Showing posts with label crochet. Show all posts
Showing posts with label crochet. Show all posts

Thursday, April 10, 2014

Health Benefits of Crochet

this article was written by   and posted on her website http://yarnobsession.com/author/sedruola/.   Thought it worthy of sharing.



Health Benefits of Crochet

I think by now we’ve all heard of the health benefits of crochet. We know that they are there and vaguely think of what they are. But, I want to take some time to let you know exactly what the health benefits of crochet are. Why? Because when we know things more specifically, we tend to value and be more focused on it (notice I said ‘tend to’, not always true, but I’m hoping). Besides, it helps me to know too for those times when I’m tempted to put my hook down and let life get in the way of my craft time.

Relieves Stress

One of the big things is that crochet helps to relieve stress. The repetitive motion of crochet helps reduce the effects that stress can bring on and therefore help you to relax and manage your stress better.

Lower Memory Loss

We all know that as we get older and accumulate more information in our brains there tends to be some memory loss. However, studies have show that those engaged in knitting, crochet and sewing tend to have almost 50% less decrease in memory loss than their counterparts. Yay for all those stitch counts and calculations!

Helps Relieve Depression

I did an article last year on how crochet makes us better and the whole idea was how as crocheters we have found that crochet has helped us overcome some of the most difficult times in our lives simply by doing it. It is now scientifically proven that crochet helps alleviate depression because it helps lower anxiety and blood pressure giving us an escape from that with ails.

Helps Relieve Pain

This was new for me, but it turns out that crochet may also help alleviate pain. Just as it helps lower stress and relieve depression, the rhythmic and repetitive motion of crochet may help relieve pain in various areas of the body. Isn’t that wonderful?!
Basically, the benefits of crochet are many and truly just being discovered. Knowing and practicing crochet can benefit you in ways you didn’t even know when you picked up that hook to try. Sending something crochet to a loved one that hasn’t heard from  you in some time may help open up lines of communication. Picking up the hook and doing a few rows can help diffuse a situation when you really need to think things through.
For those who need references:
http://www.craftyarncouncil.com/health
http://www.crochetspot.com/studies-show-knitting-and-crocheting-is-good-for-your-health/

Monday, November 11, 2013

Crochet Newborn Baby Infant Beanie Hats




Examples of what can be created with a simple beanie pattern, like http://holyneedles.blogspot.com/2010/09/holy-needles-beanie-crochet-pattern.html
using the general idea, allowing your creativity to flow. Use a variety of crochet stitches and see what cute beanies you can create.

Perfect for charitable giving!



Friday, November 1, 2013

Holy Needles Patterns on Crochet Pattern Central Website

Holy Needles' newborn beanie is listed on http://www.crochetpatterncentral.com/directory/baby_hats.php under "Newborn Beanie" 

Holy Needles' newborn booties in the round is listed on http://www.crochetpatterncentral.com/directory/baby_booties_mittens.php under "In the Round Booties"

Check these out, and all the free crochet patterns available on the crochet pattern central website!

Thursday, October 31, 2013

Pattern for Leaf With Stem


Crochet Leaf




any size hook, any yarn... Ch 12

sc in 2nd ch from hook.

hdc in next st.

2 dc in next st.

tr in next st.

2 tr in next st.

tr in next stitch. 

dc in next 2 sts. 

hdc in next 2 sts.

sc & sl st in next (last) st.  

Work the stem: ch 4, sl st back over 3 ch, & into back side of that last st.

sc into the same st on the backside.

hdc in next 2 sts.

dc in next 2 sts.

tr in next st.

2 tr in next st.

tr in next st.

2 dc in next st.

hdc in next st.

sc in last st.

ch 1 & join with sl st into 1st sc created.

Fasten off… leaving a long tail to attach to project.

© Copyright 2011-13, Donna Bishop. All Rights Reserved. 

Saturday, October 19, 2013

Pumpkin time! Pumpkin Beanie Hat


Happy Halloween!



Cute little pumpkin beanie hat for baby, newborn, infant.  Crocheted about 24 hdc stitches in blo (back loop only) for about 25 rows, slip stitch seam. Then attached green yarn to top, sc around, about 25 stitches, then do decrease sc until 5 stitches remain. Make top stem in the round, about 1.5" long.  Create leaf and curly vine.  Pretty easy, and so appropriate for autumn infants! 


#freecrochetpattern  #crochet

Saturday, October 5, 2013

Get a little something from Lion Brand & AllFreeCrochet.com

Holy Needles members use hundreds, and thousands of dollars worth of yarn annually, to create items for charitable giving, to help people in need in the Tucson AZ area.  Yarn donations are always accepted and appreciated.

