Unpinning Pinterest 7/4/12

Happy 4th of July to all my fellow USians! I hope you’re having a great day, full of fun and sun and whatever else you like to do – maybe even knit or crochet. Of course, moogly is international, so hello to the rest of you, and here’s hoping you’re having a great day too!

Now let’s get on with it! Here are the best tips, tricks, and ideas I found on Pinterest this week. The links go directly to the sites, so you don’t have to be on Pinterest to enjoy them.

1. Crochet “i-cord”: Most of the crochet substitutes I’ve seen involve either sc or sl st back down a long line of chains, or some complicated maneuver where you have to pull the hook out and reposition it each row. This one, on the other hand, is very different! In order to see the page, you just click on the book and page through to p. 38. Actually, there’s a whole lot of fun stuff on this site that I can’t wait to dig into!

2. Tutorial: Crocheted Jogless Stripes: I’ve shared my technique for changing colors when working flat before, but this tutorial shows you how to change colors seamlessly when working in the round! There are instructions for both spirals (amigurumi) and rounds (where each row in joined). I hadn’t been able to figure this out before – this is a great solution, and I’m excited to finally see the answer! 

3. Double Thick Crochet Technique: This is a pattern for a great looking hot pad or dishcloth. But it’s also a fantastic technique, with a great photo tutorial! I love love love this technique and think it’ll be lots of fun to play with for other projects too.
4. Braided Crochet Handles: This site has a great photo tutorial for a really sturdy and great looking handle or strap. Definitely one of those “why didn’t I think of that?” ideas! This looks great on bags, of course, but done is soft yarn it would also make a really cute headband. Ooo, or a belt!
5. Blondies, infinitely adaptable…: Ok, there’s no crochet, knit, or yarn in this at all. But these cookies are SO GOOD. Gooey butterscotch and chocolatey goodness, drool. I just had to share! And you need those calories to keep your fingers moving, right?  I did find that I had to cook them significantly longer than the recipe calls for, closer to 45 minutes. Could be because I doubled the recipe…

 Happy Holidays all! Stay safe!

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