My grandmother patiently taught me to crochet when I was seven years old. I started out by making little blankets for my dolls and stuffed animals. I'm sure my tension wasn't very good and I no doubt missed and skipped a lot of stitches, but I remember sitting beside her while she would knit, and I would crochet with her leftover balls of yarn. As I got a bit older, I worked my way up to granny square afghans and funky, late 70's floppy hats (boy am I dating myself here!). Eventually I learned how to crochet intricate lace with very thin #10 threads. Although I don't have the time to crochet like I used to, I have found ways to bring this hobby into my paper crafting.
As you saw in Monday's post, crocheted flowers make a great embellishment on scrapbook pages and handmade cards. The simple crochet pattern I shared with you takes about five minutes to complete, once you get the hang of it. And from that simple pattern, you can add another layer of petals in a contrasting color. For another cool look, try variegated cotton thread, and instead of a brad for the center of the flower, substitute buttons or half pearls.
Buttons ... now there's something you can crochet a cover for. Start out by crocheting a magic ring to make the center as tight as possible, then begin crocheting a series of rows of single crochets (called "crocheting in the round"), along with one increasing row, until a cup forms just a bit larger than your button. Run the end of your yarn back through the last row of stitches, slip your button into the cup, pull the tail on the yarn and—voila!—instant button cover!
Think of the creative possibilities with something as simple as a button cover. You could change the colors of yarn each round, embroider a fun pattern over the top of the finished cover, crochet petals coming out from the center, or even add beads as you go around. Or you could keep it simple like I did and cover two buttons with light red cotton yarn to make two sweet cherries. What will you create next with a crochet hook and a ball of yarn? Please share it with us by posting here!
~ Becky Fleck
(Be sure to see more of Becky's work by visiting her at www.pagemaps.com)
Oh those are soo soo cute... I so wish I could crochet....I guess it is not too late to learn..thanks for the inspiration
Posted by: Laurie | July 07, 2010 at 10:56 AM
Oh, my these are so cute. 'Way to go, Becky!!
Posted by: Renee J. | July 07, 2010 at 12:59 PM
How cool! Love it. I really need to re-teach myself crochet - it's hard to find someone to learn from when you are left-handed.
Posted by: Angela Fehr | July 07, 2010 at 10:39 PM
These are very cute. TFS!
Posted by: Amy | July 08, 2010 at 04:39 AM
Love this idea - it is sooo great to be creative with two or + hobbies that one loves!
Posted by: Rebecca | July 08, 2010 at 11:11 AM
That card is incredible! Love the crocheted cherries!
Posted by: Tracey | July 09, 2010 at 09:00 AM
When I started reading this, I realized my story is exactly like yours, only I didn't stick with it as long as you did.
My Grandmother taught me to crochet when I was about 7 or 8, and I used to make granny squares with my Mom's leftover yarn.
I've tried to make crocheted flowers, but I'm using DMC floss from my Every Color DMC Ever Made box, if only to use it up! I need to get a smaller hook and some real thread!
Thanks for the push!
Posted by: leslie | July 10, 2010 at 08:57 PM
I do not scrapbook but my daughter does and she sent me your instructions for making the flower so I could get to work and make them for her. I have made several so far but would love to have other flower patterns too. Have you got any more up your sleeve????lol I would love it, if you do..
Posted by: nancy crosswell | July 16, 2010 at 01:32 AM