Crochet Horoscope 2010 - Part 3 of 3

Here's the third and final part of my crochet horoscopes for 2010. I do mention money a few times in some predictions, but that's because I believe money will still be a bit tight in 2010. Hopefully, I'll be wrong about that one;)
Anyway, as I stated, there's no deep, dark hidden agenda. The predictions are just for fun and if you find they hit a little close to you, well, I probably know a crocheter that is your zodiac sign.

Sagittarius November 22 - December 21
It can be a bit bumpy this year, but as long as you're careful, you should be okay. You're very idealistic and love the idea of helping people out. There's nothing wrong with that. But when you're investing your time, talent and money, make sure that it's clear where the items are going. You won't be happy if you find out all those pet blankets you're making are being sold on somebody's Etsy shop for their own profit. Plus you're going through a slow down in your crocheting. Maybe you're not inspired by anything that's out there, maybe you're working too much, but you will receive a welcome increase in crocheting in 2010. It will begin with something relatively small, maybe a beret but it will expand and soon your friends will be calling you "Speedy" for the amount your crochet.

Capricorn December 22 - January 19
You have a way of getting caught up in all the details of crocheting and that can be a good thing. Your projects are neatly finished, all the loose ends tucked away. But sometimes the details become overwhelming for you and you are just frozen in place by all the tiny things that must be done. So take a break by (gasp!) making some granny squares. Yes, you heard me right. Granny squares can be as simple or as elaborate as you choose them to be, but I'd suggest simple for you for a while. You need the break from sorting out all the little details that can clog up your creativity. Of course you can go back to your lovely precise crocheting and you will. But to relieve your stress form all that's going on around you, take a break. You will feel like you can't possibly do it, but you will need it more in 2010 than you do now - hard to believe but true. Take it easy on yourself.

Aquarius January 20 - February 18
Of all the zodiac signs, you have been the most eager for a new decade to begin. And you will get a chance to broaden your crochet horizons this year, maybe by learning tunisian or going to conference. Or maybe you're just find some more like minded people that you can talk to about crocheting. At any rate, you will definitely want to spend more time browsing thru pattern books and magazines. Maybe a few online tutorials will be helpful for you. All you know is that change is in the air and you want to be part of it. And you can be (and will be) - just don't buy out the yarn shop in search of something new. You (probably) have more than enough textures and colors in your own stash to get started on a new project. Use that yarn you've been saving for "something special". You are "something special" and you need to appreciate that about yourself.


Pisces February 19 - March 20
You have been much too busy to spend any real time crocheting, but things should start to settle down by about February. You'll have more time and more energy for crocheting. You also will have a burst of creativity unlike any you have ever experienced before. Suddenly the way stitches interlock will click in your head and you will be able to whip up some fantastic items. Some may be a little different, such as the unicorn hat for ferrets, but others will be spot on. This ongoing creativity will have seemed to have bubbled up from nowhere, but it's been percolating in you for quite some time. So hang on to your hook and enjoy the ride.

Crochet Horoscopes Part 2 of 3

As I stated in the first part, this 2010 horoscope is just for fun. If you recognize yourself in any of these predictions, it's just coincidence - or is it;)

we pick up where we left off - with Leo

Leo July 23- August 22
Leo, you do have high standards, all of us can agree on that one. But you are stubborn. Yes, I said it, stubborn. You put off doing a project until you have the perfect yarn to match the perfect pattern, the perfect buttons, the perfect crochet hook...there's no perfection in life. I'm not saying for you to loop any old thing together, but if you give yourself a little break, you will enjoy crocheting so much more this coming year. Plus by the time you line up all the perfect items for the perfect project, it may be too late to actually make them - that niece of yours could be in college and not really interested in matching sweaters for her American Girl doll and herself. Just loosen up a little, that's all I'm saying, and you will be able to enjoy crocheting so much more.

Virgo August 23 - September 22
Ravelry is fun. Facebook and My Space are fun. But when do you actually make time to crochet? When you are up against a deadline for a gift and you're so frazzled you don't produce the results you want? Here's my advice to you, Virgo, plan ahead - not a whole lot, just a little bit. Maybe find a stitch you want to learn and practice it by making a scarf - and use the scarf as a gift for a later time. Instead of reading about all the great stuff other people crochet, unplug for a bit and work on your own crocheting. You will be much happier with this turn of events because in the months to come, you will have a new somebody special to crochet for (it might be a new person in your life or somebody that you've known that becomes special to you) - and you'll be happy you took a little time to learn a new stitch or two.

Libra September 23 - October 22
Libra, Libra, Libra...you have so many projects going on you can't keep track of them. And you also can't finish them on time because you don't focus on one project for the time it takes to complete. Sure, that does mean you're interested in lots of different things. But it is also frustrating for you. So to make sure in December 2010 that you're _not_wondering where that hook is to finish those mittens, do a little organizing now. Use paper bags or plastic, but just get some control over your projects. Don't start another project, no matter how tempting, until you do this. This will be helpful because money is still going to an issue in 2010 (not just for you) and you will be able to save some cash by giving your lovely completed projects.

Scorpio October 23 - November 21
Yes, Scorpio, all of us know that you know all there is to know about crocheting. But 2010 is the year you put all that knowledge to work. Don't just look at a pattern and say "I can do better than that", actually do better than that pattern. This will teach you that although it looks easy to write a pattern, it isn't - and that you have a knack for writing easily understood patterns. Whether you decide to use this talent for producing unique items to sell or publish your patterns, you could use this skill to branch off into a different part of crochet. Just don't go crazy buying lots of yarn and setting up a website just yet. Be prudent and take things slowly. You will learn a lot from this experience.

That's it for part 2 - stay tuned for part 3

2010 Crocheting Horoscopes - Part 1 of 3

Please keep in mind, this is just for fun and does not reflect any deeper, darker meaning. Just take it for what it is. If it hits a little too close for you, well, I probably know a crocheter that shares your birth sign;)

Aries March 21-April 19
You've been working a little too hard for too little reward, so 2010 is a time to relax a little. Give yourself a break and plot out a meaningful project for yourself. Maybe it's that afghan you really want to make but keep putting off. Maybe it's learning filet crochet, but whatever it is, carve out the time in your busy schedule to try something new. Even if it's a new yarn shop to visit, it will give you a much needed smile. You may have a new special someone to crochet for towards the end of 2010.

Taurus April 20-May 20
You may be traveling, for work or for pleasure. Check out the yarn shops in the area you travel to, you will be surprised what different yarn shops have. Be wary of making a deal to crochet something for profit for someone. Make sure all the details are clear so you will not be disappointed by rejection or non-payment. This situation could be financially worthwhile for you, but go into it with your eyes completely open to the pitfalls involved. Be patient, your crochet muse will visit you but not in the usual places - try a museum or movie for inspiration.

Gemini May 21-June 20
You have the chance in 2010 to take your crocheting up a notch. Whether it's entering a contest or selling some of your original designs, this upcoming year could be profitable for you in the crocheting part of your life. Maybe that blog you're struggling with will finally take off. Your new found enthusiasm for crochet will inspire you and others in the upcoming year. However, keep an eye on how much money you're spending on crochet related items. You know what I mean;)

Cancer June 21-July 22
You have been pondering what direction your should go in with your crochet. You should try to invest a little more time on your fiber habit because it will be helpful for you in the long run. Start taking photos of the items you make and either keep a scrapbook or a blog about these items. You'll be able to see your proficiency increase with each finished item. Don't do your usual thing of setting the goal too high for yourself. Crocheting is something you are supposed to enjoy. It's not a race between you and all other crocheters. Take it easy and enjoy the process.



Stay tuned for the next 2 parts.....

ahhh, FM?

Before I start off, I should tell you that the CGOA has sent out an email warning their members of fake renewals. The fakes are coming from Publishers Billings. I received one and tossed it just because I knew I had just renewed my membership. So be on the lookout so you don't get scammed. Here's a quote from the email for you:
"Any true CGOA membership renewal notice will always state clearly that it is from CGOA.

If you have any question regarding your CGOA membership renewal status, feel free to contact CGOA@CGOA.com or call CGOA headquarters at 740-452-4541."


