Modify a C2C Pattern; Better Steam Blocking Options & MORE!

Have a favorite crochet hook? Consider substituting another in some situations! Block acrylic without steam and more!
Links:
Repeat Crafter Me Halloween Kitty Blanket: www.repeatcraf...
BraceletBook Pixel Art Site: www.braceletbo...
Butterfly I used: www.braceletbo...
Paint.net (free Photoshop-type program): www.getpaint.n...
*Steamer I purchased and I love: amzn.to/3qTHD3g
Melanie Crochets demos blocking with iron without steam: • Video
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► DISCLAIMER: This video is NOT sponsored unless clearly stated. Unless otherwise mentioned, all other products were purchased by myself. All opinions are my own, honest opinions, regardless of sponsorship, referral links, and/or affiliation. Links denoted with a ❋ denote a referral and/or affiliate link where I do make a small commission at no extra cost to you.

[@mindyvolker1790]

The tray method. Brilliant. *Kicks Self* for not thinking of it. Thank you so much for that tip!!!

[@sheepishlysharing]

You are so welcome, Mindy! Works like a charm!

[@melaniecrochets]

Awesome! I got some street cred with my daughter who’s home sick today & watched with me.

[@sheepishlysharing]

Ha! Street cred for Mom from an old lady who talks about yarn... may she forever stay this easily impressed!! Hope she's feeling better, btw! And your tip certainly is genius... it really IS just the heat that's doing the job!!

[@Rennagayle]

I wish I had your computer skills. I don’t think I can do what you did to create your c2c graph, but I am very impressed with your abilities. You amaze me! That aside, I always learn new things from you, and appreciate your willingness to take time to share with your viewers. That tray idea for doing color work is brilliant!

[@sheepishlysharing]

You COULD do that if I had taken the time to provide a detailed tutorial, Renna! That was just an overview. And as you can see in this video, *I* learn things from my viewers! There were 3 awesome tips they shared with me!!

[@destresswithyoga]

Love the tray idea! I use my picnic table (on my back deck I get to listen to the birds and sit in the shade). No need to turn my work-instead I switch to the other side of the picnic table. Since I learned my picnic table method, I now use my dining room table and do the same thing.

[@sheepishlysharing]

Our weather has been so erratic lately that I'm coveting your shaded picnic table! As you saw in this video, I had my work on the table at one point and did the same thing BUT... I'm short so I have to hold my hands/arms a little too high and I end up with a lot of tension in my neck! So then I have to stand up and that's not so comfortable either. *Short People Problems!*

[@destresswithyoga]

I have long arms. LOL

[@dianeboileau2026]

So glad to see that your video is KITTY approved! Lol. Great tip about using a cookie sheet/tray and then just turning it around when you have multiple colors of yarn! The cat and the butterflies blanket will be so cute! I haven't been crocheting much lately but now I am in the mood to do a c2c blanket! Thank you Margaret for another great video!

[@sheepishlysharing]

Thanks for the kind words, Diane! And yes, my kitties apparently have the need to supervise my work. 🐱

[@NanaMom104A]

2nd comment..loved it when you said you were ready for grandchildren! Cause I am ready for Great grand children!

[@davidbryant7805]

Hi Cathy, how are you doing?

[@NanaMom104A]

@@davidbryant7805 I am fine

[@davidbryant7805]

@@NanaMom104A Lovely picture on your profile, just keep smiling because that make you look more beautiful..

[@davidbryant7805]

@@NanaMom104A where are you from?

[@NanaMom104A]

@@davidbryant7805 Ky

[@midgethorn4083]

I’m glad you have a discovery attitude! I have enjoyed these last two videos immensely!

[@sheepishlysharing]

"A discovery attitude." I like that, Midge!

[@CMeyer-ut3dd]

Our cat always has to be in business too, he likes to knit. The tray is the best idea yet! I remember ironing with a damp cloth for wool things. I will try this on my current project when I’m done.

[@sheepishlysharing]

Natural fibers are so easy to block but acrylic can be scary because you can totally ruin it! If you didn't see my last video, be sure to see what I learned as I began my first acrylic blocking and learn from my mistakes!

