Crochet Lessons

Smithsonian hyperbolic crochet reef

2012-02-02T22:05:00.000-05:00

As you probably know, the Smithsonian Coral Reef was moved to Davenport, Iowa.
Here's a link about the museum is in
http://www.putnam.org/Exhibit-Halls/Changing-Exhibits/Smithsonian-Community-Reef.aspx

In the photo that is shown, I am sure that one of my pieces is in the top third of the let hand corner, but really it's impossible to know for sure.

Crochet Horoscopes Part 2 of 2

2012-01-04T18:55:00.000-05:00

Crochet Horoscopes 2012 Part 2 of 2
I start off this post as I always do - this post in no way reflects my beliefs in astrology, astronomy and astronauts. This horoscope is just for fun, don't take it seriously. If perhaps something works out the way I have written, I'd be just as surprised as you would be.
So without further ado, here is the second part of my 2012 Crochet Horoscope

Libra September 23-October 22
This year will take you out of your "comfort zone" in crocheting. This might be the year when you finally learn hairpin lace well enough to create some beautiful gifts - for yourself or a loved one. You will gather more support from friends and family regarding your crocheting, even a person previously scorned crocheting. But you will have to give up a few of your "that's the way I have always done it". Maybe check out tutorials on YouTube, or a class or a book, but you will find a new way to do your favorite technique. It could be an old friend that teaches you something new. The second half of the year will be busy with all sorts of creative outlets, so be alert to this phase in your life.

Scorpio October 23- November 21
You also have to move out of your comfort zone to take your crocheting to a new level. And no, you can't make excuses, either. Think carefully and deeply about what you want to do with your crochet - design? teach? sell? edit patterns? All of this will be within your reach in the last quarter of 2012. But to be ready for the opportunities, you will have to prepare yourself now. So it's time to stop playing with your sheep on Farmville, time to start playing with the yarn stash you have accumulated. You have to make decisions instead of allowing yourself to be tossed back and forth like a feather in the breeze. You will advance your crocheting so much farther if you take the initiative. You can advance yourself in the real live crochet land around you then by buying the new green and purple cow, so do it.

Sagittarius November 22-December 21
You will be challenged this year because many different projects draw your attentions. Not just crocheted projects, just all sorts of creative endeavors. You will have to take a step or two back just so you consider what project is the most pressing to finish - probably the project with the closest deadline. And those people that bug you, unfortunately they are still around. But it's time you stopped let them and their derision live in your head and mess up your life. Some people are just jerks and to advance yourself in crocheting (and in any other part of your life), you got to walk away from them. You will meet some very supportive people this year and you will get support from unexpected places. Just don't overload yourself with projects and jerky people.

Capricorn December 22-January 19
You will have so many good ideas for your crocheting (and your other creative endeavors) this year, you will have to rely on recording the thoughts as fast as you can write or speak. Besides that, your life will be chaotic with the rush of changes that are in store for you this year. You like being busy and productive, but you will also need to check your intuition often. If something doesn't sound or look or feel right, it isn't right for you. Don't overthink the decision, just go with what your gut tells you. You will need to walk away from some people this year, but like Sagittarius, you will make new, more supportive friends. Friends that will show you things about crocheting that you were totally unaware of. Be ready to embrace the change.

Aquarius January 20-February 18
You will have to work hard on your crocheting this year, but it will start to pay off around the last quarter of 2011. You should take the time now to learn more about the crochet business (if that's what you want) so when the opportunities present themselves, you will be ready to act on them. Some major changes are going to be made in your life which will leave you confused for a little while, but eventually they will work to your advantage. You just have to be patient and allow life to unfold as it unfolds - there are just some things you can't hurry along. What you learn this year and your ability to use that knowledge will set you up for a better future - be aware and take notes.

Pieces February 19-March 20
Your crocheting year will be adventurous, but not roller coast ride adventurous. It will be a nice steady beat gradually picking up speed. Focus on what your most important goals are because it will be very easy for you to get sidetracked this year. February and March of 2012 will be a surprisingly busy period for you in crochet land as well as in your other activities. You will have to pace yourself or you will be overwhelmed. I also advise you to pay close attention to your intuition. If something doesn't seem right to you, don't allow yourself to be talked into investing in it with your time and money. Do you _really_ want to make 1015 scrunchies from a yarn that has been discontinued for a year and a half - and all of them have to be the same dyelot? Your friend may be happy that you did this for her, but you will not be happy with yourself or your friend.

There you go, the rest of the 2012 Crochet Horoscopes. If you have a comment to make, go ahead. If you think I'm totally off the mark, well, I didn't promise perfection.
But I want you to enjoy your crochet time (and whatever else you might be doing) and I hope you have a happy, healthy new year!

