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Happy April makers! This month is poetry month so we will do something a little different. This month, we are asking makers to share their artistic interpretation of a favorite (or not favorite) poem. Use whatever medium you would like and please don’t forget to share with us! Here is a drawing inspired by the poem Trees by Joyce Kilmer. What will you share with us? Tag us or DM so we can share your art.
Trees
BY JOYCE KILMER
I think that I shall never see
A poem lovely as a tree.
A tree whose hungry mouth is prest
Against the earth’s sweet flowing breast;
A tree that looks at God all day,
And lifts her leafy arms to pray;
A tree that may in Summer wear
A nest of robins in her hair;
Upon whose bosom snow has lain;
Who intimately lives with rain.
Poems are made by fools like me,
But only God can make a tree.
March Cup Cozies
Materials needed: Worsted weight yarn (your choice of color.) And a size H crochet hook.
Week 1 (3/1-3/7):
It’s time for March Make Along! This month we are making cup cozies. Each week will be a new pattern. Make one or all three. It’s up to you! All you need is some worsted weight yarn (you pick which color!) and you will need a size H crochet hook. We’ll post tutorial videos to help and patterns each week. We can’t wait to see your finished cozy. #ccsflibrarymakealong
Week 2 (3/8-3/14):
Hi makers! It’s time for the first cozy make along. This week we are going to make a standard plain cozy. You begin with a chain 35. Connect the chain to make a loop. It’s important not to get the chains twisted in this part. Once you connect, the chain you’ll begin single crocheting around until your cozy is to your desired length. I found that about 2.5 inches is a good width. You’ll notice in the second picture what it should look like when you connect the chain. You want to make sure you chain isn’t twisted. Single crochet along the loop continuously until you have about 2.5 in done. We will share the foundation chain and single crochet tutorial for you in our stories or you can find it in our reels. Don’t forget to share your finished cozy! #ccsflibrarymakealong #ccsf #ccsfmakersphere #ccsflibrary
Week 3 (3/15-3/21):
Hello makers! This week we are making a ridged cozy. If you pick a green color you can add a flower to make it look like a cactus! To make this cozy, you will start with a chain 11. Then single crochet in the second chain from the hook and continue to the end. You will finish your row with 10 SC (single crochet.) Next, ch 1 (chain 1) and turn your work. From now on you are going to be working in the back loop only. See the second picture for an example of where the back loop is. Continue to single crochet across on the back loops only. Don’t forget to chain 1 and turn at the end of each row. When your work reaches about 9inches long, single crochet the first beginning row and last row together to make a circle. Weave in your ends and you are done! By single crocheting in the back loops only, you will be creating a little ridge on each row. It will become apparent after a few rows. If you have questions or want to share your finished cozy, feel free to tag us or send a DM! We are happy to help and share.
February Eyeglasses Case
Materials needed: Felt, embroidery floss, needle, a pen or marker. Optional: ruler and felt glue (to glue on embellishments.) Non felt glue will seep through the felt.
Week 1 (2/1-2/7):
Welcome to the first Make Along of the spring 2021 semester! This month we are going to make eyeglass cases. Make as many as you’d like with whatever embellishments you choose. Don’t forget to share your progress and/or finished products with us! New semester, new hashtag #ccsflibrarymakealong This week we will just be gathering supplies. To make the eyeglasses case you will need felt, a sewing needle, embroidery floss, scissors, and something to mark your case before cutting. Optional is felt glue for the embellishments. Non felt glue will likely seep through the felt.
Week 2 (2/8-2/14):
This week we are going to trace and cut our cases as well as any embellishments you would like to add. We have included a couple of options for embellishments in the pattern but you are welcome to make your own as well. You can find a printable version of the pattern above. If you would rather not print the pattern you can also draw it freehand. Draw three horizontal lines about 7 inches long and 3 inches apart. Connect the lines at the ends with a rounded/curved line. The middle line is dotted because this is not a cut mark but rather a fold. Don’t forget to share your progress with us #ccsflibrarymakealong
Week 3 (2/15-2/21):
This week you will whipstitch your eyeglasses case closed. Start on one corner and stitch all the way around but don't forget to leave one side open. If you need help on how to do the whipstitch, there is a tutorial video available on the library's Instagram account @ccsflibrary. Don't forget to share your progress with us using #ccsflibrarymakealong
Week 4 (2/22-2/28):
Time to add those final embellishments to your eyeglasses case. What flair will you add? Don’t forget to share your finished case with us! #ccsflibrarymakealong
December Pom Poms
Optional: Pom pom maker
Week 1 (12/1-12/6):
This month’s Make Along is a little more self guided. We’ll be showing you how to make Pom Poms and you decide what to make! We’ll give a couple ideas of possible makes as well as 3 different ways to make a Pom Pom. The only materials you need are yarn and scissors! Optional are Pom Pom makers or cardboard (to make a Pom Pom maker) but we will show you how to make one with just your hands so it’s not necessary. This week, gather materials and we will have tutorials on Monday!
