Wednesday, January 2, 2019

DIY: Latch Hook and Needlepoint Frida!

This pattern is now available! Get you one right here!

Y'all. I had so many artsy-craftsy-teachery goals for my break. And then I went and designed a Frida Kahol latch hook pattern and completely forgot about my other ideas! So, I present to you Frida two ways: Plastic Canvas Frida (left) and Latch Hook Frida (right).
I rediscovered latch hook at year when I bought a kit on a whim at Joann's. Y'all might recall from this blog post. Once complete, I stitched it onto what has become the most petted jacket by my students EVER (saying "please don't pet me" isn't something I thought I'd have to say...but such is the life of an elementary art teacher). I was "hooked" after completing this jacket. When I returned this winter to buy another design I was pretty disappointed by my choices. It seems that latch hook patterns have not been updated since I was a kid...in the 80's. 

That's when I got the idea over break to design my own. I got some graph paper and went to work...then I decided to hook it, not knowing if my design would work or not.
 But she did! I present to you Furry Faced Frida!
 Personally, I LOVE the look of latch hook because it's a multitude of things: tacky, vintage, bizarre, retro, kitsch, you name it. Now, since this design was my own, I did have to cut all of my own yarn. If you are not familiar with latch hook, it is the process of taking a 3" piece of yarn, folding it over a latch hook tool (found in all craft stores for a couple of bucks) and "latching" it to one of the openings in the latch hook canvas (I'm not sure what the stuff is called but you can also buy it blank at the craft stores). It's pretty easy! To cut my own yarn into the correct lengths, I just wrapped it around a 3" piece of cardboard and cut it. I kept the colors organized with this jewelry hanger I found at Five Below:
I have one of these for storing my embroidery floss also...they so handy!
 Since I was bringing back latch hook in all of it's retro glory, I decided to try my Frida design out on plastic canvas too. Y'all...I think I may like her a bit better that way!

 Even if the back looks like Zombie Frida (according to my husband). If you've never used plastic canvas, it's also available in the craft stores for CHEAP. I used the same yarn as I did my latch hook. When using plastic canvas, you'll need a tapestry needle. It can be a touch confusing because of the diagonal line the stitch creates. When counting out the stitches and figuring out your design, simply count the top of the diagonal, not the bottom left, if that makes any sense. 
I think at one point, every grandma was required by law to create a plastic canvas tissue box. So...y'all know that I'm gonna have to create one full of artists! I've already finished my Andy Warhol latch hook...I can't wait to share that with you.

IF YOU ARE INTERESTED...this pattern is now available to you! You can buy the pattern here. I'll be creating some how-to videos on plastic canvas and latch hook soon. Also, stay tuned for my Warhol pattern!
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5 comments:

  1. Hi there!
    I have your amazing pattern, but I’m afraid my teacher brain is still on vacation (even though it was back to work today). I’m looking at the pattern and I’m missing something... What is your yarn brand recommendation? I’m guessing the numbers correspond to the brand’s colors? Forgive my not quite functional brain, please ��
    Thanks in advance,
    Jennicrack

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    1. Ah!! I didn't think of telling y'all what yarn I'm using!! Will take a look at the yarn color/number and get back to you. The numbers on the pattern are if you are using embroidery floss like DMC. Those are all numbered. I hope that helps!!

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    2. My first thought was maybe some yummy, squishy, survive the nuclear war Red Heart Super Saver... some Hobby Lobby I Love This Yarn... I’m going fluffy, like her eyebrows, Frida!

      Now that I’m reading it again, I’m realizing the # is actually the number of pieces needed. I may need another vacation ;)

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  2. The article you have shared here very awesome. I really like and appreciated your work. I read deeply your article, the points you have mentioned in this article are useful
    Happy Room

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  3. Okay, so I was wondering: Would it look weird if I used a latch hook technique on plastic canvas? I have a bunch of scrap yarn and some clear sheets of plastic canvas. So I started thinking: ...Since the grid is set up pretty much the same, with the latch hook canvas a little more fragile than plastic canvas, why not use latch hook on plastic canvas to make a rug. Since I am blind, it's hard for me to visualize how something might look, so that's why I ask if it would look strange to use a different medium (the plastic canvas) for a rug hooking project. Thanks in advance for any input.

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