Crochet Horoscopes 2012 Part 1 of 2

2012-01-03T18:23:00.000-05:00

I start off this post as I always do - this post in no way reflects my beliefs in astrology, astronomy and astronauts. This horoscope is just for fun, don't take it seriously. If perhaps something works out the way I have written, I'd be just as surprised as you would be.
So without further ado, here is my 2012 Crochet Horoscope

Aries March 21-April 19

Aries, you can be a stubborn one, but you've heard that many times by now. But it may be time to break loose of your fixed ways because some good stuff is coming your way. Maybe it's a terrific yarn sale, maybe it's a design you have created has really taken off. Or maybe it's something else you have always wanted and never thought would happen to you. Any way it shakes out, be open to the new experience and enjoy the rush of excitement you get from stepping outside your own self-imposed limitations. The first half of 2012 should be intense for you, but the second half of 2012 allows you to focus on making your dreams a reality.

Taurus April 20-May 20
This year is not going to start off like a ball of fire for you, but it will slowly increase in intensity. You will spend much of your time in the first part of the year working on your new crochet creations. There will be some big changes coming for you in terms of your crocheting and it will get hectic starting about May 2012. Make sure you're not staying up way past bedtime crocheting that particular piece. Or at least have a warm human/cat/dog/bunny (your pick) to cuddle up to as you're burning the midnight oil.

Gemini May 21-June 20
Usually you work very hard to achieve your goals. This year, your will still work hard, but around June 2012, it becomes easier for you. You will get in the "zone" with your crocheting - your fingers will fly over the yarn. But you have to fine tune your goals. For example, it may be a tad ambitious for you to decide you will self publish 100 hat patterns. If you focused on maybe 20 hat patterns, you will be able to polish the patterns to perfection. This focus will have a long term effect that may not be completely realized for two years. Don't stress about it, take it slowly and easily to meet your goals

Cancer May 21-June 20
The first half of 2012, you will meet (over the internet or through a chat group or perhaps at in a real life setting) that will influence the way you view crochet. Maybe it's somebody that needs your help to proofread a pattern or make up a sample. Maybe it's somebody who has seen your work and wants to order something extra special. There will be some difficulties along the way with this process, but you are used to working through difficulties. As long as you trust your gut, you will be able to suss out the hard parts. You can definitely achieve a lot in crochet land this year as long as you step up to the plate.

Leo July 23-August 22
Believe it or not, things will be a bit easier this year. The first half of the year you will be offered opportunities you didn't know existed in crochet land. But you will have to take your time in picking the right option for you. Do you really want to spend your time making samples? Would you rather sell your own crocheted goods? You'll have to think long and hard about what interests you. You will also need to have a rough idea of the plan you are going to use to get you to your goal. You don't have to go that part alone - you'll be able to ask your crocheting buddies and they will help you decide how to proceed. This will bring you closer to your crocheting friends and also help build a support group for all involved. And that will be terrific.

Virgo August 23-September 22
This will be a year for you to learn new skills.The new techniques will come easier for you this year than at previous times. Choose wisely as the choice will impact the second half of 2012. This is also a year for you to build up a circle for fiber friends. You can try the various social media available (I like Facebook, but Ravelry is so much better for fiber fanatics.) Some of them will help you develop the new techniques and some will have opportunities for you to display and perhaps sell your crocheted goods. October will be a very busy month for you. Suddenly, whatever technique you have been working on will be hotter than July. Don't burn yourself out trying to take all the inquiries that will come your way. Think carefully about what you want to achieve with your crocheting and find the opportunity with the best fit for you.

and now the end is near...

2011-12-31T20:15:00.000-05:00

oh wait, this isn't Frank Sinatra singing "My Way". It's just it's the end of the year and it seems like this year sped by.

Here's a few things I learned this year: Charity work is good, but don't pick a lot of different charities to crochet for because you probably won't have the time - just saying.

In my part of the world, the economy hasn't "recovered" from the "recession". I put quotes around those words because although the media seems to think there has been a complete recovery, it hasn't happened here (yet?) and I know more than a few people who live in different parts of the US that say pretty much the same thing. So I need to work on my (huge) stash and also swap/sell/whatever the yarn I probably won't use. I have 3 skeins of beautiful bulky autumn varigated yarn. It's gorgeous. But it's wool and the likelihood of my using it is between slim and none. Wool makes my throat and sinuses clog up and that doesn't make for an enjoyable crochet project for me. Why did I buy it? It was gorgeous and I hadn't connected the dots between the watery eyes and my use of wool. (I bet you thought I was going to say "it was on sale";)) But don't worry, I have plenty of yarn.
That if I really plan to make some Christmas gifts or ornaments, the time to start is _now_...well, actually after I get thru the few projects I didn't finish for 2011.And yes, I got projects that go back a few years that aren't finished, unfortunately.

but it's a quiet night, I'm in my jammies so I'm not going to beat myself up about this anymore. I finish what I can, that's all I can do. I want to have more fun with my crochet instead of trying to rush through a project to start a new one. I think my wrist would also appreciate it. It gets pretty bad at work and sometimes (_eeek_) I don't want to crochet when I get home. I know, sounds crazy.

