Moth Wings Shrug at Crochet Me

Yay, they're having a crochet-along of the Moth Wings Shrug at Crochet Me! It will be on-going from April to May, so you still have time to purchase the materials and get your gauge.
And if you don't have the pattern yet, you may want to order the back issue of Interweave Crochet Summer 2010 magazine here, or you can purchase an instant download of the Moth Wings Shrug pattern here.

Please note: if you're making the bigger sizes, there's a correction on the layout as I've already explained in this post.

Come join, and you can practice making motifs and joining them as you go. Looking forward to see project pics on the crochet-along!

Crochet-covered button - free pattern

I've just finished a lacy shawl that can also be used as a shrug with the addition of buttons. The buttons had to be of the same material, so it would not distract from the look when worn as a shawl or scarf. I tried to make soft crocheted buttons, but it didn't work for this project...so I just used ordinary plastic buttons and covered it with crochet. Its quite easy and looks more professional.

Meanwhile, thought I'd share here how I made the crochet-covered buttons ;)

Crochet-covered button
Materials:
Ordinary button, 1/2 inch diameter
Crochet thread size 8, or 3-ply light fingering yarn
Crochet hook size 2mm (3/0)
Special st:
sctog - insert hook into st and draw up a loop, insert hook into next st and draw up a lp, yarn over and draw through all 3 lps on hook.

Note: this is crocheted in a spiral, do not join rounds.
Rnd 1: Ch 2, 5 sc in 2nd ch from hook. (5 sc)
Rnd 2: 2 sc in each sc (10 sc)
Rnd 3: (Sc in next sc, 2 sc in next) 5 times. (15 sc)
Rnd 4: (Sc in next sc, sctog the next two sc) 5 times. (10 sc)
Rnd 5: Sc in each of the next 10 sc. Sl st on next sc. (10 sc)
Fasten off, leaving 10 inches for sewing. Insert button. Sew the last stitches together to close, before sewing on to the project.

Crochet a fringe curtain

At a mall store last week, I noticed the use of a fringe curtain as divider for the store display. The yarn looked familiar, though I don't know what kind it is. I have some that I bought at Dreams shop in Makati a few years ago. It was inexpensive and didn't have a label. The characteristic of this yarn that makes it very nice to use for a curtain is that it remains straight even when you've worked with it, and the ends don't fray (very important!)
To make a room divider or even just a small curtain I think would use up a lot of the yarn, but I think its worth it...haven't decided exactly what to make so I've been looking for some ideas.
Look here's a sample of a ready-made fringe curtain, sold online:

It looks so simple to make, just crochet the top part, then attach the fringe :)
I made a tiny sample with the yarn that I have:

It will look better with more fringe, but you get the idea ;)
Wish I could get more of the yarn, in the color that matches my room...Anyone know what's it called and where to buy it?? Maybe I could go to Dreams again or to Divisoria, either way it would be an expensive and time-consuming trip :p