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!"
Monday, December 20, 2010
Sunday, December 19, 2010
huh?
I'm thinking "how the heck did we get here already?" in regards to both Christmas and the upcoming new year. I feel like I flunked Christmas in terms of crochet this year. I didn't make many presents, but I should have. I haven't even donated to charity as much as I usually do. I don't have a great reason for it, but it is what it is.
It's not like I don't have a stockpile of stuff already made, stuff that was made without any particular person in mind. I do, I'm just not impressed with them now;) No reason why, just look at it and thing "blah". I do have that Fibonacci purple scarf, I liked the way it turned out. It was something a little different for me but I did enjoy it.
And I really loved working on the coral reef project. I missed the chance to help put it together, too much work, I missed the reception, my choice, because I was having my extended family over for an early Thanksgiving. I haven't even gotten around to uploading the photos! And I can't blame work or anything else for it except my growing addiction to Facebook and the most evil game of all, Farmtown. I have a farm, I have llamas, cows, sheep, goats, pigs and lots of flowers. If I took all the time I wasted on Farmtown... well, I probably would have wasted it doing something else unproductive.
Enough of my whining. I have to put the finishing touches on a scarf for my nephew's buddy and I guess I'm done. I didn't even make a list of what I wanted to make for Christmas crochet wise. The last few weeks I get totally nuts and start thinking "Yes, I'll crochet an ornament for everybody in my department. Heck, I'll do it for the whole company". This is a totally insane idea for a number of reasons because I don't like everybody I work with, why would I want to give them something I made.
Part of it is performance anxiety. Some people do not see the value in homemade items and think it's "cheap". I've only had one person piss and moan about I made for him and I should have known better than to make a thing for him. But I did, I know, I learned, end of sentence.
So if you have any time left to squeeze in some crochet, here's a site for you to check out:
http://www.bestfreecrochet.com/
_enjoy_
It's not like I don't have a stockpile of stuff already made, stuff that was made without any particular person in mind. I do, I'm just not impressed with them now;) No reason why, just look at it and thing "blah". I do have that Fibonacci purple scarf, I liked the way it turned out. It was something a little different for me but I did enjoy it.
And I really loved working on the coral reef project. I missed the chance to help put it together, too much work, I missed the reception, my choice, because I was having my extended family over for an early Thanksgiving. I haven't even gotten around to uploading the photos! And I can't blame work or anything else for it except my growing addiction to Facebook and the most evil game of all, Farmtown. I have a farm, I have llamas, cows, sheep, goats, pigs and lots of flowers. If I took all the time I wasted on Farmtown... well, I probably would have wasted it doing something else unproductive.
Enough of my whining. I have to put the finishing touches on a scarf for my nephew's buddy and I guess I'm done. I didn't even make a list of what I wanted to make for Christmas crochet wise. The last few weeks I get totally nuts and start thinking "Yes, I'll crochet an ornament for everybody in my department. Heck, I'll do it for the whole company". This is a totally insane idea for a number of reasons because I don't like everybody I work with, why would I want to give them something I made.
Part of it is performance anxiety. Some people do not see the value in homemade items and think it's "cheap". I've only had one person piss and moan about I made for him and I should have known better than to make a thing for him. But I did, I know, I learned, end of sentence.
So if you have any time left to squeeze in some crochet, here's a site for you to check out:
http://www.bestfreecrochet.com/
_enjoy_
Thursday, November 25, 2010
In memory of my sister and crochet teacher, Bee
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 60 this coming week. With the hustle and bustle of preparing for Thanksgiving (which she loved), 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?
I wrote this back in 2006, talking about my older sister and how she taught me how to crochet. She would have been 60 this coming week. With the hustle and bustle of preparing for Thanksgiving (which she loved), 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?
Thursday, November 18, 2010
time to start thinking about making gifts
I am always amazed how fast the year goes. It seems like it was just summer a few weeks ago and now we are starting to feel a little of the cold of winter. And since Santa is showing up early every place (he "arrived" at a nearby mall last Friday in my area), I thought, it's time to start making gifts. For those of you who have been steadily working on your gifts since December 26, 2009, I say hooray for you. However, I haven't been and I suspect a few other people may not have been. So for those of you who procrastinate, here's a little help
This is a pattern pink ribbon shawl, but you could make it any color to honor whoever you wanted to honor:
http://www.caron.com/projects/ss/ss_pink_ribbon_shawl.html
I thought this was really cute, a cat and mouse afghan
http://www.caron.com/projects/ss/ss31_kitty_throw.html
It's Thanksgiving next week, which seems to be a minor bump on the way to Christmas. But I love Thanksgiving and if I get a few minutes to think, I want to make this turkey
http://www.allfreecrochet.com/Thanksgiving-Crochet/Gobble-Gobble-Turkey-Amigurumi#
Here's a nice crochet v-neck sweater
http://www.crochetspot.com/crochet-pattern-allysons-sweater/http://www.crochetspot.com/crochet-pattern-allysons-sweater/
I like this scarf from Berroco. I even like the yarn. But if you're like me, you will probably search your stash before buying more yarn
http://www.berroco.com/exclusives/beseme/beseme.html
Once again, Caron's 12 days of Christmas - both knit and crochet
http://www.caron.com/projects/ss/ss8_poinsettia_scarf.html
Do you or somebody you know like "Star Wars" - here's a Yoda pattern for you. You could even make it a Christmas ornament....
http://www.allfreecrochet.com/Crochet-Amigurumi-Patterns/Little-Yoda-Crochet-Tutorial
It's starting to get cold in my neck of the woods, so that means it's time to think about bundling up. This would make a great gift set for somebody or even you...
hat, mittens and scarf
That's all I got for now, I hope you _enjoy_
This is a pattern pink ribbon shawl, but you could make it any color to honor whoever you wanted to honor:
http://www.caron.com/projects/ss/ss_pink_ribbon_shawl.html
I thought this was really cute, a cat and mouse afghan
http://www.caron.com/projects/ss/ss31_kitty_throw.html
It's Thanksgiving next week, which seems to be a minor bump on the way to Christmas. But I love Thanksgiving and if I get a few minutes to think, I want to make this turkey
http://www.allfreecrochet.com/Thanksgiving-Crochet/Gobble-Gobble-Turkey-Amigurumi#
Here's a nice crochet v-neck sweater
http://www.crochetspot.com/crochet-pattern-allysons-sweater/http://www.crochetspot.com/crochet-pattern-allysons-sweater/
I like this scarf from Berroco. I even like the yarn. But if you're like me, you will probably search your stash before buying more yarn
http://www.berroco.com/exclusives/beseme/beseme.html
Once again, Caron's 12 days of Christmas - both knit and crochet
http://www.caron.com/projects/ss/ss8_poinsettia_scarf.html
Do you or somebody you know like "Star Wars" - here's a Yoda pattern for you. You could even make it a Christmas ornament....
http://www.allfreecrochet.com/Crochet-Amigurumi-Patterns/Little-Yoda-Crochet-Tutorial
It's starting to get cold in my neck of the woods, so that means it's time to think about bundling up. This would make a great gift set for somebody or even you...
hat, mittens and scarf
That's all I got for now, I hope you _enjoy_
Tuesday, November 16, 2010
in memory of Robin Freed
Today would have been my friend Robin Freed's 56th 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 56th, 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_
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_
Saturday, November 06, 2010
ain't it funny how time slips away...
I'm surprised it's been so long since I posted. I haven't been off saving the world or brokering peace, I've just been working a bit more than I usually do. I think "oh, yeah, I'll post tomorrow"....but of course, something comes up at work or some such nonsense...but I have been crocheting.
I'd like to share this very funny video of the Goodies with you, it's called "String" which most of us can relate to, even if we're not threadies, check it out, I'll still be here when you come back...
Here's the link to The Goodies' "String":
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=d7ogIuxegkQ
wasn't that silly fun?
You may know that the first day of the coral reef exhibit was canceled due to a water main break. That really disappointed me because it probably was the best calendar date for me. After that, I got caught up in a whirlwind of yard work and work work and couldn't make any plans. It's just the way it is sometimes. I am planning to see it on sometime this week with my beloved and my younger son. I don't know if the older one is going to come or not, it's up to him. I have seen some video of the reef and I want to see it close up, to see where my pieces where placed. Of course, I am hoping for a prominent place and not the dust bin, but we will see what will happen.
While I was away, I managed to crochet some squares for charity (I need to send them out) and these 2 hats....
http://www.etsy.com/listing/60437538/black-cat-hat?ref=mt
and this one...
http://www.etsy.com/listing/60437252/panda-hat-adult-size?ref=v1_other_2
and I am working on 2 more similar hats. They are apparently very popular with young adults right now. I personally am thinking of making a tiger one for me. I mean, why not, they are fun to wear (that's me underneath the hats) and it will keep my head warm.
I hope it's not raining when I go to the Smithsonian. I generally don't mind the rain, but with the cooler weather it could be a yucky day. And walking in cold rain never thrills me.
That's all I got got for now...later...
I'd like to share this very funny video of the Goodies with you, it's called "String" which most of us can relate to, even if we're not threadies, check it out, I'll still be here when you come back...
Here's the link to The Goodies' "String":
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=d7ogIuxegkQ
wasn't that silly fun?
You may know that the first day of the coral reef exhibit was canceled due to a water main break. That really disappointed me because it probably was the best calendar date for me. After that, I got caught up in a whirlwind of yard work and work work and couldn't make any plans. It's just the way it is sometimes. I am planning to see it on sometime this week with my beloved and my younger son. I don't know if the older one is going to come or not, it's up to him. I have seen some video of the reef and I want to see it close up, to see where my pieces where placed. Of course, I am hoping for a prominent place and not the dust bin, but we will see what will happen.