[@denisehoffmann5006]

That cat blanket is adorable . The tray is genius 🤩

[@sheepishlysharing]

Thanks, Denise! And thanks for your brilliant idea too!

[@graciekanalas7285]

Hi Margaret, I love your C2C afghan with the kitty and butterflies.....gorgeous. Your other blanket is nice, too. I'm impressed at how well you were able to correct the waves on the blanket. I don't have a steamer but have been wanting to get one. I love to wear 100% cotton clothing, especially here in Texas; the only drawback is that you have to iron the clothing. Thanks for the tips.🤗

[@sheepishlysharing]

Well, a steamer won't replace your iron. Some cottons can be steamed nicely (and so quickly!) but others just have to have that iron... collars for example. On another note: I don't iron OR steam most of my cotton. IF I dry it, I just hang it up while it's still warm from the dryer.

[@davidbryant7805]

Hi Gracie, how are you doing?

[@sassegranny4700]

The steam ideas are really a help. I don't have a lot of space to work with, so that will do for me.

[@ritalopes959]

You are one of the greatest teacher of everything

[@sheepishlysharing]

What a lovely compliment, Rita! Thank you! I'm catching up on comments and this was the first one I read this morning! What a lovely way to start the day!

[@stefaniestaniak4329]

Great blocking tips. Your kitty blanket is so adorable, I can’t wait to see it completely finished. And, I love the second blanket that you were blocking. The colors are wonderful, I just may need that pattern! Thanks for another great video.

[@sheepishlysharing]

Thanks, Stephanie! I shared the link to that continuous granny square blanket a few videos back. It's pretty simple and while I have to say I wasn't impressed with it while I was making it, I truly love it now that it's completed and blocked!

[@davidbryant7805]

Hi Stefanie, how are you doing?

[@judypetett888]

Oh wow! Love the cookie sheet and cookie cooling rack. I thought I had finished a C2C afghan last night and I laid it down on the floor and it is a trapezoid! I don't know where I went wrong, but don't worry. I am not discouraged. You energize me.

[@sheepishlysharing]

I read this and now think I need to revisit that baby blanket WIP I have going on. I made a mistake that I can't seem to figure out. I got frustrated with it last night and just plopped it in a pile!

[@judypetett888]

@@sheepishlysharing welcome to the Plop Down and Maybe Later Fix It.

[@tamieneal2343]

Love the tips you give. You remind me how much you remind me of British actress that plays Rosemary of Rosemary and Thyme mystery. Will you always suffer from Lyme disease effect? I sure hope not. I have lost my desire to knit, crochet, and cross stitch after recent health issues but have enjoyed watching needlework podcasts still. You are a wealth of information and I so appreciate you.

[@sheepishlysharing]

Oh, Tamie... I have one of those faces where I always seem to remind people of someone else. "You look just like my cousin/aunt/best friend's sister/etc." I've heard lots of actresses but this one is new to me! I'll have to go look her up! And yes... The Lyme has damaged my joints. It's not horrific but they have definitely been affected. So sorry to hear you've been having health issues! I wondered why I hadn't seen your name pop up in a while. I hope you get to feeling better soon and I'm glad I can entertain you for a few minutes here and there until you're ready to pick up some fiber again. 💙

[@vegangelist]

Most of my steaming, for acrylic blankets, is for the purposes of relaxing the stitches and adding drape, not for straightening. For that, I use my dryer. I have an LG dryer which has two steam settings. When I discovered that a few years ago, I had an "a-ha" moment. I reasoned that the dryer could accomplish most of what steam blocking could, with a lot less effort. LOL And indeed it does. Now i will NEVER have a dryer that doesn't have steam settings. It softens rougher or "not so soft" yarns beautifully. For the stiffest or roughest yarns (and, really, i rarely use such yarns), I have even run the blankets through the steam cycle twice. And it doesn't kill the yarn like ironing would. For straightening out edges or removing ruffling, I would block the piece "harder" (aka stretch it out more/make it larger) so that it ends up stretching the ruffles out of it. Once it is pinned out to a size that removes the ruffles, you can steam it. That would keep you from having to pin, steam, iron, re-pin and steam again. If the ruffling or straightening needed is *minor* the steam in the dryer is usually sufficient because the stitches relaxing from the steam sort of works that out. But for the more serious issues, hard blocking is what I would recommend. P.S. the kitty blanket is SOOOOO adorable!! Love it!

