Crochet, Knit and More With Suzee Podcast, Episode 4 - Show Notes

   
This episode features Yarn and Craft Book Hauls, Vintage Book Reviews, completed projects and works in progress.

Topics:
Where to find me on the internet:

Ravelry-SusieQ57

Ravelry Podcast Group-CrochetKnitAndMoreWithSuzeePodcast

Instagram-SuzeeMakes1

MyBlog-CrochetKnitAndMoreWithSuzee.blogspot.com

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Free Bathroom Tissue Roll Crochet Pattern:

To download the free pattern for this cozy, please go to:

Have A Cuppa Coffee Bathroom Tissue Cozy - Crochet Pattern




Recent Finished Object:

Chic and Strong Crescent Shawl by Rohn Strong
Free pattern from Red Heart Yarn -- also has a Youtube tutorial presented by Marly Bird

Yarn and Craft Book Hauls (Hobby Lobby, JoAnn and Dollar Tree)

Hobby Lobby Haul -

1. Baby Bee Chunky Yarn - Colorway:  Toy Elephant
2. I Love This Chunky - Colorway:  Peacock Tails
3. Baby Bee Hushaby Solids - Colorway: Baby Sage

The clearance price for each skein was $1.49; the regular price for each was $4.99

Craft books:

1. Fringe Benefits by Melissa Leapman - Clearance Price 99 cents; regular price $9.99
2. Big Knits Hollywood Style - Clearance Price 99 cents; regular price $9.99
3. Learn Easy Sewing Skills - Clearance Price $1.19; regular price $11.99
4. Quick & Simple Sewing Accessories - Clearance Price 99 cents, regular price $9.99

JoAnn Fabrics -
Purchased three packages of buttons that were on sale for 97 cents each. See podcast for more information.
 
Dollar Tree - Massive Yarn Haul

• Purchased 10 -  3.5 ounce skeins of Premier EverSoft Yarn for $1 each - regular price $2.79 ea.
• Purchased 10 - 3.5 ounce skeins of Premier Dream Yarn for $1 each - regular price $2.59 ea.

Podcast Shout Out to "It's Crochet O'Clock Podcast" I have enjoyed this podcast and I recommend it to other viewers.

The Vintage Corner

Vintage Crochet and Knit Book Reviews

Tired of paying $30 or more for crochet or knit books at Hobby Lobby, Michaels or JoAnn Fabrics?  Have you ever considered used crochet or knit books?

Used books are an excellent source for crochet and knit, stitches, techniques, how-to's and patterns.  When it comes to crochet and knit there is really not much new, except for the things you have never seen before.

I have been crochet and knitting since the 1970s and I have seen styles come and go.  The Corner-to-Corner Crochet stitch was popular in the 1980s and made a come back recently, Fair Isle style cardigans and pullovers with color work collar detail have never been popular on/off since they first appeared in the 1920s; and are currently enjoying a resurgence due to the "retro" look.  The same can be said about crochet motifs; granny and similar types of squares, triangles or circles sewn together to make an afghan, throw, pillowcover, shawl or sweater.  These motifs haven't changed much since they became very popular in the early 1970s thanks to the hippie, boho look.

The one constant in crochet and knitting is the underlying stitches and techniques used in creating garments, accessories, afghans and home decoration styles.  Updating normally involves using current yarns and colors to create new styles and designs with stitches and techniques that have been around for years.  Occasionally new methods are developed to streamline or improve the process, however these are usually applied to existing stitches and techniques.

In the past five years or so, I have been looking for and finding great crochet and knit books at thrift stores and garage sales.  Occasionally, if I am looking for a particular book, I will try Amazon or Ebay.  I usually prefer thrift stores as the price is usually $1 or less; but it is a challenge to find a particular book.

An excellent Knit and Crochet Reference book I found at a third store recently is the "Reader's Digest, Complete Guide to Needlework."

This book was published in 1979 and is recommended by many subject experts on the Internet. This book has extensive stitch, technique information, stitch patterns and projects for crochet and knitting along with sections covering Embroidering, Needlepoint, Quilting, Macrame, etc.

This book has been reprinted at least 8 times since its original 1979 issue, and I would encourage you to get a copy at a local thrift store or online.  This is a  fantastic resource for EVERYTHING related to Crochet and Knitting along with many other needlework crafts.