While I was away, I managed to crochet some squares for charity (I need to send them out) and these 2 hats....
http://www.etsy.com/listing/60437538/black-cat-hat?ref=mt
and this one...
http://www.etsy.com/listing/60437252/panda-hat-adult-size?ref=v1_other_2
and I am working on 2 more similar hats. They are apparently very popular with young adults right now. I personally am thinking of making a tiger one for me. I mean, why not, they are fun to wear (that's me underneath the hats) and it will keep my head warm.
I hope it's not raining when I go to the Smithsonian. I generally don't mind the rain, but with the cooler weather it could be a yucky day. And walking in cold rain never thrills me.
That's all I got got for now...later...
Monday, September 20, 2010
oh deBBIE
Here's another coral reef....
Friday, September 17, 2010
more coral reefer madness
okay, deBBie, where in the world are you? I really want to send your book, but I need an address....please contact me...
I turned in 17 pieces of crochet coral reef to the Smithsonian last Sunday. They had Margaret Wertheim there to discuss how the installation will go, where it will be in the Smithsonian (the museum with the big elephant). It was pretty cool...
Anyway, here's some more coral reef I did
so there is some more of it. The first one I posted in my last post, the green one, escaped the fate of the others - it was hiding in the dryer with the dryer ball. I ran it thru the dryer on air to dehair it...
_enjoy_
I turned in 17 pieces of crochet coral reef to the Smithsonian last Sunday. They had Margaret Wertheim there to discuss how the installation will go, where it will be in the Smithsonian (the museum with the big elephant). It was pretty cool...
Anyway, here's some more coral reef I did
 |
| large striped coral |
 |
| all the coral reef together |
 |
| hairy coral |
 |
| Dazzle coral |
so there is some more of it. The first one I posted in my last post, the green one, escaped the fate of the others - it was hiding in the dryer with the dryer ball. I ran it thru the dryer on air to dehair it...
_enjoy_
Saturday, August 28, 2010
coral reefer madness
 |
| green coral reef |
 |
| all finished coral reef (1) |
 |
| finished coral reef |
 |
| blue reef |
 |
| orange reef |
 | |||||
| brain coral reef |
 |
| purple reef |
 |
| close up pf one part of the bleached reef |
 |
| bleached coral reef |
Monday, August 16, 2010
Sunday, August 15, 2010
what I have been up to.....
okay, 1 photo, I think I need to resize my photos so they fit. Anyway, this is a turtle that one of my sons' ex-girlfriends asked me to make for her. She likes (obviously) the color purple.
I've been working on the coral reef project, but I think my photos are a little too big to load.
well, I got to go figure this out.....
Sunday, August 08, 2010
Smithsonian Community Reef
Yesterday I had the fun of visiting Lovely Yarns, a yarn shop in Hampden (Baltimore). Lovely Yarns was holding a workshop for the Hyperbolic Crochet Coral Reef project (www.mnh.si.edu/exhibits/hreef/index.html) that will be displayed at the Natural History Museum from October 2010 to April 2011. You probably heard of the Coral Reef project traveling exhibit and this time it will be in Washington, D.C. They are asking local crocheters to contribute their own versions of the coral reef for the display. Much of the display will be from the Institute for Figuring, but they also use local crocheters. I had a great time and met people whose name I promptly forgot. I think there was a Jennifer, a Shannon, a Denise and maybe a Michelle. But I might be thinking "Michelle" because one of the participants reminded me of my cousin Michelle.
Anyway, Jennifer, (from the Smithsonian) came to do a talk on the history of coral reefs, the history of the hyperbolic crochet project and how the exhibit will be set up. You couldn't help being caught up in the love and enthusiasm she has for the project. I was already excited about it, but she definitely stoked the fire.
She recommend the Crocheting Adventures with Hyperbolic Planes
which I already have as a place to get a start. There are also patterns on the interweb that will help a crocheter craft a coral reef.
If you are interested in this project (you can mail your finished reefs), check out this web site http.crochetcoralreef.org for more information. I am currently working on a pink (wool) brain reef that has so far been a lot of fun. I intend to count the stitches when I finally finish it (I plan to use all 12 ounces of the pink yarn). I already have plans for more reefs to make. Yeah, I know I should be making that curtain I keep swearing I'm going to finish - especially after ripping so much out. But really, how many chances does a person get to make something for display at the Smithsonian?
I'll keep you posted on my ongoing project.
_enjoy_
Anyway, Jennifer, (from the Smithsonian) came to do a talk on the history of coral reefs, the history of the hyperbolic crochet project and how the exhibit will be set up. You couldn't help being caught up in the love and enthusiasm she has for the project. I was already excited about it, but she definitely stoked the fire.
She recommend the Crocheting Adventures with Hyperbolic Planes
which I already have as a place to get a start. There are also patterns on the interweb that will help a crocheter craft a coral reef.If you are interested in this project (you can mail your finished reefs), check out this web site http.crochetcoralreef.org for more information. I am currently working on a pink (wool) brain reef that has so far been a lot of fun. I intend to count the stitches when I finally finish it (I plan to use all 12 ounces of the pink yarn). I already have plans for more reefs to make. Yeah, I know I should be making that curtain I keep swearing I'm going to finish - especially after ripping so much out. But really, how many chances does a person get to make something for display at the Smithsonian?
I'll keep you posted on my ongoing project.
_enjoy_
Saturday, July 31, 2010
the Art of Crochet
I love the title "The Art of Crochet" but I didn't think of it, Teresa did. And much more importantly that that, Teresa has produced a large amount of tutorials that are available at YouTube so you can see how certain stitches are done.
I need to see how a stitch works to really "get" how it's supposed to be done. I can follow the directions from a book, but without a visual on how the stitch is supposed to look, I have a difficult time figuring it out.
I can't go to everybody's house and share my love of crochet. I wish I could, I think that would be great. And I haven't taught anyone to crochet in a very long time. But if I were to teach anyone, I would hope I would be as clear and concise as Teresa. Check out her tutorials on YouTube, they are great. Even an old dog like me can learn something new from the tutorials.
Here's the address: http://www.youtube.com/show/artofcrochet
Enjoy
I need to see how a stitch works to really "get" how it's supposed to be done. I can follow the directions from a book, but without a visual on how the stitch is supposed to look, I have a difficult time figuring it out.
I can't go to everybody's house and share my love of crochet. I wish I could, I think that would be great. And I haven't taught anyone to crochet in a very long time. But if I were to teach anyone, I would hope I would be as clear and concise as Teresa. Check out her tutorials on YouTube, they are great. Even an old dog like me can learn something new from the tutorials.
Here's the address: http://www.youtube.com/show/artofcrochet
Enjoy
Tuesday, July 27, 2010
oh deBBie
Oh deBBie, you need to contact me with your info so I can ship the book to you.......
you won
you won
Monday, July 26, 2010
no, I didn't fall off the edge of the earth
I've just been working at my wreck a wrist job;) We've had a few changes in personnel at work and things have been a little on the screwy side. Nothing that unusual, but it adds up. And when my right wrist hurts that bad (arthritis? carpal tunnel? old age;)) I don't want to crochet.
I was working on the companion panel to the standing lion curtain. I got up to about row 30 and realized there was an error a few rows back. So I pulled it apart. Than, of course, there was another mistake and I ended up taking it back to row 14. As you can guess, I wasn't too thrilled about that. I worked back up to row 19 and stopped there. Now I got to pick up the work and finish it.
Does anyone else get like that, too? I'll be excited to start a new project, get in the middle of it and think "oh, man, I want to be working on something else". It doesn't matter _what_ else, but it's usually a project I've been thinking about doing in that vague way I have - the "wouldn't it be cool if I took this yarn and that yarn and used this stitch and made whatever". I hadn't thought it out all the way, not even quite sure what I'm aiming for but of course, that's going to be really interesting - once I finish whatever it is I am working on.
A long time ago, BC (before children), I'd have a couple projects going on and would alternate between 2 or 3 of them. I just alternate between 2 projects now. Currently, the lion panel and the ever easy, ever popular preemie hats. I can crochet them when I watch television and not make a mess of it...apparently I can't do the same with the lion curtain.
I shouldn't blame my kids - they moved out about 4 years ago, so it's not like I'm doing any intensive mothering. But it's easier to blame them than to blame myself for being a bit of a yarnoholic (okay, more than a bit) and disorganized. I am slowly trying to work on this, but it would be easier to do this with the antics of my cats. They think all the yarn is for them. If it's in a bag, it must be pulled out of the bag. It must be rolled across the floor. Disorganization and inquisitive cats don't make for a good combination.
But I have made a few toys along the way. I'm putting these two for sale in my Etsy shop to see how it goes. I doubt I will be one of those Etsy stories where I can quit my day job and crochet all the time, but that would be cool just to sell a few. I have sold a few turtles, they seem to be popular.
so until next time, _enjoy_
I was working on the companion panel to the standing lion curtain. I got up to about row 30 and realized there was an error a few rows back. So I pulled it apart. Than, of course, there was another mistake and I ended up taking it back to row 14. As you can guess, I wasn't too thrilled about that. I worked back up to row 19 and stopped there. Now I got to pick up the work and finish it.
Does anyone else get like that, too? I'll be excited to start a new project, get in the middle of it and think "oh, man, I want to be working on something else". It doesn't matter _what_ else, but it's usually a project I've been thinking about doing in that vague way I have - the "wouldn't it be cool if I took this yarn and that yarn and used this stitch and made whatever". I hadn't thought it out all the way, not even quite sure what I'm aiming for but of course, that's going to be really interesting - once I finish whatever it is I am working on.
A long time ago, BC (before children), I'd have a couple projects going on and would alternate between 2 or 3 of them. I just alternate between 2 projects now. Currently, the lion panel and the ever easy, ever popular preemie hats. I can crochet them when I watch television and not make a mess of it...apparently I can't do the same with the lion curtain.
