FM February 2, 2009

I'm back - sloshing thru the ice. I got a new brace for my right leg, isn't that thrilling;) Obviously, it's still not healed. Maybe in March....I hope...

Anyway, enough whining, time to get on with the freebies...

This isn't a free pattern, but someting to admire and to look at - a free form baby blanket by Bonnie Prokowicz.
http://www.prokopowicz.org/bonnie/babyAfghan/babyAfghan.htm

This is also something to look at - (stuffed) animals wearing crochet sweaters
http://www.chron.com/disp/story.mpl/ent/arts/theater/6225661.html

How about a pattern for a cute little flower bracelet?
http://creativeyarn.blogspot.com/2008/06/lotus-flower-cuff.html

I don't ever think I have seen a sugar-glider, but they look cute. I know somebody who "fosters" sugar gliders, so here's a sugar glider nest
http://knit2.wordpress.com/2009/01/10/sugar-glider-nest-crochet-pattern/

Valentine's Day is coming up and you ate the box of chocolate truffles you bought for that special person. Here's something relatively easy to make up for it - a floral heart motif
http://www.crochet-world.com/newsletters/talkingcrochet/pages/TCNL1309_patt1.html

I'm not sure what the occasion would be for wearing this dress....if you're going to McDonald's fora romantic Valentine's Day dinner? You judge
http://craftastrophe.net/2009/01/proclaim-love-beef/

There are those who love the Harry Potter books and movies and then there's me. This site is great if you have a Harry Potter fan to crochet for or if you want to make something "Harry Potterish" for yourself...
http://www.the-leaky-cauldron.org/features/crafts/crochet

I thought this was cool though it's geared towards knitting. I think it could work for crochet - a computerized pattern generator
http://www.mattgilbert.net/article/47/crochet-pattern-generator

In my part of the world. I am cold and let my long hair loose. But probably in 4 months, I'll think this hair covering is just the thing....
http://crochet-mania.blogspot.com/2009/01/crochet-hair-accessory-bun-cover.html

It's a goldfish - no, not the kind you eat....
http://www.orble.com/free-goldfish-crochet-pattern/

and how about an octopus to go with that goldfish...
http://www.orble.com/free-octopus-crochet-pattern/

I never thought of this, bout this would be cool if you were showing your crochet work to others - a crochet briefcase
http://grandmotherspatternbook.com/?p=498

I first made a pair of like these about (eeek) 30 years ago - baby mittens (without thumbs)
http://www.docstoc.com/docs/3886179/Crochet-Baby-Mittens

This is a listing of crochet "how to" videos for various flowers:
http://www.wonderhowto.com/how-to-crochet-flower/

as ususal, I get no kickbacks or special considerations for posting these sites.

_enjoy_

FM 5/12/08

This ia a pattern for crocehting the Lorenzo manifold. I know, you're thinking "what is the Lorenzo manifold?" You've most likely have seen it but don't know that name for it:
http://www.enm.bris.ac.uk/anm/preprints/2004r03.pdf


Remember Bjork, with her crocheted outfits and of course the famous swan dress. Bjork is back now with pompoms, apparently the new cool thing. I hardly make pompoms, to be honest with you.
http://thescotsman.scotsman.com/features/Pompoms-can-save-the-planet.4051774.jp
http://debscrafts55.blogspot.com/2008/04/baby-bumpy-booties.html


I know, it's too late for Mother's Day but maybe you can squeeze it in for graduation day or a birthday:
http://rsislandcrafts.blogspot.com/2008/02/crocheted-long-stem-roses-free-pattern.html


This isn't a pattern, but it is a Stella McCartney crochet purse. It is quite expensive, perhaps M's McCartney crocheted it herself? Take a look at this purse and see if you think it's worth over a thousand dollars:
http://www.neimanmarcus.com/store/catalog/prod.jhtml?itemId=prod53230003&ecid=NMCIGoogleBaseFeed&ci_src=14110944&ci_sku=V03TW
Stella McCartney's crocheted bag

I haven't seen a new "Knit and Crochet Today" lately, though I think I heard they are going to change the hostess (Kassie Depaiva....I think...) at any rate, here's the site with the crochet patterns from the show: http://www.coatsandclark.com/Crafts/Crochet/Projects/TV+Projects/Crafts+Project+List.htm


As usual, I get no kickbacks from any of these folks or companies. Sure, I'd take a kickback (I'd tell you that I was taking a kickback first.) But nobody's offering. Must be the economy.....