Holy Needles is always sharing and seeking crochet and knit patterns for items for charitable giving, as well as items for sale to members of the community, to raise funds to purchase more yarn and fleece.  

AllFreeCrochet.com and their blog, StitchandUnwind.com have many useful patterns and tidbits of knowledge to help crafters create.

Here's just one example of free patterns they have to share...

Download your copy of Lion Brand's New Fall Collection: 15 Free Crochet Scarf Patterns, Afghan Patterns, and More today!


 With your copy of Lion Brand's New Fall Collection: 15 Free Crochet Scarf Patterns, Afghan Patterns, and More, you can also subscribe to our Hooked on Crochet newsletter to become part of a fabulous and friendly crochet community. In subscribing to the newsletter you will receive:
  • New FREE patterns made available to you throughout the year.
  • Access to our free pattern library full of 1000’s more free crochet patterns.
  • The opportunity to share ideas and help others in the crochet community.
  • Six weekly emails with free crochet patterns, tips, collection pages, videos and more.
  • Chances to win crochet books and products from our weekly giveaways and contests.
Welcoming a new season is always exciting, especially autumn. Whether you enjoy watching the weather change from hot, sunny skies to crisp, fall days, or simply appreciate the fall fashion (think scarves, shawls, and boots), there's no doubt that fall is a fun time of the year. It marks the beginning of the unofficial holiday season because as soon as Halloween is over, it's full speed ahead towards Thanksgiving and Christmas. There are so many fun ways to celebrate the season. Get a jump start on the fall festivities this year by crocheting any one of Lion Brand's new crochet patterns.

Inside our latest eBook, Lion Brand's New Fall Collection: 15 Free Crochet Scarf Patterns, Afghan Patterns, and More, you’ll find a variety of insanely gorgeous crochet patterns to make for fall. Inside, you'll find the perfect patterns to crochet for your home, your kids, and even yourself. From easy home decor items to stylish accessories and crocheted shawls, you’re sure to find a pattern you love in this free eBook. Each and every one of these free crochet pattern were hand-picked by the Lion Brand experts as must-make pieces for the season.

Once you subscribe to receive our newsletter, Hooked on Crochet, you will really see how neat it is to be part of the crochet community. If you’ve searched for crochet advice on how to organize your yarn, use up leftover yarn, or how to change color, or even what kind of yarn to buy, let AllFreeCrochet.com be your one-stop shop. Our yarn blog, StitchandUnwind.com, is also a great resource for all your yarn needs. Our newsletter, blog, and free crochet patterns are absolutely free to the consumer and will blow your mind. Expand your crochet library collection and download this eBook for free today.

Sunday, May 5, 2013

Holy Needles Teen Chemo Blanket Recipient Goes to Prom



  

May 05, 2013 12:00 am  •  





At this time last year, Destiny Hessel had just finished what she hoped would be her last round of chemotherapy for bone cancer.
She had wanted to attend the annual Dream Night Prom for children with cancer, "but she was feeling rough," her mother, Sandy Hessel, said.
One year later, with her cancer in remission, Destiny, 14, is going to the prom - and this year, in addition to attending, she helped to plan it.
"When I went to the first meeting, we were trying to figure out a theme for the prom, and I gave the idea for Willy Wonka and the Chocolate Factory," Destiny said. "In previous years they had secret agents and Alice in Wonderland, so I was trying to think of some stuff you could do for it - Willy Wonka and the Chocolate Factory decorations and stuff."
Saturday afternoon, Destiny went to a salon to have her hair done. Then she donned a gauzy, floor-length, navy blue gown and headed for the Amethyst Room at the Pima Community College Downtown Campus for the prom, put on by the Candlelighters Childhood Cancer Foundation of Southern Arizona.
This is the eighth year the Candlelighters have organized the event for teens diagnosed with cancer. It is especially meaningful to teens and their families because a cancer diagnosis can cause challenges that make a normal social life difficult. Treatments can cause hair loss, weight changes and other physical challenges. Long hospital stays can disrupt usual social activities, and important milestones are often missed.
Last year was tough for Destiny and her family, but this year they were ready for some fun. They made the prom a family affair - Sandy and Brian Hessel volunteered at the event while their daughter dined and danced.
The first Dream Night Prom, in 2006, was the creation of teenager Carina Groves, who envisioned the event as a high school senior project. The 50 teens who attended found the prom to be both fun and healing, and encouraged the Candlelighters to make it an annual event.
Candlelighters Childhood Cancer Foundation of Southern Arizona is a nonprofit, family-run support network that supports, serves and advocates for children with cancer, their families, longtime survivors, bereaved families, and the professionals who care for them. Candlelighters programs are always free to the families it serves, which now numbers 350.
The group gets its name from the Chinese proverb, "It is better to light one candle than to curse the darkness." Candlelighters was founded in Washington, D.C., in 1970, and the Tucson chapter started in 1985.
Cancer remains the No. 1 disease killer of America's children. More than 12,400 kids in the U.S. are diagnosed with cancer each year, including about 60 in Southern Arizona.
"When I went to the first meeting, we were trying to figure out a theme for the prom, and I gave the idea for Willy Wonka and the Chocolate Factory."
Destiny Hessel, 14, cancer in remission - going to her prom
For more information about Candlelighters Childhood Cancer Foundation of Southern AZ, visit www.candlelightersaz.org.
Contact reporter Kimberly Matas at kmatas@azstarnet.com or 573-4191.