So I want to wish everybody a Happy New Year, I hope the New Year brings you all you could possibly want and to enjoy your crocheting.

Happy New Year

Happy Hanukah, Merry Christmas, Joyous Kwaanza

2011-12-24T05:29:00.002-05:00

or just have a good Saturday if you don't celebrate any holidays this month

Night Before Christmas for Crocheters

2011-12-20T05:29:00.002-05:00

Twas the Night before Christmas (for crocheters

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!"

She taught me to crochet

2011-11-25T05:29:00.001-05:00

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 61 today. With the hustle and bustle of preparing for Thanksgiving and Christmas (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?

In memory of Robin Freed

2011-11-16T05:29:00.001-05:00

in memory of Robin Freed

Today would have been my friend Robin Freed's 57th 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 57th, 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_

things I'm working on

2011-09-30T18:45:00.000-04:00

Well, I've been working on a few things here and there. I made an afghan and turtle for a friend of mine but I have (apparently) forgotten how to upload a photo. I've been working on squares and preemie caps and of course, my WIP - the filet curtain...still not finished.
I'm thinking a new baby girl is coming to my extended family next month, if all goes well. I need to start my planned afghan. I will be swiping an element or two from somebody else, but I think it will be good. It will be sort of a quilt time afghan, done in pinks.

I must have a dozen crochet books around me, old and relatively new. There is simply not enough time in the day to work on all I want to do. So maybe I'll learn how to crochet with my feet. That way I could work and crochet at the same time. I know it couldn't be anything too complex, but I'd be able to get my crochet obligations out of the way.

And here's a strange thing you won't believe. I decided to participate in a yarn bombing. Oh yeah, you heard me. But it will be a yarn bombing with a twist - I intend to give a piece of sculpture a hat and a scarf. That way, if somebody removes it, they can actually use what I crocheted. Well, it works for me.....
later....

on the hook

2011-07-01T09:54:00.000-04:00

I haven't crocheted for a while. Not for lack of yarn or patterns, I am just determined to finish a project (a filet lion curtain) before I start a new one. It sounds very noble but it's actually been a work in progress for over a year. I am 19 rows in to a 55 row piece. I am using worsted weight cotton yarn, so it is a rather large piece. I was within 10 rows of having it finished and I found a mistake in row 20 that made me rips out those rows. I reworked the piece and again came within 10 rows of finishing and found a mistake in my old friend row 20 and of course I ripped it out again. If I ever make it past row 19 and I find a mistake in row 20, I am not going to rip it out again. If it takes me that long to find the mistake, I am going to just fudge it so it will work. I had intended to finish it by May 1, 2011 and here it is July 1, 2011.

My difficulty with this particular project is because I don't normally do filet crochet, I get lost. I can't watch TV when I'm working on it because I am not paying enough attention to the pattern. And considering that TV is my normal evening entertainment, you can see how there would be a conflict. It's goofy not to crochet _anything_ and than not make the time to work on the project that's bugging me. And I've made a panel before, so it's not like it's a brand new pattern to me. I just need to sit my butt down and work on the curtain.
So hopefully I get the fingers flying and finish this piece. It is plucking my nerves by not being finished, but I will finish it so I can go on to other projects, Preemies need hats, I need to donate some squares and of course (as always) there are patterns I want to accomplish. So wish me luck cos I need it.
_Enjoy_

Jean Leinhauser

2011-06-15T18:43:00.000-04:00

:(
according to Facebook,
this was announced today

BellaCrochet
Crochet great Jean Leinhauser has passed away from a heart attack. Anyone wishing to send a card to Rita can mail it to:
Creative Partners, LLC
3536 Avenida Sierra
Escondido, CA 92029

:( a crochet great has passed away

just a quick note

2011-06-11T10:42:00.000-04:00

today is "International Yarn Bombing Day". I can't say I'm into it, but lots of people are, so here's a link for you
http://www.facebook.com/pages/International-Yarn-Bombing-Day-June-11th-2011/104441312968198?ref=ts&sk=walInternational Yarn Bombing Day

Also, if you have the current copy of "Crochet Today" (July/August 2011), there have a familiar (to me) looking afghan on page 74....here's my interpretation of it. I made this for my great nephew Aidian

this is _not_ my pattern, I seen the motif on Ravelry a few years ago (makes sense, because this photo is from 2009)
My beloved prefers my version better because he lives with me;) check it out for your self
http://www.crochettoday.com/crochet-patterns/school-fish-blanket

