The Mighty Murlock Hat

BLING-O-RAMA!

Here is a crochet "Murlock" hat made by my daughter, Briana.  You probably know her as "RagingDaffodil".  This is her third crochet project and mamma couldn't be more proud.  She made this hat as a Christmas gift for her boyfriend who plays World of Warcraft and other games with us.  He absolutely LOVES it.  He even wore it into work to show it off (which still makes me smile).

BLING-O-RAMA is where we show off cool handworks we find.  Textile art on the web, made by us and most importantly AWESOME projects made by YOU!!

Everyone wants to see what you are working on and stuff you have already finished! Come on, you know it's true. Don't you get inspired when you see the kinds of things others are doing?

So inspire and be inspired by all the Eye Candy!  Send us your photos of your FANTABULOUS projects and let us make you famous!

How To Crochet The Slip Stitch

The Slip Stitch...
Lesson #6 In Our Crochet For Beginners Series!

The slip stitch is a closing stitch or a traveling stitch. That I mean by that is that you use a slip stitch to connect two pieces of crochet together, like when you need to join a chain to form a circle.




Or you use a slip stitch when you want to travel along from one point on your row to another without adding any bulk to your work. So if you want to move down a row a few stitches then begin crocheting again without cutting your yarn you'd use a slip stitch.

How To Crochet The Double Crochet Stitch

The Double Crochet Stitch...
Lesson #5 In Our Crochet For Beginners Series!

Learning how to crochet the double crochet stitch is next on our "must learn" list for beginning crocheters.  Terminology becomes a little bit tricky starting with this stitch because in the US it's called the double crochet and across the pond it's the triple or treble stitch.




Luckily it's worked the same way no matter what you call it and pattern designers will let you know what they mean in their pattern notes.  So there shouldn't be any confusion.

When I was learning how to crochet, back when dinosaurs roamed the earth, it was my favorite stitch because it built fabric FAST and yet was dense enough that you actually felt you had fabric and not lace.  So my much suffering, yet proud, family had a plethora of double crochet scarves stuffed into their closets LOL.

How To Crochet The Half Double Crochet Stitch

The Half Double Crochet Stitch...
Lesson #4 In Our Crochet For Beginners Series!

My all time favorite, the half double crochet stitch is easy to learn.  The fabric builds fast and it's easy on your wrists because there is such a fluid motion to working this stitch.


Watch this video to learn how to make this simple, versatile stitch.

Don't forget you can pause and rewind the video as you work along with me as many times as you need.  No judgement here.  Then use the photo tutorial below as a reminder or refresher.

How To Crochet The Single Crochet

The Single Crochet Stitch...
Lesson #3 In Our Crochet For Beginners Series!

The single crochet stitch is the first fabric making stitch new crocheters learn.   When it comes right down to it, it's probably also the most used of all the crochet stitches.




This is because it creates a very solid and rather dense material when worked by itself.  And because it stabilizes other stitches when worked in rows between them.

Our step-by-step video and photo tutorials will have you mastering this basic crochet stitch in no time flat!  So grab yourself a crochet hook and some yarn.  Then hunker down in a quiet place where the cat won't be batting at your yarn and practice along with us.

How To Crochet The Chain Stitch

How To Crochet The Chain Stitch...
Lesson #2 In Our Crochet For Beginners Series!

Learning how to crochet the chain stitch is critical because almost every crochet project begins with it.  It can even be a "stand alone" product.




Because when completed this cord like "fabric" is very useful even for the non-crocheter.

Knitters often use lengths of chain stitches as drawstrings for hoods, waste bands and purses.  Whenever I need to secure something and yarn just won't do on it's own but rope is too much, I turn to a length of chain stitches.

You'll be a whiz at the chain stitch in no time flat with our video and photo tutorials.  Be sure to let us know in the comments below what amazing uses you find for this versatile crochet stitch.

How To Crochet The Chain Stitch A Step-By-Step Photo Tutorial

How To Crochet The Slip Knot

How To Crochet A Slip Knot...
Lesson #1 In Our Crochet For Beginners Series!

Learning how to make a slip knot is the very first skill you must master when you learn how to crochet.  Add this skill to your repertoire with ease using the step-by-step instruction you'll find in this video and the photo tutorial that follows.




How To Make A Slip Knot Without A Crochet Hook...

How To Make Korker Hair Bows

So you want to know how to make korker hair bows.  You're not alone and are in good company.

These fun and funky bows are popular with everyone from little girls to cheerleaders.

I like to think of them as "messy on purpose".  Korker hair bows are just plain fun.

Their chaotic appearance lends them a charm that is indisputable.  And don't think they are only for casual wear.  Far from it.

A korker made out of fancy gold and silver ribbons stands up to the most discerning of occasions.

But if you want to wear them on the soccer field that's ok too.  We won't tell ;)

Ok… Now Let's Learn How To Make Korker Hair Bows.

Before we go any further here's a list of what you need.  We'll explain in detail  how to use them all in a moment.