[@sheepishlysharing]

Interesting info! I know how much preach washing AND DRYING in a machine to soften acrylic but have never felt the difference with a steam dryer.

[@NanaMom104A]

Oh my gosh, I love that blanket! It reminds me of my black cat Romeo! It is beautiful!

[@sheepishlysharing]

It's such a fun little pattern, Cathy!

[@ymanajohnson585]

Margaret, thank you for all the great tips. They are all extremely helpful. Crochet hooks...I have a big variety of hooks from more than 60 years of crocheting and I use them all. Some of them I like better than others...those happen to the BQueen hooks and my custom made hooks. But, honestly, I never considered experimenting with the different types of hooks when I'm having a problem with the stitch or the yarn. I will certainly remember that tip! Steaming vs heat...yes, I've known for a long time that heat actually makes the difference on acrylic but the steam is also a great helper. I love the idea about the cooling rack used as a spacer when using the iron. Thanks again.

[@sheepishlysharing]

Yes... steam is just a different way to deliver the heat. While the dry iron works, I think I prefer the steam because 1) I can see exactly where I'm applying the heat and 2) I'm not flattening the stitches. BUT, that's not to say that the dry iron, flattening result can't be a wonderful choice to provide a new result! Kind of like "killing the acrylic" on purpose IS a technique when needed!

[@ymanajohnson585]

@@sheepishlysharing Margaret, you make me laugh..."killing the acrylic," so funny, but true.

[@schizoozy]

TY so much for sharing everything. I've learned so much about blocking from you. Those 2 afghans are beautiful.

[@sheepishlysharing]

I'm so glad, Barbara! Happy to share my discoveries!

[@CozyWithRaven]

I think I have the same tripod! I hadn’t thought to use cookie sheets, but I have little baskets that I bring around the house with me. It normally has a couple of projects, my iPad, a notebook, some cuticle oil, and lip balm. It’s made my restlessness so much easier to deal with 😂

[@sheepishlysharing]

Baskets! I have 2 beside my favorite chair. 1 houses knitting crochet stuff that just stays there and the 2nd holds the current project's yarn so I can easily move it where it needs to go AND transport up and down the stairs to replace after the project is finished. I have a separate "faux book box" beside my chair with the lip balm, nail file, stitch markers, and MORE. If I want to work outside or something, I plop that in the "active yarn" basket and off I go! (BTW, both my boys and I have ADHD and we don't think of it as something to be dealt with. We embrace it as a gift! Our minds work faster than the average person. We have the wonderful ability to hyper-focus on things that interest us. Our creativity is ever-flowing. If we feel "stuck," we leave life there and move to something else and magically, we end up returning with more energy and focus! We don't know the feeling of boredom because our busy minds naturally seek out something of interest! I never used the term "coping skills" with my boys... we call them "Productivity Skills" and they are fluid. That basket/box system that works for me now may change if I come up with something I like better! "Learn, grow, change, evolve" helps humans be better versions of ourselves everyday and those of us with ADHD are much better equipped to do that! Sooo.... that gives us an advantage to handle all the other challenges life throws our way... Every. Single. Day. You go, Girl! 🙌 )

[@CozyWithRaven]

@@sheepishlysharing ADHD can affect people in so many ways, it's got so many parts to its spectrum! The good parts are definitely good. My ADHD is coupled/tripled with comorbid conditions including autism and CPTSD, so for me it's a combination of coping and growing; I'm really lucky to finally have access to the support and treatment I've needed for a long time. Now I get to focus on the good parts and make more good happen 😊

[@JOSWEBCROCHET]

Great tips thanks! Mind blown on the one for the C2C flipping the work and turning the tray! 🤯😁👍👍

[@sheepishlysharing]

Ha! Works like a charm, Jo!

[@minini5571]

Your new blanket is just adorable and it looks so well made. I’m inspired!😍

[@sheepishlysharing]

Thank you, Minini! 😊

[@rhondaikenberry4155]

I sure miss you girl! Can't wait to see your next vedio.i learn alot when I watch you.......and ordered knit crate..

