CROCHETERS -- March 1, time for our Crochet-A-Long!

[Morgana LaFey]

The pattern we're using is here: http://www.ipbolaget.com/users/ce03922/slippers.html

and this thread has some pre-discussion on the subject:

http://www.democraticunderground.com/discuss/duboard.php?az=show_mesg&forum=390&topic_id=787&mesg_id=787

So for those who may not be familiar with them, a Crochet-A-Long is just a cyber group who are all doing the same pattern (or sometimes different patterns on a different theme -- all socks, or everyone using orange yarn, or whatever, but usually patterns). Anyone can join, and for our CAL, anytime.

So, chime in whenever ready, at any time. For starters, tell us about what yarns and colors you're using, and anything else. Are these for you, or someone else? Etc.

Questions are welcome (except don't look to me for answers -- I'm a knitter, not a crocheter, so this is going to be an adventure for me -- actually, my very first "project" in crochet).

My slippers are going to be regular ole Red Heart (or some other inexpensive) black acrylic I happen to have on hand for the part that will be the sole, and then I'll switch to Lion Brand Jiffy I'd bought for another project that didn't work out at ALL. The Jiffy is another inexpensive yarn, this one in deep jewel tones, one of the few variegated yarns I've ever liked even a little bit.

If I like the slippers after I've done them nearly as much as I like them in the photo, I'll do other versions (including WOOL to make sure I've got something really nice and warm for my tootsies).

I'll take a photo of the yarn later, maybe even today, and post a link.

Okay, we're OFF and running!!!!!

[Bjornsdotter]

1. I've started

I've decided to make a sample slipper first, to iron out any bugs.

I'm using Lion Brand Yarn, Homespun, color mission.

Since the directions didn't give an amount of yarn to be used I weighed the yarn, on my scale it came to 180 grams. When I've finished with the first slipper, I'll weigh it again to get an idea of how much yarn is needed. I would not recommend this yarn for a beginner, it's good for knitting but I don't like it much for crocheting. It tends to split, tighten and get caught as you are trying to pull it through.

I wear a size 6.5 shoe, I made my initial chain 17 and then added one the 3 per the directions. I've only gone around once so far.

Cheers


Edit for hook size.....I'm using a size J

[Morgana LaFey]

2. Oh, good info!

What color is Mission?

I'm not overly fond of Homespun myself, altho I've seen (and actually knit) things in it that are gorgeous. But it does split, etc., even for knitters. The good news is that when it does split, it's not that noticeable. It'll make a great slipper, I think -- a little heft to the fiber. Should last forever.

[Bjornsdotter]

5. Misson

It's a purple with green, pink, and blue flecks in it.

http://cache.lionbrand.com/yarns/homespun.htm


It's forgiving with the pattern, you can't see the mistakes as easily, but it's really a bear to work with.

Cheers

[knitter4democracy]

3. Oh man, I forgot to start those today.

Now, I am too tired to make sense of the pattern. Can I start tomorrow and still be okay? ;)

[Morgana LaFey]

4. Why sure -- that's what I'm going to do, I think

Somehow my day got away from me and now I'm too tired to start. I might pick up my "mindless knitting" scarf I'm trying to be done with and turn off the computer.

ANYtime is the right time. :D

[knitter4democracy]

7. Well, with the way today's going . . .

I might get it started, but I just feel horrible today--like I shouldn't have eaten or something. Ick.

Crochet still makes me tense, but I'm working on it. I hope these slippers will help.

[Bjornsdotter]

6. Ok, I finished a slipper

....and a few comments.

The yarn I used has quite a bit of stretch, combined with a double stitch created a slipper that was a bit big.

I will definitely change yarns and also make the slipper a bit smaller than the size of my foot. I also incorporated rows of single stitches where a double would have been too big. I also did the top of the slipper a bit different. Instead of starting at the toe (I tried that and didn't like how it turned out, I started across the instep. That way I could control how tight the slipper would be on my foot and then worked toward the toe.

I'm going to make another sample, but this time I'm going to crochet the whole sole in a single crochet, it will be a bit sturdier and easier to control the size. I'm not sure yet, but I may include a soft cord elastic in the finishing round to help hold the slipper on, I won't know for sure until I make the next sample.