_enjoy_

blogoversary

2011-06-01T09:48:00.000-04:00

Good grief, It's my blogoversary, who knew? 6 years.....6 years. and I started with a post
about my younger sister's death and how I made a panda to put in her casket. Wow, what a bundle of joy I am...
I have still been crocheting, just not as much as before. I have fallen in with Facebook and spend too much time there. I haven't crocheted anything in about a week, spending my time rolling those hanks of yarn into balls so I could use them.
But it's been strange. I visited Maryland Sheep and Wool and only bought - cinnamon roasted pecans. Nope, that's not a color of yarn;) Part of it was I felt like I already have too much yarn. And nothing was that interesting to me. It seems as if MDS&W discovered felting this year and there was a lot of that sort of equipment there.
There's 2 other pieces to that answer too. I have a ton of yarn, I mean, seriously a ton of yarn. I paid my nephew to organize it for me - I know, crazy. But it worked. I told him just to put it in colorways...I would still be sitting there thinking "Yes it's pink but it's fuzzy, plus what weight is this?" over the first skein. So I know I have a large yarn stash.
The other thing is the economy. Some vendors didn't show because it was not cost effective. Some cut back on the stock they brought, having smaller stands. Plus I feel a pinch in my own wallet. It's not a bad one, just one that makes me think "Really, do I _need_ this?" which is not a good way to feel at a place that's just a huge shopping vendor for me.

But here I am 6 years later. Nobody is knocking down my door to make this blog into a movie or even a tv show;) But I have had a lot of fun and hope you have, too.

_enjoy_

wow, just wow

2011-04-01T10:00:00.000-04:00

I can't believe it's been so long between posts. I guess that's the reason we'll never see "Crocheting Lessons - the movie" come out;) Part of the reason has been life, work has been a bear. But work is always a bear, isn't it? But a bear to the point my wrist was painful when I crocheted. Oh well. Things have eased up a little (I think) so hopefully I will be able to post more.
What's going on here? We had a relatively mild winter, especially compared to the 4 feet of snow we got last year. I got a big raise (okay so it wasn't so big, but it's the first one in a few years). I seen some robins in the front yard and this morning I seen a bunny in the back yard. So life is generally good, with a few rough spots, but that's how life is,

I did make 2 scarves for the Special Olympics this year. I hope they announce the colors earlier because it seems difficult to find the right colors in the stores once Red Heart has announced them. And truthfully, sometimes I'm no so fond of the color selections. I did like this year's colorway, a light blue and a darker blue. It seems especially cheery to me and everyone seems to need a little cheering up these days.

I have finished an afghan I was working on for my nephew's friend. I got to take a photo of it. It's white and shades of purple. I made it sort of like a log cabin quilt, with the color blocking. I was quite happy with the way it turned out.

Right now, I am working on a baby boy afghan, light blue and darker blue (hmm). I am doing a giant granny square in a Fibonacci sequence http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Fibonacci_number. I keep spelling "Fibonacci" as "Fibronacci" which shows you how fiber has taken over my mind;) I think it looks pretty cool. I had originally thought of doing a 7 point star afghan, but I realized that if I ever wanted to start on it, I'd have to use something I could just make up as I go along. I think the ripple star afghans are great, I've made a few, but I didn't feel I had the concentration to stick to a pattern at this time.

Last week I visited D.C. again to see the Smithsonian coral reef for (probably) the last time. Craig and I had a great time and we managed to positively identify two of my pieces. I did not follow somebody else's excellent advice of taking the photos I have of the pieces I made to the museum with me. It would have made identification a bit easier. I mean, after all, who doesn't have white yarn in their stash? So now I got to label and post the photos and upload them - hopefully soon.

So I'm still here, I'm still crocheting, just a little bewildered at the moment but that will pass. Despite the fact that the weather called for a snow flurry or two today, I can see by the daffodils in my front yard spring has finally arrived. I will clear the winter cobwebs out of my head and enjoy the spring.

Later, dudes & dudettes....

Crochet Horoscope 2011 part 4

2011-01-16T15:25:00.000-05:00

and on to the finish......

