Tuesday, November 26, 2019

Olaf graph

My mother took my son and me to see Frozen 2 this weekend at our local theater and once again (we saw the first one together, too) we were all enamored with Olaf the Snowman.  He's just so cute I can't stand it!  I love his childlike philosophy on life, love, and happiness. His upbeat, optimistic attitude is fun and endearing.  Plus, his being a snowman brought to life with magic just makes him incredibly cool.

I created this graph to make a 5 x 6 ft throw when using a J hook and and 1 sc per graph square.  If you'd like a pdf of the graph please email me at kendrascrochet@gmail.com with "Olaf" in the subject line.  Any questions should be in the body of the email.  If you'd like me to make one for you I can do that too.  Email me for pricing and payment information.  If you make one yourself, I'd love to see a picture!  If you post it anywhere please credit me with the design and tag #KendrasCrochetedCreations.  If you like it, let me know in the comments below and share with the buttons.

*The snowflakes are not necessary, but all that empty blue bothered me.  you can leave them out completely, crochet them in as you go, or x-stitch them on afterward!
Finished Olaf! About 4 x 6 ft.

Saturday, November 23, 2019

Princess Bride themed graph

My favorite movie of all time is The Princess Bride.  I remember watching it with my mom when I was a kid.  At first I thought "oh boy, another stupid romance."  I mean, what kid wants that?  But I watched.  And I became intrigued.  And by the end of the movie I was fake sword fighting all over the living room furniture, rhyming my replies to every conversation, and quoting Mandy Patinkin's famous line "Hello, my name is Inigo Montoya.  You killed my father. Prepare to die," in a bad Spanish accent to anyone that would listen.

I've watched it several times since then.  I shared my love for the movie with my son (who didn't want to watch a stupid romance movie, either), I've read the book, and I've read Cary Elwes' book about working on the movie.  For our anniversary this year, my husband bought me a digital copy on Vudu.  I've watched it twice more.  Maybe three times.  Maybe more.  Anyway, I just finished it again and thought I'd memorialize this wonderful romance/comedy/drama/adventure with a throw.  First step is to design the graph which I've done and now share with you. 

I created the graph to be a 5 x 6 throw when using a J hook and 1 sc per graph square.  To cut down on color changes I'd start on the long side and work my way across.  If you'd like a copy yourself, please email me at kendrascrochet@gmail.com and I'll send you the pdf. Use any colors you like.  If you make one, I'd love to see a picture!  Email it to me and you can possibly be shown here or on my Facebook page.  If you post it to social media yourself, please tag #KendrasCrochetedCreations and credit me with the design.  If you have any thoughts you'd like to share please comment below.  you're welcome to share this post using the links below.

Sunday, November 10, 2019

Marilyn Monroe graph

My adult niece and I were chatting one day and I mentioned my respect for Marilyn Monroe as an actress.  Overcoming a rough childhood, changing from factory girl to pinup/actress/singer, bombshell...Wow!  You go, Norma Jeane!
"I LOVE Marilyn Monroe!" she exclaimed.
Since Christmas was coming up, what else could I do?  I made up this graph and crocheted her a blanket.  I used a flesh colored yarn for the skin tone.  Unfortunately, I can't find any of the photos I took of the finished product.  If I find any later I'll add them to this post!

I used 2 dc per graph square with an H hook to get a large throw (about 4 x 6).  If you'd like to make one of your own please email kendrascrochet@gmail.com with "Marilynblue" in the subject line.  Any questions should be put n the body of the email.  If you'd like to see your finished photo featured here or on my Facebook page,  please email it to me when you're done.  You're also welcome to post it to my Facebook page yourself. If you post to other social media, please tag #KendrasCrochetedCreations and credit me for the design.

Let me know if you like it in the comments section below!

Friday, November 8, 2019

Batman graph

The Batman franchise has been around for decades, starting in the DC comics and ending up on the big screen, with series, animation, and video games liberally sprinkled throughout.  The logo has drastically changed throughout the years starting out as a man in a cape and morphing into a bat...getting slimmer/clunkier back and forth as time goes on.  This version is my personal favorite.

To crochet this full size afghan, I would use black for he background even though the graph shows white (it's just so hard on the eyes to stare at a black graph!), using 2 dc per graph square with an H hook.  If you want to make a twin size, cut off the top and bottom 15 rows. For a throw, add 15 to top and bottom, add 40 rows to right and left sides, and sc with a J hook.

If  you'd like me to make one for you, I can do that too.  Please email me at kendrascrochet@gmail.com for payment details.

To get this graph yourself, email me with "Batman" in the subject line.  Any questions should be in the body of your email.

If you make one, I'd love to see a finished photo!  Email it to me, or tag #KendrasCrochetedCreations on social media.

Tuesday, November 5, 2019

Are you secretly a designer and don't even know it?

Designing an original crocheted piece is sometimes a great deal of hard work.  If you don't know where to start or think you have no idea how to even try, think about these things: have you ever modified a piece to get it closer to what you wanted?  Even something as simple as changing the color of the yarn is a step in the right direction (and I'm 99.999% sure we've all done that!). The first step to designing (in my opinion) is modifying existing patterns to suit your needs or tastes.  This post will be about adjusting patterns.

1. Besides simply changing the color of the yarn to get what you want, you can change the size of the finished product. The easiest way to do this is to use a different hook size. Follow the pattern as it is written  but use a smaller or larger hook.

2. Just as easily as changing the hook size is changing the yarn type.  Most of the products I make use worsted weight yarn.  I like how it feels on my hook and I'm used to it.  If I use a thinner yarn or a thicker yarn, that automatically changes the finished size.

3. Another way to change the size of a finished product is to change the number of repeats.  Most patterns are repetitive and often the designer tells you the pattern is "multiples of *number of stitches* plus *number of stitches*" for example: multiple of 7 plus 2. So if your pattern calls for  65 stitches across you can change it to a smaller size by multiplying 7 x say, 5 = 35 plus 2 for 37.  This would make the finished product about half the length.  Of course, you don't need to change it that drastically!

4. Stitch length is another variable in patterns that can be easily changed.  Try using a taller stitch sometimes, a double crochet instead of a single crochet perhaps. Or do the opposite. Be a bit more discerning with this change though, because it can change the entire look of a finished product.  You'll need to make sure this is a change that you can appreciate. Then again, making changes is a huge part of the designing process!  If you don't like it, rip it out and try again. 

5. Replacing an element with a different method.  If you're making a wearable piece that calls for an element in a method you don't care for (a sweater with seamed sleeves instead of seamless or a slipper sock with a gusseted heel instead of a heel flap) you can work the pattern as it is and replace one method for another when it gets to that part of the pattern.

Once you are comfortable making these changes, you can start modifying existing patterns more and more with a combination of these suggestions. If you make enough changes, you've actually created a new, unique piece and can call yourself a designer after all!  Do this enough times and you can start from scratch.