I shouldn't blame my kids - they moved out about 4 years ago, so it's not like I'm doing any intensive mothering. But it's easier to blame them than to blame myself for being a bit of a yarnoholic (okay, more than a bit) and disorganized. I am slowly trying to work on this, but it would be easier to do this with the antics of my cats. They think all the yarn is for them. If it's in a bag, it must be pulled out of the bag. It must be rolled across the floor. Disorganization and inquisitive cats don't make for a good combination.
so until next time, _enjoy_
Monday, June 14, 2010
and why not a contest?
well, because it's more a drawing than a contest. I recently reviewed "Crobots" on Amazon and thought it was a cute book - but unless you adapt it, the toys are suitable for kids - too many small potentially hazardous parts.
But I thought, "What the heck. the economy's in the toilet, who knows when it's going to recover? And it's hot, so I'd rather make smaller items. So this book is perfect for a giveaway - and you could make gifts with it"...
So here's the basic rules - enter your name in the comments for this blog - a simple "Hey, I'm Petunia and I'd like to win the book" will do. Also something that connects you to your name like "I got 100 dalmatians" or something like that. Because I know a whole lot of Jennifers and Tiffanys. Do it before midnight, June 28, 2010. I will randomly choose a number on June 29, 2010 and if it's your number, you win. You just have to provide me (in private) with your mailing info. Please, only 1 entry per reader.
Good luck!
But I thought, "What the heck. the economy's in the toilet, who knows when it's going to recover? And it's hot, so I'd rather make smaller items. So this book is perfect for a giveaway - and you could make gifts with it"...
So here's the basic rules - enter your name in the comments for this blog - a simple "Hey, I'm Petunia and I'd like to win the book" will do. Also something that connects you to your name like "I got 100 dalmatians" or something like that. Because I know a whole lot of Jennifers and Tiffanys. Do it before midnight, June 28, 2010. I will randomly choose a number on June 29, 2010 and if it's your number, you win. You just have to provide me (in private) with your mailing info. Please, only 1 entry per reader.
Good luck!
Friday, June 11, 2010
good grief!
It's been a very long time since I posted. Chalk it up to too much work and not enough crochet time. I need some of the littlest "kitten" Heidi's energy (I say "kitten" but she's really 2 years old). She doesn't have to give it all to me, just a little bit - I don't think I could handle all of it;)
I was working on the filet lion curtain and hit a problem. Somehow or another, I jumped 2 rows in the pattern. I am not a happy camper about that. The worst thing is I just put it aside, thinking I'd get back to it quickly. Well, it's been well over 2 weeks, so I need to begin again. It's not really difficult, but I can't do filet and watch tv at the same time, I guess. My brain can't handle it all.
And really, I don't think I've crocheted anything in the last 2 weeks. I'd love to give you some sort of great excuse - saving lives or even cooking supper. But nope, not true. I think I am suffering from brain fog....
Anyway, here's a few free patterns for you....
I love lilies, don't you?
http://www.berroco.com/
How about a "crinkle" scarf?
http://www.cutoutandkeep.net/
Smooth Fox always has great patterns - this is her whole lot of holes square
http://smoothfoxlover.
And now for something summery, here's a flower pin:
http://mycrochetstuff.
And to go with the flower pin, a flower bracelet
http://www.wonderhowto.com/
--
not only do I have brain fog, my fingers seem to have forgotten how to type - which is crazy because that's what I do at work.
Well, I think I will go have a little cheese with my whine;)
_enjoy_
I was working on the filet lion curtain and hit a problem. Somehow or another, I jumped 2 rows in the pattern. I am not a happy camper about that. The worst thing is I just put it aside, thinking I'd get back to it quickly. Well, it's been well over 2 weeks, so I need to begin again. It's not really difficult, but I can't do filet and watch tv at the same time, I guess. My brain can't handle it all.
And really, I don't think I've crocheted anything in the last 2 weeks. I'd love to give you some sort of great excuse - saving lives or even cooking supper. But nope, not true. I think I am suffering from brain fog....
Anyway, here's a few free patterns for you....
I love lilies, don't you?
http://www.berroco.com/
How about a "crinkle" scarf?
http://www.cutoutandkeep.net/
Smooth Fox always has great patterns - this is her whole lot of holes square
http://smoothfoxlover.
And now for something summery, here's a flower pin:
http://mycrochetstuff.
And to go with the flower pin, a flower bracelet
http://www.wonderhowto.com/
--
not only do I have brain fog, my fingers seem to have forgotten how to type - which is crazy because that's what I do at work.
Well, I think I will go have a little cheese with my whine;)
_enjoy_
Sunday, May 02, 2010
Here's some free patterns...
Hello again. I had a great time at MSWF but I didn't see any angora bunnies. Did I miss them or were they not there this year? They changed a lot of things around, so I'm not quite sure.....
How about some crochet flowers
http://chezcrochet.com/page86.
I'm not familiar with the interrupted v stitch but I thought this looked really cool
http://crochet.about.com/od/
Because I didn't see any bunnies, maybe I should make this one skein bunny?
http://www.caron.com/projects/
And of course, another kitty
http://
This is a Cinco de Mayo afghan chart. I don't know about any other part of the country but this part is way too warm to be thinking about afghans. Plus you got a very short lead time to finish it....
http://www.associatedcontent.
And for the dog lovers, here's a cute poochie for you
http://
As usual, I don't get paid for mentioning these sites. I would take payment, I really would, but I don't think there is such a thing as kickbacks in the crochet world. Or if there is, I certainly don't know about it...
_enjoy_
_Search Amazon.com for amigurumi
How about some crochet flowers
http://chezcrochet.com/page86.
I'm not familiar with the interrupted v stitch but I thought this looked really cool
http://crochet.about.com/od/
Because I didn't see any bunnies, maybe I should make this one skein bunny?
http://www.caron.com/projects/
And of course, another kitty
http://
This is a Cinco de Mayo afghan chart. I don't know about any other part of the country but this part is way too warm to be thinking about afghans. Plus you got a very short lead time to finish it....
http://www.associatedcontent.
And for the dog lovers, here's a cute poochie for you
http://
As usual, I don't get paid for mentioning these sites. I would take payment, I really would, but I don't think there is such a thing as kickbacks in the crochet world. Or if there is, I certainly don't know about it...
_enjoy_
_Search Amazon.com for amigurumi
Friday, April 30, 2010
Tips for Maryland's Sheep and Wool Festival May 1 & May 2, 2010
If you are near the Maryland (Howard County) area this weekend, you might want to check out the Maryland Sheep and Wool Festival http://www.sheepandwool.org/
To me, it's like Christmas and my birthday rolled into one - except _I_ am the ones getting all the gifts;) Sure somebody will get something I've crocheted out of the yarn - heck, I might even buy somebody a gift from there. (it's happened before).
But I want to give you a few pointers if you plan to go to MSWF. It is free admission but I'm sure you won't get out of there without spending any money - I know I can't;)
First, wear comfortable shoes. I know, seems like a no-brainer, but it makes a difference. I was clumping around sheep & wool last year with a brace on my foot (still recovering from the broken leg) and comfortable shoes made all the difference. You will be walking a lot - from the huge parking lot through out the shops, it is a trek with sometimes uneven ground. Maybe if you walk a lot, you won't think it's a big deal. But for me who spends most of her week behind a desk, it's a lot of walking.
Unless your dog is a helper animal (say a guide dog), please leave your dog at home. MDSF does not allow any animals into the festival unless they are working at the festival. They will make you leave your dog in your vehicle. And they will also notify the Howard County police that you have a dog in the car - it will probably be warm and sticky and dogs generally are not too happy to be left alone in a hot and sticky car.
Dress appropriately - it might start off cool in the morning, but get progressively warmer as the day goes on. The last weather report I seen called for occasional thunderstorms, so you might want to take an umbrella along. If you have created a beautiful article of clothing with yarn, this is the time to wear it. You will receive so many compliments and questions regarding your creation. It's just nice to be with people who "get it".
If you want the festival's logo stuff, there is an express line available - one size, one style, one color. However, if you don't fit into that particular size, you can order your shirt online anytime through out the year. Yes, you do have to pay postage and handling. But it's better than waiting over an hour in a line while I'm out buying up all the good stuff. Plus you can use more money for the MDSF and buy the stuff you generally can't get somewhere else.
They added more porta-potties this year, so that's a good thing. But you may not want to drink that Big Gulp while walking around the festival. You still got to wait to use the porta-potty. And while you're in the porta-potty, well, you know I'll be out there buying all the good stuff;) I could suggest adult diapers, but I'm not so sure anybody wants to go that far.
Carry cash as well as a credit card. Some shops only accept cash. Sometimes it's easier to pay cash for an item than to wait in line for the credit card buyers. There are ATMs at MSWF. Of course, you want to exercise all your usual precautions with money and charge card usage at the MSWF. Yarnies are a goof bunch of people, but it's always possible a bad apple has slipped in with the bunch. Not that I have ever had it happen at MSWF or even know of anybody that it has happened to, just throwing it out there for you to consider.
If you want something, or think you do, pick it up and hold onto it. You can always put it back if you don't decide to buy it, but there's a good chance it will be gone if you decide to come back for it. So if that great yarn is calling your name, you may want to consider strongly buying it. I know if I double back to a shop, I can't find whatever it was I liked. And I hate to admit, I do get confused and forget which shop had the item I was dying to buy.
Make sure you collect any business cards or info from the sellers. They may have other products that you would like but they just couldn't bring with them. Many places have online shops and mail order catalogs. You can drool over the yarn at home and make your choices when you are (or might be) more clear headed.
I always get overwhelmed by MSWF. So much yarn, so many books, sheep and lambs, alpacas and angora bunnies. They have a spot there that sells plants and will hold them for you until you are ready to leave the festival. They have Australian dusters. There's beautiful needlework and artwork to examine. There are musicians playing. And than there is the food...
