Project
Choose a single color, multi color yarn/ string or a few strands to work together. Braiding is a simple way to combine or try finger crochet. You or someone you know may crochet with a hook. Finger crochet is the same but using fingers. Following are photos to help with the basic steps:
Make a slip knot in the end of yarn. A slip knot allows the loop to be adjusted with pulling. With a tail several inches long, make a bend in the yarn and twist. make another bend to pass partly through the loop but be careful not to pull through the end. Tighten gently - but not too tight!
Reach through the first loop and pull another loop (not too long, but you can adjust each).
Snug up each "old loop" before making next loop.
Keep going until piece is as long as you want - bracelet, necklace or colorful tie for a gift or special item.
Here are a few finished using cotton, ribbon, wool. The last shows ribbon and wool held together. You can see we didn't snug the ribbon yarn much, we liked the open look.
One ball of yarn can make MANY many bracelets - or use scraps from other projects if you have them around! Plus these are so easy to store so you can make them all year round and save up for shoeboxes, valentine's day or any event you may need several gifts to share.
Shoebox Idea
Our family has purchased one plastic shoebox we will be using to pack in November. This shoebox is where we store the bracelets and other items we will be making or buying through the year. We will make small items for the boxes our church will send as well as other activities so when this box is full we will buy another and repeat/continue (: .
SPECIAL NOTE ABOUT PLASTIC SHOEBOXES:
We have sent paperboard boxes and purchased plastic boxes in the past. After being blessed to work in a processing center - especially in the "shoebox hospital" - I (victoria) realize that purchasing plastic is only a good idea if they are pliable plastic. I admit that I have purchased dollar boxes from those type stores in the past but will not again for the shoebox project. The plastic is brittle and breaks easily. Not only the "dollar store" boxes, but any brittle plastic were what we saw most in shoebox hospital. If a box is damaged badly or creates a danger (sharp plastic, anyone?) the contents are repackaged into a safe box. *the more you know*
Due to winter weather and related schedule issues we weren't able to plan a workshop for this project. But we would enjoy making this with anyone anytime! Check back here on the blog (or follow the star studio blog) for upcoming events/ dates of workshops or contact us about meeting for a cuppa sometime. Enjoy making to give!