November Cross Stitch Along
Welcome to November’s Cross Stitch Along! This week you will be gathering materials. Check back next Monday for the first part of the pattern. #makealongwithccsflibrary
Materials Needed: Pattern, scissors, needlepoint canvas, needle, embroidery floss, embroidery hoop (optional-but extremely helpful).
Needlepoint fabric:
Joann
Needles:
Embroidery floss:
Most craft stores and even some convenience stores will have embroidery floss/embroidery thread
Embroidery hoop:
Week 2 (11/9-11/15):
Assignment: Stitch the pumpkin
Welcome to week 2 of the cross stitch along! Let's get stitching! You’re going to want to make sure you have plenty of room for your entire project. The pattern itself is 91 boxes (horizontally) by 35 boxes (vertically.) Start with a good size of fabric so you have plenty of room for your stitching. You can always trim the fabric when you’re finished but you can’t add more fabric if you run out of space. This week we are going to make the pumpkin. If you decide to start with the stem, make sure you have enough room, on the side, for the entire pumpkin and arms. When working a cross stitch pattern, you are always going to start from the left and stitch to the right. See the tutorial for how to cross stitch in case you do not know how (can be found on the library's Instagram and Facebook pages.) You are going to work one color at a time. This mean, you’ll start and finish the stem and the orange part of the pumpkin will work around what you have for the stem (assuming you started with the stem.) Don’t worry about the outlines and added details, we will do those at the end of the month. Each square on the pattern corresponds to a square on your fabric. See the close up picture of the embroidery canvas for clarification of what I mean by “square.” Cross stitch is time consuming so make sure you leave yourself enough time to finish this week’s section. You can print a copy of the pattern by visiting the make along page (link can be found in our bio.) #makealongwithccsflibrary
Week 3 (11/16-11/22):
Assignment: Stitch Coffee
This week we are going to stitch the coffee cup. The easiest way to start is to count over from the top right of your pumpkin to the top left of the coffee cup. Work your way down to finish the cup. When cross stitching, you generally only work one color at a time. I suggest working the top white section, then change to the beige section, and back to white. Essentially working straight down the cup. Don’t worry about the face and arms, we will do those at the end of the month.
Week 4 (11/23-11/29):
Assignment: Stitch the leaf
This week we will finish up our project! Finish the leaf using what you have already stitched as a guide. Once you are finished, begin adding the faces and outlines to your project. Stitch the eyes just like all the other stitches and you will embroider the mouth over the stitches you've made. Once you do that your cross stitch is complete! Frame it and hang on your wall.
It's time for the October crochet along! This month we are going to be crocheting this black and orange scarf. It's okay if you are new to crochet, we'll be posting instructional videos on the library's Instagram and Facebook pages. For the first week, you will just be gathering materials. Once you get your materials, it's a good opportunity to take some time and practice before we start making the scarf. You can start by making a foundation chain and doing a few rows of single crochet back and forth.
Supply List:
Crochet hook -H-:
Michaels -- This is just a standard hook.
Michaels -- This one is ergonomic and a little easier to hold.
Joann - Ergonomic
Amazon - Amazon seems to cost a little more.
Yarn (worsted weight):
Yarnspirations - Red Heart or Bernat are most cost effective
Michaels - Super saver.
Joann - Super saver.
Amazon - Not the most cost effective option.
Yarn needle:
Michaels - plastic
Michaels - metal
Joann - plastic
Joann - metal
Amazon - metal
Pattern: You can find the full pattern here.
Week 3 (10/12-10/18):
Assignment: Crochet rows 1-76 (11 rows a day)
Are you ready to start your scarf? This week you are going to crochet rows 1-76. That’s about 11 rows a day. See our Instagram or Facebook pages for tutorial videos if you need help getting started. Don't forget to share your progress with us on Instagram. #makealongwithccsflibrary
Row 1: In black, start with a foundation chain of 17. Turn and in SC in the second chain from hook. SC 16. Chain 1 and turn.
Row 2-10: SC 16, Chain 1 and turn.
Row 11: SC 16. Change to orange. Ch. 1 and turn.
Row 12-22: SC 16. Ch. 1 and turn.
Row 23: SC 16. Change to black. Ch. 1 and turn.
Row 24-34: SC 16. Ch. 1 and turn.
Row 35: SC 16. Change to orange. Ch. 1 and turn.
Row 36-46: SC 16. Ch. 1 and turn.
Row 47: SC 16. Change to black. Ch. 1 and turn.
Row 48-58: SC 16. Ch. 1 and turn.
Row 59: SC 16. Change to orange. Ch. 1 and turn.
Row 60-70: SC 16. Ch. 1 and turn.
Row 71: SC 16. Change to black. Ch. 1 and turn.
Row 72-76: SC 16. Ch. 1 and turn.
Week 4 (10/19-10/25):
Assignment: Crochet rows 77-154
This week you will be crocheting rows 77-154. Did you decide to go with the colors in the pattern or did you pick your own set of colors? Don't forget to share your progress with us using #makealongwithccsflibrary
Row 77-82: (still using black) SC 16. Ch. 1 and turn.