http://azstarnet.com/news/local/teens-with-cancer-get-their-own-special-tucson-prom/article_305f833e-0094-5fed-b988-f3e54cf30840.html#.UYrE-nweAyg.facebook

Friday, December 7, 2012

Basket Weave Pattern

It has been awhile since we have posted on the blog. I want to post a hat pattern that a few of us were discussing at the last Holy Needles Meeting. This particular pattern is for an adult, but could easily be modified for a baby.

This pattern is a new challenge, as it uses the front post double crochet (FPDC) and the back post double crochet (BPDC). Using these two stitches creates a beautiful basket weave.


It isn't as hard as it looks. If you know how to use the dbl crochet, you can pick this up. The pattern I used came from a blogger, Diamond Crochet and Crafts. Here is the link to her post with details on this hat HERE.

I personally watched THIS video on YouTube to help me "get" the FPDC and BPDC down.

Good Luck and be sure to share if you try this! Any questions, I am learning right along with you, but will be happy to help.

posted by Holy Needles member Kandi B!

#freecrochetpattern  #crochet

Sunday, May 20, 2012

Finishing a Beanie: Weaving in the beginning yarn tail.

How to finish a beanie: weaving in the yarn tail at the beginning of the beanie.



At the top (beginning) of the beanie, thread the yarn tail into the needle.  Insert the needle in a counterclockwise direction, placing the needle between the inner and outer stitches, so that it is invisible, both inside and outside. 



Work between about 5 or 6 stitches at a time, working your way around the circle (counterclockwise).  Notice how the circle closes as you proceed.  When it feels secure, you are done!  Cut the yarn close to the beanie. 




The finished product!  This will insure survival from handling and washing.

#crochet

Wednesday, May 2, 2012

Foundation... NO chain

Here's a great site with descriptive diagrams of how to create a foundation chain of single crochet.  Great when creating something like a scarf lengthwise, where you don't want a chain foundation that might tug and pull too much.   http://snuffykin.livejournal.com/43642.html



Holy Needles' Crochet Booties in the Round - Revisited


These booties are crocheted in the round, are very easy to make, and require no sewing of seams! Enjoy creating these beautiful booties for a newborn, or adapt for larger sizes.








Materials:  G, H, or I hook, & soft worsted yarn, such as simply soft.

The length of a newborn’s foot is 3 – 3.5 inches. Everyone’s tension is different, and hook size and yarn type all make a difference.  When in doubt, rip it out! 

Bootie:

R1: ch 2; 15 dc in 2nd chain from hook. (15)


R2-4: ch 2, 1 dc into each st. Join with sl st into 1st dc. (15)

R5: ch 2, dc into next 12 st, leaving last 3 sts undone. Ch 2, turn. (12)

R6: dc into each st. ch 2, turn. (12)

R7: dc in each st. (12)


With right sides together, sl st back seam. Pull long loop along seam (or you can sl st 1/2 way up the back to decrease loop length, and decrease tension). Remove hook and turn bootie right side out.

Cuff: Insert hook into top of bootie just to left of back seam.

R1: pull loop through, and ch 2. Work 16 dc evenly around top edge. Join with sl st into 1st dc. (16)

R2: ch 2, dc (or ch 1, sc or hdc) in each st around. (16)

Optional:

Edging: ch 1 and sc in each st. Join with sl st. (or use any stitches you desire!) Fasten off and securely weave in ends. Do NOT knot your work… weave back and forth inconspicuously instead.

Lacing: ch 70 to make ‘shoelace’ to weave in and out of the first cuff row created.

© Copyright 2012, Donna Bishop. All Rights Reserved. Created for Holy Needles, Tucson AZ

#freecrochetpattern  #crochet

Sunday, March 11, 2012

Happy Birthday, Holy Needles!

