Freebie Monday & getting the gold

I made it! I had a total of 62 preemie hats completed by Saturday night. Since my goal was 50, I got the gold:)
I am slowly healing from surgery, the open area of the incision is now shallow and not as long. The broken leg is still troublesome to deal with. I tried to "sneak" upstairs (on my hands and knees) to find something in my stash. I thought I would find it and be back downstairs (by scooting down on my butt) by the time my beloved came back from running errands. I was _wrong_. I think "busted" is the word I'm looking for here. That won't become a regular thing until after the leg is healed - too much energy going up and down the steps and scooting around the room.

Now on to the show:


Are you having an elegant Thanksgiving bash? This is for a pattern for sale, not for free....
I'd love to wear it to work, but the dress code says "no hats". Plus my head would sweat horribly in that hat. Could be a centerpiece, maybe........
http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?ref=cat2_galley_4&listing_id=8560590

They are called "panther paws" but you could probably use them for other cats, small and large. You could apply the motifs to a purchased baf, for example.
http://mycrochetcreations.wordpress.com/2008/04/24/panther-paw-earrings/


Here's a lovely lotus blossom to crochet:
http://crochet-mania.blogspot.com/2008/08/crochet-lotus-bloom-flower.html

This sounds like a great pattern - crochet mittens from Canada - I bet they are warm. (Yes, I am a dumb American that thinks it's cold in Canada.)
http://www.canadianliving.com/crafts/crochet/retro_crocheted_mittens.php

I needed something to cover our metal headboard in the winter. It feels cold. I didn't think too hard about it, just used a piece of fake tiger fur and sewed it to fit. But I wish I had thought of this granny square headboard covering. It could be any colors, any motifs you wanted.
http://yscmama.typepad.com/little_purl/2007/08/granny-squares-.html

I thought this was a pretty cool potholder pattern
http://www.jpfun.com/patterns/free/potholders/f102007checkerboard.shtml

This is a pattern for"wool eater" afghan instructions. For the U.S. among us, keep in mind this is an Aussie site and interpret the crochet directions as such.
http://sarah-london.blogspot.com/2007/11/wool-eater-blanket.html


How about a pretty freeform purse to start school or the fall season or just because:
http://www.diynetwork.com/diy/cr_needle_arts/article/0,2025,DIY_13768_5058307,00.html


All from one person, Monica Zenberg, and all are beautiful....I especially like the "girlie flower baby afghan pattern" - that's just really neat.

Girlie Flower Baby Afghan Pattern -
http://www.gather.com/viewArticle.jsp?articleId=281474977417819

Little Boy Blue 8 Point Round Ripple Baby Afghan
http://www.gather.com/viewArticle.jsp?articleId=281474977275501

Eight Point Round Ripple Preemie/Baby Afghan
http://www.gather.com/viewArticle.jsp?articleId=281474977270508

Sunshine Round Ripple Baby Afghan Pattern
http://www.gather.com/viewArticle.jsp?articleId=281474976910272

Monica's Simple Ripple Crochet Baby Blanket
http://www.gather.com/viewArticle.jsp?articleId=281474976720718

Quick Stripes Baby Afghan
http://www.gather.com/viewArticle.jsp?articleId=281474977275692


Yes, the Olympics are over, but who doesn't like a fortune cookie? These would be cool for a baby shower or maybe a bridal shower:
http://www.quamut.com/quamut/crochet_project_fortune_cookies


This is a cute little amigurimi bluebird and nest.
http://www.quamut.com/quamut/crochet_project_amigurumi_bird_and_nest

This is not a free pattern, but a photo of a crochet interpretation of Terry Pratchett's "Discworld"
http://www.planetjune.com/blog/amigurumi-discworld/

I still am healing from surgery and the broken leg. While I have been away from work, they have rearranged the physical layout of my department. I usually had a lot of plants at work, but I have no idea where my desk will be in relation to any windows. Depending on how things have changed at work, this may be the plant I will taking back in and leave the other ones in the sunroom
http://childrens-knitwear-projects.suite101.com/article.cfm/crocheted_cactus_plant_project


I don't know if you are familiar with Twinkie Chan. She has scarves on Ebay that go for $300 or more. They are generally cute, cupcakes or ice cream cones. Here's a Twinkie Chan interview.
http://scene360.com/ARTdirect_Chan.php

Need some scrunchies for the upcoming school year - hear are some curlicue scrunchies
http://crochet.about.com/od/scrunchies/a/halfdozcurlq.htm


Something I've thought about but never have done - saving crochet work in resin
http://carmicimicata.blogspot.com/2008/08/saving-crochet-work-in-resin.html


As usual, no one is greasing my palm to put their links in my blog. I'd take some money or yarn or something, but it just doesn't happen. Apparently most crocheters don't believe in payola.