Capricorn December 22-January 19
Capricorn crocheters are more interested in the trendy crochet, what's currently on the runway or the big fashion deal. Capricorn usually can keep up with the trends, as well as produce enough knock-offs to make a profit. But you have to be careful, sometimes the bottom drops out of the trend while you are still picking out yarn at the local yarn shop.
I'd advise Capricorns to try to quit chasing trends, or only chase trends that they really like. Try something a little more traditional, like a Chanel jacket. You do remember all that "fun fur" yarn, don't you? And how many storage totes do you have of it, even in that awful baby poop green? Yeah, you know what I am saying....
your video to ponder
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NcFYW9FcgaU&feature=related

Aquarius January 20-February 19
Aquarians are more future oriented than most crocheters. They keep tabs (in their heads) of what the current project is as well as the next 3 that come after it. They are not easily distracted by new patterns or yarns. Oh, yes, they like them, but they generally will not stop one project to start a completely unplanned project. The new project will have to get in line in the proper place. I'm not saying you won't switch the positions of future projects, just you will plan accordingly. But maybe you should change up, just once in a while. Do something freeform practicing a new stitch or sneak making a new cap with that beautiful new yarn inbetween your projects. You'll be glad you did.
Your video to ponder:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=i7Ah-Ch8NQ4

Pisces February 20-March 20
Ahh, Pisces...some folks have been to call you the "wretched tail of the zodiac" or a "mishmash of all the signs", but they just don't get it. You are extremely creative, extremely sensitive and extremely idealistic. Why wouldn't a magazine buy a pattern you wrote out in longhand, complete with cross outs? I hate to break your bubble, but that's not going to work for you (or anyone either). Take the time to learn the rules of the game - how the pattern should be written, what target audience you are gearing it to, that sort of thing...oh did I mention you are going to submit a pattern in the coming year? Well, you are, but don't be discouraged if it doesn't get snapped up immediately. Polish it up and try again....
your video to ponder
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Sb5aq5HcS1A&ob=av2el

Now, as you have seen I didn't deal with the "new zodiac" with the extra sign of Sharktopuleel, but I don't place much stock in that particular theory;) I'll agree it's possible for it to exist, but not for me. But if Sharktopuleel exist, the sole purpose would be to carry around bags of yarn or to finance yarn trips (or thread trips) with great pleasure. Now, we know that person doesn't exist because if he/she did, all of us would know who that person is.....and we don't....I rest my case (and the rest of me, too) ;)

_enjoy_

_enjoy_

Crochet Horoscope 2011 Part 3

2011-01-15T18:49:00.000-05:00

onward and upward.....

Libra September 12-October 22
You like everything just perfect when you decide to start crocheting. A nice quiet day, the right yarn, the right project, you are so _there_. But this can interrupt your crocheting - you can't feel quite comfortable crocheting if there is a thing or two out of place. Give yourself a break. Look at your crocheting as "quality me time". Seriously,crocheting can be as restorative as yoga, provide you're not jumping up every 3 minutes to see if the mail came or did you really put the mop away? So allow yourself the time to enjoy crocheting. Maybe if you decided to do some charity projects, you will see how important crochet can be, not just some "hobby". You are actually creating something beautiful and useful and helping somebody out in the process.
your video recommendation
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=C7eJuMgARG4&feature=related

Scorpio October 23-November 22
Scorpio, you are passionate about crocheting. So passionate, in fact you have almost enough yarn to crochet any project you're interested in doing. Some might say you have SABLE syndrome (Stash Acquired Beyond Life Expectancy), but I wouldn't. I'd just say you were prepared for almost any event. But don't wait until a special event to break out the hooks and the fancy yarn. Use it for scarves, hats, shawls or whatever you can think of. That beautiful purple colorway sock yarn is waiting to be used, not just admired. My suggestion - take a look at your loved ones and figure out who would want that mohair and use it - now. Show the people you love that you also feel passionately about them as well as crochet.
your video recommendation

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Nz0b4STz1lo

Sagittarius November 23-December 21
Saggittarius crocheters have many different interests - overlay crochet, tunisian, broomstick lace, thread, yarn, lace and leather, you are ready for any and all of these techniques. But sometimes you drop one project without finishing it and move on to another. Yeah, all crocheters do it, but Sagittarius seem to excel in having many, many unfinished projects just waiting for maybe the ends to be woven in the item or maybe an edging. This year you should make an effort to finish your lingering projects before tackling a new one. Yes, I know there's lots out there to crochet, but you can find some peace in the finishing of an object, too, you know.
So give it a real chance this year - even finish completely the current item you're working on. You know you don't really want more unfinished items lurking about....
Your video recommendation
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5J1ZOct_xik

Crochet Horoscope 2011 part 2

2011-01-14T18:37:00.000-05:00

a continuation......I promise I will finish this before 2012...