This book goes into considerable detail on the following Crochet and Knit Topics:

• Supplies
• Hooks, Needles and other equipment
• Yarns
• Buying & Winding yarn
• Crochet and Knitting Aids
• Basics
• Chaining or Casting on
• Crochet or Knit Stitches
• Elementary Stitch Patterns
• Tension
• Binding Off
• Attaching new Yarn
• Following Instructions
• Terminology
• Gauge
• Increasing and decreasing
• Picking up stitches
• Circular crochet and knitting
• Crochet and Knitting Stitches
• Using a pattern stitch textures
• Crochet Stitches
• Shells, Clusters, Motifs, Motifs/patchwork, Meshes, Filet, Irish Crochet, Tunisian Crochet, Loops, Multi-color stitches, working with a color chart, charted stitches
• Knitting Stitches
• Ribs, diagonals, laces, crossed stitches, cable stitches, novelty stitches, smocks, knotted stitches, charted stitches
• Crocheting and Knitting Garments
• Taking and Using measurements
• Designing
• Assembling and Finishing
• Blocking
• Joining sections
• Duplicate Stitch
• Edgings and Trim
• Crochet and Knit Patterns
• Scarf, pullovers, cardigan, sweaters, hats, socks, mittens, skirt, top, shawls, trims, bags, totes and afghan

This book will keep a novice to expert crocheter or knitter busy for months, completing and trying out the many stitch patterns and projects it offers.  I paid $1 for the copy I found at a local thrift store and it is worth its weight in gold.  I hope you will be able to get a copy soon, so that you will be able to benefit from this book as much as I have!

Knitting for Dummies by Pam Allen

Knitting for Dummies is also an excellent, comprehensive knitting reference I purchased a couple of years ago from a local thrift store.  It can be used by beginners to expert knitters. This book was published in 2002, and is still very relevant.  I paid 75 cents for my copy.

This book has extensive reference information on practically anything that anyone would ever want to know about knit stitches, techniques, finishing, etc.  It also has a lengthy list of other knitting books the author recommends.  The book also features quite a few knitting patterns for pillows, hats, afghans, etc.  You should be able to find this book at garage sales or thrift stores for approximately $1.  If this isn't possible it may be available from Amazon, Ebay or other used book dealers.  Used copies should be available from these sources for around $5.  I recommend this book and hope you will be able to find a copy to add to your collection.

If you prefer a new book, an updated version of this book was written by Marly Bird and released in 2013.  This new book retails for approx $20.  I cannot comment on this book as I haven't reviewed it, but based on my knowledge of Marly Bird, I would assume it is very complete and well written, too!

The Complete Stitch Directory - 1988

I purchased this book from the Doubleday Book Club in 1990; and have used it considerably over the years. I paid less than $1 for this book as it was bought as a membership offer to join this book club.  If I remember correctly; the membership offered prospective members 5 books for $1.99, plus shipping.  To get these books at this price the member had to agree to purchase 5 more books from the club.

This book contains extensive stitch patterns for both crochet and knit, techniques, tools etc.  It has a great instruction section on Tunisian crochet that rivals many other books I have seen just on that subject alone.  If you can find this at your local thrift store, get it!  If you can't find it there I have seen it offered on Amazon and Ebay for under $10 and it is well worth the price!

Completed Object and Works In Process

Lattice Stitch Hat - Free pattern by YaYa Loves to Knit on Ravelry









My Shawl Design - Work in Process - will be a free download from this blog when the design is        complete. Please go to the podcast to see my progress.

End of Episode 4 Show Notes.  Please watch my podcast -- Crochet, Knit and More with Suzee on YouTube, please comment, Like and Subscribe.

Thanks for visiting my blog.

Crochet, Knit and More With Suzee Podcast, Episode 3 - Show Notes

This episode features a recent mini-haul filmed live at my local Hobby Lobby, JoAnn Fabrics and Meijer Store in Southwest Michigan.

Hobby Lobby Haul Items:

 Seaside Baby Knit Book, by Debbie Shore--was $9.95; I paid $1.00 for it on clearance:

Book contains a variety of nautical-themed baby hats and sweaters.

Cool Chunky Knits, 26 Fast and Fashionable Cowls, Shawls, Shrugs & More for Bulky & Super Bulky Yarns, by Tabetha Hedrick, Regular Price; $19.99 - Clearance Price - $1.99 -- SCORE!!!

This book has a variety of really nice accessories. I especially like the Apple River Shrug and the Cahaba Cap featured on the cover.  This is a great  publication at a extremely reduced price. If hope you may be able to find one at your Hobby Lobby for this price!

The last book I found on clearance was Simple Pillow Making by Billie Steward.  This was published by Leisure Arts and contains 10 different pillows you can sew.  The regular price was $9.99 and I bought it on clearance for 99 cents.  

All the patterns and instructions to make these pillows are included in this book.  I especially like the ruffled pillow and round box-edge pillow.  I present pictures of these pillows during the podcast.

While at Hobby Lobby I also bought the following on clearance:  buttons, iron on letters/numbers, stretch thread, and webbing remnant. These are presented in the podcast.  In addition, I picked up some faux fur to make pom-poms.  I will be demonstrating how to make fur pom-poms in a future podcast episode.

At JoAnn Fabrics-- I found the following on clearance:

Two skeins of Big Twist Premium Yarn, 3.5 oz-Worsted Weight Yarn in the Tumeric Colorway.  100% acrylic.

Nice bright yellow color. I paid $1.47 for each skein.  These were regularly priced $3.19 each.  I also found a set of 6, Susan Bates plastic crochet hooks in US sizes:  F5, G6, H8, I9, J10, K10.5, these are mm: 3.75, 4, 5, 6, 6.5. Clearance Price -- 87 cents! You can always use extra crochet hooks and the price was Excellent! See the podcast for information.

Meijer Store Yarn Haul

My local Meijer Store had some discontinued colorways of the Bernat Stripes Yarn on clearance for $1.49 each, regularly priced at $2.99.  These are 5.0 oz 142 gram skeins in the following colorways:

Two skeins in Whirlpool colorway and Three skeins in Beachwood stripes colorway.

This was the end of the mini-haul that took place in mid to late September 2018.

Work in Progress (New Shawl Design)

This podcast episode also featured the new shawl design work in progress (WIP).  This is being worked on US Size 6 circular knitting needles with DK-weight yarn and will consist of alternating colors, lace and garter stitch sections. 

Once this new shawl design is completed, the pattern will be released via this blog.  Keep watching both my blog and podcast for this pattern release.  Pictured below is this shawl WIP:

Thanks for visiting my blog.  For future information, please go to Episode Three of my Youtube podcast -- Crochet, Knit and More With Suzee.

I can also be found online at:

  Instagram - SuzeeMakes1

  Ravelry - SusieQ57

  Ravelry Podcast Group - Crochet, Knit and More With Suzee Podcast 

Crochet, Knit and More With Suzee Podcast - Episode 2 - Show Notes

Crochet, Knit and More With Suzee Podcast - Episode 2 - Show Notes

Hobby Lobby, Michaels and Walmart Hauls

Topics -- Haul Acquisitions:

• Leisure Arts Crochet and Knit Books (Large/Small Books) - by Lisa Gentry, Melissa Leapman, Rena V. Stevens, Rita Weiss and various other designers

• Rainbow Knits Book by Nicki Trench - Really Cool Book! I just love the color work in this book, so bright and happy.  
• I plan to make several of the patterns contained in this book, namely: 
• the cowl on the cover, the ombre diagonal shawl, the garter stitch baby blanket, the squares baby blanket, the arm warmer and the striped mittens.
• Yea, I can't wait to get started!  I will post pictures of the finished projects here and on my Ravelry project page.
• Impulse buys -- (Stretch Thread & Slash/Rotary Cutter)
• Yarn:
• Hobby Lobby - Yarn Bee - Bamboo & Silk Yarn - Purple Colorway -- Love, love this yarn is so soft and very smooth.  

• Michaels - Loops & Threads - Capri, Cotton/Nylon/Poly Yarn - Misc Pastel Colorway - 
• Very, very soft cotton blend yarn -- 57% cotton, rest is nylon/polyester.  Will be probably be making spa cloths, hats and matching cowls from this yarn.  I got 21 skeins of this yarn on clearance during this haul.

• Walmart - Leisure Arts - 3-Way Dishcloth Book - Stitch patterns are very versatile as they can be modified to make other things from the original design or in designing a completely different item

• Boye Circular Needles
• Crochet Hook/Tool Storage Suggestion
• I use the Sterilite plastic pencil boxes to store my crochet hooks and various other small tools.  I love the fact that these have attached lids so they can never be misplaced.  These are perfect to store your tools near your crafting area or can be thrown in a project bag for portable crafting.  The price is right too, currently (during back to school season) these can be found in the School Supplies section and sell for 50 cents.  They will probably go on clearance soon for even less.
• Each pencil box will hold approximately 10 crochet hooks with small handles and quite a few small tools, such as small sizzors, tape measure, tapestry needles, stitch markers, etc.  Pictured below is a Sterilite pencil box.  If you buy more than one you will see they are made to stack on top of each other. The raised squares on the top of one box will fit into a corresponding groove on the bottom of another box, so they will stack together easily and not slide apart.

Well this wraps up the show notes for episode 2, of Crochet, Knit and More With Suzee Podcast.  Please check out this podcast Crochet, Knit And More With Suzee -- on Youtube and subscribe

If you like this blog page, please also check me out at:

SuzeeMakes1 - Instagram

SusieQ57 -- Ravelry

Thanks for stopping by, I hope to see you back real soon!

Crochet Corner-to-Corner Stitch

Crochet Corner-to-Corner Stitch

I just love the Crochet Corner-to-Corner stitch and it has become my go to stitch for easy mindless projects. This stitch has been around for at least 40 years and has enjoyed numerous incarnations by crochet enthusiasts.

Corner to Corner Stitch

It is also a VERY versatile stitch, that can be used to create:

• Square, rectangular, or triangular shaped items in any size
• Square:  dishcloth, mat, bag/tote/purse, square panel to create larger item, pillow, etc.
• Rectangular:  afghan, cowl, scarf, rectangular panel to create larger item, etc.
• Triangular:  bandana (head/neck), rectangular panel to create larger item (either square or triangular), shawlette or shawl, etc. 
• Color work (stripes and color blocks)
• Designs by alternating colors and/or combining blocks or panels in various colors
• Pictures by using charts and multiple colors

How to do the Corner-to-Corner Stitch

There are many websites and Youtube tutorials showing how to work the corner-to-corner stitch.

Here are links to a few of my favorites:

Corner to Corner Stitch - Craftsy

Corner to Corner Stitch - Make and Do Crew -- Also shows Picture Work

Corner to Corner Scalloped Shawl - Youtube Candice Charlson

Woman's Day Super Special
Issue - Granny Squares
& Crocheted Fashion
Magazine - September 1987

Pictured below is the first corner-to-corner project I completed in 2013 - I can't take credit for the design, as it was featured in The Woman's Day Super Special Granny Square & Crocheted Fashions Magazine from September 1987. It's called the Santa Fe Afghan.

My modification to the Santa Fe Afghan

The Santa Fe is a corner to corner afghan made in four separate rectangular panels then sewn together.  The diamond shape in the center is created by intersection of the color work and stripes from these four panels.

The original design was adapted by Elena Malo, as featured in this vintage Granny Squares magazine and is pictured below.

Original Design from 1987 Granny Squares Magazine

My variation was just to the border as I had difficulty working the diamond shapes into the border. My border omits the diamond shapes and just uses the striping.

Dishcloth - Corner-to-Corner

Corner to Corner Dishcloth - Free Pattern

This is a really simple design. It can be a beginning crocheter's first project.  I got the free pattern for this dishcloth from Yarnspirations, please click the link below to access this pattern:

Free Corner to Corner Yarnspirations Dishcloth Pattern

Corner-to-Corner Stitch Designing

Once you know how to do the corner-to-corner stitch you will be able to design your own projects.  This eliminates the need to find patterns as you can create your own designs.  You will be able to choose the item size, yarn, hook, and coloring.  Featured below are several corner-to-corner projects I've designed and completed recently:

Corner to Corner Afghans

The two afghans below are my own designs.  Basically they are rectangular shaped afghans with a simple edge border worked after completion.  I used a US Size-J (6 mm) hook to make these afghans.  I prefer using a DK or sport weight yarn (#3), as I find worsted-weight (#4) to be a bit heavy, but you may not.  Just make these afghans as wide as you want and then work them to the desired length.  If  you do not know how to do this, use the "how to work the corner-to-corner stitch" links above.