_enjoy_

Going for the Gold

As I have written before, I joined Crochetville's Olympic 2008 challenge. I had originally wanted to do Carol Ventura's kitty tapestry bag, but didn't have the materials at hand. So I decided I would do 50 preemie hats (using my pattern) for the University of Maryland NICU. I joined "Team Baby". It doesn't seem like much of a challenge, I know, but I figure the late start would give me the challenge. So far, I have 16 preemie hats crocheted and delivered. That gives me a bit over a week to make 34 more (_eeek_).
If I make it to 50, I get a gold medal from Crochetville. I think it's just a button to put on my blog, but that would be cool. We'll see how this goes...

here's a repost of the pattern: (from July 2007)
I keep my 2007 "Crochet Pattern a Day" calendar at my desk. I sort of forgot that July 12 was the date my pattern would appear. So I thought I'd post it here, for anyone and everyone. Please do not claim this pattern as yours, I hold the copyright. If you want to make the hats and donate them, that's fine by me. Please do not repost this pattern to your website, just send any inquiries you might have to this website. I thank you in advance for your co-operation and I hope many of you will be making preemie hats to donate.

##########################################################
Here's the pattern:

Skill level: C3 - intermediate
Fiber: Red Heart - Baby Sport Pompadour (I also use Lion Brand "Jamie", but this happened to be done in the Red Heart Baby Sport)
Color #1046 Carousel Print
Gauge: 5 stitches x 2 rows = 1 inch/2.5cm in dc
Hook size: steel E US/3.5mm
Notions: Yarn Needle
Stitches used: chain, slip stitch, single crochet, double crochet

Round 1: Chain 6, join with a slip stitch, chain 2. Double crochet 11 double crochets into the ring, counting the chain 2 as a double crochet, equals 12 stitches. Join at top of chain 2 with a slip stitch.
Round 2: Chain 2, double crochet in round 1's chain 2 stitch, 2 double crochets in each stitch around, counting the starting chain 2 stitch as a double crochet equals 24 double crochets. Join with a slip stitch to top of the chain 2 stitch.
Round 3: Chain 2, double crochet in round 2's chain 2 stitch, *1 double crochet in next stitch, 2 double crochets in next stitch all the way around, counting the starting chain 2 stitch as a double crochet equals 36 stitches. Join with a slip stitch to top of the chain 2 stitch.
Round 4: Chain 2, double crochet in round3's chain 2 stitch, *1 double crochet in next 2 stitches, 2 double crochets in next stitch, all the way around, counting the starting chain 2 stitch as a double crochet equals 48 stitches. Join with a slip stitch to top of the chain 2 stitch.
Round 5-9: Chain 2, double crochet in each double crochet around. Join with a slip stitch to top of the chain 2 stitch.
Round 10: Chain 5, double crochet in second double crochet from hook from joining chain, *chain 1, skip 1 double crochet, double crochet in the next double crochet all the way around. Join with a slip stitch to top of the chain 2 stitch.
Round 11: Chain 4, single crochet in second chain from hook, single crochet in next 2 chains, attach to round 10 by slip stitching to chain 1 space *working in back loops only, single crochet in each of the 3 single crochets, chain 1, turn, single crochet in each of the 3 single crochets, attach to round 10 by slip stitching to chain 1 space all the way around, total 48 rows. Slip stitch the ribbing together by working thru the back loop of row 48 and the bottom of the chain for the first row of single crochets.

Break off and weave in ends.

Chain stitch 90, fasten off, weave in ends. Thread the chain 90 thru round 10. Make a small bow.

FM 8/18/08

On the health front, I am recovering slowly. Yesterday I decided to have an outing at Target and it was definitely too much, too soon. I hung on to the shopping cart for dear life. I arrived home, sore and exhausted and almost too tired to crochet. But I'm taking it easy today.
FYI, for the Crochetville 2008 Olympics game, I switched my challenge because I couldn't shop my stash. I decided I'd make 50 preemie hats (using the pattern on this website) by the end of the Olympics 2008. Why is it a challenge? Because I got a _very_late start.
Let's get on to Freebie Monday

this is a very elegant shawl pattern.
http://www.elann.com/ShowFreePattern.asp?Id=176024

I have problems making tassels as well as making pom-poms. If you have trouble with tassels, here's a tassel tutorial to teach you.
http://groups.msn.com/NeedleTattingTwo/tasselideas.msnw

Here's another pattern for crochet socks:
http://loveyarn1984.blogspot.com/2008/04/small-shell-socks.html

Okay, so I have a thing for crocheted socks - here's another pattern, this one is called "domino socks".
http://loveyarn1984.blogspot.com/2008/07/domino-sock.html

If you're looking for a charity to get involved with, here's one for Special Olympics scarves. You have to use Red Heart in specific colors to participate, here's the site:
http://www.coatsandclark.com/Crafts/Crochet/Features/Special+Olympics.htm

