Testing Patterns

I absolutely Love testing patterns. And it's not for the reason most would assume.

When I test a pattern my main job is to help ensure the accuracy of the pattern for the writer. I am currently testing two patterns and am so excited about them. I always find that I learn new techniques when I'm testing. And if I'm not learning new things I am finally getting the handle on a stitch or technique I just couldn't get a handle on.

For instance, the foundation chain. Now I have seen it, saved an image of the instructions typed on it. But-for some reason, beyond me, I just couldn't get the hang of it. Until these two patterns. And finally, Finally, I got it. And now I think, why couldn't I get it before?! So easy when you have just the right instructions I front you.

With most patterns there is a key that lists the stitches used through out. But these patterns-the writers went above and beyond with full instructions on how to execute Special Stitches. Normally, if there is a stitch I don't know I type it into Google, click the video tab and watch a few tutorials. But the Special Stitches key is like icing on the cake.

Testing patterns doesn't just help the writer to ensure the pattern is clearly written, rated at the correct experience level and grammatical errors are corrected. It also helps the me grow as an artisan. As I already mentioned, it helps me get a grasp on stitches I haven't been able to in the past as well as building my stitch capabilities. Testing patterns also helps me build a better structure for writing my own patterns.

Every writer has their own methods and set up, but as a writer of few patterns it is helpful to examine other patterns to get an idea of what works best for you. Now, you could say that you can get from working patterns up and you'd be right. But I encourage, that if you ever get the chance, to jump right in. It's a lot of fun.

xoxoLexy

Ankle Cuffs

Happy Saturday Everyone!

Are you ready for a new pattern? Because I am ready to release it. 

The idea for my  newest pattern was born when I was making the Ridged Cable Leg Warmers. The best part of these ankle cuffs is they can be worn with the Ridged Cable Leg Warmers or by themselves.

I am so excited I have gotten all of my notes back from my testers for the new ankle cuffs so quickly again. They are the Best!!! All edits have been made.
This is a Lexy's HandMade Creations Original. Please feel free to share this pattern with your friends by sharing the link, or directing them to my blog. Also, if you post any images using this pattern I ask that you be kind enough to give me a mention as the designer. :)

Have Fun.

xoxoLexy

Materials Needed

I Hook

RedHeart SuperSaver 7oz skein

Yarn needle

2 Buttons per cuff

Clasps

Sewing Thread

Embroidery Needle

Stitches Used

Chain (ch)

Half Double Crochet (hdc)

Double Crochet (dc)

*To get the ridge effect you will have to know how to work in the front loops (FLO) of certain stitches.

*I do not ch at the end of my rows.

Finished Measurements

Fold in half, side to side, top is roughly 4"

Top center to bottom center height is roughly 4"

Let's get started!

Ch 31

Hdc in second ch from the hook and in each ch across, (30) turn

Row 2: Hdc in FLO of each st across, (30) turn

Row 3: Hdc in first 14 sts, 2hdc in next 2 sts, Hdc in last 14 sts, (32) turn

Row 4: Hdc in FLO of first 15 sts, 2hdc in FLO of next 2 sts, hdc in FLO of last 15 sts, (34) turn

Row 5: Hdc in first 7 sts, *skip next st, 3dc in next st, skip next st, hdc in next st,* repeat once,  skip next st, (3dc, ch1, 3dc) in next st, *skip next st, Hdc in next st, skip next st, 3dc in next st,* repeat once, skip next st, hdc sc last two sts together, (36) turn

Row 6: Hdc in FLO of first 7, *skip  next st, (2dc, ch1, 2dc) in next dc, skip next st, hdc in FLO of hdc,* repeat once, skip next st, 3dc in next dc, (3dc, ch1, 3dc) in ch space, skip next st, 3dc in next dc, *hdc in FLO of next hdc, skip next st, (2dc, ch1, 2dc) in next dc,* repeat once, hdc in FLO of last 7 sts, (46) turn

Row 7: Hdc in first 7 sts, *(3dc, ch 1, 3dc) in next ch 1 space, hdc in next hdc st,* repeat once, [skip next st, 3dc in next dc,skip next 2 sts, 3dc in next dc], (3dc, ch 1, 3dc) in next ch space, repeat from [ to ] once, {hdc in next hdc st, (3dc, ch 1, 3dc) in next ch 1 space}, repeat from { to } once, hdc in last 7 sts, (60), fasten off and sew in end.

Sew your buttons onto the back side so they can be used with your leggings.

Sew a clasp or two on the front side so they can be used alone.

