Tutorial Tuesday: How To Guide // Create Your Own G-Squared Crochet Shorts!

 Hello there!  

I hope you're having a lovely start to the week! I've created this absolutely free how to create your own pair of granny squared inspired colorful shorts. As a thank you to those who have supported any little bit of this amazing craft that I love. I appreciate You, so please Enjoy!

THE INGREDIENTS

I used Scrap Yarn leftover from Projects all Caron Simply Soft Yarn// Medium 4

You can use as many colors as you choose [I used 7 total] Less than half a skein of yarn [depending on the amount of yarn] 10-12 yards of yarn per color [

Craft Scissors

Crochet Hook H/8 5.00 MM

Tapestry Sewing Needle

Measuring Tape

Sewing Needle and Thread

Elastic Band [1 inch band]

ABBREVIATIONS

hdc=half double crochet crochet

dc=double crochet

[number]tch[s]=turning chain[s]

sts=stitches

**=Repeat method until end of round

First things First!

You will want to measure the circumference of your waist. I wanted the shorts to hit a bit higher, around the belly button. Write down your measurements. 

Next, you will measure your elastic band, utilizing the number from your waist measurement with a few centimeters longer [like 2-3 cm]
Cut your elastic band and with your sewing needle and thread, overlap those few centimeters to sew securely [for that extra 2-3 cms] together to create a round.

Next, you will crochet to to the length of the elastic band and from your waist measurement, [disregarding those 2-3 cms]. [For Example: I measured out 28, I crocheted to 95 STS.]
After chaining to the amount [allowing turning chain amount]
For Row 1: HDC the entire row, into all of the STS and once you hit the last ST you will pause your work here.

Next, you will sew that first round to the inside/back of the elastic band, using your sewing needle and thread securing the crochet to the band. Sew in between the STS, you might have to double around. [My version is hand sewn!]

CONTINUING THE PATTERN...

You will return back to the Row 1, you will insert your hook back into your last ST. You will SS to connect the last ST to the very first ST. Thus, creating a round. Creating a round process which you will be working from now forth. Also, you can alternate colors [every other round] however, you choose. NOTE: You will be alternating colors for Each individualized round.
For Round 2-Round 4: HDC into all of the STS for ALL of the rounds, at the end of the round, SS to continue work as well as accomodate turning chain accordingly.

For Round 5-Round 22: HDC into the first ST, **CH 1, Skip 3 STS and into the following ST, HDC [three times all into the same ST] next, CH 1, Skip 3 STS and HDC [three times all into the same ST...[**Repeat this method until the end of the round, of which you will end on a single HDC to complete the round, at the end of the round, SS to continue work and turning chain accordingly.] At final Round [22] You will SS to complete final work for this section. 14 inches in length // 119 STS per round.

*Also, if you want to lengthen the shorts, extend from Round 22 or decrease from that section depending on personal preference.

Next, Measure out the bottom of your shorts. Mine was 16.5. You will find the middle section which will utilize only 1 inch, to start the middle section to construct the "shorts" appearance.

Insert hook into middle for 5 STS [2.5 inches width] solely or more depending on personal preference.
For Row 1 -Row 6: HDC into all of the STS for all of the rows, utilizing turning chains accordingly.
When you hit Row [6] SS to complete the final work for this section.

Turn the project inside out to sew the middle section using your sewing tapestry needle and a strand of yarn [9 inches or so]  [as shown above "middle photo"]  Sew the section to the other side of the bottom piece [as shown above "right"] Connecting the strip together, securing it.

*Also, if you want to lengthen the middle section, extend from Row 6 or decrease from that section depending on personal preference.

FINISHED LOOK

Have fun crafting!

Tag your recreations: #thedreamcrochetdiy

ashlee elle.

Dream Crochet Project Spotlight // Dream Granny Squared Crochet Dress.

Hello there! This project was that one idea that you have on the side and that you tell yourself over and over again; "I'll get to it one day.." Fast forward a few years later and that project is still a design on a piece of paper. So for this year, I set a Crochet Goal for myself to create what I have never and what I have always wanted to make. This dress was at the top of that list!

I knew that if I went for it, I wanted it to be complete with zipper detailing as well as have the dress completely lined.  The yarn I utilized was all from Michaels, from Isaac Mizrahi's Craft line primarily because they were all so colorful and held the perfect weight for Summer attire. 

The dress took A LOT of measuring of course, calculations and starting over and over, which I truly love because without a bit of failure how else will you accomplish as well as Learn how to achieve your main goal! Furthermore, the dress took a handful of days on and off due to finding the right Zipper and thread color to match perfectly as well as selecting the perfect muslin to perform as the lining for the dress. The entire dress was 100% hand sewn which was 100% interesting to say the least!

The elation I have for this particular dress is truly out of this world! I honestly believe there is nothing more self rewarding than accomplishing a goal utilizing your own hands. You just can't get that from simply buying it! Which is why I truly love creating handmade crochet clothing for it is Made for You, by You!

I entirely heading forward from a design perspective to continue creating the projects I've dreamt up, utilizing diverse methods I've never used because there is always room to grow!

Much Love & Happy Creating!
ashlee elle.

Inspiration: Granny Squares

Hello! Been a bit inspired by Granny squares, for an idea popped into my head a few days and I had to create a few items to see how it would turn out. I'll share them in a few days or so! Although, the granny square has received quite a reputation for being a bit old school I guess. I always held quite an interest for the design. The inspiration lately has been gazing my eyes on all these super lovely colorful squares, woot!

I love the bold colors in this, quite a sucker for the pastel pink nowadays!

The pattern for these squares are quite admirable. Definitely a technique I want to attempt. Especially with those colors, eep!

Would be a perfect with the left over scraps of yarn to make a huge blanket. Going right on my to make list.

The colors, the pattern, oh my! Love the feel of this granny square.