Tag Archives: crochet

Hobbies That Will Help Pass Time

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Hobbies are things you do in your free time. Hobbies are essential, especially when you are bored, and everyone has hobbies. There are many hobbies out there, but these are some of the hobbies that I think help pass the time. 

  1. Crocheting

Crocheting is one of my favorite hobbies that I picked up. All it takes is yarn and a hook and you can make anything to your desire. Crocheting is harder than it seems, but once you get the hang of it, it gets easier. It takes hard work and dedication to start the hobby and make progress with it, but as you practice more, it gets easier. 

  1. Jewelry Making

Honestly, this hobby of jewelry making is so fun. It helps express your creativity through bracelets, earrings, necklaces, and anything jewelry-related. For this hobby, you need a bit more resources than usual and it’s hard to start because there is so much material that you don’t know where to begin. However, it’s worth it, so if you want to invest in a hobby, I suggest this hobby. Not only is it full of creativity, but when you finish, you feel a strong sense of pride and joy as you see your finished product.

  1. Sewing

This hobby is a bit more challenging and can take lots of practice. I don’t engage and practice this hobby much because I lack a sewing machine. I can still hand stitch, but it is too much work. This hobby will allow you to make so many cute things or alter your clothes based on your body. This can also lead to a career in fashion design.

  1. Instruments

Like Sewing, this hobby can be very challenging and requires practice. For playing an instrument as your hobby, you need the instrument, of course, and any additional things to the instrument. This hobby occupies free time, and it can be frustrating at times when you don’t know how to do certain things. However, with practice, you can play your first song, which can make you feel accomplished.

In conclusion, these few hobbies are worth considering when deciding what to do when you’re bored. 

Teen Crochet 101 at the Library

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Last Saturday the Library hosted its first Teen Crochet 101 class. This free new program is for teens ages 15-19 and was created and led by Aspen, one of our Teen Advisory Board members. Teen Library Intern Alyssa assisted with the class.

Teen Crochet 101 classes are designed for beginners and limited to teens ages 15-19. No experience is necessary and all materials are provided. The first class covered materials and basic stitches. The next class will cover patterns, color switching and more. A beginner project will be introduced in the third session.

On the day of the event, we were surprised by a large donation of yarn from a community member, so all attendees were able to choose several colors and sizes to take home and practice.

Join us for the next two classes!

Session 2 Sat. Oct. 22, 2:30-4:30 pm

Session 3 Sat. Nov. 5, 2:30-4:30 pm

For more information or to register, please email LibraryProgams@cityofmissionviejo.org

My Top Five Crochet Stitches

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Now that summer is here, I find myself picking up my crochet hook again to finish a few projects that I had shelved during the school year. I started crocheting about two years ago, and so I’ve picked up a few stitches through my various projects. Here is a list of my top five:

5. Crocodile Stitch

Crocodile Stitch (The Spruce Crafts)

Now, I am not a huge fan of textured stitches, which is probably why this stitch is #5 on my list. However, this stitch was just so much fun for me. I love how well it layers and how pretty it looks. The first time I encountered this stitch was when I was trying to make a little Christmas tree ornament (which I succeeded in making) and the crocodile stitch was perfect for it.

This stitch is a little confusing though, probably a more advanced-beginner level. Knowledge of how to work post stitches is required. I used Bella Coco’s tutorial to learn it: https://youtu.be/X831BvT42xU

4. Sprig Stitch

Sprig Stitch (Bella Coco)

The Sprig Stitch is another great stitch that I use. It’s really simple and works up quite fast. The only reason it’s not absolutely amazing (for me) is that it’s got a few (make that lots of) holes. I don’t like making blankets that have a ton of holes, mostly because I tend to get things stuck in them, but this stitch is perfect for making cupholders (and sometimes decorative potholders), of which I have quite a few.

I used Bella Coco’s tutorial to learn the sprig stitch: https://youtu.be/ORBx8zKK1Qk

3. Puff Ripple Stitch

Puff Ripple Stitch (Hooked by Robin)

Now, “Puff Ripple” is a pretty generic name, so there’s a lot of Google results that are all different, but the photo above is the puff ripple stitch that I learned by Hooked by Robin (tutorial: https://youtu.be/BmtwZ7gTd6c)

This is one of my favorite patterns, mostly because it’s quite simple to hook and it features a wavy shape as you make it. In addition, the puff stitches are super small and quick, so this is definitely a very easy stitch as long as you know how to make puffs.

2. Jasmine Stitch

Jasmine Stitch (Desert Blossom Crafts)

The Jasmine Stitch is another example of a stitch that uses puffs, but it’s also quite a bit more complicated because you have to keep more loops on your hook (I think the max is 13 at a time). Nonetheless, I love this pattern because it’s so pretty and it’s a stitch that I use to make the most beautiful projects with.

I learned this stitch by watching Bella Coco’s tutorial: https://youtu.be/C83LRlRm7l4

1. Trinity Stitch

Trinity Stitch (Nordic Hook)

Lastly, the trinity stitch is my absolute go-to stitch, because it’s completely solid, with no holes whatsoever. The stitch works up quite quickly and I keep coming up with a myriad of uses for it. Although it’s not as pretty as the Jasmine stitch, it still features a star-type flower pattern. The only drawback is that it’s super dense, so I would not recommend it as a shawl or something else that is supposed to be light and airy.

Find Hooked by Robin’s tutorial here: https://youtu.be/AB0cFTJlURs

So, there’s a list of my top five stitches, and if you crochet I hope you find a stitch that you like. If you don’t crochet, maybe it’s time to pick up a hook and a new hobby!

Let me know in the comments what your favorite stitch is 🙂
~ Kailyn L.