I hate to report this but I got nothing. Seriously, I usually search posts and listings for free crochet patterns that would pertain to whatever my theme (if there is one) might be and I just haven't had the time. I'm always amazed at how fast Christmas comes. When I was a kid, from Thanksgiving to Christmas seems like an unbearable stretch of time. Now it's like put away the dishes from Thanksgiving and it's Christmas.
I still don't have my tree up. My sons were going to come over yesterday (it's our tradition) but with 12+ inches of snow, that wasn't going to happen. And today we had to take them to the store so they could get shovels to dig out the car. Apparently, we haven't had that much snow since they moved out. The main highways here are generally good, but the side streets have not been plowed. They probably won't be until Thursday;)
Even though I have no free patterns to offer this week, I do have a link to the world's largest crochet blanket.
http://fortheloveofcrochetalong.blogspot.com/2009/12/worlds-largest-crochet-blanket.html
The woman worked on it for 11 years! That would drive me nuttier than I already am. I am working on a hat for the youngest great nephew and fretting about finishing it in time. It's a baby hat, how long can it take? Shouldn't be very long, since I started one pattern and ripped it all out. Plus I got to finish his bib.
And I'm doing Christmas this year, woo hoo. Actually, I'm providing the house for it, my brother and sister-in-law are supplying the food. My sister-in-law is pursuing her nurse practioner's degree and between school and work, they won't have it together. I'm not so sure I will either, but whatever happens, it will work out. It always does, one way or the other.

I wish you and yours a very Merry Christmas.

_enjoy_

Crocheter's Night Before Christmas

*** I did not write this, I found it on the internet. I am crediting the knit version to Nancy Massaroni, and Dee Stanziano rewrote it to fit into crochet.
If you've used this poem in the past, the info is CROCHETERS CHRISTMAS EVE, Original knit version by Nancy Massaroni, 2003, rewritten (crochet version) by Dee Stanziano, 2006. Please give them credit.



CROCHETERS´ NIGHT BEFORE CHRISTMAS

~ Nancy Massaroni adapted by Dee Stanziano ("Crocheting with Dee")

`Twas the night before Christmas and all around me
There was unfinished crocheting not under the tree,
The stockings weren´t hung by the chimney with care
`Cause the heels and the toes had not a stitch there.

The children were nestled all snug in their beds,
But I had not finished the caps for their heads.
Dad was asleep-he was no help at all.
And the sweater for him was 6´´ too small.

When out on the lawn there arose such a clatter,
I put down my hook to see what was the matter.
Away to the window I flew like a flash.
Tripped over my yarn and fell down in my stash.

The tangle of yarn that lay deep as the snow
Reminded me how far I still had to go.
When out on the lawn I heard such a noise,
I was sure it would wake up both Dad and the boys.

And although I was tired-my brain a bit thick,
I knew in a moment that it must be St Nick.
Yet what I heard left me very perplex-ed
For nothing I heard was what I expect-ed.

"Move Rowan! Move Patons! Move Koigu and Clover!
Move Shelridge! Move Starmore! Move Spinrite! Move over!
Lopi, don´t circle around, just stand there in line.
Pay attention you sheep and you´ll work out just fine!

I know this is hard as it´s just your first year
But I´d hate to go back to 8 tiny reindeer."
I peered over the sill. What I saw was amazing:
Eight wooly sheep on my lawn all a-grazing!

And then in a twinkle, I heard at the door
Santa´s big boots stomping on the porch floor.
I rose from my knees and got back on my feet.
As I turned around, St Nick I did meet.

He was dressed all in wool from his heat to his toe
And his clothes were hand crochet from above to below.
A bright Fair Isle sweater he wore on his back.
And his toys were all stuffed in an Aran crochet sack.

His hat was a wonder of bobbles and lace
A beautiful frame for his rosy red face.
The scarf on his neck could have stretched for a mile,
And the socks peeking over his boots were Argyle.

On the back of his mitts was an intricate cable.
And suddenly on one I spotted a small label:
"S.C." in duplicate on the cuff.
So I asked, "Hey, Nick, did YOU crochet all this stuff?"

He proudly replied, "Ho, ho, ho, yes I did.
I learned how to crochet when I was just a kid."
He was chubby and plump, a well dressed old man,
And I laughed to myself, for I´d thought up a plan.

I flashed him a grin and jumped up in the air,
And the next thing he knew, he was tied to a chair.
He spoke not a word, but looked down in his lap
Where I had laid my crochet hook and yarn for a cap.

He began then to crochet, first one cap then 2-
For the first time I thought I might really get through.
He put heels in the stockings and toes in some socks,
While I sat back drinking a scotch on the rocks.

Quickly like magic his hooks they flew,
Good Grief! He was finished by two!
He sprang for his sleigh when I let him go free,
And over his shoulder he looked back at me.
I heard him explain as he sailed past the moon,
"Next year, start your crocheting sometime around JUNE!"

FM 12/14/09

I can't believe it's so far into December. What was I thinking? Anyway, here's some links for you today

I printed this pattern for a ear flap hat to make one for my youngest sister. While it seems like a good pattern, I ended up not using it and making it up as I go along. It uses the bottom up technique, but I prefer the top down method. After all, I could try on the hat as it grew so I could find out if it would fit correctly.
http://www.favecrafts.com/Crochet-Hats-Scarves-Gloves/Earflap-Hat-Crochet-Pattern-from-Caron-Yarn


I can't help it, I love snowflakes. (Obviously, I don't live in the midwest) Here's a snowflake ornament
http://www.jpfun.com/patterns/free/ornaments/f103016prettysnowflake.shtml



And if it's cold where you are, here's a pattern for a pair of chunky mittens and scarf set
http://www.favecrafts.com/Crochet-Hats-Scarves-Gloves/Chunky-Crochet-Mittens-and-Scarf-from-Bernat


And a reindeer ornament
http://crochet.about.com/library/weekly/aa121899.htm

and a gingerbread ornament
http://www.craftbits.com/viewProject.do?projectID=169


and a flat angel ornament
http://www.cm-crafts.com/flatyarnangel.htm


In case you forgot how a stitch should be made, here's a tutorial
http://www.wonderhowto.com/how-to-crochet-star/


Since we are getting close to the finish line, here's some quick patterns to do. Remember, you could always make 1 panel of a mile-a-minute as a scarf.

Beaded Mile-a-Minute Bracelet
http://www.jpfun.com/patterns/free/jewelry/f107009mambracelet.shtml

Mile-a-Minute Afghan
http://crochet.about.com/library/n061398.htm


Mile-a-Minute Scarf
http://www.coatsandclark.com/Crafts/Crochet/Projects/Accessories/SB300-006+Crochet+Mile-a-Minute+Scarf.htm


Mile-a-Minute Afghan
http://www.purplekittyyarns.com/crochet-afghansli.html



You know the drill - no payola was given to me for making these links available. If somebody wants to pay me off in yarn, I'd be happy to accept it;)

_enjoy_

Chanukkah / Hanukkah crochet

Yes, I do know the Festival of Lights is almost upon us. There is not as much Hanukkah crochet out on the interweb, or if there is, I don't know where to find it. But here's a few patterns to get started.


Robin Chachula's softy dreidel
http://crochetbyfaye.blogspot.com/2007/12/dreidel-softie.html



A Star of David Square - perhaps put them together to make a scarf or afghan?
http://cgli.150m.com/starofdavid.htm



Here are more Star of David motifs
http://www.chezcrochet.com/page51.html


Here are some prayer caps (kipahs) - check out the Star of David one
http://www.directions2.clicksitebuilder.com/index.html


And a Star of David kipah
http://community.livejournal.com/craftgrrl/1401191.html

again, no payola to me for posting these links.
_enjoy_ and may your December be filled with light and love

*whew*

Sorry, folks, somehow or another the time slipped away from me and I wasn't ready for Freebie Monday. I don't even have the excuse of Black Friday shopping to fall back on. In my (limited) defense, I will say I was making cakes for a Toys for Tots bake sale. Unfortunately, I burned up one milky way cake :( and had to make another. I'm not sure if the pan will survive, I've been working on it. I hope it does because good tube pans are hard to find.
In present making news, I finished the lion for my niece & nephew to go with the afghan,I really liked the way the afghan turned out, but I was too dumb to take a picture of it. I made a lavender mohair blend long scarf for my oldest sister. I really don't like working with mohair as it makes my eyes and throat itch. But it's done and it's soft and lovely. I made an ear flap hat for my youngest sister. She uses public transportation and it's cold out there. So far we have been spared any snow, but it won't last forever. I started the project with a free pattern, but it was worked from the bottom up. I'm not a fan of that technique because I like to check the fit of the hat as I go along. So I basically made up the pattern as I went along. I used Lion Brand Homespun in the black and purple color way. That is because my youngest sister is a Ravens' fan and those are the Ravens' team colors.

This is a short list, but it will give you a start:


Noreen Crone-Findlay not only posts a wire snowflake pattern, she also includes lots of snowflake links Those of you who are sick of snow probably want to skip this)
http://www.blisstree.com/hankeringforyarn/snowflakes-how-to-make-a-wire-snowflake/

This is a cute yo-yo pattern - for the toy, not the motif. Check it out
http://www.craftster.org/forum/index.php?topic=307721.0



Here's a granny tree that has 2 versions - one at "The Royal Sisters":
http://theroyalsisters.blogspot.com/2009/11/grandma-tree-tutorial.html

And one at Amy O'Neil Houck's "The Hook and I" blog - along with more crochet ornaments
http://www.thehookandi.com/2009/12/01/ornament-crochet-along/

Here's another ornament from "The Royal Sisters" blog
http://theroyalsisters.blogspot.com/2009/11/grandma-twinkle-tutorial.html


And a star garland
http://ellenbloom.blogspot.com/2009/12/garland-of-stars.html


The sweater doesn't work for me, at least not with the dinosaur on it. But what did work for me was the dinosaur. You could just make the dino motif and sew it on a sweatshirt and instant dino clothing;)
http://www.favecrafts.com/Crochet-for-Kids/Dinosaur-Sweater-Crochet-Pattern-from-Red-Heart#

Here's a cute little stocking
http://crochet-mania.blogspot.com/2008/06/blog-post_14.html

This is a really cool link for Danish hearts
http://shala-beads.livejournal.com/265530.html

You heard the story before - no exchange of money, gifts or anything else was provided to me for posting these links. But if anybody has a spare tube pan, I can probably be bought....

_enjoy_

FM 11/30/09

Hi. I hope all of you have had a Happy Thanksgiving (or a happy Thursday) and are ready to face (_eek_) December. I almost have the lion finished (needs eyes, nose and a mouth - and to be sewn together). I decided to shop my stash as opposed to hitting a Black Friday sale. Definitely cheaper and easier, plus I can do that in my pjs. I rediscovered yarn in my stash that I forgot about. So under the guise that I got a cut in pay (I did) I will be using this newly discovered yarn to craft Christmas presents. Nothing that fancy, a hat, a scarf, a cowl. But I will be using up the yarn I have already paid for, so it should be a more inexpensive Christmas.
Speaking of Christmas (and before we get sucked into December), maybe you might want to shop your stash (if you have one) and create presents for your recipients this year. I know, some people don't like "homemade gifts". If that's the case, don't stress yourself out over it. Just spend what you can afford on the person and chalk it up to their loss, not yours. They are the one missing out on the gift, not you. For the other folks, consider if, for example, they are waiting for a bus in the cold. A colorful scarf will really feel good on a cold winter's day. Kids are always losing hats - and I intend to make a few for my great nephews. I'm sure it won't be the thrill of the year, but I have a joint gift for them, this is just a little something extra.
I am saying (even though it only has a little bit to do with crochet) is be gentle with yourself. Don't fret over making 20 different cookies or decorating the house down to the cat bowls - unless that's your thing and you like doing that. Your family doesn't want you all frazzled and undone for the holidays - they want you to be present, in the moment, enjoying what's happening in front of you. You can't do that if you're worrying about the credit card bills or how you're going to find time to take the bunny to get his picture taken with Santa Claus, The economy is in the toilet and I don't think financial recovery is coming for at least 2 more years. (nope, I don't have any insider knowledge, just a guess.) So consider your stress level and your bank account level and make the adjustments you need to make so you and yours can have a good holiday.
oops, I'm ranting again, aren't I? well let me shut up and give you some sites that you can get some ideas for your presents without breaking the bank....

Sweater Babe has some amazing free patterns on her site. Check these out for some holiday cheer.
http://blog.sweaterbabe.com/knitting/2009/11/quick-crochet-projects-for-holiday-giftgiving.html

I thought this was interesting - I would have loved this when I was a girl. I have no small girls to crochet for, but it's still cute - crocheting dolls
http://www.byhookbyhand.blogspot.com/

This is a tiny teddy, not suitable for small kids but could be good for a tween or a teen, Or maybe somebody that just needs the comfort of a teddy bear with him or her....
http://www.craftster.org/forum/index.php?topic=289504.msg3296032#msg3296032


This is cool - the never ending granny square
http://debscrafts55.blogspot.com/2007/12/never-ending-blanket-square.html


This is an interesting stitch and it looks great - a slant stitch scarf
http://suzies-yarnie-stuff.blogspot.com/2007/06/my-june-scarf-slant-stitch.html

See these fish? I'm sure they are going to make their way into one great nephew's gift pile. Maybe even two..
http://suzies-yarnie-stuff.blogspot.com/2008/07/learn-your-colors-fish-counting-toy.html

This is a lovely scarf, plus it's a little different than a striped scarf - check it out.
http://www.crochetmagazine.com/newsletters.php?mode=article&article_id=389

This is beautiful - a graceful shawl
http://www.maggiescrochet.com/free-graceful-shells-poncho-pattern-p-184.html

Again, with the teddy bears, it's a teddy bear afghan
http://www.angelfire.com/ca2/Jeanaries/Teddyghan-N-Friends.html

And for those who prefer the light look of filet, here's teddy bear filet pattern
http://crochetpatternsonly.blogspot.com/2005/09/teddy-bear-square-copyright-to-judith.html

Here are some toys that look cool. Yeah it's not Bakugan or that stripey monesr thing, but still cool....
http://barbscraftbooks.tripod.com/barbscrochet/id128.html


And last, but certainly not least, a gift for you - Caron is giving away a free full size skein of their Country yarn. You just have to go to this site for details
http://www.caron.com/free_sample.html


As usual, I don't receive any compensation for mentioning these sites to you. I just want to share what I have found.

_enjoy_

in memory of my sister and crochet teacher

In memory of my older sister Bee, who taught me how to crochet.

I wrote this back in 2006, talking about my older sister and how she taught me how to crochet. She would have been 59 this coming week. With the hustle and bustle of preparing for Thanksgiving (which she loved0, I decided to take the easy out and repost this little bit of writing.

This rant started off as a response to the "Not your Grandmother's crochet" phrase.
(-)

My older sister, Bee, taught me how to crochet (and knit). She took dress design in her vocational school and that's something the students had to learn. She sewed her prom gown and made a beautiful smocked dress as part of her studies at Mervo. She struggled teaching me how to crochet because I was (still am) very impatient. It seemed to flow freely from her hands, but I just couldn't seem to grasp it. It took me about a few months of practicing and watching and Bee showing me time and time again for me to get that "aha" moment.

I had to make something for my Home Ec class, any project, but it had to be crocheted or knitted. The Home Ec teacher didn't show us _how_ to do it, we were supposed to know. And we were also supposed to bring the item into class so she could see us actually work on it.
I choose yellow and green yarn for the colors (it matched my bedroom). The yarn I bought was rug yarn, I think. It was the least expensive of the yarns in the five and dime I visited and the start of my love affair with Boye hooks, a size H.

Bee did the chain stitch to start. I had great difficulty starting the project. Now I realize I pulled the chains too tight and couldn't work stitches in them, but I didn't know that then. I don't remember if Bee tried to get me to make them looser or not. At any rate, I was stitching along. Horizontal green and yellow stripes, done in double crochet, that had a sort of "rib" effect. I didn't know I was supposed to put the hook under _both_the loops on the top of the stitch. Bee probably did about 30% or so of the afghan. But having to take it to school and show my work made me try to learn the stitches better.
The teacher had doubts (reasonably so) that I was actually doing the work. I was slow and it would be unreasonable to think I had gotten so much done so quickly. But the day finally came when I could whip the project out of my duffel bag and actually accomplish some rows while in class. After that, the teacher didn't question my ability to crochet. I honestly don't remember what other people made. I can't remember if there were amazingly complex patterns or just ponchos (it was the late 60s). But I was sure glad I got that project done. And it certainly kept me warm.

The afghan is long gone now, a victim of time and moving. It wasn't that beautiful a project, but it was important to me. The joy of actually creating a project that big has stayed with me. I still enjoy the accomplishing of any project, whether big or small. And I've made a ton of afghans since that time, but that first one remains in my memory as an extra special afghan.
After all, how many crochet projects keep you warm, co-ordinate with your room and get you a good grade in school?

FM 11/16/09

Hello. I have finally finished the round afghan and need to take a photo of it. I am also making a lion toy to go with it, it will be all white with a multi-colored mane.
I have the body made, I just need to do the ears, legs and tail.
Today would have been my friend Robin Freed's 55th birthday. I met her thru rubber stamping but we were both interested in fiber. Her interest took the form of quilts. For a quilter, the quilt block is the basic tool they use to make their creations. We crocheters also use motifs to make our creations. So in honor/memory of Robin Freed's 55th, I am posting links to various free motif crochet patterns.



Triple triangle square
http://crochet.about.com/library/weekly/aa120706.htm


Lace motifs - these are great
http://www.mypicot.com/crochet_patterns_quilt_motifs01.html

double heart square
http://www.crochetnmore.com/bonnieschristmasdoublehearts.htm


Teresa's "Art of Crochet" blog has a wonderfully textured knobby granny square
http://crochet-mania.blogspot.com/2009/02/crochet-knobby-granny-square.html


baby bonnet squares
http://crochetroo.blogspot.com/2007/03/bonnet-babies-crochet-square.html



hearts in a row square
http://www.freepatternsdonnascrochetdesigns.com/hearts-row-patches-free-crochet-pattern.html


Northern Lights motif is made in size 10 crochet thread, but I bet it would look great in fingering or lace weight yarn
http://www.karensvariety.com/NEWSLETTER/Patterns/NorthernLights.htm

Concentric circles from Lion Brand
http://cache.lionbrand.com/cgi-bin/faq-search.cgi?store=/stores/eyarn&faqKey=335


This is really cute - a retro polka-dot square
http://www.crochetville.org/forum/showthread.php?t=86785

torch flower motif
http://pandacrochet.8m.com/torchflower.html

That's it for this week. I hope you enjoy exploring the various motif patterns I have posted. As usual, no payments of any kind have been given to me to post these links. Everybody's too broke for that nonsense;)

_enjoy_

FM 11/09/09

It's happy birthday to me day at my house. I have reached the age of a speed limit;) (55 if you must know). I have almost finished the "oopsi" afghan. I had a great deal of difficulty doing the last 5 or so rounds. This is because I wasn't paying attention as closely as I should have. I would get 2 rounds into it and realize I made a mistake on the first round. Or 3 rounds into and realize a mistake in the first round. So I chickened out and made up my own last few rounds. It still looks good, but I do think the real pattern looks better. I also think I wasn't going to spend more time ripping out the rounds. I should have paid attention and if I make it again (I'm sure I will), I will use stitch holders to mark where I checked the pattern every 10 or so clusters. All the patterns in the book are great.

This isn't a plug, just something I am curious about - you can learn
to crochet from an iphone? Isn't the screen small?
http://prmac.com/release-id-8344.htm

Suzie always has such great patterns - here's Suzie's circle of hearts beret
http://suzies-yarnie-stuff.blogspot.com/2009/10/circle-of-hearts-beret.html

If you are preparing for Thanksgiving and you have the time, here's a Thanksgiving wreath for you: http://www.favecrafts.com/Thanksgiving/Thanksgiving-Turkey-Wreath-Crochet-Pattern



I love sunflowers. My sunflowers have gone the way of most of my flowers because it's been a little cold here. But this is great - a sunflower lapghan
http://debscrafts55.blogspot.com/2008/03/sunflower-lap-ghan.html


More stuff for the fall or Thanksgiving - crocheted leaves
http://www.craftstylish.com/item/13783/how-to-crochet-autumn-leaves-to-decorate-your-table

This is great - a crocheted joy sign
http://www.favecrafts.com/Christmas-Crafts/Joy-Crochet-Sign


My oldest sister loves dolphins. I wonder how she would like this dolphin pattern?
http://members.optusnet.com.au/we2/dolphin.html


If you are making gifts, Christmas or otherwise, you need to know what size to make the article - Beverly Button has a sizing chart on her site
http://www.bevscountrycottage.com/size-chart.html

How about some monster slippers
http://premieryarns.com/patterns.php?id=128


The Happy Yellow House has a sweet pattern for a technicolor heart afghan
http://www.happyyellowhouse.com/htm/techheart.html

And here's a pattern for a granny square Christmas tree
http://hookyarnpattern.blogspot.com/2008/12/granny-square-christmas-tree.html


As usual, no kickback for me for featuring these items. Who could afford it?
_Enjoy_

FM November 2, 2009

Well, it's November and it's Daylight Savings Time in my neck of the woods. I'm not sure why we are saving daylight, we had plenty in the summer;) But I don't make the rules.
I am on round 24 of the "Oopsie" afghan. It looks great, even if I do say so myself. It is coming together quickly even thought it looks difficult.

On to the patterns:

For those of you who love dogs, here is a dog shaped scarf
http://www.craftbits.com/viewProject.do?projectID=2545&utm_source=250409NS&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=cb


I can see where fingerless mitts could sometimes be handy so here's a pattern for a pair: http://www.craftbits.com/viewProject.do?projectID=2573&utm_source=100609NS&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=cb

My favorite hand coverings are mittens. Yes, I know you can crochet gloves, but I just like having my fongers free.
http://shepherdscrookcrochet.blogspot.com/2009/01/friendship-mitens.html


I'm not quite ready for snow, but I am ready for some crochet snowflakes
http://www.favecrafts.com/Ornaments/Crochet-Bells-and-Flakes-from-Patons#

and more crochet snowflakes
http://www.marthastewart.com/article/crocheted-snowflakes


This looks as if it would be very handy for those folks who use a walker - could be great for nursing home residents -a walker bag
http://suzies-yarnie-stuff.blogspot.com/2009/10/3-x-3-walker-totes.html

How about a beautiful doily
http://www.favecrafts.com/Crochet/Pretty-Doily-Crochet-Pattern#

Or maybe some crocheted Queen Anne's lace
http://totallyfreecrochetpatterns.blogspot.com/2009/10/1940s-queen-annes-lace-motif-free.html



This is really cool - you could use it on a card - a crochet poinsettia
http://chocolatecraftsandbearsohmy.blogspot.com/2009/10/crochet-poinsettia-directions-for-your.html

This is just to look at, but it's pretty cool - a crocheted evening gown
http://www.baxterbulletin.com/article/20091023/NEWS01/910230325/1002/Barnes-wins-national-award-for-crocheted-gown-design


I know that October is over and that is supposed to be Breast Cancer Awareness month, but this would be appropriate almost any time - a breast cancer awareness scarf
http://mausicasmagicalmenagerie.blogspot.com/2009/10/breast-cancer-awareness-scarf-crochet.html


That is about it for me today. As usual, I receive no freebies from posting these items. In this economy, who could afford payola;)

Enjoy

FM 10/26/09

I haven't done too much crocheting this week. It's crunch time at work and that usually means my right hand is aching by the end of the week. But I did manage to get in 6 rounds of the "Oopsie Daisy" circular baby afghan from this book:






It's going much faster than I expected and is much easier, too. I am making it out of the white Simply Soft Caron yarn. I will put this up for my older niece until the time comes for her to have it. I don't know when that will be, but I'm hoping soon.

This week in freebies:

I thought this was funny. I don't know if kids could wear it to school because it's sort of a toy, but it's cute. I present a hand puppet scarf
http://www.favecrafts.com/Crochet-for-Kids/Puppet-Scarf-Crochet-Pattern-from-Red-Heart#

I thought this was really neat, but I have a soft spot for bunnies - a pink rabbit monster ami
http://kandjdolls.blogspot.com/2009/09/free-pattern-pink-rabbit-monster.html


Crochet Cabana has some lovely charity patterns. To check them out, look at this link: http://www.crochetcabana.com/charity/charity-patterns.htm

If you have a lizard lover in your family, he or she may like a gecko bookmark
http://suzies-yarnie-stuff.blogspot.com/2009/10/suzies-gecko-bookmark-toy.html


My younger son explained to me this is "steampunk" but it looks like crocheted cog / gears. Still impressive, could be cool of a t-shirt:
http://vintagestitchorama.blogspot.com/2008/09/crocheted-cogs.html

Caron has a link for a beautiful scarf

http://www.naturallycaron.com/projects/green_valley/green_valley_1.html




That's it for today. My darling hubby is battling some weird cold (flu?) for over a week now and I got some sort of salivary gland infection going on now. So I'm sorry for the brief post.

As usual, I receive no money / gratuities from these folks. I'd take them (especially in Caron yarn) but it's not happening.

_enjoy_

FM 10/19/09

This is the fish for Aidain. I basically followed the motif pattern, using 2 strands of worsted weight yarn instead of one and putting one extra row of single crochet between the each of the original patterns. Obviously, it made it much bigger. I used one skein of the Caron Simply Bright and the other skein was the Red Heart Banana berry. I crocheted the eyes and sewed them to the fish. I wasn't too thrilled with the eyes, but I didn't want to use felt or buttons/eyes simply because Aidain is only about 6 weeks old. But I still liked it.
I have another project lined up to do, but I want to make myself do a few little applique things prior to beginning the next crochet project. I wear a navy blur lab jacket for work and it's boring. So I bought a few from Ebay (I didn't want to do anything to the company supplied jacket) and decided to "pimp" the pockets. One lab jacket has pink ribbon appliques on it. I plan to iron on a pink rhinestone ribbon on the same pocket. The other plans are sunflower appliques and butterfly appliques. It occurred to me that I could crochet the items after I already purchased the appliques. I'm thinking I may get a few more and make a snowman applique to put on the pockets. But that's for later.

Now it's time for some free patterns:
A beautiful pattern from Noreen Crone-Findlay - a crochet wire bracelet
http://www.blisstree.com/hankeringforyarn/crocheted-wire-bracelet-with-vintage-button/


I may have posted this before - or maybe I didn't. But I liked it so here it is, a
flower blanket from Caron's website:
http://www.caron.com/projects/op/op_flower_throw.html

The Crochet Dude has a pink ribbin purse on his site - it's cute, check it out
http://blog.thecrochetdude.com/2009/10/02/free-purse-pattern-pink-ribbin.aspx


As always, if you have cats, you must have cat toys. Yeah, I know everything is a toy for cats, but this is really a crochet cat toy
http://blog.craftzine.com/archive/2009/09/just_a_few_yards_using_up_yarn_scraps.html?CMP=OTC-5JF307375954


It might be time for all of us who associate pine cones with winter holidays to start on this project from Planet M - crocheted pine cones
http://planetmfiles.com/2008/12/18/free-crochet-pine-cone-pattern/


Again, I'm not sure if I posted this or not, but I think it's fascinating. I'm trying to think in what lifetime I'd do all those little motifs but you never know -
crochet flower afghan from Berroco.
http://www.berroco.com/exclusives/cyanne/cyanne.html


It's close to Halloween, bow about some ami bats
http://fuzzyfeetworks.blogspot.com/2009/10/free-amigurumi-bats-pattern.html

A few more projects from the Caron site:
a vest
http://www.naturallycaron.com/projects/aurora/aurora_1.html

and a sweater
http://www.naturallycaron.com/projects/cushman/cushman_1.html


Here's another bat pattern for you:
bat pattern
http://shala-beads.livejournal.com/202913.html
And here's a blog that does Sunday freebies you might want to check out. It's Itsybitsyspider Crochet, it has a lot of good information on this blog:
http://itsybitsyspidercrochet.blogspot.com/search/label/Free%20Patterns


The usual disclaimer applies - I receive no special consideration or renumration for posting these sites. I keep saying I'm not proud, I would accept it but I guess no one wants to insult my integrity;)

_enjoy_

FM 10/5/09

Greetings, everyone. I finally finished Aidain's afghan, still got to make a toy fish to go with it, but that shouldn't be so difficult. I would do a few things differently the next time around. One thing I would have made as many rows of fish as it took to make the size I wanted. I had a devil of a time trying to edge the fish side part of the afghan. I tried to single crochet it, trying to make everything the same height. I made half fish, which did not work as well as I had planned. I made difficult colored whole fish and couldn't get it to work the way I want. As you can see, I went back to the single crochet edging. I would have sewn the fish with a little more ease in the seam. Or maybe I would have crocheted them together. I plan to play with the pattern at a later date to see what I could have done differently. Maybe make some really big fish by increasing the stitches in the motif. (This is Braveheart testing the afghan for softness.) I made it with an H hook, using Caron's Simply Brights for the fish motifs and the trim is in Red Heart Banana Berry. I might post some more pictures later on in the week.

Anyway, here's what I got this week:


For the Canadians who will be celebrating Thanksgiving next week,
here's a turkey pattern form Planet M
http://planetmfiles.com/2008/11/11/free-crochet-turkey-pattern/

I thought these were lovely, especially the shade of the mitts.
Suzie's butterfly mitts
http://suzies-yarnie-stuff.blogspot.com/2009/09/suzies-butterfly-mitts-c.html

and Here's the hat to go with it
http://suzies-yarnie-stuff.blogspot.com/2009/07/suzies-butterfly-garden-cap-c.htm


I'm thinking of a fish to match the afghan, I might use this pattern but make it in the various colors of the afghan instead of just gold colored. here it is - a
goldfish amigurumi
http://www.favecrafts.com/Crochet-Amigurumi/Goldfish-Friends-Amigurumi#


And as you know, I love bunnies. I love making toys, so this is a natural fit for me - a bunny amigurumi
http://www.favecrafts.com/Crochet-Amigurumi/Love-Bunnies-Crochet-Amigurumi


Donate a scarf, get 20% off at Lion Brand. Too bad this is for the New
York store only.
http://www.lionbrandyarnstudio.com/lionStudioBlog/?p=1977

cool spider coasters
http://www.coatsandclark.com/Crafts/Crochet/Projects/Seasonal/WC1939+Spiderweb+Coasters+and+Halloween+Table+Center.htm


maybe your dog has a Halloween party coming up, you may want to check this out:
http://www.caron.com/projects/op/op_hotdog_coat.html

That's it. As usual, nobody exchanged money or goods for being mentioned here. They know I'll list it anyway, so what's the use of bribing me. Although I really could go for a turkey sandwich...

FM 9/28/09

I'm still working on the fish motif afghan. Now I am working on the end panel. I think I will have to be done by October 9, that's the day before the big Aidainpolooza party.
On with the show:

Apparently, Cate Blanchet wears a granny square dress and causes a huge stir. I think it looks good on her, but she could probably wear a potato sack and look good.
http://www.news.com.au/entertainment/story/0,28383,26089925-5007192,00.html


I like Robert Downey, Jr. I loved "Iron Man". But now I think Mr Downey is even cooler- check out Robert Downey Jr & crochet
http://geekcentralstation.blogspot.com/2009/09/see-men-appreciate-crochet.html

I am using Simply Soft for my great nephew. Here's a simply soft tunic pattern
http://www.caron.com/projects/ss/ss_simple_tunic.html


I know everyone knows that October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month. Now you can crochet for the cure:
http://www.crochetspot.com/crochet-for-the-cure/


I thought this was pretty cool a crochet square flower motif
http://rosehip.typepad.com/rose_hip_blog/2008/11/index.html

and another lovely pattern from the same blog - a crochet flower
http://rosehip.typepad.com/rose_hip_blog/2007/09/september-blur.html


Here's a Red Heart log cabin quilt pattern:
http://www.redheart.com/Default.aspx?tabid=118&patternid=CT0003


That's it for this week, folks. Hopefully, I will take a picture of the fish motif afghan next week.

_enjoy_

As usual, no gratuities have been given for these mentions

whoops

I've been bad. I don't have a good reason, so I'm not going to offer one. (I wasn't sick or saving the world or anything really).
Aidain's afghan is sewn together now. I have to add an edging to it to make it a bit bigger, but I do like the way it turned out. Yes, I definitely will take a picture of it and post it. It was fun, but I'd play around with the pattern for a differeneffect next time around.
that's it, I didn't want you to think I fell off the edge of the earth....

FM Labor Day

I'm still working on Aidain's afghan. I am about 3/5 of the way finished. I can't wait to see how it turns out, it's the first time I tried this pattern and so far, I really like it.
I have a mixed bag of info for you today, so let's get started.


_Not_ a freebie but a class you can take to learn about selling your crochet designs. It's $50, it's online and it's taught by Mary Beth Temple. I know, $50 seems like a lot for a class, but consider how helpful it will be to have a professional teach you how to prepare your pattern for publication. Sounds like a good investment to me.
http://www.hookedforlifepublishing.com/onlineclass.html


This blog about a visitor's experience of the hyperbolic crochet exhibit in Australia
http://trishalandesigns.blogspot.com/2009/09/crafters-way-107-crochet.html

Here's an article about "yarn wars" in Canada. No, it's not local shops having a price war (I can dream, can't I;))
http://www2.canada.com/vancouvercourier/news/story.html?id=ddca1c3b-35d1-4571-ae65-869f52a6f6b6


This article by Kim Guzman made me realize that when you substitute manmade fibers for natural fibers, you will definitely run into a fitting problem.
http://www2.canada.com/vancouvercourier/news/story.html?id=ddca1c3b-35d1-4571-ae65-869f52a6f6b6

Noreen Crone-Findlay creates a crochet goddess of upcycling. Cute, especially with the zippers.
http://www.blisstree.com/hankeringforyarn/crocheted-goddess-of-upcycling-doll/

Here's a very cute afghan, it's called a bunny slope snuggli (think skiing, not Thumper)
http://jaybirddesigns.blogspot.com/2009/09/free-crochet-pattern-bunny-slope.html


Rachel Choi comes thru with a crochet pencil case pattern. You could probably use it for glasses. too
http://www.crochetspot.com/free-crochet-pattern-back-to-school-pencil-case/


There's no people like snowpeople - especially crochet snowpeople
http://www.favecrafts.com/Christmas-Crafts/Crochet-Snowman-Family-from-Bernat#

Want to make something fancy for a swap or yourself. Here's how to make fancy crochet stitch markers
http://e1.interweave.com/dm?id=7F961284108FB5A87672EF075A466371B675C59E1385BC44

Mary is a very busy woman and she can't be everywhere. But luckily for us, there are "Everything Mary" tutorials
http://www.crochetsoiree.com/objects/view/30832/


I found this to be a very intriguing pattern stitch for a dishcloth - big enough to see if you like it, small enough to finish if you're not thrilled with it
http://dishclothcorner.blogspot.com/2008/04/crochet-garterlac-dishcloth.html

This panda crochet-along combines Tammie Snow's talents with brushing yarn.
http://blog.craftzine.com/archive/2009/09/crochet-along_fuzzy_panda_amig.html

That's it for today. As usual, no kickbacks, bailouts, payola or the hint of a gift was involved in making this list.

_enjoy_

FM 8/31/09

Hi! Aidan Benjamin arrived last Thursday (August 27) without waiting for his great-aunt to finish his afghan. I don't know what to say about that but I got to crochet faster. I'm only about a fifth of the way finished. Maybe if I stayed home from work tomorrow;)

Anyway, here's this weeks pickings for projects:

This is beautiful, a cherry blossom scarf and I got some pink yarn that would be just perfect for it. But who should get it?
http://www.craftbits.com/project/scarf-cherry-blossoms


You've read a lot about hyperbolic crochet, here's a chance for you to listen to an interesting podcast on hyperbolic crochet.
http://www.abc.net.au/rn/breakfast/stories/2009/2669268.htm

This is really cool, a tutorial on brushed crochet.
http://littlegreen.typepad.com/romansock/brushed-crochet.html

I'm not so sure how I feel about this one - a crochet granny square skirt. I do like the cute blog.
http://grandmotherspatternbook.com/?p=1444


This is a lovely victorian rose baby sweater.
http://www.joann.com/joann/catalog.jsp?CATID=cat843899&PRODID=xprd1175283


This is a crochet 5 petal flower, but she adds some bling to it which really makes a difference.
http://www.craftpassion.com/2009/08/crochet-pattern-5-petal-flower.html


This is a cute gift idea - a crochet wine bottle cover. But not if your friends are like some of mine - they would expect me to refill it all the time;)
http://www.crochetspot.com/crochet-pattern-easy-wine-bottle-cover/

Caron has another wonderful pattern, a crochet cable scarf
http://www.naturallycaron.com/projects/aqua_blue/aqua_blue_1.html


I thought this was so cool - and for those of us with a large stash (guilty as charged) a different way to use it up - a "wooleater" blanket
http://sarahlondon.wordpress.com/2009/08/25/wool-eater-instructions/

Get in on this one quick because it ends September 2 - a crochet book giveaway
http://www.notmartha.org/archives/2009/08/26/giveaway-creature-crochet/

That's if for this time around. The usual disclaimers apply, of course.

_enjoy_

FM 8/24/09

Sorry, folks. I didn't intend to take off last week, but it happened. For some insane reason, I thought I could squeeze this out during the week, forgetting I just came back from vacation and had a ton of work to catch up on - as well as a ton of email to sift through. Has anyone else won the Irish Sweepstakes;) I've won 868,702 pounds which is $1,433,865.58 in US currency (as of right now). I don't even remember playing the Irish Sweepstakes. How strange. Do I have to go to Ireland and pick it up? And how many yarn shops do they have there? I think I would be doing some serious stash building with that kind of money.



Wheat Carr is doing a "yarnquest project" that will award a prize as well as discount coupons for her internet store. I intend to send some of my "vintage yarn" in, Check it out at
http://tinyurl.com/WWW-Project.


Rachel Choi does it again with a cute crocheted baby cocoon
http://www.crochetspot.com/crochet-pattern-basic-baby-cocoon/

and a cute bookmark
http://www.crochetspot.com/crochet-pattern-fish-in-ocean-bookmark/


Do you remember the late night ads for all those great K-Tel products? I never bought any of them new but I have picked up one or two in a thrift shop. Noreen Crone-Findlay has a review of the K-Tel Knitter, which I purchased in a thrift shop with a bag of sewing notions. Now I know what it is.

http://www.blisstree.com/hankeringforyarn/a-very-stupid-gadget-but-wait-theres-less/


as well as an interview with crochet designer arty Miller.
http://www.blisstree.com/hankeringforyarn/profile-crochet-designer-marty-miller/

Annie Modesitt is still looking for hats - so check it out, you still have a little bit of time.
http://www.anniemodesitt.com/newsletter/

How about a cowl vest by Caron?
http://www.caron.com/projects/ss/cowl_vest.html

Mary Sue's Crochet Newsletter is ready to read:
http://news809.suescrochet.com/


I love the Planet M Files blog. I love seeing all those cute crocheted guinea pigs lined up. Here's a free pattern for "Crochet Monkey Two" by Gayle of Plant M Files
http://planetmfiles.com/2008/09/03/crochet-monkey-two/


I thought this was cute, an angel pig, just perfect for my sister-in-law for Christmas
http://www.angelsezine.com/2009/08/14/crochet-an-angel-pig/">http://www.angelsezine.com/2009/08/14/crochet-an-angel-pig/



This is a really cool crochet bag pattern by Kathy Merrick
http://www.knittingdaily.com/media/p/31016.aspx


Free e-book of crochet patterns. Nope, don't know anything about it, but it looks interesting
http://www.bignews.biz/?id=810338&keys=crochet-patterns-ebook-aghans


Check this out - crochet using embroidery thread. I had a girlfriend that did that back in high school. I think it's lovely and that means I got a lot more stash for crocheting than I previously did.
http://www.purlbee.com/the-purl-bee/2009/8/17/wren-handmade-crocheted-bracelets.html


I've been looking for a pattern sort of like this - a crochet half moon bag
http://www.craftster.org/forum/index.php?topic=92096.0


The Crafty Chameleon is showing what she is crocheting to adorn her clothes - pretty cool.All her flowers have names
http://thecraftycameleon.blogspot.com/


"CrochetMe" and reading crochet diagrams
http://e1.interweave.com/dm?id=7F961284108FB5A81DFBB2454E5EF49F77AE180CF45FB311


As usual, I do not get any compensation for mentioning these sites. I would be willing to be bribed, but heck, with my big winnings, I don't need bribery;)

_enjoy_

FM 8/10/09

The picture above was taken at the Toy Museum at Natural Bridge, Virginia. They have a lot of modern toys (South Park, Teenage Mutant Turtles, Barbies) but these are the only two toys that appear to be hand made from yarn. I don't know if the stitching in the larger doll shows up well but it looked like a combination of knit and crochet. The little yarn doll is similar to the thread dolls Noreen Crone-Findlay makes.http://www.blisstree.com/hankeringforyarn/busting-stress-with-old-time-thread-dolls/


I'm back. I went to Virginia for a couple of days, got a picture of me and my honey with a tiger cub. I have to post it sometime, got to figure out to work ii in;)
The weather is great, the avocado pit is growing and all is right with the world. Okay, with my world. I plan to go shopping (in my stash) a little later to get the yarn I want for a project. I think I have more yarn than A.C. Moore and Michaels combined. The last few times I was at either place, I didn't buy any yarn at all. That's how you know the economy is in the toilet. I'd like to lie and say "oh no, I was not going to buy yarn at all" but why lie? I just couldn't find anything I liked in either store. I know, that's _weird_. Anyway....


How much yarn do you need for a project? I can't ever figure it out. And don't even try to go back and get the same lot number. But Lion Brand has figured it out:
http://www.lionbrand.com/faq/96.html?language=-En

Not a pattern, but an article about the stress reducing benefit of crocheting (and knitting). I know I always feel better after I crochet.
http://www.favecrafts.com/Crochet/Knitting-and-Crochet-Tote-Releases-Stress

This is a very cute blog and video - check it out.
Fridge Critters: Where the Wild Things GO
http://woowork.blogspot.com/2009/08/fridge-critter-chelsea-chicken.html


There is a lot of tutorials on this site for almost anything you could need.
http://www.crochetsoiree.com/objects/view/30832/

How about a really cute granny square by SmoothFox?
http://smoothfoxlover.blogspot.com/2009/08/smoothfoxs-cute-as-button-12-x-12.html

The "snuggie" is a bit deal though it probably won't be at the fall fashion shows;) They have even had a "Snuggie Pub Crawl" in Fells Point. (Of course I didn't go - I would have tripped over the snuggie;)) Here's an adult snuggle pattern and you can make it any color you want.
http://www.coatsandclark.com/cgi-bin/MsmGo.exe?grab_id=34&page_id=9439232&query=adult+snuggle&hiword=ADULTES+ADULTS+SNUGGLING+SNUGGLY+adult+snuggle+


Yeah, it's August and in my part of the world, summer is drawing to a close. But you can always use a summertime tote
http://www.coatsandclark.com/Crafts/Crochet/Projects/Magazines/CTJune0892+Summertime+Tote.htm


I thought this was really an amazing afghan - a personalized baby afghan Kim Guzman
http://www.crochetkim.com/patterns/perbaby.htm

But honestly, this is my pick for my great-nephew's afghan. I have looked thru books and online to find something I wanted to do that would be different than what I did for his two older brothers. So (drum roll please), a fish motif by by Eboni A. Francis and it looks fun and challenging. I will be sure to post a photo of it when I finish it (first I have to begin....). It's a fish motif.
http://in-a-pear-tree.blogspot.com/2008/08/crochet-fish-motif-finally.html


And just in case you want to know more about tessellations, here's a website for you
http://www.tessellations.org/

That wraps it up for this week. Of course, no economic stimulus passed my way for listing the sites. I'd take it but no one is offering anything - not even used Popsicle sticks.

_enjoy_

FM August 3, 2009

Well, hello again. We just turned our air conditioner on for the first time this week. It wasn't so much the heat, but of course the humidity. (I do live in Baltimore.) Not too much going on in my end of the world, but here's a tip for you - if you join Facebook, you can become a "fan" of Lion Brand Yarn. The advantage of that is you can get free shipping this weekend from Lion Brand.



Apparently, this free baby bib pattern looks a lot like a Ralph Lauren baby bib that is going for $85. I can't imagine paying $85 for a baby bib, but that's me.
http://www.craftown.com/baby/pat8.htm



And now for something completely different, a teddy bear hat
http://kierakrafts.wordpress.com/2007/11/12/teddy-bears-attack/


Maybe you want to try crocheting a portrait - Todd Paschall has 3 celebrities for you to crochet (Walter Cronkite, Farrah Fawcett and Michael Jackson)
http://crochetbynumbers.com/FREE-PATTERNS.html

I thought this crochet trivet was pretty neat and there are some other nice patterns, too. http://www.craftleftovers.com/blog/archives/1565

Or how about a crochet ice dragon
http://crochetme.com/patterns/baby-snow-dragon

got goldfish? Well, you can have gold or any other color fish you want with this quick goldfish pattern
http://www.crochetspot.com/crochet-pattern-goldfish-applique/


That's about it for today. I considered making an afghan for someone at work that I sort of knew, but not well. Than I took a look around and saw all the pregnant young women at work and realized "hey, I don't want to make a lot of baby afghans". After all, if I did it for one person, I'm sure I'd have a lot more friendly co-workers, most people like baby afghans. So I decided instead to do a turtle, Quicker, easier and not a huge problem if I had to make 4 or 5 more.

As usual, I don't get any special considerations for posting these links. Who can afford anything special? (and yes, the list is getting smaller - harder for me to find free patterns)....

_enjoy_

FM July 27, 2009

Hello again. My tomatoes are just beginning to ripen, the daylilies are still blooming and the roses are (surprise) still blooming. Usually by this time, the heat has caused them to blow out. And speaking of roses.....

Here's a crochet flower pin with button
http://craftapalooza.typepad.com/crafted/2009/07/crochet-button-flowers.html

that is based on Lion Brand crochet roses
http://www.lionbrand.com/cgi-bin/faq-search.cgi?store=/stores/eyarn&faqKey=492&language=

and to top it off, Lion Brand's pattern for an Irish lace crochet shawl
http://www.lionbrand.com/patterns/80771AD.html?noImages=
Pretty cool, huh?

There was a list of amigurami toys and tutorials posted here:
http://amilist.blogspot.com/http://amilist.blogspot.com/

I happened upon this blog by accident, but thought the blogger had a great idea - check it out
http://nikkishell.typepad.com/wardroberefashion/2009/07/thank-you-crochet.html

I know some people wear hats all the time, so if you're in the middle of summer or winter, this is a lightweight crochet beanie tutorial
http://www.cutoutandkeep.net/projects/lightweight_crochet_beanie

Or how about something you can wear anytime - a crochet headband
http://blog.craftzine.com/archive/2009/07/craft_pattern_podcast_crochet_4.html


I've posted M's Bailey's beautiful work before, here is more of it (no patterns, just beautiful photos)
http://blog.craftzine.com/archive/2009/07/crochet_art_exhibit_from_xenob.html

If you're in the Lauderhill Florida section of the world, you might want to check this out http://www.guardian.co.uk/lifeandstyle/gallery/2009/jul/23/star-wars-exhibition
Not quite sure why it's referenced by a British publication, but why not?


Paton has some new free patterns posted
http://www.patonsyarns.com/pattern.php?NEW_PATTERNS=1


Well, that's it for me for today. I hope you have a good week

_enjoy_

FM July 20, 2009

Hello, everyone. Somebody must have Googled Google and tied up the internet because I had a difficult time finding that much to use this week. Outside of that, things have been fine, weather very pleasant and not too much drama...

Here we go it's an itsy bitsy teeny weeny yellow polka dot bikini fridge magnet. (If you are of a certain age, you may have heard that song.)
http://www.crochetmemories.com/archive/free-sizzling-bikini-fridgie.html


I thought this was very pretty, a felted comfort doll.
http://crochetme.com/patterns/felted-comfort-doll


I know, we have some time before Christmas, but maybe it's time to start working on Christmas stuff. Here's a crochet felted pickle (this is a German tradition, I really know nothing about it) to put on your Christmas tree.
http://felting.craftgossip.com/2009/07/15/felted-knit-and-crochet-pickles-with-patterns-christmas-in-july/

Ad while you're working on small projects, here's a handy one - a crochet kitchen scrubby
http://sylverdesigns.blogspot.com/2008/11/super-duper-kitchen-sponges-free.html


This is cute - a whale boy toy
http://www.piece-by-piece.net/Crochet/whaleboy.htm


In honor of the 40th anniversary of the moon walk, that actually happened on July 20, 1969, a rocket ship. (yes it's free, just read it all the way thru):
http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=26679170

And what you didn't see on the moon - an alien
http://www.crochetme.com/patterns/curious-alien

Or how about an alien applique pattern
http://debs1967.blogspot.com/search?q=alien

Extension on 1000 hats project

In case you haven't had a chance to participate in Annie Modesitt's 1000 hats project, the deadline has bee extended to August 15, 2009.
check it out
http://1000fabulousknithats.com/

FM July 13, 2009

Hi, again. I must have really been slacking off because it took me until last week to realize I did not post July's "What Day Is It?". Sorry about that, folks. I've been in a bit of a crochet rut, just keep making preemie hats. There's nothing wrong with making preemie hats, but I need to push myself to do something that requires a bit more thinking. Maybe I will finally decide on the baby afghan pattern for the upcoming great nephew. Whatever I decide, I am sure to be shopping my stash for a few reasons - I got a ton of stash but I don't have a ton of money;) (just like everyone else out there, unless maybe Donald Trump reads this blog, which I doubt).
Enough with the silliness, on with the freebies.

I really like this heart afghan. I'm a little sorry I seen it because now I'm thinking "yes, that would be good for the next great nephew" and I already got a few thoughts on what I want to make for him. This one might win based on the requirements. I'll keep you updated.
www.premieryarns.com/patterns.php?id=110

Here's a pattern (with corrections) for pineapple socks. I wonder how they would look in the multicolored sock yarn I currently have in my stash?
http://loveyarn1984.blogspot.com/2009/06/pattern-for-pineapple-socks.html


I generally use a sponge, but they get smelly _quick_. And I do have a few knitted dishclothes from exchanges but they seem too pretty to use. Maybe I'd feel different if I made my own. Plus it would be quick and relatively easy to break me out of the preemie hat rut.....
http://crochet.about.com/od/freecrochetpatterns/ss/Openwork_Dishcloth_Pattern.htm?nl=1


I thought this was pretty cool, but it sort of reminded me of a giant scrubby pad. See photo 3 for a crochet wire chair.
http://www.shelterpop.com/2009/07/06/the-best-of-2009-student-design/


Berroco is having a contest using their sock yarns. And you don't have to make socks to enter, you can try something different with your sock yarn stash. For example, a crocheted dodecahedron
http://www.berroco.com/exclusives/celestine_crochet/celestine_crochet.html


I know June has passed and that is a popular month for weddings. But people get married other months. Here's a pattern for a crocheted garter.
http://froggedknits.blogspot.com/2008/06/stephanies-crocheted-wedding-garter.html


This is pretty cool - a spiral afghan.
http://www.caron.com/projects/op/op_spirals_throw.html



For smaller kids than mine are (my "baby" will be 28 this week) here's a counting fish toy (you may have seen it in the craft stores as a freebie).
http://www.coatsandclark.com/Crafts/Crochet/Projects/BabyChild/LW1593+Crochet+Counting+Fish+Toy.htm


Again, a tutorial on ripple crochet from Teresa "Learn to Crochet". She does amazing tutorials.
http://crochet-mania.blogspot.com/2009/07/ripple-crochet-playlist.html

That's all I got for today. Nope, no kickbacks from anybody to mention their sites or products - who has that kind of money;)

_enjoy_

FM July 6, 2009

It's actually very pleasant here for July. No air conditioning on, just a few fans. It doesn't seem quite right but I'm happy to reduce the gas and electric bill whenever I can....
Now on with the show

Dee Staniziano is hosting a murder mystery crochet along
http://crochetwithdee.blogspot.com/2009/06/murder-mystery-crochet-project.html

and Annie Modesitt has extended the deadline for her hat contest. You got a little bit of time, plus a hat is small and won't make you sweat. contest (yes, it does include crochet, I checked)
http://1000fabulousknithats.com/

Interested in the modified front post crochet stitch - here's a video tutorial
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6mdpcjl6x0Y

Saving your best yarn? Here's an essay about why you shouldn't
http://crochetliberationfront.wordpress.com/2009/07/03/saving-the-best-yarn-for-later-why/


And speaking of the Crochet Liberation Front, here's an interview with Laurie Wheeler of Crochet Liberation Front
http://www.blisstree.com/hankeringforyarn/profile-laurie-wheeler-fearless-leader-clf/

A bag is also a good thing to work on during the summer (or actually anytime), quick and easy
http://crochetncrafts.com/overtheshouldercrochetbag.html

Crochet Spot has some free patterns (and you get a pattern for a crobot when you sign up)
http://www.crochetspot.com/category/free-crochet-patterns/

Teresa is having a drawing at her always great site, Learn to Crochet
http://crochet-mania.blogspot.com/2009/06/crochet-giveaway-11.html

And now for something completely different, some free vintage crochet patterns
http://craftybegonia.blogspot.com/2009/07/free-vintage-crochet-patterns.html

As usual, no pay for me for posting this stuff. I'd be happy to accept it in almost any form, but nobody is coughing up any bribes.
_enjoy_

FM June 29, 2009

It's been hot and humid, but what else can you expect from Baltimore in the summer? I had some plans to work on some crochet, it just didn't pan out. You know how life is, sometimes a few days attack you at once;)

I thought this was weird - and no, it's _not_ Lady Linoleum's crocheted eyeball
http://www.instructables.com/id/Crocheted-Eyeball/

here's a crochet class being given online by Planet June at Crochetville. I don't know if there's a chanrge but I'm sure it's worth checking out if you can.
http://www.planetjune.com/blog/crochet-class-african-violets/

I know in this section of the country, it's too warm to wear a hat. But Olivia's butterfly hat is great, check out the pattern.
http://vallieskids.blogspot.com/2009/06/olivias-butterfly.html


And since we're looking at hats, how about a baby hat?
http://chickenstitches.blogspot.com/2009/05/baby-in-bloom-hat.html

I thought this flower motif square was pretty cool.
http://craftybegonia.blogspot.com/2009/06/flowerful-crochet-motif-and-sumer-shell.html

And this one is a majestic flower motif by Teresa
http://crochet-mania.blogspot.com/2009/06/majestic-crochet-flower-motif-bullion.html

Noreen Crone-Findlay discusses clutter
http://www.blisstree.com/hankeringforyarn/surrendering-to-the-joys-of-studio-clutter/

Here's a pattern for a Granny's attic afghan
http://www.crochetmagazine.com/newsletters/pages/TCNL2009_patt1.html

Here's Mr/Ms chubby bunny really cute
http://zoriami.blogspot.com/2008/07/first-free-pattern.html

Yeah, it is too warm to wear a scarf, I agree. But it's a crochet ice cream cone scarf
http://cats-rockin-crochet.blogspot.com/2008/04/crochet-ice-cream-cone-scarf.html

This seems unbelievable to me, but apparently there is a pattern for a hat for a cat. I thought it was for a pattern of a hat that looks like a cat. if you make this, I hope you have a very tolerant cat or very good health insurance
http://www.wikihow.com/Crochet-a-Cat-Hat

As usual, no special consideration is received for the mention of any of these sites. The local emergency rooms would probably prefer I don't mention the cat hat site, but your cat might be more co-operative than mine.
By the way, Happy Canada Day as well as Happy 4th of July!
_enjoy_

FM 6/22/09

Summer has begun and I got the poison ivy to show for it;) It's a short one today, folks, as I got to get myself together for the rest of "crunch time" at work. Seems like that's every week....

I have 2 inspirations here for you, I thought they were pretty cool. Just something to get the mind moving on the hot humid summer days or the cold winter days, depending where you are in the world....
inspiration not a pattern
http://365acrochetodyssey.blogspot.com/2009/06/now-im-short-three.h

and
again, not a pattern but inspiration
http://crochetaday.blogspot.com/2009/06/bangles.html


I think this is so cool - I never can quite figure this out and here's a crochet tutorial for a yoyo afghan
http://sunshinescreations.vintagethreads.com/2009/06/yoyo-afghan-instructions-tutorial.html
June is a popular month for weddings. Even Barbie (okay, I know I should say "11 inch fashion doll" or however tall Barbie is, but we both know it's Barbie, a trademark of Mattel) is getting married and here's a gown for her: http://grandmothersdollhouse.com/?p=349

Not too much crochet for men for the wedding, but there is a crocheted bowtie (for a normal sized man) http://blog.craftzine.com/archive/2009/06/how-to_crocheted_bow_tie.html?CMP=OTC-5JF307375954

More doll clothes - this time it's the Bratz clothes
http://www.allfreecrafts.com/crochet/doll-clothes.shtml

I liked this particular pattern as it's adaptable for whatever size baby blanket you wish to make
http://my-looming.blogspot.com/2009/06/crochet-baby-blanket_15.html


well, I told you it was a short one, I'll try to do a longer one next week. As usual, no one is paying me to post these links. I'd be happy to take some bucks (or really, maybe just some yarn needles. I have the feeling my kittens are stealing the yarn needles I am using to weave in the tails of my projects). Have a good week, don't party too much for Quebec Party Day..
_enjoy_

FM June 15, 2009

It's hot and sunny here, which means I _should_ be doing yard work but it's too hot and sunny;)
Here's this week's edition of Freebie Monday

This isn't a pattern but something you could use your scraps of yarn for - warning, it's probably not work safe or kid safe, but you can figure that out from the name....
http://www.clubthreadz.com/swimwear/2009/06/13/tie-side-crochet-thong-bottom/

Because it's hot and sunny, my sinuses aren't happy (they are never happy). The weather reports give information on the pollen count and now I know why my head is stuffy.
http://pepperberry.typepad.com/my_weblog/new-free-pattern/

There's something about a monkey - specifically a sock monkey pattern
http://www.qdpatooties.com/crochetedsockmonkeyptrn.htm

or maybe you'd like a smaller version of the sock monkey - a sock monkey bookmark
http://homepage.mac.com/coxsalida/CrochetPatterns/Personal6.html

Well, if you got to wash dishes, you might as well have a pretty dishcloth......
http://www.crochetspot.com/free-crochet-pattern-dishcloth-with-ridges/

It's Monday and I could use a belt - not this particular kind, but it will do - a belt pattern
http://crochet.craftgossip.com/post-stitch-belt-a-free-pattern-for-you/2009/06/03/

As you know, I have cats. I think this crochet cat might be a little easier on the house...
http://www.gather.com/viewArticle.action?articleId=281474977700987

Or how about a snow cat
http://www.gather.com/viewArticle.action?articleId=281474977701006

It's time for a turtle rattle
http://kristieskids.weebly.com/newest-patterns.html

Here's a bath mitt to wash up the kids after they have been playing all day....
http://www.joann.com/joann/catalog.jsp?CATID=cat13856&PRODID=xprd1006726

And of course, who couldn't use a teddy bear?
http://www.joann.com/joann/catalog.jsp?CATID=cat13856&PRODID=xprd811021

How to increase stitches like a pro by a pro - Vashti Braha
http://designingvashti.blogspot.com/2009/06/how-to-increase-stitches-like-pro.html

As usual, I have not received any money, goods, yarn, special consideration or anything like that to post these sites. I'd take it, but apparently nobody has any goodies for me;)

_enjoy_