Sorry for the relatively low amount of sites, I am quite heart broken because I had to put my bunny, Cadbury, to sleep on Saturday. He broke his back and there's nothing the vet could do for him. Bunnies have very fragile backs. I will miss him terribly

fm April 14, 2007

I know in some parts of the world it's almost time to ditch the socks and go to sandals - but come on, socks are small and easy to carry with you project, so here's an easy sock pattern.
http://www.planetshoup.com/easy/crochet/ribsox.shtml

Want to see a crocheted swimsuit? This is cute.
http://www.crochetsal.com/summeryswimsuit.htm

Carol Ventura does fantastic tapestry crochet - and if you like cats, this is perfect for you.
http://www.tapestrycrochet.com/KittyBag.htm

A new edition of the Essentia newsletter (Black Purl) for your reading pleasure.
http://www.black-purl-magazine.com/NEWS-041108.htm

This looks like a really cool exhibit if you plan to be in the Pittsburgh area anytime before the end of June, 2008.
http://www.pittsburghlive.com/x/tribunereview/news/westmoreland/s_560494.html

Here's a cute pair of earrings from Roxycraft:
http://roxycraft.wordpress.com/2008/04/07/free-pattern-cherry-pickers-crochet-cherry-earrings/

Since in some places it's getting warmer, here's a lovely lace top to crochet.
http://naturallycaron.com/projects/aqua_aloha/aqua_aloha_1.html

Lady Linoleum always has wonderful offbeat handwork on her blog. I love the lobsters on this shawl, but I love how lobsters _look_. They just make me laugh. I have no idea why.
Lobster Bake Shawl

Looking for a new fence for the yard? This is a beautiful fence (not crocheted, but I still thought it was cool). Really cool.
http://www.demakersvan.com/

Lots of free reading this week - a new issue of "Crochet Insider"
http://www.crochetinsider.com/

This looks like a great place to check out crochet toys:
http://www.mydesert.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20080329/LIFESTYLES0104/803290305/-1/lifestylesfront

Starch?! I didn't know anyone used liquid starch anymore, I thought my mom used the world's supply on my petticoats and my dad's boxers.....
http://teenhobbies.wordpress.com/2008/03/28/adding-starch-to-your-finished-crochet-projects/
.
Cute little caterpillar pattern:
http://groups.msn.com/CwmEnfysCrochet/rainbowcaterpiller.msnw

As usual, I receive no kickbacks from any of these sites.
_enjoy_

FM April 7, 2008

I have a lot of plants. This becomes a problem in late October when I have to bring them in the house because the sunroom will be too cold for them. However, this plant sling could be just waht I need to make that transition a little easier:
http://members.aol.com/lffunt/plantsling.htm

Got a cat potholder? Here's your chance for a pattern for one:
http://crochet.about.com/library/weekly/aa071297.htm?nl=1

Summer is coming and here's a pattern for a bag. It's made out of granny squares, but it doesn't look like the traditional granny square bags:
http://www.stricksucht.de/anleitungen/crochetedbag.pdf

Speaking of summer, here's a pattern for a beach cover up:
http://www.crochetme.com/June_July_2005/patt_waters_edge.htm

I hope I haven't posted this before, but I love this pattern. It's perfect for people who have an offbeat sense of humor - or to offend somebody, I guess.....
Mouldy Cupcake Crochet Pattern

This says it's a pattern for a pot holder, but I see it more as a trivet kind of thing:
Pattern for Crocheted Sealer Ring Pot Holders...

