Thursday, January 9, 2014

The Importance of Crochet Pattern Testing

As a crochet pattern designer, 
Pattern Testing is very important. 

I want to start off with saying,
 "I am very thankful for those who have, 
who are, and will test my crochet patterns.
I can not do, what I do, without you.
 You are a vital part of my designing process."

But what is expected from a 
crochet pattern tester?

Well, let me back up a little and explain 
my designing process,
 before it ever reaches the testers. 

First, I have an idea in my head.
Then, I usually make a sketch.

I then, have to decide what size, 
yarns, Hook and stitches I want to use.
I decided on Red and Grey,
I Love This Yarn!  Worsted weight
and  G - Hook

Now I am ready to
 begin the designing process.

After several tests and 
much frogging, usually.
The photographs are made and edited.

Then the writing begins.
Sometimes, I write as I go.

(If you would like the Paw Patrol Badge 
Crochet pattern,
 It will be in tomorrow's Blog)

Next, the typing, editing, 
re-writing, re-editing--
Sometimes, a headache 
and several cups of coffee.

Now I have a  un-tested,
 finished Crochet pattern.
All this takes place BEFORE
 the Crochet pattern testing begins.

I have a few Pattern Testers
 I always use, 
 I also like to ask for a few more testers. 
Fresh eyes are always great!

Ok, back to the question, 

"What is expected from a 
crochet pattern tester?"

It's really quite simple.


For Crochet Pattern Testers For
Posh Pooch Designs

When testing for me I only have a few things 
I am asking of you:

1. Please Read through the pattern completely 
before starting the pattern. 
Use the same yarn and hook I have used in the pattern, 
and work the pattern to the finish (unless you get stuck).

2.  Please check for spelling errors. 
The computer doesn't always catch them.

3. Please make a note of any part that you do 
not understand and mistakes. and email those to me.

3. Also, I am asking for a picture, on your dog 
of the finished item. It does not need to be  a 
professional picture, just one you took.

You can email it to me or I prefer you to post 
them on the group page so others can see your work.

 Thank-you,

Enjoy    Sara Sach  ssach@poshpoochdesigns.com

All my patterns are written by humans, 
tested by humans and edited by humans…. 
having said that….because of the human element they
 may contain errors. 
Please, please, please contact me with any questions, 
comments or errors. 
I will be so happy to help..
and even retest a pattern if needed.




Wednesday, January 8, 2014

Crocodile Stitch Loafers By Bonita Patterns

My feet are Freezing!!
Its so cold!!
Plus, we have  wood floors!
Then I remembered I made me a pair
of comfy loafer slippers!!
YES.... so toasty warm!
This is a wonderful crochet pattern by 
Bonita Patterns
You can get the pattern here: 
and you can keep up with her
 wonderful creations
 on her blog Here:

 I used reg. WW yarn for the bottom, 
so they would be sturdy,
then I used this luscious yarn for the top.
They are soft, comfortable
and WARM!

Tuesday, January 7, 2014

Twisted Headband Crochet Pattern

Twisted Headband Crochet Pattern
Sara Sach of Posh Pooch Designs

The Simple Twisted Headband 
has been retested, and Updated
 with new pics and 
A Brand New Video
At This LINK


I saw some of these in the store made out
 of t-shirt fabric, and I thought,
"I want one, I can make that."


So I did.
You can use any worsted weight (4) yarn or Cotton.
You ca also use any weight yarn you want, 
just make sure you 
use the correct crochet hook, the yarn calls for.




An Ad Free PDF FILE is Available
For $3.50 in my Ravelry shop
At This LINK


Monday, January 6, 2014

Who Invented The Crochet Hook?

Do you collect Crochet Hooks?
 I know I have quite a few of them. 
Metal Hooks.

And I have often wondered,
 who invented the Crochet hook. 
So I  started reading 
and investigating.

I came a cross this article by
Creative Spot Light 

"Little is known of crochets early history.
 It seems likely that the earliest crochet
 was made using fingers, rather than the 
hooks used today. There are theories that 
crochet could have existed as early as 
1500 BC, as part of nuns work, 
which included needlepoint lace 
and bobbin lace."

You can read the entire article at the link above

But there are so many different hooks out there,
 how do I know which on to use?
Some have different styles of heads?

Some are made of wood or bamboo?
Some even have special handles?
Some even light up!
And some are quite fancy.

But how do I choose which hook to use?
You need the right size hook for your project, 
as stated in your pattern. 
But Type of Hook, 
really depends on your preference.

What type of Hook do you prefer?


Sunday, January 5, 2014

Hand Chain Scarf with Ruffle Yarn

Have you ever made a hand chain scarf?
I made my first one today.
it took about 25 minutes.
It was really fun.
Calleigh's Clips and Crochet Creations 
has a blog to teach you 
how to make one for yourself.
Just click HERE 
and it will link you to her blog.
I left about 36 inches unchained, 
then cut and tied my scarf.
I chained the 36 inch piece 
and wrapped it around the knot
for a nice finished look.
This is the yarn I used.
It was very fun 
and quick to make.

Saturday, January 4, 2014

Have You Ever Wondered How Red Heart Yarn Is made?

Do you know what 
Red Heart Super Saver Yarn
 is made from?
Or How is it made?
I like to Use 
Red Heart Super Saver 
and 
Red Heart Soft Yarns
 because it is strong, washable,
And It is American made.
But how is Red Heart Yarns Made?
Read about it here : LINK
Or 
See a Video at this : LINK
The video is very
 interesting and answers the Questions:
What is their yarn made of?
How is it processed?
How is it dyed?
How many colors do they made?
How many kinds of yarn do they make?

Chihuahua Hat Crochet Pattern
at This :  Link



Friday, January 3, 2014

Cute Animals in Sweaters

I twisted my ankle yesterday, 
chasing my Chihuahua Maximo, 
he was chasing a bunny.... anyway.
I was on the internet and kept
 coming across cute Animals 
wearing sweaters.
So I thought I would make a fun post 
about all the other animals,
 besides Dogs,
 that people put sweaters on.

Get Ready for Cuteness overload!
These are NOT
 my sweaters or pictures.
Under each picture is the Link were I found it.

The one thing I noticed, 
is that they seem to be  all knit sweaters,
 except for the turtle and Squirrel  pics.

Hookers, we need to start
 crocheting some of these!

Bunny

Squirrel

Chickens

Cat

Ferrets

Guinea Pig


Lamb

Penguins

PIG

Ponies


Turtle

Bear

SNAKE!!
I hate snakes, but many people think they are cool,
So I added this pic.

Hope you enjoyed this 
as much as I did!