Estimated time to make a pair of slippers---2 hours.

Hope this helps...

Cheers :toast:

[Morgana LaFey]

8. Boy, that ws fast

You're a speed demon.

Thanks for all the great, helpful comments. Some of us might do it differently from the get-go as a result.

[Bjornsdotter]

9. Lol

.....ok I confess.

I've been crocheting for 35 years, I learned when I was about 9. I haven't crocheted in years, but it's something you really don't forget. I used to crochet mostly doilies but I was tired of poking holes in my fingers from the tiny hook.

I think this is a great beginner project, for a few reasons. It won't take too long, you are able to size it as you work and it's functional. Excellent choice!

Cheers

[Arkansas Granny]

10. I got off to a late start, but I've got mine started. I scrounged

around in my stash and found some gray, turquoise, purple, green and a coral color in Red Heart 4 ply acrylic and I'm using a size H hook. Kind of funky colors, but I'm going to alternate each of the bright colors with gray so that should tone it down a bit.

If this pair turns out I'll be making some for my daughter, daughter-in-law and granddaughters. I might try a pair using hdc instead of dc so I can get more stripes in my pattern.

[Arkansas Granny]

11. Well, I've finished my first pair and they are a bit larger than I

intended. On the next pair I need to start with a smaller chain and I think I'll use some hdc and sc to shape the heel to narrow it down some. I will probably use more hdc on the sides and for the top to kind of firm it up a little.

I'm also thinking that after you have worked the sc edging along the opening that it could be used as a base to work up in rounds to form a fold down cuff of some sort. Does anyone have any ideas on that?

[Longhorn]

12. My first attempt turned out too large, also.

I didn't finish it as I could see that the sides weren't forming right, either. I was using Lion Suede, which I think is too thick, so I think I'll try again with thinner yarn and a smaller hook. What do you think about using single crochets instead?

I found a free pattern for oxford-style slippers written for Lion Suede. I might just try it instead.

http://cache.lionbrand.com/patterns/50950.html

[Arkansas Granny]

13. That oxford style looks interesting, also. Thanks for the link.

I've started on a second pair using the same pattern, but I've made a few changes. First, I shortened my beginning chain by about 5 chains and worked the first round according to the pattern. Then I switched to hdc for the second round and used sc for the heel portion. Tthis seems to have firmed up the sole a little bit and shaped the heel so I think it will fit better. On the second round coming up the side I used a few decreases in the heel portion to kind of cup it in a little for a better fit. The cat has been "helping" me so that's as far as I gotten on it.

[Morgana LaFey]

14. Well, I ashamed to be such a laggard - BUT

OTOH -- aren't there a few people missing besides just me?

Some of the comments are really helpful (thanks, all!), and I'm especially grateful for them. The rest of us should take note and decide how we want to proceed.

Meantime, with any luck, here are the photos of the yarn I promised. The teal isn't showing up nearly as vibrant as it is in real life, but the yarn is still kinda pretty, even at that.

And, as I said, my plan is to use plain old acrylic worsted weight black for the sole. I also plan to buy a Dr. Scholl's insole because actually walking on crocheted acrylic worsted weight sounds frankly torturous to me.

ANyone else out there at all???

Ooops -- forgot the links
http://www.dotphoto.com/MemViewImage.asp?AID=4349096&IID=150799554&INUM=1&ICT=2&IPP=16

http://www.dotphoto.com/MemViewImage.asp?AID=4349096&IID=150799556&INUM=2&ICT=2&IPP=16

[Longhorn]

15. Well, I finished one slipper.

I started with a much shorter chain -- about five inches. I followed the directions until the third row of the sole -- I did half crochets instead of doubles. I also threw in some decreases on the sides to make them turn up better. I didn't do the two double crochets at the end of each row on the top. Instead, I slip-stitched about half an inch out and did a row of dcs in each previous row. Each row increased but not as quickly. Finally, I did a row of single crochets around the edge, but I did 2 scs, then skip a stitch, then two scs, etc. so that it would tighten the slipper up.

