Stiffening your Crochet Doilies
Now that crochet is popular again, some of the traditional projects are also popular again. While there is no practical use for doilies, they are great to make and very nice to display with pride. Of course, there was a time when doilies were useful. Back when everything had to be washed by hand, doilies could be placed over the spots that were expected to become soiled frequently.
The little doilies were very washable and many of them could be kept on hand to make a clean, attractive area until laundry day. Now that frequently-soiled areas are pretty much made of plastic, which means they can be wiped clean, doilies are simply a pleasant reminder of the bad old days. Still, those lacy little bits are challenging to make and should be displayed with pride. And the best way to do that is to stiffen your crochet doilies.
Traditional Stiffeners
There are many choices of modern stiffeners available. The reason that there is a choice is because there are different needs to meet – believe it or not. Most crochet doilies look best if the stiffener allows the stitches to show clearly. Different types of stiffener offer different finishes and, for example, you can choose shiny or matte.
If you want to stay with the traditional techniques, there are many kinds of stiffeners to choose from for your crochet doilies. An early recommendation from an old magazine suggests using gelatin dissolved in hot water. It’s a little complicated. More modern solutions include hairspray or spray starch. Either can be washed out easily and reshaped if you like. Always use rust proof pins to hold the shape until the crochet doilies are dry. Be sure to keep them clean while they stiffen. Anything that can stiffen crochet doilies is sticky.
A bit more traditional is liquid or powdered starch. These have the advantage of being adjustable from soft to stiff. You can dissolve either cornstarch or Epsom salts in boiling water to soak your crochet doilies before shaping. Remember that if you soak your crochet doilies in any stiffening liquid, the excess liquid has to be removed without twisting the doilies.
You don’t want to stretch or severely wrinkly them just before they assume a semi-permanent shape. A half-and-half mix of white glue and water is a popular choice. Surprisingly, the stiffener most sworn by is a solution of sugar and water. The look of the crochet shows through, it’s easy to remove, and insects aren’t interested. However you stiffen your crochet doilies, display them with pride. You earned it!
March 2, 2007
A Crochet Blanket: Make your own!
Crochet has truly taken over the fashion world with assault; you can find it today in anything and everything that has elegance and class attached to its tag. The trade of grandmothers has become the desire of any major fashion house. You too can have it in your home today by continuing your grandmother’s trade.
Do it Yourself
Crocheting is a lot of fun but it is not easy, at least not in the beginning when things go very slow and you may feel like you are never going to finish any project no matter how small. But don’t worry - that just isn’t the case. Crocheting can be learned only with practice and a lot of dedication. If you remember your grandmother, or whoever was crocheting in your house, used to spend hours on end in order to create anything at all.
If you are a beginner you can start with a small item until you learn the trade and then move on to a larger project. But, if you are a professional or a crochet passionate you can start making your own crochet blanket as well. The most popular crochet blanket today is the one done with mixed color and crochet yarns in order to add personality and warmth.
The Crochet Blanket Project
First and foremost you must decide on the size of the crochet blanket and then on the different colors and materials you are going to use for it. Last but not least you will need to draw a plan so you will know when to change yarns.
Making a crochet blanket is challenging but at the same time satisfying and rewarding. Whether you do the blanket for yourself or as a gift you are sure to get a lot of praise and pleasure out of it.
This project may take a few weeks, if not even months, for you to finish, depending how much time you dedicate to it or how many people are working on it - you can always have a family member join in and help, thus also making the crochet blanket project a bonding device from which all of you will learn and have something to show for it.
Helpful Tip
Don’t rush when on a big project such as making a crochet blanket. If you make a mistake you may need to undo your work and start all over again, which is time consuming and very disappointing as well, no matter who is working at the project.
Remember you can add different patterns and make the crochet blanket as unique as you and your family are; you may have even started a tradition, which can be continued by mothers and daughters for generations to come.
March 1, 2007
Return of the Crochet Bikini
Well, for good or ill the crochet bikini is back. Anyone who remembers its last incarnation in the 1970s is, unfortunately, unable to wear one today. However, many lessons have been learned along the way and can now be put into practice.
Itsy-Bitsy, Teeny-Weenie
The stitches called for in a crochet bikini are tight rather than lacy. The stitches that made a good crochet bikini in the 1970s are still the stitches that make a good one today. The advance of technology, however, can be seen in other ways. Most obvious is the new kinds of yarn available today. There are many kinds of novelty yarn that can make a darn good crochet bikini.
When looking for an adventurous bikini yarn, remember that it shouldn’t be stretchy, should be waterproof and shouldn’t have holes or nubs. It should also be uniform enough to avoid unintentional gaps. Waterproof yarns are usually synthetic. The other advance in technology is the new world of free patterns available on the Internet. While simple stitches are just fine for a crochet bikini, you might like to enlarge your bikini wardrobe by adding a crochet bikini with fancy stitching techniques.
For security, comfort and some protection from the sun, you can add some fabric to line the crochet bikini. A lightweight cotton or synthetic knit jersey is good for the job. Cut the material to the shape of the bikini but about 3/8 inch smaller all around and sew it to the inside of the suit. If nothing else, it will help the crochet bikini keep its shape. When making a crochet bikini, use a bikini that fits well, or good-fitting underwear, to dictate the shape. If it goes wrong, tear out the stitches and try again.
If you like, you can add a bit of elastic to the top of the panty. Just crochet the last row of the panty around a length of elastic. Try it on to get the right length, cut and sew the ends together. Don’t be afraid to embellish your crochet bikini, especially if it’s not meant to go into the water.
Beading can be worked into the stitches as you go, or added later. Ribbon can be used for straps instead of lengths of chain stitch or you can chain stitch thin ribbon. Crocheted flowers or other motifs can be added separately or in bunches wherever you like. If you do intend to go into a pool, check your materials to see if they can stand up to chlorine. The crochet bikini is meant for fun - both while making it and while wearing it.
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