Almost anything you could want to eat you can buy at MSWF. If you love to eat lamb, you will have a lot of choices for breakfast, lunch or dinner. And of course, there's the usual funnel cakes and cotton candy, hot dogs and hamburgers and sometimes stuff that sounds intriguing - deep fried Snickers, for example. It's all good. You don't want to eat so much you fall asleep, however. If you do, I will probably be picking thru your stuff, stealing your yarn. Not that I have ever done that - yet. Apparently, people don't sleep that deep ;)
Some people go both Saturday and Sunday. I only go Saturday because I don't want to be broke;) I've never been on a Sunday but there are those who say it is less crowded on a Sunday. And I would think you would be able to score some deals because the sellers don't want to pack it all up and take it back home. But I don't know because I've never done it.
I hope this helps prepare you for the Maryland Sheep and Wool Festival 2010. I don't get a kickback (boy, would I love that!) from anyone for writing this particular article.
as always _enjoy_
To me, it's like Christmas and my birthday rolled into one - except _I_ am the ones getting all the gifts;) Sure somebody will get something I've crocheted out of the yarn - heck, I might even buy somebody a gift from there. (it's happened before).
But I want to give you a few pointers if you plan to go to MSWF. It is free admission but I'm sure you won't get out of there without spending any money - I know I can't;)
First, wear comfortable shoes. I know, seems like a no-brainer, but it makes a difference. I was clumping around sheep & wool last year with a brace on my foot (still recovering from the broken leg) and comfortable shoes made all the difference. You will be walking a lot - from the huge parking lot through out the shops, it is a trek with sometimes uneven ground. Maybe if you walk a lot, you won't think it's a big deal. But for me who spends most of her week behind a desk, it's a lot of walking.
Unless your dog is a helper animal (say a guide dog), please leave your dog at home. MDSF does not allow any animals into the festival unless they are working at the festival. They will make you leave your dog in your vehicle. And they will also notify the Howard County police that you have a dog in the car - it will probably be warm and sticky and dogs generally are not too happy to be left alone in a hot and sticky car.
Dress appropriately - it might start off cool in the morning, but get progressively warmer as the day goes on. The last weather report I seen called for occasional thunderstorms, so you might want to take an umbrella along. If you have created a beautiful article of clothing with yarn, this is the time to wear it. You will receive so many compliments and questions regarding your creation. It's just nice to be with people who "get it".
If you want the festival's logo stuff, there is an express line available - one size, one style, one color. However, if you don't fit into that particular size, you can order your shirt online anytime through out the year. Yes, you do have to pay postage and handling. But it's better than waiting over an hour in a line while I'm out buying up all the good stuff. Plus you can use more money for the MDSF and buy the stuff you generally can't get somewhere else.
They added more porta-potties this year, so that's a good thing. But you may not want to drink that Big Gulp while walking around the festival. You still got to wait to use the porta-potty. And while you're in the porta-potty, well, you know I'll be out there buying all the good stuff;) I could suggest adult diapers, but I'm not so sure anybody wants to go that far.
Carry cash as well as a credit card. Some shops only accept cash. Sometimes it's easier to pay cash for an item than to wait in line for the credit card buyers. There are ATMs at MSWF. Of course, you want to exercise all your usual precautions with money and charge card usage at the MSWF. Yarnies are a goof bunch of people, but it's always possible a bad apple has slipped in with the bunch. Not that I have ever had it happen at MSWF or even know of anybody that it has happened to, just throwing it out there for you to consider.
If you want something, or think you do, pick it up and hold onto it. You can always put it back if you don't decide to buy it, but there's a good chance it will be gone if you decide to come back for it. So if that great yarn is calling your name, you may want to consider strongly buying it. I know if I double back to a shop, I can't find whatever it was I liked. And I hate to admit, I do get confused and forget which shop had the item I was dying to buy.
Make sure you collect any business cards or info from the sellers. They may have other products that you would like but they just couldn't bring with them. Many places have online shops and mail order catalogs. You can drool over the yarn at home and make your choices when you are (or might be) more clear headed.
I always get overwhelmed by MSWF. So much yarn, so many books, sheep and lambs, alpacas and angora bunnies. They have a spot there that sells plants and will hold them for you until you are ready to leave the festival. They have Australian dusters. There's beautiful needlework and artwork to examine. There are musicians playing. And than there is the food...
Almost anything you could want to eat you can buy at MSWF. If you love to eat lamb, you will have a lot of choices for breakfast, lunch or dinner. And of course, there's the usual funnel cakes and cotton candy, hot dogs and hamburgers and sometimes stuff that sounds intriguing - deep fried Snickers, for example. It's all good. You don't want to eat so much you fall asleep, however. If you do, I will probably be picking thru your stuff, stealing your yarn. Not that I have ever done that - yet. Apparently, people don't sleep that deep ;)
Some people go both Saturday and Sunday. I only go Saturday because I don't want to be broke;) I've never been on a Sunday but there are those who say it is less crowded on a Sunday. And I would think you would be able to score some deals because the sellers don't want to pack it all up and take it back home. But I don't know because I've never done it.
I hope this helps prepare you for the Maryland Sheep and Wool Festival 2010. I don't get a kickback (boy, would I love that!) from anyone for writing this particular article.
as always _enjoy_
Friday, April 23, 2010
Redheart sale
I know, lots of people won't touch Redheart. It's fine by me because it leaves more for me to buy;)
But for those of you do buy Redheart, they have a sale:
When: 4 days only April 23 - April 26*
Where: www.shopredheart.com
How: Enter FF25 code at checkout
I don't get a kickback from Redheart, but I have purchased a lot of it in my life and made some great stuff. I also made some questionably ugly stuff, but that's not the yarn's fault. It could have been my execution of the pattern or perhaps my fabulous sense of color;)
Anyway, there you are, use it or not.
_enjo
Red Heart Super Saver Yarn-Baby Pink
y_Lacy Blankie Crochet Kit
But for those of you do buy Redheart, they have a sale:
When: 4 days only April 23 - April 26*
Where: www.shopredheart.com
How: Enter FF25 code at checkout
I don't get a kickback from Redheart, but I have purchased a lot of it in my life and made some great stuff. I also made some questionably ugly stuff, but that's not the yarn's fault. It could have been my execution of the pattern or perhaps my fabulous sense of color;)
Anyway, there you are, use it or not.
_enjo
Red Heart Super Saver Yarn-Baby Pink
y_Lacy Blankie Crochet Kit
Tuesday, April 20, 2010
for Janie
This is a gift I am sending to my friend Janie in Iowa. Her health hasn't been the best lately and I thought she could use a little cheering up. The gift is the purple turtle, not the orange cat Arnie.
I was trying to make a spiral but as you can see, it didn't quite work out that way. I need to practice a bit more on the spiral technique. I also need to practice on taking photos with my camera. I feel like I am all thumbs when I try to take a photo.
_enjoy_
Saturday, April 17, 2010
well....
Okay,I haven't been the best blogger in the world. I guess if I was, I'd already have a movie deal;) I finished a few hats for my new great-niece Eliza. It's so easy to make something for a girl. Okay, it isn't easier, but there's a lot more patterns out there for a girl than there are boys. Probably good for that or my poor sons would be wearing my creations and hating life;)
I started (finally) on the mate to my lion curtain from "101 Filet Crochet Charts" 101 Filet Crochet Charts --1999 publication.
I decided to stop for a day or so to make a purple turtle for a friend of mine, she is going thru some major health care problems and since she likes turtle....
Here's a few free patterns for you:
This is really cute.....a filet bunny afghan
http://www.coatsandclark.com/Crafts/Crochet/Projects/BabyChild/WR1639+Crochet+Filet+Bunny+Afghan.htm
This I found intriguing - crochet the alphabet -
http://amamzing.blogspot.com/p/crochet-alphabet.html
And to finish it up, a marmalade afghan
http://www.crochetme.com/media/p/109322.aspx101 Filet Crochet Charts --1999 publication.
I started (finally) on the mate to my lion curtain from "101 Filet Crochet Charts" 101 Filet Crochet Charts --1999 publication.
I decided to stop for a day or so to make a purple turtle for a friend of mine, she is going thru some major health care problems and since she likes turtle....
Here's a few free patterns for you:
This is really cute.....a filet bunny afghan
http://www.coatsandclark.com/Crafts/Crochet/Projects/BabyChild/WR1639+Crochet+Filet+Bunny+Afghan.htm
This I found intriguing - crochet the alphabet -
http://amamzing.blogspot.com/p/crochet-alphabet.html
And to finish it up, a marmalade afghan
http://www.crochetme.com/media/p/109322.aspx101 Filet Crochet Charts --1999 publication.
Thursday, April 15, 2010
Free shipping on Lion Brand's site
From April 15 to April 30, 2010, Lion Brand is offering free shipping on their yarn. The code is crchtrsrck
http://www.lionbrand.com/cgi-bin/epg.fcgi?page=MainPage1.html&utm_source=Favecrafts&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=Favecrafts
and no, Lion Brand doesn't give me a kickback. I'd take one;)
http://www.lionbrand.com/cgi-bin/epg.fcgi?page=MainPage1.html&utm_source=Favecrafts&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=Favecrafts
and no, Lion Brand doesn't give me a kickback. I'd take one;)
Sunday, March 21, 2010
free crochet patterns this week
Spring has arrived, my daffodils are blooming, the forsythia is starting to bloom and my sinuses are killing me;) Oh well, I always have to have something to whine about, don't I?
I'm in between projects now. I've made 31 preemie hats, but I got to give them to my sister-in-law before I count them as given to charity. I've been very lax on that this year.
My beloved redid my kitchen, did a great job. Now I'm thinking "hmm, do I want to make some sort of rug? or maybe some potholders or something sunflowery? " I got new white cabinets and blue tiles for a splashback. I always need potholders. but a rug would be nice, too.
Plus I think I should pursue a more detailed project I have been putting off. That's making the matching tier for the one lion tier I made. Or maybe make some of those crocheted Peeps for Easter? Or *shudder* plan how to organize my yarn....that's a scary thought...
On the other hand, I just want to veg out. Go outside, look at the flowers, be happy spring has sprung and do nothing. I'd like to say it was spring fever but I think it's laziditis. But in reality I should pick something relatively simple to work on this week. It's the big print week and I will be working late at least 1 day this week. Maybe I should investigate Ravelry a bit more as to their project queueing ability.
