool yarn or a blend with a large percentage of wool. If so, there isn't anything you can do to bring it back to the original size. Wool shrinks and depending on the wool it can smell too the first several times it is washed.


"Mom"

Yep, it was a wool blend. I followed the washing instructions, but it's still ruined. All that work...

Sorry, your blanket is smaller or ruined. I think wools fair better through the dry cleaners unless they are really a 'washable' wool. The GI blanket can be washed cold.

If you decide to wash it again, ADD some fabic softner to improve the smell & don't leave it laying in the machine..stretch it out and spread it to dry naturally...not in a dryer.

Maybe you could make a slip cover over it & use it like a quilt, or if it's small, it may work great in a pet basket, as wool is very warm.

Maybe others who have crocheted with wool, will have some tips for you. A magazine patern here:
Three-Way Beret Some other projects [15 online there too: Slipper Socks

Best wishes.

hey, well, I thought I'd say: my grandma sorta taught me the crochet basics, but I forgot, its been so long. I am attempting to learn again. Wish me luck! I am having a little trouble understanding the directions in the book I bought. My fingers remembered how to yarn over and make a chain though, thankfully. It's going to the next row I am not too sure about.

You'll pick it back up again I'm sure. It's kind of like riding a bike - you may be rusty but you will remember it all.


Sgt Mom

hey! I made my first bookmark, a coaster, and now I am on to a hat--fun fun fun! i am totally getting back into the swing of it.

Hi all! Does anyone know of any great instructional videos or a place where they teach knitting or crocheting or anything like that. I have been wanting to get into it for years but never had the time- but now I do!

If you are anywhere near a Michaels craft store, they have great lessons. I find learning something in person to be much better than learning on a video.

I bought a little kit from barnes & noble with pretty clear instructions. a little confusing but it didn't take me long to figure it out. in person lessons would have rocked, though....

Hi,all, I'm new to message boards. To learn to crochet,I bought a book and tried on my own. Then, when it didn't work out,I asked a neighbor to teach me. After I learned, I got a pamphlet on Granny Squares. They make up quickly, and are easy to sew together. I usually just make one square as large as I need for whatever project I'm making. I use Red Heart yarns. They usually are washable in the machine,but I usually stretch them slightly to the desired dimensions and let dry on a table, or on a towel. I have been at it abouy 35 years. I'm a widow, with 5 children, and 10 grandchildren. A little lonely, since my husband's death, in May 2006. Happy Holiudays and God bless.

quote:

Originally posted by someone_else:
If you are anywhere near a Michaels craft store, they have great lessons. I find learning something in person to be much better than learning on a video.

I didn't know they did that at Michael's. There is one near by and it has Barnes and Noble. So maybe I can do a lesson and get the book jessie was talking about.

Youtube also has loads of videos on crochet; if you have DIY network on satellite, they also have shows on yarncraft. I'm learning by way of books and Youtube. DH is learning via books, and we plan to whip up an afghan together one day soon.

quote:

Originally posted by sweetsuds:
Youtube also has loads of videos on crochet; if you have DIY network on satellite, they also have shows on yarncraft. I'm learning by way of books and Youtube. DH is learning via books, and we plan to whip up an afghan together one day soon.

now that is an adorable thought. I had no idea any men were into crocheting. I am halfway--ok maybe 1/3 of the way-- through my hat. It is an excerise in patience for me, but it is very rewarding to see it grow!

You'll find men doing everything but asking for directions. Seriously, iTunes also has video podcasts on crochet. And now that you crochet, you can scoff at the prices of knitted/crocheted stuff in stores, and perhaps even copy the work at some point.