Friday, June 27, 2014

A Sweater in Summertime (Shocking, I Know!)

     I have finally completed my first sweater project (yes, I know it's summertime)! It was originally a Weasley sweater, but I adapted the pattern to go with the yarn I had. I am definitely pleased with the way that it turned out!
     I made it toddler sized for Gabriel but he didn't want to pose for a picture. So here is what it looks like laid flat!


     If you would like to make a sweater similar to this, go to: Weasley SweaterRavelry: Child's Top-Down Henley, and Ravelry: Brick pattern by Clare Lee

Wednesday, June 25, 2014

How to Crochet Backwards

     Crocheting left-handed is really simple! Normally, crocheting is from right to left; when you crochet left-handed, you work from the left to the right. Once you know this, you can make any stitch (or pattern) you would like by simply reversing instructions!

     To create a foundation chain (this is the base of all things crocheted), make a slip knot around your hook and hold your hook in your left hand.


     Wrap your yarn around your hook from the back to the front.


     Pull your yarn through the slip knot. You have now chained one stitch! Keep doing this until you have the amount of stitches desired (I did ten)!



How to Single Crochet Left-Handed

     Chain one stitch to use as a turning chain (you will do this at the beginning of each row). Now, insert your crochet hook into the back loop of the second chain from your hook


     Wrap your yarn from the back to the front of your hook.


     Pull the yarn through one loop.


     Wrap the yarn again, and this time pull the yarn through both of the loops on your hook.


     You have now made one single crochet (abbreviated sc) stitch!


     Continue doing this across the row. When you reach the end of the row, chain one and turn the work. Keep making single crochet stitches with one minor difference; insert your hook underneath both loops of the chain.


     After a few rows, your work should look like this.


Sunday, June 15, 2014

How to Purl Backwards

     Purling backwards (also known as purling left-handed) is easy to learn and probably good to know. However, purling and knitting left-handed does complicate patterns; you'll have to follow instructions for rows backwards.
     To begin, cast on the amount of stitches desired. I did ten. Move the needle to your right hand.


     Pick up your other needle in your left hand. Now insert it behind the front loop and in front of your right-hand needle.


     Move your yarn to the front of your work.


     Wrap the yarn around your left-hand needle from the front to the back.


     Pull the wrapped yarn through the old stitch.


     Finally, pull the old stitch off of the right-hand needle.


     After several rows, your work will look like this.


     This pattern is called the Garter Stitch.