Anyway, enough about me - on with the show
This isn't a pattern but crocheting as a love story. I thought it was pretty good.
http://centurycrafts.blogspot.com/2010/01/afghan-love-story.html
Yes, it is past Valentine's Day, but love and hearts never go out of season. So here's a printable heart chart that you can mess about with - maybe a scarf or a table runner for Mother's Day?
http://crochet.about.com/od/motifs/ss/Crochet_Heart_Chart_5.htm
I think I posted this before, if I have, please forgive me. That's what Claritin does to you;) But I am fascinated by this pattern and I'm thinking of doing it in a rug pattern. I know, sounds squirrely, but there you are.
http://www.favecrafts.com/Crochet-Afghans/Afghan-Circles-in-Rectangles
Yes, I know it's gotten warmer in most places (except for you, Pat, with your spring snow) but this is still pretty cool - a flower afghan
http://www.favecrafts.com/Crochet-Afghans/Flower-Squares-Afghan-Crochet-Pattern-from-Red-Heart
This is supposed to be for "egg cozies" which is great if your eggs are col. But they say "egg cozies", I say "finger puppets"
http://www.favecrafts.com/Kitchen-Crochet/Egg-Cozy-Crochet-Pattern-from-Red-Heart-Yarn
For those of you who embellish your stationary or maybe work on scrapbooks, this pattern is for you - I think it's pretty neat, an embroidery thread flower embellishment
http://nicholeheady.typepad.com/capture_the_moment/2009/05/embellish-it-senior-challenge.html
Yes, Saint Patrick's Day is over, the green beer finally finished and the corned beef made into corned beef hash. You may have even found a pot of baked beans at the end of the rainbow. But just in case you want to start early for next year - or maybe for some Irish friends - here's a shamrock afghan pattern:
http://nicholeheady.typepad.com/capture_the_moment/2009/05/embellish-it-senior-challenge.html
As usual, I receive no payola for posting any of these items. I do have a special bank account set up if anyone wants to contribute any payola (it's at a place I call "my pockets";)) but so far, nobody has offered anything. But I'll show them, I'll keep buying yarn and crocheting. Hey, wait, that sounds kind of goofy....
_enjoy_
I'm in between projects now. I've made 31 preemie hats, but I got to give them to my sister-in-law before I count them as given to charity. I've been very lax on that this year.
My beloved redid my kitchen, did a great job. Now I'm thinking "hmm, do I want to make some sort of rug? or maybe some potholders or something sunflowery? " I got new white cabinets and blue tiles for a splashback. I always need potholders. but a rug would be nice, too.
Plus I think I should pursue a more detailed project I have been putting off. That's making the matching tier for the one lion tier I made. Or maybe make some of those crocheted Peeps for Easter? Or *shudder* plan how to organize my yarn....that's a scary thought...
On the other hand, I just want to veg out. Go outside, look at the flowers, be happy spring has sprung and do nothing. I'd like to say it was spring fever but I think it's laziditis. But in reality I should pick something relatively simple to work on this week. It's the big print week and I will be working late at least 1 day this week. Maybe I should investigate Ravelry a bit more as to their project queueing ability.
Anyway, enough about me - on with the show
This isn't a pattern but crocheting as a love story. I thought it was pretty good.
http://centurycrafts.blogspot.com/2010/01/afghan-love-story.html
Yes, it is past Valentine's Day, but love and hearts never go out of season. So here's a printable heart chart that you can mess about with - maybe a scarf or a table runner for Mother's Day?
http://crochet.about.com/od/motifs/ss/Crochet_Heart_Chart_5.htm
I think I posted this before, if I have, please forgive me. That's what Claritin does to you;) But I am fascinated by this pattern and I'm thinking of doing it in a rug pattern. I know, sounds squirrely, but there you are.
http://www.favecrafts.com/Crochet-Afghans/Afghan-Circles-in-Rectangles
Yes, I know it's gotten warmer in most places (except for you, Pat, with your spring snow) but this is still pretty cool - a flower afghan
http://www.favecrafts.com/Crochet-Afghans/Flower-Squares-Afghan-Crochet-Pattern-from-Red-Heart
This is supposed to be for "egg cozies" which is great if your eggs are col. But they say "egg cozies", I say "finger puppets"
http://www.favecrafts.com/Kitchen-Crochet/Egg-Cozy-Crochet-Pattern-from-Red-Heart-Yarn
For those of you who embellish your stationary or maybe work on scrapbooks, this pattern is for you - I think it's pretty neat, an embroidery thread flower embellishment
http://nicholeheady.typepad.com/capture_the_moment/2009/05/embellish-it-senior-challenge.html
Yes, Saint Patrick's Day is over, the green beer finally finished and the corned beef made into corned beef hash. You may have even found a pot of baked beans at the end of the rainbow. But just in case you want to start early for next year - or maybe for some Irish friends - here's a shamrock afghan pattern:
http://nicholeheady.typepad.com/capture_the_moment/2009/05/embellish-it-senior-challenge.html
As usual, I receive no payola for posting any of these items. I do have a special bank account set up if anyone wants to contribute any payola (it's at a place I call "my pockets";)) but so far, nobody has offered anything. But I'll show them, I'll keep buying yarn and crocheting. Hey, wait, that sounds kind of goofy....
_enjoy_
Sunday, March 14, 2010
More free crochet patterns
I'm feeling a little untogether with this stupid cold. But it is getting better, slowly but surely. Plus it's not the flu and usually I get maybe 2 colds a year at the most. My daffodils are finally starting to bloom. Now if they don't float down the street in all this rain we're having, I'll be lucky. There are still piles of snow around, mostly in shopping center parking lots, but soon, it too will disappear (I hope)....
Here we go for this week
These next two patterns are from Crochet Spot - How about a crochet peace sign?
http://www.crochetspot.com/crochet-pattern-peace-sign/
And an apple coaster
http://www.crochetspot.com/crochet-pattern-apple-coaster/
This is from an Australian designer - a charmed prayer shawl
http://crochetroo.blogspot.com/2010/02/charmed-prayer-shawl-crochet-pattern.html
The Art of Crochet always has wonderful tutorials - here is one to teach you how to crochet in the round instructions
http://www.ehow.com/how_6005567_circular-crochet-instructions.html
These next two patterns come from Fave Crafts a lovely daffodil dishcloth
http://www.favecrafts.com/Kitchen-Crochet/Daffodils-Dish-Cloth-Crochet-Pattern#
and a pansy teapot cozy. I do drink tea and I do collect teapots but I have never made a teapot cozy. I'm not sure why
http://www.favecrafts.com/Kitchen-Crochet/Pansie-Teapot-Cozy-Crochet-Pattern
Not a pattern but an article about Shauna Richardson, the woman who will crochet lions for London's Olympics - check it out, her work is amazing.
http://www.environmentalgraffiti.com/featured/creepy-crochetdermy/20414
Again, not a pattern but a very cute idea - an egg baby
http://madebyjoanne.blogspot.com/2010/02/crochet-egg-baby.html
Another one from Fave Crafts, this time an easy crochet shamrock
http://www.favecrafts.com/St-Patricks-Day/Easy-Crochet-Shamrock
And to finish up, a crochet bear tutorial from "The Art of Crochet"
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Z8pphemYMJk
As usual, no endorsements or promotions have been given to me for mentioning anything on this post. I'd definitely take some bribes, but nobody is giving any out - at least to me;)
_enjoy_
Here we go for this week
These next two patterns are from Crochet Spot - How about a crochet peace sign?
http://www.crochetspot.com/crochet-pattern-peace-sign/
And an apple coaster
http://www.crochetspot.com/crochet-pattern-apple-coaster/
This is from an Australian designer - a charmed prayer shawl
http://crochetroo.blogspot.com/2010/02/charmed-prayer-shawl-crochet-pattern.html
The Art of Crochet always has wonderful tutorials - here is one to teach you how to crochet in the round instructions
http://www.ehow.com/how_6005567_circular-crochet-instructions.html
These next two patterns come from Fave Crafts a lovely daffodil dishcloth
http://www.favecrafts.com/Kitchen-Crochet/Daffodils-Dish-Cloth-Crochet-Pattern#
and a pansy teapot cozy. I do drink tea and I do collect teapots but I have never made a teapot cozy. I'm not sure why
http://www.favecrafts.com/Kitchen-Crochet/Pansie-Teapot-Cozy-Crochet-Pattern
Not a pattern but an article about Shauna Richardson, the woman who will crochet lions for London's Olympics - check it out, her work is amazing.
http://www.environmentalgraffiti.com/featured/creepy-crochetdermy/20414
Again, not a pattern but a very cute idea - an egg baby
http://madebyjoanne.blogspot.com/2010/02/crochet-egg-baby.html
Another one from Fave Crafts, this time an easy crochet shamrock
http://www.favecrafts.com/St-Patricks-Day/Easy-Crochet-Shamrock
And to finish up, a crochet bear tutorial from "The Art of Crochet"
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Z8pphemYMJk
As usual, no endorsements or promotions have been given to me for mentioning anything on this post. I'd definitely take some bribes, but nobody is giving any out - at least to me;)
_enjoy_
Friday, March 12, 2010
time for a quickie;)
I thought I'd post this so you can enter it, too. Berroco is giving away 50 books of crochet and knit afghans. Yeah, I know not everybody knits, but come on, it's a free book from Berroco, quit being so picky;)
You do end up signing up for their email "Knit Bits" but it's not just about knitting, there are crochet patterns there. Give it a shot.
http://www.berroco.com/polls/poll_031210.html
You do end up signing up for their email "Knit Bits" but it's not just about knitting, there are crochet patterns there. Give it a shot.
http://www.berroco.com/polls/poll_031210.html
Thursday, March 04, 2010
huh? crochet patterns?