Row 83: SC 16. Change to orange. Ch. 1 and turn.
Row 84-94: SC 16. Ch. 1 and turn.
Row 95: SC 16. Change to black. Ch. 1 and turn.
Row 96-106: SC 16. Ch. 1 and turn.
Row 107: SC 16. Change to orange. Ch. 1 and turn.
Row 108-118: SC 16. Ch. 1 and turn.
Row 119: SC 16. Change to black. Ch. 1 and turn.
Row 120-130: SC 16. Ch. 1 and turn.
Row 131: SC 16. Change to orange. Ch. 1 and turn.
Row 132-142: SC 16. Ch. 1 and turn.
Row 143: SC 16. Change to black. Ch. 1 and turn.
Row 144-154: SC 16. Ch. 1 and turn.
Week 5 (10/26-10/31):
Assignment: Crochet rows 155-226
It’s the last week of October’s Crochet Along! How do your scarves look? Here are a couple videos to help you finish off your scarf (you can find these on Instagram.) The last of the assignment is listed below. Don’t forget to share your finished scarf with us. #makealongwithccsflibrary
Row 155: SC 16. Change to orange. Ch. 1 and turn.
Row 156-166:SC 16. Ch. 1 and turn.
Row 167: SC 16. Change to black. Ch. 1 and turn.
Row 168-178: SC 16. Ch. 1 and turn.
Row 179: SC 16. Change to orange. Ch. 1 and turn.
Row 180-190: SC 16. Ch. 1 and turn.
Row 191: SC 16. Change to black. Ch. 1 and turn.
Row 192-202: SC 16. Ch. 1 and turn.
Row 203: SC 16. Change to orange. Ch. 1 and turn.
Row 204-214: SC 16. Ch. 1 and turn.
Row 215: SC 16. Change to black. Ch. 1 and turn.
Row 216-226: SC 16. Ch. 1 and turn.
Bind off and weave in ends.
Welcome to the first of many Make Alongs! September is going to be a Sew Along. All skill levels are welcome. We’re going to be hand sewing a small tag to hang on your backpack or key ring or wherever you want. Each week you'll complete one portion of the project and by the end of the month the project will be completed. This week you will just be gathering materials. You can purchase supplies from wherever you'd like but we've listed some places that should have what you need. Check back next Monday for the first step of the project! We are so excited to make along with you. Please feel free to share pics of your progress along the way. #makealongwithCCSFlibrary
Project: Hand Sewn Felt Pencil backpack tag
Materials needed: Pattern, needle, scissors or rotary blade, embroidery floss (grey or matching colors of felt), felt-1 9"x12" sheet of each: pink, grey, yellow, off white, black, pins (option), cut mat (optional).
Cost: $5-$8
Pencil Pattern : You can print and cut out the pattern or measure and cut the following: Yellow-2: 5” x 2” Pink: 1.25” x 2” Silver: .50” x 2” Off White: 1”x 2” Black: .50” x 2”
Assignment: Gather materials. This week we are just gathering materials. Check back next Monday for the next step!
Assignment: This week you will be cutting your pattern pieces. You can use a rotary blade or regular scissors. If you are using scissors, mark your pieces with a pen and a ruler and cut along your marks. Once you have all the pieces cut, layer the yellow, off white, and black all on one end together. Take your ruler and mark a diagonal line where the corner of the white meets the top of the black. Do the same on the other side. Now cut through all four layers to create the pencil tip. That's it for this week! Check back next week for the next step. #makealongwithCCSFlibrary
Assignment: This week, you will be sewing the felt pieces on top of each other. To begin, you will take a nice long length of embroidery thread and split it into three strands. You should have two lengths of three strands after. now, lay out y our pattern. You'll want to layer one yellow, grey and pink together. First, pin the pink (eraser) on top of the grey piece and finish off with a knot at the end. Next you will pin the off white in place at the pencil tip. Now, backstitch just across the top of the triangle and finish with a knot. Lay the back and front pieces on top of each other, so they line up, and cut around the top of the eraser to round the eraser top. That's it for this week! Check back next Monday for the next step. Don't forget to tag us in your progress so we can see your pencils. Happy Monday! #makealongwithccsflibrary
Assignment: This week we are going to sew the tag together. You're going to start by sewing across the bottom edge of the grey. Start on the bottom left corner of the grey piece and backstitch across just the top layer of the tag. On the last stitch, pull the needle up through the beginning of the last stitch. Now, pin your backing in place and begin a running stitch around. When you reach the top of the eraser, you are going to stitch your loop in place. Take the long rectangle piece you have left and loop it, putting the two ends inside your tag. Now, stitchh across to put it in place. Once you get past the loop, continue your running stitch until just before the pencil tip. Once you get to the pencil tip, place the black tip and continue your running stitch. Finish stitching around the pencil and knot at the end. Your tag is complete! Don't forget to show us your finished pencils! #makealongwithccsflibrary
