Just because you can, doesn't mean you should

Note: The post below was supposed to be published yesterday. Sorry! So where it says Monday, please pretend it says Tuesday.  :)

I know you have all seen them, those crochet or knitted items and thought "what were they thinking!?" You try not to stare or laugh, instead you politely excuse yourself from making them increasingly uncomfortable from their lack of fashion sense. 

Since it's Monday, I would like to start the work week with a little humor I call "Just because you can, doesn't mean you should!" Laugh as loud as you can, stare as long as your eyes will allow you to, and please make sure you are not sipping your coffee as you scroll down. I will not be responsible if any coffee spills out of your nostrils, as you try to contain yourself.  

I feel more sorry for the dog than the woman. (I can hear my cousin Esther calling me now asking me to make her one.)

Hmm, not sure if this started out as pot holders and the designer just got a tad carried away. But really, who wants huge circles in front the chest.

Yikes. . . .

Simple Chain

For the past several days, I've been working on my blog and it  hasn't been going as well as I thought.  I didn't expect it to be as difficult or tedious. I think, or at least I hope, I have finally worked out my groove. :) Or, maybe I just accepted the fact that my work environment consists of a smelly dog named Sparkles, a nephew that enjoys the sound of his voice and screams random sounds (if you could only hear him now), and that no matter how long I work, my todo list seems to never end. Other than that, I have my groove.

Today this lesson is for all those who have never picked up a crochet hook. So grab your yarn and hook and get ready to learn how to make a simple chain (ch).

First make a slip knot (SK)and yarn over (YO).

TIP: The hand that is holding the yarn, make sure your thumb and middle finger are holding onto the tip of the chain. It will help you to smoothly pull the YO yarn through the chain.   

 
Next, pull your yarn through the chain

You made your first chain! 

For some, this may be super easy. For others, you may find that your chains do not look very consistent. Don't worry! When I first started my chains did not look as consistent either.  With lot's of practice, your chains will look just like mine.  
Next lesson will be a double crochet (DC). Happy practicing!

Technical difficulty

Sorry, I'm having a bit of technical difficulty and there will not be a new post today.  :(

slip knot

One of the first items I created was a scarf.  It was U-G-L-Y!  Not because the colors I picked were necessarily hideous (well my sisters may disagree with the statement, but that will be another story), I just didn't know how to properly make stitches.  

Below are step by step pictures of slip knots and double crochet stitches.   

First, wrap the yarn around your index finger two times.

Now get the back yarn and put it over the first yarn.
The back yarn is now in front.

Now pull the back yarn again over the first yarn and over your index finger.  Pull up. You made a slip not! :)   

a new beginning

cute as a button blog is officially open to world!!  Whoot Whoot!  I'm so excited to be able to share with all of you my love for crafts especially with crochet.  My first blog post is actually on the "about me" section.  I hope you enjoy just a tiny bit about my story and stick around with your yarn and hook in hand.  :)

Thank you and please, don't forget to subscribe to my blog!