After all that, it is still a little too big and I wear size 11! I'm hoping it will fit either my husband or my son. It's hard to keep it from getting too wide, especially in the heel area. You really do have to shape it, as Arkansas Granny said, even though the directions make differentiation between the heel and toe. I'll make its mate and then try another pair with alterations. Arkansas Granny's suggestions make more sense to me now that I've made one. :)

It only took a couple of hours to make one but that included pulling out my first attempt at the top. I'm sure it will go faster the next time. Have fun, y'all! :hi:

[suninvited]

16. All these suggestions should really help

me when I start on mine this afternoon. I just got my yarn this weekend and am off to a late start.

Almost glad, though, after reading all the helpful hints!

[Longhorn]

17. My son tried on the slipper I made and it fits -- he wears size 13!

However, he doesn't wear slippers. But his roommate back in Japan wears size 12 so I'm going to make the other one and send them back with my son. If he doesn't like them, maybe they can find a Marine with big feet who does. :)

So the next pair will definitely start off smaller! I thought it must be a typo when Arkansas Granny said she started with a chain of five stitches but now I realize that she knows what she's talking about! :D

[knitter4democracy]

18. With all of them being so big, should I felt mine?

I'm just wondering before I start--what if I use a bigger hook, follow the directions, and then felt them? Would that work?

[suninvited]

19. Do they shrink when you felt?

If so that might work. Ive been wanting to try the lion wool yarn that felts in the washing machine, maybe I will try that with this.

I finished my first slipper, and it fits fine. I used red heart yarn, with a smaller hook (size F) and started with a chain of 18. I crochet pretty tightly. I used double crochets like the pattern calls for, but I stopped increasing one round before it was the same size as the bottom of my foot. After my seventh round of double crochets, it was still a little short, so I did two rounds of single crochets, and to make sure it stayed snug on my foot I decreased two stitches on each side on the first round of singe crochet.

Now the trick will be to get a second one to come out the same !

[knitter4democracy]

20. Yup. I just don't know how crochet felts as opposed to knitting.

Knitting felts shorter lengthwise than width-wise, which would be nice to know before even crocheting it up. Hmm. Maybe I should just experiment. :)

[suninvited]

21. You could always do a couple of swatches

and see what direction it goes, and then let me the rest of us know.

[Morgana LaFey]

22. Well, GOOD! Looks like some action goin' on. Lots of

variations, lots of new directions people have gone on.

FELTING: I'm not an expert, but if you have crocheted in an all wool yarn, you CAN felt them, but they will shrink at least a little. You will also have to "shape" them, which means having something holding them to their shape while they dry.

Way to go, everyone!

[EFerrari]

23. I'm sorry I missed this because while my knitting always looks

chewed by wild dogs, I can crochet up a storm and find it relaxing as well as a way to slow down my smoking!

This is a great looking pattern. How is everyone doing? :hi:

[Morgana LaFey]

24. Jump in

I've been afraid to confess, but I haven't even started MINE yet. I've been busy (a little), intimidated (since I'm not really a crocheter), confused (since there have beren so many comments on the need for modifications), and just flat out procrastinating.

So jump in.

[Longhorn]

25. I'm thinking about trying another pattern.

The pattern you found is great for the more experienced crocheter but I'd rather start with a pattern that has more specific instructions. I like this one: http://www.crochetandknitting.com/mocslip.htm

But look at all of these free patterns! http://www.crochetpatterncentral.com/directory/slippers.php

I've looked at all of them and found several I'd love to try!

[EFerrari]

28. Wow! That's quite a site!

I was thinking for your first few projects, something less fitted than a shoe might be more fun and less hassle.

On the other hand, there are some really nice looking shoes there. :)

[EFerrari]

27. I will. I'll go get some stuff tomorrow. And don't worry about

the modifications. Off the top of my head, I bet we just need to keep measuring against the intended foot, lol.

:hi:

[Longhorn]

26. I finished the second slipper!

They mostly fit my husband -- just a tad big but they won't fall off. The second one is amazingly similar to the first. ;) I'll take a picture tomorrow but they're nothing to brag about. :D

Now I think I'll try one of the other patterns from the link I posted above.