Ridged Cable Leg Warmers

Hi Guys!!!!! It's been a while, but I have a new pattern for you. :)

This is a Lexy's HandMade Creations Original. Please feel free to share this pattern with your friends by sharing the link, or directing them to my blog. Also, if you post any images using this pattern I ask that you be kind enough to give me a mention as the designer. :)
I hope you have fun with this one.

xoxoLexy

P.S. A huge Thank You to my testers who went above and beyond with this test. The worked it up faster than expected and returned it to me with fabulous edits and suggestions.
I will update this post with images just as soon as I get to a computer.

Materials Needed
I Hook
RedHeart SuperSaver 7oz skein
Yarn needle

Stitches Used
Chain (ch)
Half Double Crochet(hdc)
Back Post Hdc(BPhdc)
Front Post Hdc(FPhdc)
Cable Stitch

*To get the ridge effect you will have to know how to work in the front loops (FLO) of certain stitches.
*I do not ch at the end of my rows.

Final measurements:
Height 11 1/4"
Ankle  4"
Thigh  5 1/2"

Ok...lets get started!

Row 1: Ch 31 turn
Hdc in 2nd ch from hook, hdc in each ch across (30) turn

Row 2: Hdc in FLO first 12 sts, BPhdchdc in next 6 sts, hdc in FLO of last 12 sts (30) turn

Row 3: Hdc in first 12 sts, FPhdc in next 6 sts, hdc in last 12 sts (30) turn

Row 4: Repeat Row 2

Row 5: Hdc in first 12 sts, skip next 3 sts, FPdc in next 3 sts, FPhdc in skipped sts, [cable stitch made], hdc in last 12 sts (30) turn

Rows 6-9: Repeat Rows 2&3 twice

Row 10: Repeat Row 2

Row 11: 2Hdc in first st, hdc in next 11 sts, cable stitch over the next 6 sts [see row 5], hdc in next 11 sts, 2hdc in last st (32) turn

Row 12: Hdc in FLO of first 13 sts, BPhdc in next 6 sts, hdc in FLO of last 13 sts (32) turn

Row 13: Hdc in first 13 sts, FPhdc in next 6 sts, hdc in last 13 sts (32) turn

Rows 14-15: Repeat Rows 12&13

Row 16: Repeat Row 12

Row 17: 2Hdc in first st, hdc in next 12 sts, cable stitch over the next 6 sts [see row 5], hdc in next 12 sts, 2hdc in last st (34) turn

Row 18: Hdc in FLO of first 14 sts, BPhdc in next 6 sts, hdc in FLO of last 14 sts (34) turn

Row 19: Hdc in first 14 sts, FPhdc in next 6 sts, hdc in last 14 sts (34) turn

Row 20: 2Hdc in FLO of first st, hdc in FLO of next 13 sts, BPhdc in next 6 sts, hdc in FLO of next 13 st, 2hdc in FLO of last st (36) turn

Row 21: Hdc in first st of first 15 sts,  FPhdc in next 6 sts, hdc in last 15 sts (36) turn

Row 22: Hdc in FLO of first 15 sts, BPhdc in next 6 sts, hdc in FLO of last 15 sts (36) turn

Row 23: Hdc in first 15 sts, cable stitch over next 6 sts [see row 5], hdc in last 15 sts (36) turn

Rows 24-27: Repeat Rows 22 & 21 twice

Row 28: Repeat Row 22

Rows 29-34: Repeat Rows 23-28. Fasten off; leaving a long tail for sewing.

Sew long sides together evenly from top to bottom. Fasten off.
One leg warmer made.

Back to School RoundUp

  As the summer winds down., and the kids head back to school, let's get our crochet on for school gear. Here are some pattern shares from my fellow crocheting friends. Enjoy.

Sock Monkey Backpack pattern by Sara Sach

Dog Backpack pattern by Sara Sach

Back to School Round Up on MNE Crafts

Have a Blessed Day

Lexy

P.S. Do you have a pattern good for Back to School? Share it in the comments below

Be Kind: Crocheting...Writing...Teaching

http://www.idlehearts.com/be-kind-and-merciful/3818/

  Happy Monday All!! I do hope your weekend was fantastic.

  Today, as I sift through my Facebook feed, emails and reflect on my own personal interactions, I am called to action to help remind us to be kind to others. Being kind is not a new concept. But for some it may be a new action or reaction. It may also be the first time a person truly feels they have had a kind interaction with someone.

 While we all work hard in our individual sectors of the craft world; whether it be writing, teaching, learning or creating; we should all keep focused on being kind to one another. Remember where we came from. After all everyone begins at the Starting Line.

  Some of us are good at writing patterns, where as some of us are good at reading them. Some of us are great at knitting and some are just as great at crocheting. Some of us not so much. Then there are those who are just starting out, or are just starting to get the hang of things. And at some point we have all had questions whether we are masters of the arts or not.

