Crocheting with video tape

I have lots of videos in my cupboards that I don't want anymore but I don't like throwing them away to fill up the land fill. I was thinking that I could recycle the tape inside and crochet with it. The added bonus is free crochet yarn!
I recommend rewinding the tape before taking out of the video case so you have all the tape on one spool making it easier to work with.

Take your tape and unscrew the back. My tape had 5 screws in total.

Take the back off and you will see 2 spools inside

Take these out

cut the tape and you have your yarn ready to crochet with.

I crocheted a square first to get used to crocheting with such a different material. I found a 7mm hook worked well and single crochet is best as the tape is not very easy to work with. I found I needed to pull the hook a bit sometimes to get it through the loops on my hook, but once I got in the flow I found my square crocheted up quite quickly. Video tape is surprisingly soft to work with and it is quite strong.

I have now started crocheting a tote bag. I am creating 2 rectangles in single crochet which I will then sew together and add handles to. I will keep you posted with my progress.

Easter egg from Simply Crochet magazine

I decided that this Easter is going to be the first time I have had an Easter tree. I am going to get a twig from the woods (if I can find one under all the snow!) and hang decorated eggs from it. My first egg is from Simply Crochet magazine issue 3. I used a smaller egg base than the pattern states so I used a 2.5mm crochet hook and embroidery thread. I had to add a couple of rows to the centre of the egg so the 2 halves met up. I think it looks really cute and I can't wait to make up my Easter display.

Free scarf pattern for Barney the Bear

I have been crocheting Barney the Bear for a commission and my customer wanted a scarf for Barney. I designed one and I thought I would share it with you all for free so you can make your Barney the Bear his very own scarf. To buy the pattern for Barney the Bear click on the buy now button to take you to my Raverly store. You do not need to be a member of Raverly to buy the pattern for £2.50.


Materials

• 100% Acrylic Light Worsted (Double Knit) yarn in 2 colors, one for the scarf and one for the fringing.
• 3.5mm (E-4) crochet hook
• Large eye tapestry needle
• Scissors

Abbreviations

ch: chain – insert hook into loop. Yarn around hook, pull yarn through loop.

hdc: half double crochet – wrap yarn around hook and insert hook into stitch. Yarn around hook and draw loop through the stitch. 3 loops on hook, yarn around hook and draw loop through all 3 loops.

st(s): stitch(es)

RS: right side

Scarf

Using scarf color ch64

row 1 (RS): 1hdc in 2nd ch from hook, 1hdc in each st till end, turn, ch1 (63sts)

row 2: In front loop only 1hdc in each st till end, turn, ch1 (63sts)

row 3: In front loop only 1hdc in each st till end (63sts)

Fasten off

Making up

Cut 8 x 5"  (13cm) lengths of yarn in the color you have chosen for the fringe.

Fold a length in half and thread through the eye of the tapestry needle.

Push the needle through the end of scarf

Pull the ends of the yarn through leaving the loop on the other side 

Take the needle off the yarn and pull the ends of the yarn through the loop and pull tight

Add 4 tassels to each end of the scarf. When you have finished trim the ends so they are all the same length.

The finished scarf

Make your own stitch markers

Stitch markers are used when marking the rows as you crochet your amigurumi. I like to make my own as I can choose my favourite colours and beads. They are really simple to make as long as you have basic jewellery making supplies.

To make a stitch marker you will need:-

• clasp (I used a 7mm bolt ring)
• selection of beads
• headpin
• flat nose pliers
• round nose pliers

Thread your beads onto the headpin leaving a length free at the end so you can attach the clasp. If the holes on your beads are too big place a seed bead onto the headpin first to stop it slipping off.

Place your clasp onto the top of the headpin and using your round nosed pliers curve the top of the headpin downwards to secure you clasp in place. You may find it easier to use the flat nose pliers to hold the headpin securely as you do this.

Your finished stitch marker ready for your next crochet project.