How's everyone else doing? :hi:

[EFerrari]

29. "The second one is amazingly similar to the first."

:rofl:

:hi:

[knitter4democracy]

30. Meh. I can't get it right.

My crochet skills must need more work before tackling this project. I started out making it bigger for felting, and then I decided to rip all that out because it looked bad. Now I don't know what to do. *sigh* That, and I'm super slow. I really need to finish that helmet liner and all . . . Now I'm just grumpy. :banghead:

[Longhorn]

31. I think the problem is the hook size.

Unfortunately, the pattern doesn't give much direction. But since we're all getting results that are too big, I think we need to be choosing a much smaller hook. I used a J, I think.

This pattern reminds me of trying to cook with a recipe that says a little of this and a smidgeon of that and add the other "to taste." :)

[knitter4democracy]

32. I'll bet that's part of my problem.

Still, I'm so danged slow. *sigh* I'll try it again after class tonight.

[Morgana LaFey]

33. Now, see -- that's what I LIKED about the pattern

There is no need to "get gauge" because you crocheted it to your individual foot. I thought that was great. AND it allowed us to use whatever yarn we wanted to (weight-wise), within reason -- not sure I'd try this with either fingering or super bulky.

(Pssst. I have yet to start mine, and I'm embarrassed about that.)

[Longhorn]

34. I'm sure that's great for someone with more experience.

However, I had to make the first slipper three times until I got it close and it's still too big for anyone but my size 13 son and he's not really interested in a pair of slippers. :) I'm afraid I need more direction. :(

[Morgana LaFey]

35. Hmm, there again I looked at it differently

Because you reference your own foot measurement, and keep referencing your foot, I thought it would be easy to crochet-to-size as you go along.

I don't have much crochet experience. The last crocheted item I did - the ONLY crocheted item I did -- was back in the 1970s. I've done a bit of single crochet edging on knitted garments, and that's it.

Are you referencing your foot and its size as you go along?

I'll have to jump in and try it. Perhaps tomorrow.

[Longhorn]

36. The problem is that by the time you know that it's too big,

you have to tear it all out and start over. The decision is really made when you make the first chain. You can compensate by choosing a smaller stitch such as a half-crochet or single crochet in later rows but the length has been determined. Also, I could never get the sides to turn up (remember how that was your original question?) by following the pattern. I had to throw in my own decreases. Even then, the heel area is as wide as the toe area so it gaps around the heel.

I'm not saying this is the fault of the pattern -- perhaps an experienced crocheter would have known from the beginning which yarn and which size needle to use and how to shape and alter as he or she went along. I'm just saying it was a tad frustrating for me because I needed more direction. I didn't even know enough to recognize that the pattern was not as simple as it seemed. ;)

[Morgana LaFey]

39. Got it

the decision is really made when you make the first chain.

FWIW I think you're way ahead of me. :D


wasn't able to start today, maybe tomorrow.

[suninvited]

37. I had posted earlier about the hook

I started with a chain of eighteen and an F hook, and mine came out a perfect fit.

[Morgana LaFey]

38. and what size yarn?

that matters too. F hook sounds like it's probably a worsted weight size, but I'm not experienced enough to know. What's your yarn?

[suninvited]

41. Worsted weight

I think I might have forgotten to say that

[Longhorn]

40. This project is a perfect example of the value of the crochet-a-long.

We learn from each other's mistakes and successes -- and that knowledge applies not only to this project but to future projects.

Thanks, y'all! :Hi:

[Morgana LaFey]

42. Is everyone done?

Finis? Fed up? What?

I never have even started mine, but I was tickled to see SOMEone's turned out a perfect fit. Anyone else have anything to share?

[Left Brain]

43. Bummer

I couldn't get the pattern to come up, just the picture.

It looks as thought most folks are finished, anyway. Will you begin another soon?

[Longhorn]

44. There's a separate slide bar next to the photo of the slipper.

The instructions are below the picture. It took me awhile to figure it out! :)

[Left Brain]

45. Thanks Longhorn -

I'm beginning to see that you are, indeed, multi-talented! ;)