  These questions can range from the "simple and understandable" to the" seriously??" But we have all been there, right? Even people who have been crocheting, tatting, sewing, knitting, etc. for many years have had a question about a project at some point. And no matter how experienced one is, there may be a time when even the most proficient artisan gets stumped.

  They will inevitably have to ask "that" question. That question that seems so trivial and a waste of time to even answer. But I want to remind you that no question is a waste of time to answer. No question is worthy of frustration or should incite the feeling that the person asking is ignorant.

  Each question is a door opening a connection. A connection that turns the one being asked into a teacher and the one asking into a student. A connection that, given your response, will bring that person back for more or send them running for the hills. But all of that aside it is the way you feel and respond that can make all of the difference in the world to the person who has come to you for help. And, in turn, it will make the difference in your life as well.

  So I challenge all of my creative friends to embrace the questions of those who are stumped. Hold them tenderly in your heart and answer them with grace and caring. And don't curse the positive seed of growth you have just planted by following it up in a complaint on a forum. Instead, enjoy the feeling of helping another person and knowing you made the difference in their crafting journey.

  Have a Blessed Day
  Lexy

P.S. The answers to these questions do not always have to come directly from you. You could save a few links to some super helpful tutorials or YouTube Videos as an easy response if you simply don't have the time, or feel that someones question is to "trivial" for a personal response from you. But as I mentioned already, no question is a waste of time to answer.

P.S.S. Do you have any super helpful tips, link or otherwise you know would help your fellow artisans? Feel free to leave them in a comment.

Seaside Inspired Patterns

  Here is a collection of Seaside Inspired Patterns form some fabulous designer friends of mine.
Enjoy!!

  Sea Breeze Summer Cowl: Cre8tion Crochet

  Sea Breeze Summer Slouch: Cre8tion Crochet

  Seaside Tank FREE pattern: Cre8tion Crochet

  Sea Breeze Slippers: Pattern Paradise

  Do you have any Seaside or Summer inspired patterns? Share them in a comment below.

  Have a Blessed Day
  Lexy

HELP....: Don't be shy. Just ask.

  Heeeeeeeeeeeeeelllllllllllllllllllllllllllllp!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

  Have you ever had a roadblock when it came to crocheting? You just wanted to scream for help at the top of your lungs?  Weather it's that you are having crochet block, or you are stuck on a 'probably simple enough' pattern and can't quite put tow and two together, it can get pretty aggravating, even discouraging. But don't give up. Sound the alarms. light up the Bat signal.

  I know it can be a little scary asking for help but when you are stuck you are stuck. And you're not gonna get unstuck without a little help. After all, if you have AAA and run out of gas or get stuck in the mud you aren't just gonna sit there, right?

  The crochet community is a wonderful place of men and women who all love the same thing. We share in our passion for taking a ball of yarn and turning it into something beautiful. Some follow patterns and some create brand new patterns on their own. Some have been crocheting for years and some only for days. But we all come together to share in our joys and woes of our common love. And where there is community there are those willing to help.

  But how do I ask complete strangers for help? Won't they be annoyed? What if it's a silly question? How do I open the conversation? Where do I start looking for someone to ask for help? What if I am to scared to ask others for help?

  First, let me start by saying that, if you need any help at all on your walk with the crochet, my door is always open. There is a Contact Me box on the right hand side of the blog. Feel free to post any questions there and I will get back to you as soon as I can with the best answer I know how. If I don't know the answer I will do my best to help you find one.

  Next let me say that no question is to silly. Yes you can ask complete strangers for help. I hope you never run into someone who finds it annoying and if you do steer clear of them for future questions. And the best way to open the conversation is to just ask the question. Because perspective is different for everyone, if you can provide screen shots or some other form of imagery, without infringing on any copy rights, it will help a great deal in getting you the best answer.

  If you are on Facebook or G+, I suggest joining a crochet group. One that focuses on community, sharing, helping and building each other up. These groups are designed to help us all grow as artisans. And if you find a really good one you will find it ever so comfortable to ask even the silliest questions without fear of mockery. You could also find a local group or craft store to see if they are having classes or private sessions that would be helpful to you.

  And if you are just to scared to ask others for help Google is your best friend. Google search your question. I would avoid any links to Ask.com or Answer.com. Those are often confusing or unanswered. Because I often have an idea of what I'm looking for, I like to Google Search and then click on the Image link to leaf through the images. If I am having an issue with a pattern or a stitch I like to do Google Search and then click on the Video link to find a good tutorial. These are some of the best ways to get answers. There is nothing left for misunderstanding and it's a great tool for hands on learners, such as myself.

  Do you have any tips for those looking for help with their crochet dilemmas? Post it in a comment.

  Have a Blessed Day
  Lexy