Perhaps you'd like to check out this site, a place to donate handmade items to soldiers, Soldiers Angels:http://tinyurl.com/Soldiers-Angels


Here's a pattern for a beret - you can make a whole collection, perhaps even a "raspberry beret" - or not....
http://cats-rockin-crochet.blogspot.com/2008/08/chunky-beret-and-three-seasons-beret.html

Here's a cute littletote, Dot's Little Ditty bag. There are also directions for different sizes.
http://patbythehook.blogdrive.com/archive/56.html

I think it's time for a puppy break - an amigurimi puppy that is:
http://www.craftbits.com/viewProject.do?projectID=2159

Did your children or you make one of these this past summer - this is pretty cool.
http://www.makingfriends.com/godseyes.htm

Are you planning to have a craft booth this fall at a festival? Here's ideas on how to make it "pop" and have folks notice your booth:
http://www.craftbusinessblog.com/craft-fair-booth-secrets/

This isn't a pattern , but a combination of knit and crochet squares for Terry Pratchett's "pratchgran" - made by his fans due his recent diagnosis of Alzheimers.

http://www.boingboing.net/2008/08/16/terry-pratchett-fana.html

This is also not a pattern, but the winner of the "People's Choice" award at the recent CGOA meeting:

http://crochetalacarte.blogspot.com/2008/07/my-major-projectrevealed.html

'

Again, just something to look at .This is a beautiful afghan that features the four elements - really lovely. Check it out: http://kimby77.blogspot.com/2008/01/avatar-four-elements.html

As usual, no one has given me a kickback to list these sites. I'm up for a bribe, but everybody else is just so darned honest.
_enjoy_

freebie Monday 8/11/08

More on the health front. The surgical incision is healing slowly. My right leg is broken (broken tibia for those medical words folks) and I am wearing a boot for the next 4 weeks. No prolonged walking or standing :( But I can still sit and crochet :). I haven't quite decided what I should do for my crochet Olympics challenge, but I'll figure it out.....
On with the freebies.


Here's a site to make crochet lace vases to put your crochet flowers in - very lovely.
http://blog.craftzine.com/archive/2008/08/pattern_for_crochet_lace_vases.html?CMP=OTC-5JF307375954

Lady Linoleum makes a return to this blog with this wonderful cherry ribbon tote.
http://monstercrochet.blogspot.com/2008/08/cherry-ribbon-tote.html

This is a pattern preview from "Crochet Blueprint".
http://blog.craftzine.com/archive/2008/08/maggie_wrap_free_crochet_patte.html?CMP=OTC-5JF307375954

Want a pup but can't have one because of housing restrictions or maybe not enough cash? Planet June has a miniature schnauzer pattern for you.
http://www.planetjune.com/blog/how-to-crochet-a-miniature-schnauzer-pup/

Is you Ipod thingie naked? Or maybe it needs a costume to appear in public? Here's a ninja cozy for your mp3 player.
http://cthulhucrochet.blogspot.com/2008/08/ninja-cozy-tutorial.html

How about some filet crochet designs for Halloween?
http://stylish-crochet.blogspot.com/2008/08/filet-crochet-halloween.html

This isn't a pattern. Every mom thinks their child is special and of course, they are right. This mom blogged about her daughter's crochet work and it is exceptional, in my opinion. I couldn't even crochet at the age of 10 and I know I couldn't produce something that delicate.
http://lynnskitchenadventures.blogspot.com/2008/08/my-daughters-crochet.html

Here's a pattern for a crochet bolero.
http://www.e-pleteni.cz/aktuality.petra?id=2&lang=en

Here's Noreen Crone-Findlay's post about crocheting during the Olympics:
http://www.hankeringforyarn.com/crocheting-during-the-olympics

Ever get confused when crocheting in the round? It can be a bit strange at first. Here's some help: http://barney.gonzaga.edu/~aburton/crochrnd.html

And to practice what you have learned, here's a round ripple crochet tree skirt pattern.
http://www.crochetville.org/forum/showpost.php?p=1070831&postcount=2231

Yeah, it's warm in some parts of the world, but it won't stay that way. Here's a beautiful crocheted sweater pattern.
http://bejai1962.blogspot.com/2008/08/just-stitchin.html

Crochet Poet's pattern links (and these is an amazing amount of links for just about anything you could think of to crochet).
http://www.myhq.com/public/c/r/crochetpoet/

Kreinik crochet (and knitting) freebies
http://www.kreinik.com/kshop/home.php?cat=33

Bella Online online crochet magazine
http://www.bellaonline.com/articles/art9515.asp/zzz

As usual, I have not accepted any payola for listing these sites. And as usual, I would accept payola if offered but none was offered.