Cancer June 22 - July 11

You have true empathy. You can somehow sense just what crochet goodie at what time to produce for a friend or relative. Sometimes your loved ones get spooked - you start a baby afghan before somebody announces she is pregnant, you somehow know when the yarn is on sale and you have a gift for crocheting a "hot trend" before it even becomes a hot trend. So
what is this year going to be like for you in terms of crochet? You will still start a project before you actually know how you will use it (as usual). But take a break from all of that and make something really wonderful for yourself. You deserve it.
Here's your video to ponder:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vx2u5uUu3DE&ob=av2el

Leo July 23-August 23
You are the bold crocheter, always ready to try something new whether it's new yarn, a new technique or new tools for crochet. You love having your work noticed and it should be, you crochet with a great eye for detail. But I'm going to make a startling (to you) suggestion - scale it back a notch. Don't get upset - people will still notice and compliment your work. The reason you need to scale it back a notch? You will have new yarn to spin, in a sense. There will be chances for you to do more with your crochet, but you need to give yourself the time to follow that thread. Maybe you'll start (another) blog, maybe you and a buddy will go in for self publishing patterns, whatever it is, you are sure to get noticed.
Your video to ponder:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=H_a46WJ1viA

Virgo August 23-September 22
I know you want to do your best work, but you need to stop being such a perfectionist. Yes, you skipped a stitch in the hat, but you are the only one who notices it. Everybody else thinks it's terrific. Plus your drive for perfection takes away the joy of crocheting for you. Maybe your gauge is too tight or maybe your hands ache, but your tension is showing up in your work. This year you will become a little easier on yourself. You will notice the dropped stitch but you won't show it to everybody that compliments your project. By allowing yourself some freedom to make a mistake, you will actually enjoy crocheting much more. And that is, as Martha Stewart would say, "a good thing".
Your video to ponder
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WI-awg97pVY

Six down, six to go....

Crochet Horoscope 2011 part 1

2011-01-07T14:42:00.000-05:00

A belated happy new year to everyone. Yes, I'm a day late and a dollar short, but nothing new about it;)
Here's my Crochet horoscopes for 2011. Of course, these horoscopes are just for fun and shouldn't be taken too seriously.
I will say something I've repeated for the last 2 years - shop from your stash! I need to remember that particular lesson myself. But when something like the Special Olympics scarves call for specific yarns and that's not in my stash, what can I do? If you say "buy it" you won;) And if you say "buy the required yarn and some other yarn", you know me too well;)

Aries March 21-April 20

This will be an exciting crochet year for you. You generally are willing to try anything, but this year you decide to try some new stitches you are unfamiliar with - maybe you've seen them in a pattern or caught a reference to them somewhere. But your determination to learn something new will blossom into a stunning wearable item that will get a lot of compliments. And because you basically created the item from playing with the stitch, you might be able to add the label of "crochet pattern designer" to your resume', if it's not there already. You will definitely enjoy this new stitch. Do I know what stitch it is? I do, but that would be telling and you'd be much better finding the stitch for yourself.

a video for you to ponder
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0Axzxe1a78E

Taurus April 21-May 21
Oh, Taurus, you impulsive imp! It's more difficult for you than most yarnies to not buy new yarn. And I feel your pain., But seriously, sock away your yarn money and save it for a bigger splurge. That splurge will either be a class or a conference that leaves you rejuvenated and your fingers itching for your hooks. Your crochet techniques will blossom after this splurge and you will be revved up for that making gifts for the friends and family you keep promising yourself you will do. And you will succeed in that particular goal, providing you manage to pace yourself between crochet, work and life. (Work will be the bear to manage, unfortunately.)

a video for you to ponder:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9RFOP3GLEzc&feature=related

Gemini May 22-June 21
There will be major changes for you this year in crochet world. Maybe this is the year you make that bedspread in cotton thread or decide to start spinning your own yarn. Maybe a new yarn shop will open near you and you decide to teach a class when you find out they have no crochet classes. Or maybe it's time to publish that great pattern that is your signature piece. Whatever it is, you will tackle the challenge with your usual good humor. And your good humor will help to tide you over the rough bits of the new year (hopefully, not too many). However you pursue crochet this year, you probably would be happier joining a group (maybe a crochet-a-long) so you can swap yarn tales with like minded individuals. There's a lot of groups out there, just don't get stuck in one that takes the "bitch" part seriously. Crochet should be fun.

a video for you to ponder:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=d7ogIuxegkQ

Twas the Night before Christmas (for crocheters

2010-12-20T10:56:00.001-05:00

huh?

2010-12-19T14:44:00.000-05:00

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_

In memory of my sister and crochet teacher, Bee

2010-11-25T05:29:00.000-05:00

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?

time to start thinking about making gifts

2010-11-18T05:29:00.001-05:00

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_

in memory of Robin Freed

2010-11-16T05:29:00.001-05:00

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_

ain't it funny how time slips away...

2010-11-06T18:46:00.001-04:00

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...

oh deBBIE

2010-09-20T21:16:00.000-04:00

Really, truly, I want to send you this book....but I don't have your address. So please contact me somehow, someway by Saturday, September 25, 2010 at midnight EST. Otherwise I will give the book to somebody else....

Here's another coral reef....

more coral reefer madness

2010-09-17T12:39:00.000-04:00

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

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_

coral reefer madness

2010-08-28T23:18:00.000-04:00

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

oh deBBie

2010-08-16T21:47:00.002-04:00

you got to be out there somewhere, please email me so I can send your book...please

what I have been up to.....