The rainbow color afghan has a Frill Border. I used the Blossom Crochet's YouTube Frill Border tutorial to work the edge border.  The following is a link to this tutorial:  Blossom Crochet Youtube Frill Border.

I used Lion Brand Mandala yarn to make the rainbow color afghan above.  This was done in the Gnome colorway and took approximately 3 skeins to complete.  This afghan is approx 30" x 60" before adding the border.  With the border it's 34" x 64."

Pictured below is the Lion Brand Mandala yarn:

The Mandala yarn contains 6 different but complementary colors in each skein, and NO ends to work in, other than the beginning and end.  I just LOVE the Lion Brand Mandala yarn.  It is a dream to work with and it makes an extremely soft afghan.  If you want a beautiful project, try the Mandala yarn, and you will love it, too!

My Corner to Corner Shawl

Last, but not least, My Corner to Corner Shawl design.

Finished Corner to Corner Shawl

Shawl in Progress

This was made with two skeins of Lion Brand Scarfie,  working the corner-to-corner stitch to the desired size.  This is a bulky-weight yarn, worked with a size L (8 mm) crochet hook.  I added a scalloped border around the finished edge.  Check out YouTube for corner-to-corner shawl border tutorials and choose the one you prefer.

Love the way this turned out.  I will be making another soon!

If you liked this blog page, please check me out at:

SuzeeMakes1 -- Instragram
Crochet, Knit and More With Suzee -- Youtube Podcast
SusieQ57 -- Ravelry

Crochet, Knit and More With Suzee Podcast - Episode 1 Show Notes:

-Hello and welcome to the first episode of my podcast --

Where you can find me:

• Ravelry - SusieQ57
• Instagram - SuzeeMakes1
• YouTube - Crochet, Knit and More With Suzee

Knit patterns featured in podcast:

Found Asymetric Shawl by Siew Clark -- free pattern available from Ravelry
Game Day Scarf by Lori Kaake -- free pattern available from Ravelry
Mina's Two at a Time Socks by Mina Philipp -- free pattern available from Ravelry

Yarn and knitting needles featured in podcast:

  Yarn
  Bernat - Baby Sport Ombre, colorway:  Blossom (pink, white and beige verigated)
  Bernat - Baby Sport, colorway:  Taupe
  Patons Kroy Sock yarn, colorways:  Brown, Rose Marl and Singin' The Blues Stripes
  Premier Wool-Free Sock yarn, colorways:  Grapes and Utah

  Knitting Needles
  Chiao Goo 47" 120 cm, Fixed Circular Lace Needles; U.S. Size 1.5; 2.5 mm

Books featured in podcast:
Crocheted Bears and Other Animals 25 Toys to Crochet, by Emma Brown

Other Podcasts featured in podcast:
The Knitting Expat Podcast -- Mina Philipp

Please leave your comments on YouTube and hit the Like and subscribe buttons there, too!  Thanks for watching!

Welcome to the companion blog to my podcast, "Crochet, Knit and More With Suzee".  This blog will provide a location for each episode's show notes and other information.

From time to time I also will be releasing free crochet and knit patterns I've designed that were featured on my Podcast or Ravelry Design Page.

To celebrate the first episode, I have designed a crochet pattern, "Have A Cuppa," which is coffee cup -inspired bathroom tissue cozy.

I hope you enjoy this fun, decorative bathroom tissue cozy as much as I did when I was designing it.

Please feel free to use this pattern for personal use or for sale. All I ask is if you post this pattern or related information on another website or elsewhere,  please credit me as the source of this pattern.

The link to download a pdf file for this pattern is listed below:

Have A Cuppa Coffee Bathroom Tissue Cozy - Crochet Pattern

Other Locations where I can be found:

• Ravelry under SusieQ57
• Instagram under SusieMakes1