_enjoy_

FM August 4, 2008

On the recovery front, things have gotten a bit, ahh, worse for wear. My surgical incision popped open about 4 inches long and 1 ince deep. I swear, I was only embroidering at the time. (I was embroidering around crocheted flowers I put on a pair of jeans.) It bled a lot but wasn't too serious, I guess. The incision got repacked and now my poor husband has another task, clean and pack the incision twice a day. It is down to 3 inches long and about 1/2 inch deep, so it is healing.
The other thing hindering recovery is I missed a step at my youngest sister's house and brought my (considerable) weight on my right foot, which folded up under me. I thought it was merely a sprain, but the lovely purple bruises have me thinking otherwise. So I have been under "house arrest" ;) since last Tuesday, after that accident happened. Luckily, the incision did not pop open again. I plan to have the foot checked out at my doctor's appointment.....
On the plus side, I have made about 4 bags, 1 bunny and 2 pairs of adult booties (the Carolyn Christmas "Gourmet Crochet" ones) so far. I'm not too sure about the Yarn Olympics thing, I can't "shop my stash" with a bum foot. *sigh*
Now on with the show.


"Years of Yarncraft", a Sluggy Freelance production. This is not a pattern but hilarious all the same. I have a few Sluggy Freelance items (t-shirts, Bun-Bun) that I was lucky enough to have my sons get me as gifts. Check it out:
http://www.sluggy.com/images/comics/080728y.gif

This is a crochet caliometry pattern, but I can't tell you what a caliometry is because I don't know. But it looks interesting.
http://homegrownrose.typepad.com/reclaimingthehome/2008/07/the-one-hundredth-in-which-she-shares-a-crochet-calorimetry-pattern.html

This is one of those neck pillows, shaped like a cat and it's for kids. Why do kids have all the fun?
http://www.coatsandclark.com/Crafts/Crochet/Projects/BabyChild/WR1679+Cat+Neck+Pillow.htm

Another geometric afghan pattern for you:
http://www.happyyellowhouse.com/htm/geo101.html

Of course, this is the Olympic challenge I spoke of earlier. I don't know if I will make this, maybe I'll substitute something else for the taprestry kitty pattern....
2008 Crochet Games of Ancient Greece Challenge

I can't tell you how long ago I learned to make a granny square, maybe when dinosaurs roamed the earth;) But if you don't know how to crochet a granny square, here's a site for you:
http://meetmeatmikes.blogspot.com/2008/07/how-to-crochet-granny-square-even-if.html

I've made a lot of scrunchies, but never a "curly" one. Check it out:
http://crochet.about.com/od/scrunchies/a/curlyqscrunch.htm

Want to know what to do with all those useless cds you got from AOL and the rest? Here's a site to guide you on using your cds with crochet.
http://www.akupara.com/turtleknitta/?p=50

Manitiu's crochet beehive shawl pattern, absolutely beautiful.
http://detnews.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20080712/OPINION03/807120400

You scream, I scream, we all scream for ice cream - that seems rather rude, doesn't it? You can make a little ice cream cone purse to keep your ice cream money in:
http://www.ecrochetpatterns.com/crochetpatterns/freeicecreamconenecklacepursecrochetpattern.htm

And this scrunchie pattern is from the same spot.
http://www.ecrochetpatterns.com/crochetpatterns/fancyyarncrochetedponytailholdersfreepattern.htm

Want to try your hand at filet crochet? Here's a neat pattern for a filet teapot chart:
http://stylish-crochet.blogspot.com/2008/07/filet-crochet-teapot-chart-2.htmlfilewt

Here's advice on how to use your stash up and a new (to me) acronym, SABLE - Stash Accumulated Beyond Life Expectancy....hmmm
http://knittingcrochet.suite101.com/article.cfm/using_up_your_yarn_stash

This is a bunny hat for adults. Lady Linoleum calls it "inebriated bunny hat" which since she's the designer, she has the right to do.... I love it, inebriated or not.
http://monstercrochet.blogspot.com/2007/01/inebriated-bunny-hat.html

Have rags, make butterfly rug. Or maybe you could just use thick yarn, it would be a different look but I bet it would still be pretty cool.
http://www.craftown.com/crochet/cropat54.htm

Yes, here's another Christmas pattern for a towel this time. Yeah, I know not everybody celebrates Christmas and it's only August, but here it is anyway.....
http://www.crochetmemories.com/archive/lorettaspattern.html

This is a Maneki Neko crochet pattern and if you are wondering what a "Maneki Neko" is, I can tell you "neko" means cat in Japanese, but I don't know what "maneki" means. Perhaps happy or lucky? You'll recognize this cat if you frequent Chinese restaurants as they always seem to have a huge pink statue of this in the restaurants.
http://www.mountainweaver.com/blog/

As usual, I do not receive a kickback or payoff from any of the sites listed here. I'd accept the bribes, but apparently there's none being offered;)

_Enjoy_ :)