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Sweetgrass Baskets

On a recent trip to Charleston South Carolina to celebrate my 14 wedding anniversary I learned about sweetgrass. Sweetgrass baskets use to be called slave baskets until one day someone took a negative and turn it into a positive, so the name was changed to sweetgrass baskets. I also learned that the art of making sweetgrass baskets is passed down to the next generation just like crocheting. Sweetgrass baskets are almost identical in style to the shukublay baskets of Sierra Leone, where learning to coil baskets "so tightly they could hold water" was an important rite of passage in West African tribes like the Mende and the Temne. This basket-making tradition came to South Carolina in the 17th century by way of West African slaves who were brought to America to work on plantations. West Africa resembles South Carolina in both climate and landscape, and rice had long been cultivated there. In slaves, plantation owners gained not only free labor but also a wealth of knowledge and
Recent posts

Grandma Leona's Hot Pad

This is a short blog about  Grandma Leona's Hot Pad by  Kathleen Mower at  Miss Abigail's Hope Chest . I can not take any credit for this pattern, Kathleen gets all the credit for this pattern. I am only wanting to promote this free pattern, and show you my work. This hot pad does not use any special stitch, just a simple single crochet stitch. However its the way you make the single that makes this hot pad thick and durable, and here's how. The rows overlap the previous row. I have not done this technique before, but it's really easy to learn. This hot pad has become one of my favorites to make because of the thickness and sturdiness of the finished product, and I like to use 100% cotton so it holds up to the heat better. If  your interested in the pattern head over to  Miss Abigail's Hope Chest   you will find the free pattern and  how she found this pattern while shopping at her favorite craft store. When she saw a beautiful sample of  Grandma Leona's Hot

How to Make a Half Double | Double Crochet Stitch

How to work a half double crochet (hdc) and double crochet. (dc) Abbreviations for the terms used in this post. ch - Chain yo - yarn over hk - hook hdc - half double crochet dc - double crochet sk - skip lp / lps  - loop / loops In a previous post I showed you how to make a  Chain & Single Stitch  which can make a beautiful piece, but there is many different stitches to learn. In this post I will show you how to work a half double crochet and a double crochet. These two stitches will change the look and texture of your project combined the right way with a single crochet stitch you can come up with countless variations. Were adding a few steps but they will become easier with time and practice. Don't be nervous I will take you step by step. Now lets get our hook and some yarn and lets get started. Step 1 First make a chain don't worry about how many because this is just for practice. Next you will skip first two chain from hook, y

Messy Bun | Ponytail Hat Crochet Pattern

Messy Bun / Ponytail Hat Free Crochet Pattern No matter what you call these hats messy bun or ponytail hats, one thing we can agree on is that they are making an impact on fashion world. These crochet hats are becoming popular all over the web and in local areas like my little town. From Fall to Spring go out and keep your head warm and look good in half the time. I am writing this post because these hats are really quick and simple to work up, and the embellishments that you can make for these are unlimited. I like this pattern because it is very easy and simple to work up.  Abbreviations used in this pattern Ch = Chain Sl St = Slip Stitch St = Stitch ea = Each Rep = Repeat Rnd = Round Sc = Single Crochet Dc = Double Crochet FO = Finish Off Materials: Elastic hair band 4 ply yarn any color Hook size I Gauge not applicable Here is a chart for different  Head Sizes . I use this pattern with my toboggan patterns they are writ

Crochet Abbreviations | U.S. Terminology

Crochet Abbreviations U.S. Terminology Crochet patterns has abbreviations, they have too or you would have a 50 page book for one pattern. It can be scary at first and I understand, so here is a compiled list to help you understand reading a written pattern. _________________________________________________________________________________ alt - alternate approx - approximately beg - beginning bet - between BL - back loop BLO - back loop only bo - bobble BP - back post cc - color change ch - chain stitch ch-sp - chain space cl - cluster cm - centimeter cont - continue dc - double crochet dc2tog - double crochet two stitches together dec - decrease dtr - double treble crochet exdc - extended double crochet extr - extended triple crochet FL - front loop FLO - front loop only FO - finish off foll - following FP - front post gr - gram half dc - half double crochet hdc - half double crochet hdc2tog - half double crochet two stitches together in - in

How to Crochet Step by Step | For Beginners

Learn How to Crochet. How to make a chain and single crochet Have you been searching the internet and don't know where to start, so many blogs and videos. Now you are here and would like to help you learn the art of crocheting. I want to make this as easy as I can, so this blog will show you step by step how to get started, even if you have never tried crocheting before, by the end of this blog you will have learned the basics to crocheting, so you can get started showing your creativeness. First lets talk about the tools you will need to start. There is a mass variety of crochet hooks and yarn out there that you can get from the store or offline. Other blogs talk about finding the right hook or the right type of yarn to use for beginners. In my opinion this is not true, all you need is a hook and yarn regardless brand, type or cost. You can get you a beginners kit HERE , it has a book with some easy patterns, a few common hook sizes, and a few little accessories that wi

Simple Head Wrap

Simple Head Wrap Head wraps are popular in my area so I have been making these for several years now, I have added flowers, snowflakes and some has asked not to put anything on them. These are sure to add some style to any outfit. So here is a free pattern for a very simple and easy head wrap. Crocheted head wraps are a must have in your crochet pattern library. They work up quickly, allowing you to create beautiful and fashionable head accessories, they also make great last-minute gifts, and gives you the flexibility to be as creative that you want. Head wraps are a simple small crochet projects that can be use for stash busting, using up yarn leftover from a other projects. Crochet head wraps come in a variety of designs, including headbands and ear warmers.T he variety of colors and the embellishments is so great that  you can make a lot of these head wraps without ever getting bored. Plus, they add a pop of color and style to any outfit wh