I recently found a table that explains the difference in crochet hook sizing between the United States sizing and the rest of the world.  Unfortunately, there remains to be a standardized system for crochet and knitting and with the Internet bringing us patterns from all over the world, it can be confusing!  This is true not only for international patterns but for vintage patterns.  With so much of the language of crafting having changed, it is necessary to know exactly what a pattern needs in order to complete it successfully.

Standard Crochet Hook Sizes & Conversion
Smallest to Largest 

For thread, and particularly fine gauge yarn, steel crochet hooks are used.

Steel Crochet Hook Sizes & Conversion
Smallest to Largest

Don’t hesitate to use vintage or foreign patterns.  For a long time, British and European citizens have been forced to convert to American sizing.  Now it’s our turn.  No pattern need be off-limits.  It is just a matter of understanding what sizes convert to the size you are accustomed to using.

Source:  Talking Crochet With Carol Alexander (Conversion Sizes)

Well, you caught me.  If you are reading this, you caught me red-handed.  I don’t know anything about painting.  Okay, that isn’t entirely true; I know you need a paintbrush.  That’s about it.  I would love to have the talent but I don’t so I dabble in other crafts.  But I do know a good Web site when I see it and if I were a tole or decorative painter, I would be hanging out here at The Artist’s Club.  I know they are good people because they are a sister site of a place that I do hang out at, being a knitter and I trust KnitPicks - that is how I know The Artist’s Club is going to meet the needs of the painter.

The Artist’s Club carries books that are essential to the tole painter.  They also have project pages, paints, brushes, tools and other supplies.  They even have some free patterns and it is an ample supply!  The supplies are listed with each pattern so that you can be sure to get what you need or maybe even discover that you already have it.  I particularly liked the door panels and the spring calico birdhouse. 

Check out The Artist’s Club.  If you are interested in beginning this craft, they have a lot for the beginner.  Who knows?  Maybe one day, I’ll join you with a paintbrush in hand!

The Artist’s Club

KnitPicks

I love the idea of recycling items that would normally go into the trash, or on a good day into a recycler, into crafts.  It is fun, the crafts are funky, and the expense is virtually nil.  This must be the perfect non-fiber craft for me because I drink a lot of diet pop and I have pop cans all over the place!  Yes I do recycle, but I think I could keep a few to make this wonderful dragonfly since I collect dragonflies.  This one would definitely be different than any other I have!

This site is all about recycling pop cans into different works of sculpture.  They even have a Starship Enterprise!  They also have various vehicles (including a green tractor which you know I had to love), trains, aircraft, and a variety of insects.  The patterns are only $14.00 ($8.00 if you download them on the computer) and they include full size templates, step-by-step instructions in a clear plastic cover.  The Web site has a list of the materials you will need; most you will have around the house and the others are inexpensive.  All of the patterns I looked at required eight 12 ounce pop cans - I could have quite a collection of vehicles and insects of Diet Pepsi Vanilla!

Two warnings:

1. Be cautious - when you cut into aluminum you can get a nasty cut.  Wear very heavy gloves and watch the edges of the metal you have cut into. 
2. This may be an addictive craft, so be sure you bookmark them for future visits and more patterns.

Other than that, have fun!  And use your own imagination as you go.  If there is an Enterprise, shouldn’t there be a Klingon ship?

Tesscar Aluminum Crafts - The Dragonfly

Tesscar Aluminum Crafts Web Site - see the Enterprise here!

This is one of the cutest patterns I have seen in a long time.  I am going to be making one for myself and embellishing it with buttons, hearts, flowers and whatever I can think of!  If you have a family member who sews, or a friend who is always parked in front of her sewing machine, consider making this as a very special gift.   It is a dressmaker form pincushion.

I think the cutest part of this pattern is that it looks exactly like the real thing.  Well, like they did anyway.  Now the designs for dress forms are more sophisticated and sleek.  But they aren’t nearly as charming.  The old Victorian style dress forms have now become a collectible item; this little pincushion is a wonderful, and useful, replica.

Dressmaker Form Pincushion