In March, 2009, Holy Needles was formed when 8 women came together and shared their talents and their creative desires.  Some learned to crochet for the first time.  

After 3 years, Holy Needles has created and distributed over 8000 items to those in need; especially newborn items.

Thank you, to everyone who has supported Holy Needles in so many ways.  Many have been blessed by your generosity, and we are all grateful!

Happy Birthday, Holy Needles!


Thursday, February 2, 2012

HOLY NEEDLES Meets at Casas in NW Tucson!

Holy Needles...
…for YOU, to help others!


Our current Mission…
to prayerfully, generously create blankets, beanies,
and booties for needy children in our community,
and to meet other needs as resources allow.

Let the little children come to me… Matt 19:14

Holy Needles meets the 3rd Monday of each month, 1- 4pm                                                         and the Last Saturday of each month, 9am-Noon
in the Ocotillo bldg @ Casas 10801 N La Cholla Blvd, Tucson AZ 85742

and the Prayer Shawl group meets the third Thursday,  1-3pm, in Cholla room 101

Please come join us, to share your time, your talent, and yourself as we reach out to those who desperately need what we can create and give.

Come with your needles &/or hooks…to crochet, knit, sew, quilt, or with your scissors, to cut or knot a yard of fleece! Bring your talent, bring your knowledge… don’t know how? We’ll teach you! Come relax and create.

Can’t join us? Create items from home and we’ll get them donated for you!

Donations of fleece, flannel, quilt batting, and soft yarn are welcome.

Cash donations are welcome… make your check out to “Casas Church - Holy Needles” with account 1-000-2759 on the memo line (tax deductible 501c3)

Further information is available via email holyneedles@gmail.com

"LIKE" us on Facebook www.facebook.com/holyneedles


#crochet   #freeCrochetPatterns

Sunday, January 29, 2012

Bear Ears for Baby Beanie

Cute little bear ears to make.  Create a bear beanie (hat)!



Materials:-
Crochet hook size G, H, or I
worsted yarn to match or contrast hat
Large eye needle to attach ears to hat.

Directions: (Make two ears.)
Round 1: Chain 2, 11 dc into the 3rd chain from hook.
Pull the yarn tail tight to close the ring, or weave end in with needle.

Round 2: Ch 1 or 2, turn.12 hdc (atop dc’s of round 1).

Round 3: Ch 1, turn. 12 sc (atop hdc’s of round 2)
Leave a long tail to attach ears to beanie  Be sure to place ears are symmetrically on sides of beanie, by using the rows as measurement for placement. Weave in the yarn tail.


© Copyright 2012, Donna Bishop. All Rights Reserved.



#crochet   #freeCrochetPatterns

Hat (beanie) Toppers, Decor, Extras


Twirlies (curly-q) topper
Chain 10-15 (not too tight), leaving a 10" tail. *Work 3 sc in 1st chain from hook. Work 4 sc in each of the next 9-14 chains. Slip stitch in last chain (do not finish off).
Chain 10-15. Repeat from * above, slip stitching into 1st chain of 1st twirlie. This makes 2nd twirly. Repeat to create a 3rd twirlie. Finish off, leaving a 10" tail.
To attach: Take the 2 tails, tie them in a square knot (knot twice, left over right and pull, right over left and pull). Attach to your hat using a yarn needle. Thread 1 tail through top of hat, then thread the other tail through the top of the hat across from each other (not through the same hole). From inside the hat, weave in ends.

Flowers topper
Chain 10 (first chain is "starter" chain), leaving a 10" tail.
1st Flower:Slip stitch in 4th chain from hook to create a loop. Chain 1, slip stitch in loop, *3 DC, slip stitch in loop. Repeat from *, 3 times. Slip stitch back down the chain to the "starter" chain.
2nd Flower: Chain 10. Slip stitch in 4th chain from hook to create a loop. Chain 1, slip stitch in loop, *3 DC, slip stitch in loop. Repeat from *, 3 times. Slip stitch back down the chain, slip stitch in "starter" chain.
Repeat 2nd flower directions for 3 or more flowers. Finish off, leaving a 10" tail.
To attach: Take the 2 tails, tie them in a square knot (knot twice, left over right and pull, right over left and pull). Attach to your hat using a yarn needle. Thread 1 tail through top of hat, then thread the other tail through the top of the hat across from each other (not through the same hole). From inside the hat, weave in ends.