[@sheepishlysharing]

Thank you, Rhonda!

[@shirleyhanson6132]

Hi Margaret, your helper looks a lot like mine-- probably meows like mine, too!☺ Thanks for the tips.

[@sheepishlysharing]

My TWO helpers! At the end, I showed Buzzy observing the action, too!

[@shaykayraycrochet]

Absolutely love the tray tip!!!! I'm working on a Minecraft graph-gan for my son, and the flip has been driving me nuts. Thanks for the great idea!

[@sheepishlysharing]

You are so welcome, Sharon!

[@Steina_The_Yarnist]

Thanks for another great video, Margaret! Although I'm not the best at crochet yet, I enjoy watching your tutorials. 🤗🤗🤗⬅Hugs!

[@sheepishlysharing]

Most of the tips in this video can be applied to knitting, too, Steina!

[@dorcasfields6624]

I'm going to try these tips. I've not blocked anything before. I'm doing Jayda's Tunisian squares this year and acrylic yarn is being used so this will be a great help to me. Thanks 😊👍

[@sheepishlysharing]

Be sure to watch my 1st acrylic blocking video, Dorcas. Learn from my mistakes before you try it! kzbin.info/www/bejne/mGPJoH-CqdafoZY

[@VernaBradshaw]

Another awesome video. Thank you. When I weave my ends in, I do all the same colors at one time, usually starting with the color I think has the least work and work into the highest amount at the end. And yes, I count my tails 🤣…..thanks to my OCD! Stitch fiddle is another great graphing program but I haven’t figured it out on my Mac yet. Have a great weekend and a merry April Margaret. Yeah, I’m waiting for grandkids too.

[@sheepishlysharing]

Glad I'm not the only one who gets a kick out of weaving in the ends! Ha! Re: Stitch Fiddle... this video kzbin.info/www/bejne/mnvZoat7iJVsf9E where I'm talking about project journals, I gave a HUGE supply of helpful links and there's another online version that's a good replacement for Stitch Fiddle. Since it's web-based, you don't need to figure out any Mac specifics. I can't remember what it's called right now but it's linked on my blog.

[@deniseyoung3738]

Wow! What great ideas! I have an acrylic afghan that I wet blocked and was not happy, so I am going to steam or heat it! Thanks!

[@sheepishlysharing]

Blocking really makes a big difference. I'm really glad I got up my nerve to try it with acrylic!

[@lilashephard8225]

I love your tray idea...lol!

[@sheepishlysharing]

Thank you! 😊 Give it a try!

[@teresaharp]

Love the baking sheet idea! :)

[@sheepishlysharing]

I'm so glad! It works like a charm!

[@reneegencur2469]

Great job with the tweaks to the pattern! I love the cat and butterflies. Thanks for giving some more tips on blocking acrylics.

[@sheepishlysharing]

Glad it was helpful, Renee! (And I'm glad I have such smart viewers who share their wisdom!)

[@TheLashera]

Like the blanket a lot. Thanks for sharing.

[@sheepishlysharing]

You’re so welcome, Lashera! 😊 Thanks for hanging out with me!

[@darcypalmer7783]

I finally understand what "inline" means! Thanks. Your C2C is adorable, love the changes. I am working on Sarah Zimmerman's monthly gnome project. She has so many cute patterns. Oh my goodness your tray method is going to revolutionize my C2C projects!!!! Good blocking tips. Loved the whole video, thank you!

[@sheepishlysharing]

Glad it was helpful, Darcy! And yes... I such a Sarah Zimmerman fan, too! Those gnomes are adorable!

[@sylviamaxwell504]

Tray works great idea! and heard save yarn ends to stuff toys

[@sheepishlysharing]

Glad you can use the tray idea and yes... yarn ends can be great stuffing as can fabric scraps!

[@lynnschwemle2807]

Love ❤️ your work, thank you for sharing ❤️. Could you show us how to work and do thing on your santro? I just can't get it ?

[@sheepishlysharing]

Here's my Addi Playlist: kzbin.info/aero/PLV9cndFtR5BVQrjZ7X1f0HRTV92kscJf2 You can apply all the same principles to your Sentro!