2010-08-15T18:17:00.000-04:00

Here's a few photos of 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.....

Smithsonian Community Reef

2010-08-08T14:35:00.000-04:00

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_

the Art of Crochet

2010-07-31T12:22:00.000-04:00

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

oh deBBie

2010-07-27T17:25:00.000-04:00

Oh deBBie, you need to contact me with your info so I can ship the book to you.......
you won

no, I didn't fall off the edge of the earth

2010-07-26T21:36:00.000-04:00

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_

and why not a contest?

2010-06-14T21:24:00.001-04:00

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!

good grief!

2010-06-11T11:51:00.000-04:00

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/exclusives/blumen/blumen.html

How about a "crinkle" scarf?
http://www.cutoutandkeep.net/projects/crochet-crinkle-scarfs

Smooth Fox always has great patterns - this is her whole lot of holes square
http://smoothfoxlover.blogspot.com/2010/04/smothfoxs-whole-lotta-holes-12x12-free.html?utm_source=feedburner&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=Feed%3A+SmoothfoxOriginalCrochetPatterns+%28SmoothFox+Original+Crochet+Patterns%29

And now for something summery, here's a flower pin:
http://mycrochetstuff.blogspot.com/2010/04/tropical-flower-pin-free-crochet.html

And to go with the flower pin, a flower bracelet
http://www.wonderhowto.com/how-to-crochet-smiley-flower-power-bracelet-343533/
--

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_

Here's some free patterns...

2010-05-02T22:03:00.001-04:00

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.html

I'm not familiar with the interrupted v stitch but I thought this looked really cool
http://crochet.about.com/od/crochetstitches/ss/Lacy_V_Stitches.htm?nl=1

Because I didn't see any bunnies, maybe I should make this one skein bunny?
http://www.caron.com/projects/op/op_bunny.html

And of course, another kitty
http://funmigurumiandkidsstuff.blogspot.com/2010/03/funmigurumi-stripey-cat-no-6-cutie.html

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.com/slideshow/51742/crochet_cinco_de_mayo_bird_afghan_chart.html?cat=24

And for the dog lovers, here's a cute poochie for you
http://funmigurumiandkidsstuff.blogspot.com/2010/04/funmigurumi-poochie-dogs-no-1-cookie.html

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

Tips for Maryland's Sheep and Wool Festival May 1 & May 2, 2010

2010-04-30T12:42:00.000-04:00

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_

Redheart sale

2010-04-23T17:15:00.000-04:00

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 Pinky_Lacy Blankie Crochet Kit

for Janie

2010-04-20T17:25:00.000-04:00

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_

well....

2010-04-17T12:25:00.001-04:00

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.aspx 101 Filet Crochet Charts --1999 publication.

Free shipping on Lion Brand's site

2010-04-15T19:19:00.000-04:00

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;)

free crochet patterns this week

2010-03-21T15:24:00.003-04:00

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_

More free crochet patterns

2010-03-14T17:49:00.007-04:00

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_

time for a quickie;)

2010-03-12T09:37:00.001-05:00

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

huh? crochet patterns?

2010-03-04T16:02:00.006-05:00

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;)

Free crochet pattern links and a picture of my groundhog....

2010-02-21T18:55:00.007-05:00

*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

a couple days late....

2010-02-09T16:37:00.005-05:00

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

2/1/10

2010-02-01T05:33:00.000-05:00

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_

FM 1/18/10

2010-01-17T14:19:00.004-05:00

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_

FM 1/11/10

2010-01-11T05:29:00.000-05:00

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_

the first FM of the new decade

2010-01-04T05:29:00.000-05:00

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_

Crochet Horoscope 2010 - Part 3 of 3

2009-12-28T16:22:00.002-05:00

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

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

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

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

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

Crochet Horoscopes Part 2 of 3

2009-12-28T05:39:00.003-05:00

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

we pick up where we left off - with Leo

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

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

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

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

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

2010 Crocheting Horoscopes - Part 1 of 3

2009-12-27T17:50:00.004-05:00

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

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

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

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

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

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

ahhh, FM?

2009-12-20T18:31:00.004-05:00

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

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

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

I wish you and yours a very Merry Christmas.

_enjoy_

Crocheter's Night Before Christmas

2009-12-15T20:48:00.002-05:00

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

CROCHETERS´ NIGHT BEFORE CHRISTMAS

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

FM 12/14/09

2009-12-14T05:29:00.000-05:00

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

_enjoy_

Chanukkah / Hanukkah crochet

2009-12-11T11:34:00.002-05:00

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

whew

2009-12-09T22:10:00.005-05:00

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

_enjoy_

FM 11/30/09

2009-11-29T14:55:00.005-05:00

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

_enjoy_

in memory of my sister and crochet teacher

2009-11-23T05:29:00.001-05:00

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

FM 11/16/09

2009-11-15T08:37:00.002-05:00

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

_enjoy_

FM 11/09/09

2009-11-09T09:14:00.003-05:00

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

FM November 2, 2009

2009-11-01T17:27:00.003-05:00

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

On to the patterns:

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Enjoy

FM 10/26/09

2009-10-26T05:29:00.000-04:00

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

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

This week in freebies:

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

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

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

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

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

Caron has a link for a beautiful scarf

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

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

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

_enjoy_

FM 10/19/09

2009-10-18T14:22:00.013-04:00

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

_enjoy_

FM 10/5/09

2009-10-04T21:18:00.010-04:00

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

Anyway, here's what I got this week:

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

FM 9/28/09

2009-09-28T17:47:00.004-04:00

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

_enjoy_

As usual, no gratuities have been given for these mentions

whoops

2009-09-22T15:50:00.000-04:00

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

FM Labor Day

2009-09-07T09:37:00.004-04:00

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

_enjoy_

FM 8/31/09

2009-08-30T16:04:00.005-04:00

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

Anyway, here's this weeks pickings for projects:

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

_enjoy_

FM 8/24/09

2009-08-23T16:15:00.020-04:00

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

_enjoy_

FM 8/10/09

2009-08-10T05:29:00.008-04:00

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

_enjoy_

FM August 3, 2009

2009-08-01T19:41:00.005-04:00

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

_enjoy_

FM July 27, 2009

2009-07-27T05:29:00.000-04:00

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

_enjoy_

FM July 20, 2009

2009-07-20T05:29:00.000-04:00

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Extension on 1000 hats project

2009-07-14T16:46:00.001-04:00

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

FM July 13, 2009

2009-07-13T20:58:00.005-04:00

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

_enjoy_

FM July 6, 2009

2009-07-06T05:29:00.000-04:00

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

FM June 29, 2009

2009-06-28T19:47:00.006-04:00

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Crochet Lessons

Smithsonian hyperbolic crochet reef

Crochet Horoscopes Part 2 of 2

Crochet Horoscopes 2012 Part 1 of 2

and now the end is near...

Happy Hanukah, Merry Christmas, Joyous Kwaanza

Night Before Christmas for Crocheters

Twas the Night before Christmas (for crocheters

She taught me to crochet

In memory of Robin Freed

in memory of Robin Freed

things I'm working on

on the hook

Jean Leinhauser

BellaCrochetCrochet great Jean Leinhauser has passed away from a heart attack. Anyone wishing to send a card to Rita can mail it to: Creative Partners, LLC 3536 Avenida Sierra Escondido, CA 92029

just a quick note

blogoversary

wow, just wow

Crochet Horoscope 2011 part 4

Crochet Horoscope 2011 Part 3

Crochet Horoscope 2011 part 2

Crochet Horoscope 2011 part 1

Twas the Night before Christmas (for crocheters

huh?

In memory of my sister and crochet teacher, Bee

time to start thinking about making gifts

in memory of Robin Freed

ain't it funny how time slips away...

oh deBBIE

more coral reefer madness

coral reefer madness

oh deBBie

what I have been up to.....

Smithsonian Community Reef

the Art of Crochet

oh deBBie

no, I didn't fall off the edge of the earth

and why not a contest?

good grief!

Here's some free patterns...

Tips for Maryland's Sheep and Wool Festival May 1 & May 2, 2010

Redheart sale

for Janie

well....

Free shipping on Lion Brand's site

free crochet patterns this week

More free crochet patterns

time for a quickie;)

huh? crochet patterns?

Free crochet pattern links and a picture of my groundhog....

a couple days late....

2/1/10

FM 1/18/10

FM 1/11/10

the first FM of the new decade

Crochet Horoscope 2010 - Part 3 of 3

Crochet Horoscopes Part 2 of 3

2010 Crocheting Horoscopes - Part 1 of 3

ahhh, FM?

Crocheter's Night Before Christmas

FM 12/14/09

Chanukkah / Hanukkah crochet

*whew*

FM 11/30/09

in memory of my sister and crochet teacher

FM 11/16/09

FM 11/09/09

FM November 2, 2009

FM 10/26/09

FM 10/19/09

FM 10/5/09

FM 9/28/09

whoops

FM Labor Day

FM 8/31/09

FM 8/24/09

FM 8/10/09

FM August 3, 2009

FM July 27, 2009

FM July 20, 2009

BellaCrochet
Crochet great Jean Leinhauser has passed away from a heart attack. Anyone wishing to send a card to Rita can mail it to:
Creative Partners, LLC
3536 Avenida Sierra
Escondido, CA 92029

whew