I am totally untogether. Not unusual but becoming a little too common for my liking,I'm not exactly sure what to do about it. Work has been a pain and luckily it has just eased up (for a little while). Anyway, I thought I'd post some free patterns
Yes, it's a "Peep" but you can't eat it. You can crochet it, however. (Have you ever tried dipping the Peeps in melted chocolate? It is not for the faint hearted or anybody watching their weight or sugar intake)
http://www.favecrafts.com/Crochet-for-Kids/Large-Crochet-Bunny-Peep
For some reason, I am fascinated by round afghans. I guess because I've made so many square shaped ones...
http://www.favecrafts.com/Crochet-Afghans/Crochet-Circle-Afghan-from-Red-Heart-Yarn
Gain, another heart tutorial
http://tinyurl.com/hearttutorial
I particularly liked this pattern of Max - King of the Wild Things. I might make it for my own grown up "king of the wild things"
http://pomoboho.blogspot.com/search/label/Free%20Pattern
The year of the tiger began on February 14, 2010. So if you need a pattern for a tiger, here you go: http://www.favecrafts.com/Crochet-Amigurumi/Year-of-the-Tiger-from-Lily-Sugar-n-Cream#
And last but not certainly least, there's a new online crochet magazine. It's called "Tension Magazine" and you definitely need to check it out for their cool patterns
http://www.tensionmagazine.com/
That's it for now. Between getting the yarn for the Special Olympics scarf way too late and work destroying my hand, I have yet to manage to make _1_ scarf for the Special Olympics. I hope I can finish the one I'm working on and get it out in time. Somewhere along the way, I must have missed what the colors were supposed to be for this year. I need to pay closer attention or have somebody poke with with a stick or something. I can't figure out how everything has gotten so complex when it appears that nothing's going on. I think I need a vacation;)
Yes, it's a "Peep" but you can't eat it. You can crochet it, however. (Have you ever tried dipping the Peeps in melted chocolate? It is not for the faint hearted or anybody watching their weight or sugar intake)
http://www.favecrafts.com/Crochet-for-Kids/Large-Crochet-Bunny-Peep
For some reason, I am fascinated by round afghans. I guess because I've made so many square shaped ones...
http://www.favecrafts.com/Crochet-Afghans/Crochet-Circle-Afghan-from-Red-Heart-Yarn
Gain, another heart tutorial
http://tinyurl.com/hearttutorial
I particularly liked this pattern of Max - King of the Wild Things. I might make it for my own grown up "king of the wild things"
http://pomoboho.blogspot.com/search/label/Free%20Pattern
The year of the tiger began on February 14, 2010. So if you need a pattern for a tiger, here you go: http://www.favecrafts.com/Crochet-Amigurumi/Year-of-the-Tiger-from-Lily-Sugar-n-Cream#
And last but not certainly least, there's a new online crochet magazine. It's called "Tension Magazine" and you definitely need to check it out for their cool patterns
http://www.tensionmagazine.com/
That's it for now. Between getting the yarn for the Special Olympics scarf way too late and work destroying my hand, I have yet to manage to make _1_ scarf for the Special Olympics. I hope I can finish the one I'm working on and get it out in time. Somewhere along the way, I must have missed what the colors were supposed to be for this year. I need to pay closer attention or have somebody poke with with a stick or something. I can't figure out how everything has gotten so complex when it appears that nothing's going on. I think I need a vacation;)
Sunday, February 21, 2010
Free crochet pattern links and a picture of my groundhog....
*whew* What a few weeks! My aunt died, we got 48 inches of snow in a week's time....
*whew* All I hope for right now is that March doesn't "come in like a lion" this year.....
But on with the free crochet patterns. I know this is late for Valentine's day, but you could still make it for a wedding - a crochet heart shawl
http://crochet.about.com/od/hearts/ig/Hearts/Hearts-Shawl.htm
My brother and sister-in-law just became grandparents of a lovely little girl named Eliza. She is a cutie-pie. So since my SIL's name is Rose, I have a few rose themed patterns
How about a vintage rose hat for Eliza?
http://www.favecrafts.com/Crochet-for-Kids/Vintage-Rose-Crochet-Hat#
The snow completely covered my roses in the front of my house. I don't know if they will survive it or not. But I can still have some crocheted roses:
http://www.favecrafts.com/Kitchen-Crochet/PinkRose-Bouquet-Crochet-Pattern
And the rose purse - an oldie but a goody
http://www.crochetme.com/media/p/88348.aspx
I don't know what other blogs you may read. I especially enjoy "This Year's Dozen" with the journey of the 101 motif book. Plus the ones she said she wouldn't make again. Check it out - this year's dozen
http://thisyearsdozen.wordpress.com/2010/01/27/want-to-learn-to-crochet/
Here is a tutorial on how to crochet (or knit) with boucle yarn. I find myself getting totally messed up with the stitches, so I tend to use a smooth yarn with it - check this out
http://knittingcrochet.suite101.com/article.cfm/how_to_knit_or_crochet_with_boucle_yarn
We may finally see flowers by November at the rate this is going. So since November's flower is a chrysanthemum, I could make this now and save myself the wait
http://www.favecrafts.com/Crochet/Chrysanthemum-Accessory-from-DMC
It's still cold here and they are caring for more snow om Monday, Tuesday and Thursday. I think it's time to make a log cabin afghan
http://www.favecrafts.com/Crochet-Afghans/Log-Cabin-Afghan-Crochet-Pattern-from-Red-Heart-Yarn
This is a really cool square from Smooth Fox - a flower button square
http://tinyurl.com/flowergrannysquare
I don't know if I keep forgetting to put this in or whether I've posted it a dozen times. Hopefully, I didn't post it a dozen times. But if I did, here it is again - the world's biggest crochet hook.
http://fortheloveofcrochetalong.blogspot.com/2010/01/worlds-biggest-crochet-hook.html
Tuesday, February 09, 2010
a couple days late....
Sorry for the delay. Between dealing with work and snow, things have been a little weird around here. (Okay, a little weirder than usual). My rosebushes as well as my bulbs have about 28 inches of snow on them. And we're expecting more tonight. I'm beginning to wonder if my daffodils will make it.
Hopefully, my daffodils will make it. But this is the only way I'm going to see any daffodils any time soon
http://www.favecrafts.com/Kitchen-Crochet/Daffodils-Bouquet-Crochet-Pattern
Here's another cat for you
http://tinyurl.com/yle74vr
I just bought some Bernat in the soft yellow and I think it would perfect to this
baby duck crochet pattern. I could add some yellow fun fur to it, but I'm not so sure that would be good for a baby. The fun fur seems to shed.
http://www.favecrafts.com/Crochet-for-Baby/Baby-Duck-Crochet-Pattern
I seem to have toys on the brain - luckily here's a few more free patterns - a turtle
http://www.naturallycaron.com/projects/turtle_toy/turtle_toy_1.html
And a frog toy
http://www.caron.com/projects/w/frog.html
and a snake
http://www.caron.com/projects/ss/ss_coral_snake.html
And something cute but a little different, a stuffed star
http://www.craftster.org/forum/index.php?topic=329561.0
If you're on the east coast, you probably have need of a few more hats to keep yourself (or your loved ones) warm during this bout of "February Fury" as the Weather Channel is calling it so here's http://www.crochetme.com/Crochet-Hat-Patterns/ from CrochetMe
And you might need some mittens to go along with that hat. Bev's Country Cottage always has wonderful patterns- here's one for baby mittens
http://www.bevscountrycottage.com/tod-mitts.html
and a pattern for a larger size
http://www.bevscountrycottage.com/bevs-marvelous-mitts.html
Here's a peaked hat with ear flaps
http://www.naturallycaron.com/projects/glenmore/glenmore_1.html
I found this pattern absolutely fascinating and want to try it out...
a chain maile scarf
http://knitcidents.wordpress.com/2009/10/17/chain-maille-scarf-free-crocheting-pattern/
Here's an "autumn tunic" but there's no reason why you couldn't change the colors for a "winter tunic" or a "spring tunic"
http://www.caron.com/projects/ss/ss_autumn_tunic.html
Dogs have to be walked - even in the winter and the snow - and they can get cold. So here's a dog sweater pattern for you.
http://www.canine-kids.com/crochet-dog-sweater.html
This is an amazing looking scarf/belt
http://www.naturallycaron.com/projects/gallup/gallup_1.html
Or how about this pattern for crochet mittens and a hat from Bernat?
http://www.favecrafts.com/Crochet-Hats-Scarves-Gloves/Chunky-Crochet-Mittens-and-Scarf-from-Bernat#
If you missed the "Blessed Mother Prayer Shawl" from "Annie's Favorite Crochet" (December 2006), here's a chance for you to get the pattern. It is a wonderful work of art.
http://www.crochetmagazine.com/newsletters.php?mode=article&article_id=639&key=NL00
And how about a cute rainbow applique?
http://www.crochetspot.com/crochet-pattern-rainbow-applique/
If you need a cute decoration for a baby shower gift, here's a quick crochet mittens gift topper
http://www.bhg.com/holidays/christmas/crafts/crochet-mitten-gift-topper/
Here's a few quick ideas for Valentine's Day
Jewelry bag number 1
http://craftyarncouncil.com/sept98_crochproject.html
Jewelry bag number 2
http://www.favecrafts.com/Crochet-Bags/Pompon-Purselet-Crochet-Pattern-from-Caron-Yarn
and of course, some hearts.....