You've seen or heard of performance art - here's a crocheting piece of performance art:
Radical crocheters plug away on pink project for Ulrich

Do you have cats? Then you have cat fur! Would you like to learn how to spin it into yarn? Check this out: http://www.hankeringforyarn.com/spinning-cat-fur

Want to find out more about crochet designers, particularly Mary Jane Hall, author of "Positively Crochet!"? Here's an interview with her: http://www.bellaonline.com/articles/art2070.asp

How about a crochet necklace? Here's a pattern:
http://creativeyarn.blogspot.com/2008/03/free-patterns-outline-for-crochet.html

You know the normal disclaimer - no kickbacks are given.
_enjoy_

FM 2/25/08

okay, so I'm a day late (and a dollar short;))

Do you happen to have a pattern that uses the Bristish sizing for hooks and you're wondering - do I have this hook? Here's the place to go for the conversion:
http://www.grandriveryarns.com/needlechart.htm

Toast is great - it can be breakfast or a little something for the rumbly tummy. Growing up, toast and tea cured almost everything. But I've never seen a toast purse (complete with pat of butter) until now. It's cute.
http://bittersweetblog.wordpress.com/2006/09/05/butter-me-up/

But maybe you prefer cookies - Oreo to be specific. I think these are cool and I don't even like Oreo cookies. Plus you don't have to worry about the "proper" way to eat them (middle first of the whole cookie). Yes, crocheting food is a little silly, but if you can't have fun with your crochet, what can you have fun with? Here you go.
http://www.thriftyfun.com/tf34890489.tip.html

I'm not a tatoo person. I'm not scared of the needle (however, the cost makes me wince) but I'm just not into them for myself. But they are some cool craft tats. No crochet ones, but there's a sewing machine as well as a knitting tat.
http://blog.craftzine.com/archive/2007/09/crafty_tats.html
http://flickr.com/photos/theloneknitta/2222634141/in/pool-craft

Do you want to make a little girl (12-24 months) a pretty spring dress? Here's a pattern for you:
http://www.crochetville.org/forum/showthread.php?t=72570

Or maybe it's time for a new hat? This lovely beret is very impressive, especially with the bow:
http://creativeyarn.blogspot.com/2008/02/puff-stitch-crochet-beret-with-bow.html

Do you need a refresher course in crocheting? Or maybe you just want to watch somebody eles's technique? Check this out
http://sharonb.wordpress.com/2008/02/21/learn-how-to-crochet/#comment-18914


As always, no kickbacks.

fm 1/28/08

I can't believe I missed the chance to see this very cool car in person when it was at Artscape. But I did, unfortunately. But here's your chance to check it out and read all about how the yarn card came to be. It's amazingly cool.
http://www.yarncar.com/


It's the end of January and some of you have had a long snowy winter. (Some of us haven't). But if you need some beautiful, colorful crochet to check out, here's the site:
http://www.gusset.net/kip/archives/000479.html
I love the abundance of colors used in the skirt.

Check out this cool frog:
http://www.flickr.com/photos/22811120@N06/2199939448/

and now for the free patterns

Did you buy that combination soy/acrylic yarn? Did you know you could dye it with Kool Aid?Here's a site about doing just that:
http://k2sc1.wordpress.com/2008/01/20/dying-soy-acrylic-yarn/

Want to crochet some slippers? Here's a site with a lot of free slipper patterns:
http://fabricfolliestwo.wordpress.com/2008/01/19/crochet-slipper-pattern-links-free-crochet-slipper-patterns/

I would have never thought of this in a million years, but it's so _cool_. I could have really used it when both of my sons were still living at home. I could get 4 to 5 milk bottle caps in a week (or less).
http://www.crochetville.org/forum/showthread.php?t=69985

Is there such a thing as "too many handbags"? Some people say that could happen, but I say it's just not possible - it's like saying "that's too much yarn". So if you want to make some new purses, check this out:
http://www.freewebs.com/ceciscreations/freepatterns.htm

I love flowers, but it will be a while before I see any in my yard - even the crocuses haven't bloomed yet. But to help tide me over, here's a great flower pattern I want to share with you:
http://mycrochetstuff.blogspot.com/2007/03/loopy-flowers-free-pattern.html

_enjoy_

Freebie Monday

Do you like the look of the pinwheel coasters? Here's a pattern you will want to check out:
http://www.kaleidesigns.com/crochet/patterns/archive/coas008.html


