Monday, March 12, 2012

a touch of spring


There is something about spring that just makes me smile.  I love the weather, flowers, and just the feeling spring brings. I've been admiring so many wonderful spring crafts lately, I thought it would be the perfect time to do my first tutorial on this lovely spring garland. 
Crochet garlands are fun and simple to make, and they add such a handcrafted feel to your home. Now, don't worry if you don't know how to crochet, you could easily use felt, or double the fabric, use burlap, or learn to crochet (Head over to Craftyminx and you can learn)! Be creative and crafty, and just have fun, because that is what is all about! 

The Lovely Ingredients:

*yarn in any colors you choose- I used acrylic worsted weight yarn in pink, green, and grey

*crochet hook size H or the size that works best with your yarn

*darning needle

*vintage or new floral fabric

*embroidery floss and an embroidery needle

*twine or yarn- I used a pink twine

*pretty floral tape to hang it to your wall


I originally had made four colors, but decided just on the three. :)
The Simple Crocheted Rectangles
 Crochet Stitch Terms in US:
ch- chain
hdc- half-double crochet
(visit Craftyminx for directions on how to complete an hdc)
st-stitch


Start: ch 12 + 1 for the first hdc

* Row 1- complete the row by working in a hdc in 3rd ch, hdc in each ch across, ch 2, and turn.
total of 11 hdc + 1 turning chain

This is what your first row should look like.
* Row 2-12- complete each row with a hdc in the 2nd ch, hdc in each ch across, ch 2, turn.
total of 12 rows with 11 hdc + 1 turning chain in each

This is what your final piece should look like, pretty easy right?
Once you are finished with row 12, cut your yarn, and weave it into the back of your piece using a darning needle. Continue the same pattern until you have 6 rectangles or your desired amount.


The next step is to cut little rectangles of sweet fabric. These measured about 2 1/4 by 3 1/4 inches. You could make them smaller or bigger, it is all up to you. :)


Now you will need to pin the piece of fabric onto the crocheted piece carefully, so it doesn't move while you sew it on. Choose a color of embroidery thread that matches or contrasts your fabric.

Sorry for choosing a light pink thread, hopefully you can see it. :)
Sew a running stitch all around the edge of the fabric to secure it to the crocheted piece. Tie off the embroidery thread in the back and hide it in the yarn. Complete the same process for each crocheted rectangle you made.


Block your crocheted pieces.
*You will need to block each of your pieces so they will be nice and straight when you hang them. What I like to do is get a pillow, pin it down, and spritz with water. Once they are dry, you are ready to string them all together!



Now let's get stringing! You will need to get twine or yarn, whichever you prefer, about 45 inches long, or longer if you made more than 6 crocheted rectangles. Using a darning needle, thread in the twine.


Starting from the back of the piece, you will weave the twine through the top of the piece.

Here is what the top looks like when you weave it in and out. 
 Once you are finished, pull the twine through and flip it over. Continue this pattern until you have all your piece connected.



You should end up with this lovely spring garland!


The final step is finding a lovely place to hang your crocheted garland! You can even use some pretty floral tape to mount it on your wall, such as this!



Now you have a lovely spring garland to brighten up your home. I hope that you enjoyed my first little tutorial! Have a blessed week!





22 comments:

  1. Wonderful tutorial!! Your garland is soo pretty I love all the colors in it and it does remind me of spring. I know I'm so ready to just do some yard work, ready for green grass, birds chearping,flowers, and just sitting and enjoying the wearther :) It's suppose to be sunny and 73 this Wednesday here!! =SOO excited!
    Have a lovely day
    ~Hugs~

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    1. Thank you! That sounds like the perfect weather on Wednesday! The skies cleared up for us, and it is a sunny, warm day. Yay! Have a blessed day! :) xo

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  2. So sweet! I'm just getting into crocheting and I LOVE it. : )

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    1. Thank you! Oh, isn't crocheting so much fun, and relaxing! I love it, too. :) Have a blessed day! xo

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  3. That is so cute Heather!!! LOVE it! :)

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    1. Thank you Amy! I can't wait to see more pictures of your chicks! :)

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  4. Terribly cute. Perfect for spring. Smiles...Renee

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    1. Thanks for the sweet comment Renee! :) xo Heather

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  5. Heather,
    I'm so excited you came to visit me and really glad you liked it. Thank you for the very sweet comment. I hope to see you again soon!!! So, of course I had to come and meet you - and you have such a cute blog. I LOVE the crochet. I'm not really good at it but love doing it! I think it is such a cute idea to crochet around the fabric. What a sweet way to display some beautiful fabric. I just might have to make something like that for my new room. I'm your newest follower. So nice to meet you!!!
    Hugs,
    Julie

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    1. Hi Julie! Thank you so much for coming by and visiting! Thank you so kindly for such a sweet comment, it means a lot to me! I just learned how to crochet a couple of months ago, and love it doing it, too. I'm all about the simple with crochet, and can't wait to get better so I can do potholders. I will definitely be following your blog, I just love meeting such lovely and inspiring blogging friends (especially those who love "I Love Lucy"). Oh, I forgot to tell you I became your newest follower, too. :) And is so nice to meet you ! xo Heather

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  6. Your bunting is beyond adorable!!! Just like your sweet blog. Thank you for visiting me the other day...so happy to have found you.
    Off to take a peek around and see what other joys there are to be found. xoxoxo

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    1. Hi Koralee! Thank you, thank you! :) Oh, I just looked at your pinks, blues, and reds, and love all your photos! So inspiring! Thank you for coming by and visiting, and leaving such a lovely comment! I look forward to more of your beautiful posts! xo Heather

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  7. this is so precious and adorable!!!! wow! what a great idea! i applaud you!!!! thanks for sharing this touch of sweetness! hugs...

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    1. You are so sweet, thanks!! And thank you for coming and visiting, it means a lot! Have a great day! :) xo Heather

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  8. Oh goodness, these are so sweet. I started making a banner for our home. :o)
    I hope your week is off to a great start. hugs, Trish

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    1. Thank you Trish! :) I think garlands are a great touch to a home! I hope your week is going great so far, too! :) xo Heather

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  9. ADORABLE!!! Thank you for the tutorial. I am going to try this today!
    I just found you through my sister's blog, A Ruffled Nest, and I am going to become your newest follower. :)
    Love, Joyce

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    1. Hi Joyce! Thank you so much! Let me know how it turns out for you! :) Thank you for becoming my newest follower, yay! I am heading over right now to your blog! It makes my day to meet such lovely blogging friends. Have a blessed day! xo Heather

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  10. Now isn't this delightful. I love this bunting. Happy Spring!

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  11. How lovely! Thanks for tutorial!

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    1. Thank you!! I am glad you liked it!!! :) Have a lovely weekend!! xo Heather

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