[@geekatrinabrown]

Thanks for all this!! You could have colored the butterflies on with markers as well....

[@sheepishlysharing]

Markers, yes but then you can't move the butterflies around to see exactly where you want them and mistakes aren't as easy to correct! But you're right... there are options! Afterall, what would we have done in the days before computers?!

[@maribelishooked4378]

Thank you for sharing.

[@sheepishlysharing]

Sharing is what I do... albeit sheepishly sometimes!

[@davidbryant7805]

Hi Maribel, how are you doing?

[@pamelabarrett210]

I know how to get rid of the wave on the beautiful throw. Send it to me. 😁. Good to see or hear you. 💥

[@sheepishlysharing]

Ha! Actually, I think I fixed it pretty well!! So glad I was brave and tried the acrylic blocking!

[@JJW77]

Another helpful video! Once you block the blanket, does it stay that way for the life of the blanket. Or do you need to re-block each time after a wash? Someone gave me their steamer. There are particle residents inside. Should I try to get rid of the particles (and how) before use? Should I not have my brother construct the board/dowel method and just do the cookie tray method to keep my yarns tangle free? Your cat and butterflies blanket is beautiful!!! HELP!!! The c2c panda blanket that I am working on is lopsided. It went on a downward spiral when I started the decrease. Now I am going to tear it apart and rewind my yarns to start again for the 5th time. Could you do a video on decreasing? I check out other videos but am still having a rough time (I have a learning disability). Thank you for your expertise on making crocheting more enjoyable for your subscribers and fans.

[@sheepishlysharing]

Lots of questions here! 1) Re: Watch this video kzbin.info/www/bejne/mGPJoH-CqdafoZY because I had the same blocking question and shared my discovery with you. 2) Yes, you should try to get rid of the residue inside your steamer but I don't know the answer. I'm sure Google does. Btw, that happens because the previous user didn't use distilled water in the unit. 3) I toss around the idea of making a C2C tutorial but don't wait on me. Proper video tutorials take hours of work and now isn't a good time. If you want to see a glimpse into what it takes, watch this video: kzbin.info/www/bejne/Z3jdY5x6j990nq8

[@SoJustAsk]

Great tip with the tray. Have not ventured yet into C2C with the box stitch but I don't make afghans very often. But that tip will work with any larger item. Like clothing. I would have to get out my blocking wires and try but I'm wondering if you couldn't run the wire into the middle of the stitches on the row, basically as if you had crocheted over the wire as you did the previous row? It would stop that stitch loop pulling and maybe the waving too. Thank you for sharing the apps that you use to edit the designs. I was about to ask what software program you used to do it. LOL.

[@sheepishlysharing]

I was trying to do that but I couldn't make it work! If you figure it out, let me know, Stephanie!

[@susieinthecountry4434]

will try your tray technique! Any update on Sister Margaret Mary? Hopefully she is doing well.

[@sheepishlysharing]

Oh, Susie, you have missed a few videos. Sister passed away last fall. 😢

[@davidbryant7805]

Hi Susie, how are you doing

[@gailgaddy5340]

Good tips ty👍

[@sheepishlysharing]

Any time!

[@Manyanababy]

❤️❤️❤️

[@sheepishlysharing]

❤️❤️❤️

[@cheskydivision]

I have the opposite hook problem. The boye usually splits my yarn.

[@sheepishlysharing]

Just to be clear... Susan Bates is my preferred hook with NO SPLITTING as long as everything is normal! It was splitting because I was holding my work at an unusual angle so THEN I stitched to the Boye for "weird angle purposes!" Strange..

[@csl350]

What is the foam board you are using called?

[@sheepishlysharing]

I talk more about those blocking mats in this video: kzbin.info/www/bejne/mGPJoH-CqdafoZY and the ones I have are here: amzn.to/3j4VYFF

[@Crafty3627]

Your videos go way too fast. I can listen to your tips, tricks and demonstrations all day long. Thank you for sharing and demonstrating the tips from other viewers. That corner to corner blanket with the cat and butterflies it’s just so cute. I put this video in my save file.

[@sheepishlysharing]

Thank you, Eloise! And thanks to my smart viewers for sharing their knowledge!