Have you ever felt like you need to see somebody do something before you get the hang of it? Sometimes I do. And there's not always another crocheter around when you need him/her. So here's a cool site that actually shows you a video of a scarf being created:
http://www.instructables.com/id/crochet-scarf_1/


One of my favorite sites, Purple Kitty is offering free vintage potholder patterns. These are so cool looking.
http://www.freevintagecrochet.com/patternbook/starbook69.html

Wondering what you can do with all the soda can tabs you've saved? You have to drink 6 sodas (or collect them from other folks) to create a flower:
http://www.escamastudio.com/inspiration/diy.html


This article is interesting about a 3D crochet installation - but sorry, no pix.
http://www.nwipp-newspapers.com/fh/free/290719660707982.php

Can your "action style" (from Oprah) determine how to crochet (or anything else for that matter)? you may want to check this out. I think I'm more of a "combination" person myself.
http://www.cnn.com/2008/LIVING/personal/01/08/o.wildly.successful/
--
As always, Noreen Crone-Findlay always has something exciting going on in her blog. This entry tells you how to crochet a wire mermaid necklace. I like the way it looks, but I think I'll pass until my tendons decide to settle down a bit.
http://www.hankeringforyarn.com/crocheted-wire-mermaid-necklace

I was sort of looking for a hat pattern for my older sister. She is losing her hair (nope, I don't know why) and of course, she's cold. She doesn't like a lot of fussiness, so I thought this pattern might be perfect for her cold head - a crocheted skull cap
http://www.baxterbulletin.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20080104/NEWS01/801040345/1002/NEWS01


If you live in or around Pittsburgh, you might already know about this event. Part of me _really_ wants to go to check out all the cool stuff. The other part of me thinks "Are you _crazy_? They will probably have a snowstorm that weekend!". So I'd have to say right now I'm not planning to go, but it definitely sounds appealing to me.
http://www.pghknitandcrochet.com/

FM 12/24/97

Each year I swear I won't be "this disorganized again". But the next year comes and I'm disorganized in a different way. This time, it's the baking. The chocolate cake, it looks like a mudslide. Even _with_ the icing on it, it still looks like a mudslide *sigh*. But it will get eaten, I'm sure.
On with the freebies


I didn't attempt to bake gingerbread people because they probably would have fallen apart like the cake. But I think I could manage to crochet a gingerbread person. If you got the time (or starting for next year), here's a pattern for you.
http://www.craftbits.com/viewProject.do?projectID=169#rateend

I didn't know this, but there's somebody out there that rates crafty blogs. Nope, I'm not in the ratings, but some other pretty cool blogs are - see if one of your faves made it on the list:
Shiny Media's Top 100 Fashion & Lifestyle Blogs: 51 - 100

Have you ever tried a "crochet along"? I haven't. But this particular site lists various crochet alongs for 2008. Here's a granny square one you may want to check out:
http://crochetalong.wordpress.com/2007/12/21/granny-squares/


This is just silliness, but it's funny. You can figure out "what kind of yarn are you?" with this quiz. (I am cotton dishcloth).
http://www.quizilla.com/users/bisybackson/quizzes/What%20kind%20of%20yarn%20are%20you%3F

This was interesting to me as I was complaining about this earlier this year.
http://generalmedicine.suite101.com/article.cfm/hand_pain_knit_and_crochet
This site has pointers on how to stop hand pain

Remember "Twas the night before Christmas and all through the house - not a creature was stirring, not even a mouse". On the "Knitting Daily" blog, they posted a knitters "Night Before Christmas". You can always think "crochet" where the word "knit" is printed;)
http://www.knittingdaily.com/posts/christmas_holiday/308-1.html

Another contest, this one for a skein of yarm every month for a year. Again, it says "knitters" but crocheters also have one skein projects and free yarn is free yarn.
http://www.oneskeinwonders.com/contest.php

That's it for me and I need to _go_. Tomorrow is another work day and it's also the night I get together with my siblings and their families to exchange Christmas gifts. So I will be dragging - oh, it's _today_....
I hope you have a happy Christmas and if you don't celebrate Christmas, have a nice Tuesday.