Here's crochet hearts ornaments
http://simplebeans.blogspot.com/2009/01/crochet-heart-ornament-pattern.html
This pattern says "Christmas" but you could do it for Valentine's Day
http://www.garnstudio.com/lang/en/visoppskrift.php?d_nr=0&d_id=527&lang=us
Again, this says "Christmas" but it could be done for Valentine's day
http://www.garnstudio.com/lang/en/visoppskrift.php?d_nr=104&d_id=46&lang=en
A treat from The Royal Sisters, Grandma's hearts
http://theroyalsisters.blogspot.com/2009/12/grandma-hearts-tutorial.html
Here's a quick one - a crochet heart bookmark
http://www.crochetspot.com/crochet-pattern-heart-bookmark/
And that's all I have for today. I'm still working on my groundhog, I'm still working on the body part, about half finished. As usual, I get no gratuities from mentioning these sites. I'd accept them, but nobody's offering;)
Enjoy and I hope you keep warm
Hopefully, my daffodils will make it. But this is the only way I'm going to see any daffodils any time soon
http://www.favecrafts.com/Kitchen-Crochet/Daffodils-Bouquet-Crochet-Pattern
Here's another cat for you
http://tinyurl.com/yle74vr
I just bought some Bernat in the soft yellow and I think it would perfect to this
baby duck crochet pattern. I could add some yellow fun fur to it, but I'm not so sure that would be good for a baby. The fun fur seems to shed.
http://www.favecrafts.com/Crochet-for-Baby/Baby-Duck-Crochet-Pattern
I seem to have toys on the brain - luckily here's a few more free patterns - a turtle
http://www.naturallycaron.com/projects/turtle_toy/turtle_toy_1.html
And a frog toy
http://www.caron.com/projects/w/frog.html
and a snake
http://www.caron.com/projects/ss/ss_coral_snake.html
And something cute but a little different, a stuffed star
http://www.craftster.org/forum/index.php?topic=329561.0
If you're on the east coast, you probably have need of a few more hats to keep yourself (or your loved ones) warm during this bout of "February Fury" as the Weather Channel is calling it so here's http://www.crochetme.com/Crochet-Hat-Patterns/ from CrochetMe
And you might need some mittens to go along with that hat. Bev's Country Cottage always has wonderful patterns- here's one for baby mittens
http://www.bevscountrycottage.com/tod-mitts.html
and a pattern for a larger size
http://www.bevscountrycottage.com/bevs-marvelous-mitts.html
Here's a peaked hat with ear flaps
http://www.naturallycaron.com/projects/glenmore/glenmore_1.html
I found this pattern absolutely fascinating and want to try it out...
a chain maile scarf
http://knitcidents.wordpress.com/2009/10/17/chain-maille-scarf-free-crocheting-pattern/
Here's an "autumn tunic" but there's no reason why you couldn't change the colors for a "winter tunic" or a "spring tunic"
http://www.caron.com/projects/ss/ss_autumn_tunic.html
Dogs have to be walked - even in the winter and the snow - and they can get cold. So here's a dog sweater pattern for you.
http://www.canine-kids.com/crochet-dog-sweater.html
This is an amazing looking scarf/belt
http://www.naturallycaron.com/projects/gallup/gallup_1.html
Or how about this pattern for crochet mittens and a hat from Bernat?
http://www.favecrafts.com/Crochet-Hats-Scarves-Gloves/Chunky-Crochet-Mittens-and-Scarf-from-Bernat#
If you missed the "Blessed Mother Prayer Shawl" from "Annie's Favorite Crochet" (December 2006), here's a chance for you to get the pattern. It is a wonderful work of art.
http://www.crochetmagazine.com/newsletters.php?mode=article&article_id=639&key=NL00
And how about a cute rainbow applique?
http://www.crochetspot.com/crochet-pattern-rainbow-applique/
If you need a cute decoration for a baby shower gift, here's a quick crochet mittens gift topper
http://www.bhg.com/holidays/christmas/crafts/crochet-mitten-gift-topper/
Here's a few quick ideas for Valentine's Day
Jewelry bag number 1
http://craftyarncouncil.com/sept98_crochproject.html
Jewelry bag number 2
http://www.favecrafts.com/Crochet-Bags/Pompon-Purselet-Crochet-Pattern-from-Caron-Yarn
and of course, some hearts.....
Here's crochet hearts ornaments
http://simplebeans.blogspot.com/2009/01/crochet-heart-ornament-pattern.html
This pattern says "Christmas" but you could do it for Valentine's Day
http://www.garnstudio.com/lang/en/visoppskrift.php?d_nr=0&d_id=527&lang=us
Again, this says "Christmas" but it could be done for Valentine's day
http://www.garnstudio.com/lang/en/visoppskrift.php?d_nr=104&d_id=46&lang=en
A treat from The Royal Sisters, Grandma's hearts
http://theroyalsisters.blogspot.com/2009/12/grandma-hearts-tutorial.html
Here's a quick one - a crochet heart bookmark
http://www.crochetspot.com/crochet-pattern-heart-bookmark/
And that's all I have for today. I'm still working on my groundhog, I'm still working on the body part, about half finished. As usual, I get no gratuities from mentioning these sites. I'd accept them, but nobody's offering;)
Enjoy and I hope you keep warm
Monday, February 01, 2010
2/1/10
In this neck of the woods, we got 7 inches of a "light dusting of snow". Plus it's _cold_, in the teens. Not exactly the most pleasant weather in the world. But being able to stay inside and drink tea and crochet is great:) I just hope the bulbs that are just to pop out of the ground don't freeze.
Unless you have been living under a rock, you have heard about the earthquake in Haiti. It will take _years_ for Haiti to get something close to normal. Etsy has a special section for selling items to benefit Haiti - it's called Hearts for Haiti and this is the site. Check it out:
http://www.etsy.com/shop/HeartsforHaiti?ga_search_query=Haiti+Relief&ga_search_type=all&ga_page=&order=date_desc&includes[0]=tags&includes[1]=title&page=3
I don't know if you follow the blog, "This Year's Dozen" but it's pretty cool. Chesk out the granny squares she's completed so far:
http://thisyearsdozen.wordpress.com/2010/01/24/more-squares-finished-squares-61-98-101-76-78/
And along with the granny squares, here's a rainbow outline granny square pattern.
http://crochet.about.com/od/freecrochetpatterns/a/Rainbow_Outlines_Granny_Square.htm
And just because February has Valentine's Day in it, here's a granny square heart pattern
http://theroyalsisters.blogspot.com/2009/12/grandma-hearts-tutorial.html
And, of course, another heart pattern from Planet M Files:
http://planetmfiles.com/2010/01/26/free-crochet-heart-pattern/
Maybe you call your honey your "love monkey" (or maybe you don't). Either way, here's a cute amigurumi monkey pattern
http://www.favecrafts.com/Crochet-Amigurumi/Monkey-Amigurumi-Crochet-Pattern-from-Caron-Yarn
And though I am freezing right now and can't think of what I'd use fingerless gloves for, this is still a very pretty pattern
http://www.naturallycaron.com/projects/aqualina/aqualina_1.html
How about trying out cables in a limited way - here's a crochet cable purse
http://www.favecrafts.com/Crochet-Bags/Cable-Purse-Crochet-Pattern-from-Caron-Yarn#
And if your feet are freezing, here's some crocheted slippers
http://bohemianmermaid.blogspot.com/2010/01/crochet-slippers-pattern.html
Another lovely pattern from Caron - a scarf - Pandores scarf
http://www.naturallycaron.com/projects/paradores/paradores_1.html
That all for me this week. I hope you are staying comfortable - not too cold and not too warm, just right. As usual, I don't get any favors for posting these links.
_Enjoy_
Unless you have been living under a rock, you have heard about the earthquake in Haiti. It will take _years_ for Haiti to get something close to normal. Etsy has a special section for selling items to benefit Haiti - it's called Hearts for Haiti and this is the site. Check it out:
http://www.etsy.com/shop/HeartsforHaiti?ga_search_query=Haiti+Relief&ga_search_type=all&ga_page=&order=date_desc&includes[0]=tags&includes[1]=title&page=3
I don't know if you follow the blog, "This Year's Dozen" but it's pretty cool. Chesk out the granny squares she's completed so far:
http://thisyearsdozen.wordpress.com/2010/01/24/more-squares-finished-squares-61-98-101-76-78/
And along with the granny squares, here's a rainbow outline granny square pattern.
http://crochet.about.com/od/freecrochetpatterns/a/Rainbow_Outlines_Granny_Square.htm
And just because February has Valentine's Day in it, here's a granny square heart pattern
http://theroyalsisters.blogspot.com/2009/12/grandma-hearts-tutorial.html
And, of course, another heart pattern from Planet M Files:
http://planetmfiles.com/2010/01/26/free-crochet-heart-pattern/
Maybe you call your honey your "love monkey" (or maybe you don't). Either way, here's a cute amigurumi monkey pattern
http://www.favecrafts.com/Crochet-Amigurumi/Monkey-Amigurumi-Crochet-Pattern-from-Caron-Yarn
And though I am freezing right now and can't think of what I'd use fingerless gloves for, this is still a very pretty pattern
http://www.naturallycaron.com/projects/aqualina/aqualina_1.html
How about trying out cables in a limited way - here's a crochet cable purse
http://www.favecrafts.com/Crochet-Bags/Cable-Purse-Crochet-Pattern-from-Caron-Yarn#
And if your feet are freezing, here's some crocheted slippers
http://bohemianmermaid.blogspot.com/2010/01/crochet-slippers-pattern.html
Another lovely pattern from Caron - a scarf - Pandores scarf
http://www.naturallycaron.com/projects/paradores/paradores_1.html
That all for me this week. I hope you are staying comfortable - not too cold and not too warm, just right. As usual, I don't get any favors for posting these links.