Pom-Pom
1. Cut two cardboard circles the size you wish the finished pompom to be, then cut a small hole about the size of a dime in the center of each one.
2. Measure off approximately 6 strands of yarn, 2 yards long; hold the two cardboard discs together in your left hand and wind the strands of yarn through the hole and around the rim as shown below. The quantity of yarn used will determine the fullness of the pompom.
3. Insert sharp scissors carefully between the two cardboard discs and cut the yarn all around.
4. Separate the discs slightly, take a strand of yarn 12 inches long and wind around the cut strands (between the discs) twice and tie tightly.
5. Remove the discs and trim any stray ends.
Tassel
To make a tassel, cut a piece of cardboard 1/2" longer than you want the tassel to be. Wrap the yarn around the cardboard until it's a full as you like (remember that you see only half the tassel on one side of the cardboard; it'll be twice as thick when you're finished).
Thread a piece of yarn (at least 6" long) between the cardboard and the loops and tie a knot. This will be the hanging thread for the tassel. Slip the loops off the cardboard carefully.
Now you need to bind the tassel at the top, just below the hanging loop. A simple way to do this is to wrap the yarn around and then thread each end in a needle and "bury" it. After completing the winding, cut the other end of the loops and trim the ends so they're even. You're done! Consider the addition of beads and other items.

Loose pom-pom
wrap yarn around your 4 fingers a number of times. cut a piece of yarn about 12", and bring it up though space between ring and middle fingers, and wrap and knot around center of yarn. Pull off wrapped yarn and cut rounded ends. shake pom pom to get the loose look.

Simple chained flower
Use any size hook, any yarn… depends on size desired.
Leaving a tail of yarn, Ch 6.
Sl st in 6th ch from hook. This forms one petal.
Repeat 4 more times (for total of 5 petals).
Fasten off, leaving a long tail, and stitch tails securely through back of flower, inconspicuously. Long tails make attaching flower to item possible.

Crochet 5-Petal Flower Pattern
any hook, any yarn
Rnd 1: Ch 5, join into a ring w/sl st in 1st ch.
Rnd 2: Ch 3 (counts as first dc), work 9dc in ring, join to top of ch w/ sl st-- 10 sts.
Rnd 3: **Ch 2, work 3dc in next st, ch 2 sl st in next st** five times. Fasten off.

Crochet Small Cluster Petal flower
1st Rnd: Ch 1. 12 sc in ring. Join with sl st to first sc.
2nd Rnd: Ch 1. 1 sc in same sp. *Ch 2; 1 cluster in next sc. Ch 2. 1 sc in next sc. Rep from * around, ending with 1 cluster in last sc. Ch 2. Join with sl st to first sc.
Fasten off. (Cluster = Yoh and draw up a loop. *Yoh and draw through 2 loops on hook* 3 times in next sp or st. Yoh and draw through all loops on hook)

Knit Rose
Cast on 6 Stitches
Row 1: Knit into the front and back of each stitch
Row 2: Knit across
Row 3: Knit into the front and back of each stitch
Row 4: Knit across
Row 5: Knit into the front and back of each stitch
Row 6: Knit across
Bind off all stitches.
Shape into rose and stitch.
Crochet Daisy
---with brown or green, ch 5. sl st in first ch to form a circle.
---ch 1, work 10 sc into the loop. sl st in top of ch-1 to join. Clip yarn.
---with white or yellow, * sl st in top of next st. ch-9, sl st in top of same st.
---repeat from * around. sl st in top of first st to join. clip yarn.
---weave in all ends.

#crochet   #freeCrochetPatterns

Monday, December 19, 2011

Holy Needles Celebrates Christmas and Giving

Gratitude... that's what is in the hearts of those who receive the thousands of items created by members of Holy Needles.  Gratitude is also in the hearts of those who are Holy Needles members.  We are all grateful to be able to create items for those in need.  Thank you to all who support Holy Needles in any way.  We especially thank those who support us by making it possible to supply all the yarn, fleece, hooks, needles, and fabric needed to create beanies, booties, blankets, scarves, hats, dishcloths, and whatever else we are called to create as a response to a need.  God bless each and every one of you.


Here's some pics from the Holy Needles December fellowship gathering... thanks for sharing in the fun!















Thursday, December 8, 2011

745 Newborn Items Delivered December 8, 2011

464 newborn items were delivered to Northwest Medical Center: 166 blankets, 237 beanies, 61 sets booties.
El Rio Birthing Center received 21 beanies. 
Crisis Pregnancy Center received 30 blankets, 30 beanies, and 50 sets of booties. 
University of Arizona Medical Center received 150 beanies.


photos from the Women's Center 
@ Northwest Medical Center, Tucson:



































photos from UAMC... U of A Medical Center:






photos from CPC delivery: