FM 1/5/09

Hello again. I think I'm a bit cranky (I _still_ have the stinky old boot) and out of sorts. Even the new issue of Interweave Press "Crochet" didn't impress me that much. Except, of course for Amy O'Neill Houck's stunning "Alpine Frost Scarf". If that doesn't impress you, well....you probably shouldn't read the rest of this because you won't be impressed by the listings here. Another reason I'm cranky is this new law that's supposed to take effect February 10, 2009. (No, it's not the HD tv thing.) I make preemie hats for the University of Maryland NICU as well as make afghans and small baby toys for the folks I know. I know child safety is _extremely_ important but I think this law may be going a bit too far. Plus no one seems to know how to intepret it. Can I still make preemie hats? Do I have to stop making baby afghans? Nobody seems to know. You may want to check this out for yourself....
http://www.etsy.com/storque/craftivism/handmade-childrens-items-unintended-consequences-consumer-pr-3056/

Vanna's Choice Contest - it's not free because you have to make
something using Vanna's Choice Yarn, but still, a contest is a contest.....
http://vannaschoice.com/

This is a great read - Vashi Braha's "Crochet Manifesto"
http://designingvashti.blogspot.com/2009/01/2009-crochet-manifesto.html

On with the freebies:

How about a spiral clown
http://www.knitting-crochet.com/found/clopat.html


Teresa from "Art of Crochet" has a mitten pattern
http://crochet-mania.blogspot.com/2008/12/blog-post.html


For some reason, I find lobsters funny - this one is no exception
http://www.coatsandclark.com/Crafts/Crochet/Projects/BabyChild/WR1730+Crochet+Little+Lobster+and+Baby+Mermaid.htm

Here's a fox pattern:
http://falwyn.wordpress.com/2008/11/29/little-fox-pattern/

24 point (yes, I said _24_) round ripple
http://inspiredcrochetdesign.blogspot.com/2008/05/24-point-round-ripple.html


Here's a crochet necklace tutorial
http://creatresscreations.blogspot.com/2008/12/crochet-necklace-tutorial.html

I have changed this particular item because it is _not_ free. I got this very nice email and I want to share it with all:
"Akua Lezli Hope has left a new comment on your post "FM 1/5/09":

Thanks for including me, but the bird pin pattern isn't free.
However, my Hope's Birds pattern,
http://zencrochet.blogspot.com/2009/01/hopes-birds-published.html, is
at
http://www.lulu.com/content/5513282l

Please check this one out. Thank you, Akua Lezli Hope for pointing this out to me and also sending me another link. I apolegize for any inconveinence this has caused for anyone.


And a cute crocheted pouch by Moonglow
http://www.orble.com/free-valentines-day-silverware-pouchdoggie-bag-crochet-pattern/

Do you or someone you know use a walker or a wheelchair? (Sounds like a tv ad for a medical supply place) Here's a crocheted tote for wheelchair / walker
http://crochet-patterns-techniques.suite101.com/article.cfm/wheelchairadapted_crocheted_tote_bag

"Savannah Shawl" on the Caron site
http://www.naturallycaron.com/projects/savannah/savannah_1.html

This is really cute - a "Little Miss Peanut" doll
http://yarn-pixie.blogspot.com/2008/12/little-miss-peanut-free-crochet-pattern.html

Of course, I get no kickbacks, payola, money, gifts or gratuities from anyone I have mentioned. I'd take them but nobody's offering.
_Enjoy_