_enjoy_

and a little something else

Click here: Tree Of Life Silent Auction

These lovely freeform ornaments are being auctioned off for charity. The bidding starts off at $10. ANd no, not a single one is a lump of coal.
The deadline is December 3, 2007.

http://adoptalamb.blogspot.com
Don't know what to get that particular person on your gift list this year? You can adopt a lamb in that person's name and get a cool thank you from your lamb / sheep / ram. Or you could adopt a lamb for yuorself or buy a t-shirt that says "I saved the lambs" or cards. The lambs don't come to your house and sit for 4 hours, eating up all your leftovers and wondering why you're not refilling their glass of soda as frequently as they would like. They also don't borrow money from you or call you up asking you stupid questions. (hmmm, I think I'm venting here.) Definitely worth checking out.

And here's a little piece of free advice from me - do _not_ ever leave the weaving in the ends part of a granny square project until after the assembly. I have no idea what I was thinking, perhaps I thought the "weave in ends fairy" was going to stop by and do it for me. But nope, didn't happen. I am currently making a granny square tree skirt for my sons and this is just what I did, waited until the end. *wow* am I _dumb_! but I got to finish that part so I can put an edging on it. Maybe it's just me, but doing it all at once seems so long and _boring_....but I definitely learned my lesson - and hopefully you won't make that mistake...
what _was_I thinking? Must be too much Diet Caffeine Free Pepsi....

freebie Monday 11/12/07

Most of you probably know about the "Annie's Attic" site, but I especially liked this one:
_Annie's Hooked on Crochet!: Free Pattern of the Week - Ribbon Candy Afghan_
(http://www.annieshookedoncrochet.com/freepatternoftheweek.html)


I like Stevie Nicks, from Fleetwood Mac to her solo career. Another crocheter likes her so much, a lot of her crocheting has to do with Stevie Nicks:
http://www.theedgeof17.com/crochet/


How about a crocheted earring tutorial? This is really cool.
kardemumma - http://krumbukta.blogspot.com/

For those of you who can't get enough granny squares, here's a picture of a "granny square rec room".
http://pattihaskins.files.wordpress.com/2007/11/mocca_4.jpg


And here's the pattern for the purse you'll need in the "granny square rec room". You might lose it there, but what the heck: http://www.berroco.com/exclusives/mika/mika.html

Wondering want to whip up quickly for a gift exchange? Try this fancy dish cloth:
http://crochet.about.com/od/kitchenpatterns/a/cstfancloth.htm


Priscilla Hewitt has some lovely free patterns for Christmas (and other times as well). Check out her terrific website: http://members.aol.com/lffunt/christmas.htm

Another "quickie" for a gift exchange - you could make them in Christmas colors or maybe to match something else:
http://www.craftzine.com/blog/archive/2007/11/crochet_coaster_flower_pattern.html?CMP=OTC-5JF307375954

And now for the winner of the Sylvia Cosh "The Crochet Sweater Book". It's CrochetLassie, I have emailed her for her snail mail address. Thanks to all who participated in the contest.

F.M. 11/5/07

I'm _baaacckk_. I'm not totally "with it" but then again, I never have been.
So here's your first for this Freebie Monday.

Want to learn how to do seamless single crochet, which is very important in amigurami and hats - here's the tutorial for you:
http://www.futuregirl.com/craft_blog/2006/10/tutorial-seamless-single-crochet.html

Another one of my favorite spots, Purple Kitty, has free vintage Christmas crochet (as well as knit) patterns:
www.purplekittyyarns.com/

I know this is late for Halloween, but I will forget this completely by next year. My cats would never stand for being dressed, but my oldest sister dresses up her cats all the time - go figure that one out.
http://www.craftzine.com/blog/archive/2007/10/crochet_candy_corn_pet_sweater.html?CMP=OTC-5JF307375954


http://crochet-patterns-techniques.suite101.com/article.cfm/the_crochet_circle_recipe_i
--
Have you ever looked at a size 7 steel hook and wondered "gee, I wonder if I could perform surgery with this? No, I haven't either. But a surgeon did look at it and currently uses it to repair varicose veins - check it out:
http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2007/10/071022122214.htm

I don't know if the next two are repeats. If so, I apolegize:

Tiny cake patterns
http://www.normalynn.info/freepatterns.html

This one would have been better suited for Halloween, but as I said, I'll just forget it by next year - a crochet hamburger dress:
http://www.craftzine.com/blog/archive/2007/10/crochet_hamburger_dress.html?CMP=OTC-5JF307375954

This would also have been better suited for Halloween, but maybe you need a gift for a quirky friend of family member. Not exactly my cup of tea, but Lady Linoleum always has cool stuff.
The Saw That Dripped Blood...SCARF!
Monster Crochet - http://monstercrochet.blogspot.com/

Stitch markers seem mostly made for knitters. Here's a site that shows you stitch markers for crocheters. Pretty cool stuff and looks relatively easy. You could whip up some for yourself or a crocheting friend:
Crafty Daisies - http://craftydaisies.com
http://crochet-patterns-techniques.suite101.com/article.cfm/the_crochet_circle_recipe_ii


Another one suited for Halloween but I am considering making this for my younger son (26 years old). He loved "The Nightmare before Christmas and I think he'd like the dog. This is a great pattern:
jack skellington's dog
http://lizville.livejournal.com/100801.html


and here's the last freebie of the day. I am having a drawing for the book "The Crochet Sweater Book" by Sylvia Cosh with James Walters. You may be more familiar with those names due to their freeform work. Just email me - 1 email per person please - and I will announce the winner next Monday. Please, no whining, begging or pleading - I get enough of that at work;)

_enjoy_

just another Freebie Monday

it's all not free patterns, folks;) some are just cool websites...

Looking for some Halloween crochet? This site has plenty of free patterns:
.http://crochet.about.com/b/a/257679.htm

And this one does have a pretty cool pattern for a starghan (a round ripple afghan). It doesn't show the holes the way a normal ripple afghan does. The blogger said she invented a new stitch, but it's better if she explains it than me.
http://inspiredcrochetdesign.blogspot.com/2007/10/free-pattern-chromium-star-blanket.html

I don't know who Twinkie is, but apparently "everybody" is talking about her. I always thought that was a snack cake, but I guess I'm wrong:
http://crochet.craftgossip.com/everbodys-talking-about-twinkie/2007/10/05/


I love Stitchy McYarnpants. It's just so funny. And I have to admit that yes, I did crochet some of those designs back in my wilder days. But hey, it was the '70s, all the other crocheters were doing it, and I thought just a little bit wouldn't hurt anybody. Now I see I was wrong;)
http://stitchymcyarnpants.com/knit06/

If you seen the floors in my house, the statement I'm about to make won't shock you. I don't have a Swiffer wet mop thingie. But apparently a lot of people do and some crochet the cover instead of using the little covers you have to buy for it.
http://diynamite.com/2007/10/16/crochet-swiffer-cover/
--

How about some Lion Brand Halloween crochet - here goes a pirate. It looks fairly easy to me....
http://cache.lionbrand.com/patterns/70445AD.html?noImages=


Again, I don't get a kickback or payola from any of these people. I'd take it, but nobody offers;)

_enjoy_

October 1 freebie Monday

I have one for you today, the "Happy Yellow House". There is a lot of free crochet patterns listed and it's also a mailing list. She even states you can sell the completed item _BUT_ not the pattern itself. I love the name "Happy Yellow House". For a part of my childhood, my parents house was yellow. (Later it was formstone, but hey, that's Baltimore for you.)
http://www.happyyellowhouse.com/crochet.html

Another mailing list I like is "Knitting Daily". Yes, I did say "Knitting Daily". There's a few reasons why - sometimes it has crochet patterns/info and some of the things discussed about knitting can be used for crochet. For instance, Sandi Wiseheart did a column called "The Four Knitting Truths". It could be called sewing truths or crochet truths because it would fit those catagories, also. She explains how to measure yourself properly for a garment. If you're planning to make apparel, this advice is essential. There is also a later article dealing with lining a knitted bag. That info can be used to line a crocheted bag.
http://www.knittingdaily.com/about/

Suppose you feel like a quick to make pattern, something you could wear tomorrow or give as a gift - here's one for you - earrings.
Crafty Crafty - http://www.craftycrafty.tv/


_enjoy_