_Enjoy_
Sunday, January 17, 2010
FM 1/18/10
Hello again. I haven't printed out my groundhog pattern yet, but I got the eyes & the yarn & the stuffing, so I'm good to go. I need to organize my books and magazines do I have an idea of what I already own. There's an afghan from a 1997 issue of "Hooked On Crochet" I like and I bet I have that issue around here - somewhere. I've been making lots of preemie hats, but I will stop a little while to make the groundhog. I can't name it "Puxataney Phil" because I'd bet I didn't even spell it right. Oh well
I thought this was a really cute pincushion
http://blog.craftzine.com/archive/2010/01/free_tomato_pincushion_crochet.html
Some people like the ripple look, so how about a baby ripple hat?
http://www.toastyfrog.net/2009/12/25/baby-ripple-hat-crochet-pattern/
How about a sleepy sheep?
http://harugurumi.blogspot.com/2008/02/baby-sheep-free-pattern.html
What if you made these stars out of glow in the dark yarn - wouldn't that be cool?
http://theroyalsisters.blogspot.com/2009/11/grandma-twinkle-tutorial.html
Another scarf from Caron
http://www.naturallycaron.com/projects/gallup/gallup_1.html
Not a pattern, but a cute idea
http://glowacademy10.blogspot.com/2009/12/my-crochet-earrings.html
I'm not a shoe collector but I don't think you can have too many earrings so here's another earring photo, this time with a pattern to go with it.
http://www.coatsandclark.com/Crafts/Crochet/Projects/Accessories/WC1930+Beaded+Fringe+Earrings.htm
As usual, I did not profit by posting these links. I just thought they were cool and wanted to share it with you.
_enjoy_
I thought this was a really cute pincushion
http://blog.craftzine.com/archive/2010/01/free_tomato_pincushion_crochet.html
Some people like the ripple look, so how about a baby ripple hat?
http://www.toastyfrog.net/2009/12/25/baby-ripple-hat-crochet-pattern/
How about a sleepy sheep?
http://harugurumi.blogspot.com/2008/02/baby-sheep-free-pattern.html
What if you made these stars out of glow in the dark yarn - wouldn't that be cool?
http://theroyalsisters.blogspot.com/2009/11/grandma-twinkle-tutorial.html
Another scarf from Caron
http://www.naturallycaron.com/projects/gallup/gallup_1.html
Not a pattern, but a cute idea
http://glowacademy10.blogspot.com/2009/12/my-crochet-earrings.html
I'm not a shoe collector but I don't think you can have too many earrings so here's another earring photo, this time with a pattern to go with it.
http://www.coatsandclark.com/Crafts/Crochet/Projects/Accessories/WC1930+Beaded+Fringe+Earrings.htm
As usual, I did not profit by posting these links. I just thought they were cool and wanted to share it with you.
_enjoy_
Monday, January 11, 2010
FM 1/11/10
oops, almost put 2009 on that one. It's cold in this neck of the woods so I dug thru my stash to find the (sadly discontinued) 2 skeins of Lion Brand "Big" I had to make the hat in the picture above. I put it on Etsy for sale. Red's not my color (except for my hair) and I have a totally different hat in mind for myself. But it was so quick to make - I used an "S" hook and chained 14, than single crocheted in every chain across. I continued that for 12 more rows. (This yarn is as thick as a finger, so that's why there's only a total of 13 rows.) I folded the material in half and single crocheted the seams together. Than I put a round of single crochet at the opening of the hat. As you can see, I put a tassel on the edges. If you wanted to recreate this hat with different yarn, I'd advise measuring your head from mid-ear to mid-ear. That will give you the circumference that you need to make the hat fit. Then you crochet until the material creates a square. Fold it over, seem it up and you're good to go. I can't claim it as a pattern as it's just a set of directions, but I did make it up myself.
Currently I am working on preemie hats for the NICU where my sister-in-law works. I love using the variegated yarn because I like the patterns. I try not to pick blue or pink because there's no way I can know how many boys or girls will be in NICU. So I just use bright colors.
But I am waiting for the pattern from Planet June to make the groundhog.
http://planetjune.com/shop/index.php?main_page=product_info&cPath=11_17&products_id=104&zenid=96ba2cbcdcb0d22afb493d6d03d48139
It's not a free pattern (just so you know) but it's so cute, like all Planet June's work. And yes, I paid for it and I don't get any percentage out of what Planet June sells. (I'm just telling you this upfront so you don't think I get some sort of kickback.) The pattern is delivered in a pdf file and you can print it out.
On with the free patterns
Just for fun, a prune hat to look at (no pattern)
http://www.uniquedaily.com/prune-juice-crochet-hat/
Here's another just for fun to look at (no pattern)
http://www.threadbanger.com/post/15834/weekly-diy-roundup-knit-and-crochet-cephalopods-and-tentacles
Here's an article about "Brochet"
http://chronicle.com/article/Brochet-Rhymes-With/49438/
I am absolutely fascinated with this fish counting toy. I have no idea why, but I just think it's so cool.
http://suzies-yarnie-stuff.blogspot.com/2008/07/learn-your-colors-fish-counting-toy.html
This is just lovely - an angel afghan
http://www.crochetkim.com/patterns/angelafghan.html
If you are going to go shopping, this market bag will come in very handy - especially with some stores charging for bags:
http://www.favecrafts.com/Crochet-Bags/Everyday-Market-Bag-from-Bernat
Hats for kids
http://www.crochetmagazine.com/newsletters.php?mode=article&article_id=515&key=NL00
Here's a frilly scarf
http://www.crochetmagazine.com/newsletters.php?mode=article&article_id=516&key=NL00
This is a simple crochet angel
http://www.favecrafts.com/Crochet/Angel-Ornament-Pattern#
I really like this Scandinavian hat
http://www.favecrafts.com/Crochet-Hats-Scarves-Gloves/Scandinavian-Hat-Crochet-Pattern-from-Red-Heart-Yarn
This is cute and a little silly - a striped cat
http://funmigurumiandkidsstuff.blogspot.com/2009/12/funmigurumi-stripey-cats-no-1-fletcher.html
As usual,I do not get a kickback from featuring any of these links. I'd take one, but it's not going to happen.
_enjoy_
Monday, January 04, 2010
the first FM of the new decade
I hope you had a happy and safe new years celebration. We stayed home and ate chicken and noodles and watched TV. We didn't have anyone come over - my sons had to work the next day and my brother and sister-in-law planned a mini-vacation. So it was just the two of us watching Dick Clark and Ryan Secrest ring in 2010.
I generally don't make New Years Resolutions because I break them almost immediately. If I resolved to "breathe in and breath out", you can bet I'd do something stupid and mess it up. But I do plan to use more of my stash. I just used the Lion Brand thick, bulky yarn to make one of those square hats. I used an S hook, but probably could have used a larger one. I did use a much smaller hook to weave the ends in because I do not have a yarn needle that has an eye big enough to hold the yarn.
A very long time ago, B(efore) C(hildren) I would make a list of what I intended to crochet as gifts and such the first week of January. Obviously, I was more together at that time;) But I do intend to keep track of what I make. I'm just nosy that way
Here's something cute and colorful to brighten up the cold days of January (and it's been cold here) - dish clothes
http://www.favecrafts.com/Kitchen-Crochet/Flower-Dish-Cloth-Crochet-Pattern#
Im my neck of the woods, it's a little too cold to think of wearing a shawl, unless you're wearing it underneath your coat. But it won't always be cold and not everybody is having this type of weather, so here's a shawl pattern
http://www.favecrafts.com/Crochet/Flower-Lace-Shawl-Crochet-Pattern
These are cute, but they look like they need a back to be warm. Here's some flower slippers
http://www.favecrafts.com/Crochet/Flower-Slippers-Crochet-Pattern
And here's a lovely rose slippers pattern -
http://www.favecrafts.com/Crochet/Rose-Slippers-Crochet-Pattern
I'm not fond of turtlenecks anymore, they seem to bother my throat. But this is a smashing turtleneck pattern so I might reconsider
http://www.favecrafts.com/Crochet-Sweaters/Easy-Pullover-Sweater-Crochet-Pattern
This does not look like a granny square tunic - at least not in the traditional granny squares I tend to think of
http://www.favecrafts.com/Crochet-Sweaters/Granny-Square-Crochet-Patterns
I've never done any intarsia patterns, but I might try this one = spider intarsia pattern
http://www.associatedcontent.com/slideshow/39541/2_spider_free_pattern_chart_graph_crochet.html?cat=24
As usual, nobody's paying me for telling you about these sites. I don't know why they don't, I guess payola is illegal;)
_enjoy_
I generally don't make New Years Resolutions because I break them almost immediately. If I resolved to "breathe in and breath out", you can bet I'd do something stupid and mess it up. But I do plan to use more of my stash. I just used the Lion Brand thick, bulky yarn to make one of those square hats. I used an S hook, but probably could have used a larger one. I did use a much smaller hook to weave the ends in because I do not have a yarn needle that has an eye big enough to hold the yarn.
A very long time ago, B(efore) C(hildren) I would make a list of what I intended to crochet as gifts and such the first week of January. Obviously, I was more together at that time;) But I do intend to keep track of what I make. I'm just nosy that way
Here's something cute and colorful to brighten up the cold days of January (and it's been cold here) - dish clothes
http://www.favecrafts.com/Kitchen-Crochet/Flower-Dish-Cloth-Crochet-Pattern#
Im my neck of the woods, it's a little too cold to think of wearing a shawl, unless you're wearing it underneath your coat. But it won't always be cold and not everybody is having this type of weather, so here's a shawl pattern
http://www.favecrafts.com/Crochet/Flower-Lace-Shawl-Crochet-Pattern
These are cute, but they look like they need a back to be warm. Here's some flower slippers
http://www.favecrafts.com/Crochet/Flower-Slippers-Crochet-Pattern
And here's a lovely rose slippers pattern -
http://www.favecrafts.com/Crochet/Rose-Slippers-Crochet-Pattern
I'm not fond of turtlenecks anymore, they seem to bother my throat. But this is a smashing turtleneck pattern so I might reconsider
http://www.favecrafts.com/Crochet-Sweaters/Easy-Pullover-Sweater-Crochet-Pattern
This does not look like a granny square tunic - at least not in the traditional granny squares I tend to think of
http://www.favecrafts.com/Crochet-Sweaters/Granny-Square-Crochet-Patterns
I've never done any intarsia patterns, but I might try this one = spider intarsia pattern
http://www.associatedcontent.com/slideshow/39541/2_spider_free_pattern_chart_graph_crochet.html?cat=24
As usual, nobody's paying me for telling you about these sites. I don't know why they don't, I guess payola is illegal;)
_enjoy_
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