hello again

Hi.
I haven't been saving the world or anything besides the normal stuff of working and living my life. Nothing terribly exciting (unless you enjoy compliance training) just chugging along.

I have finished a pink and white baby afghan, a giant granny square using the Fibronacci sequence. I think it looks cool, but that's me.I've cleared everything out except the BIG project I alternately dread and am excited about. It's a matching curtain for the window, the lion curtain....

I need to get this done because it is always in the back of my mind that I need to finish it. Silly, isn't it? But this UFO has been hanging around the house way too long and I will be happy to finish it.

I think the craft stores are taking a major hit in this recession. Almost every week, Michaels and A.C. Moore have a 20% discount coupon. I know, you'd think I'd be hitting that sale every week. Rubber stamps, magazines, paper and of course yarn for 20% off. Sounds great. But....
I'm only semi interested in checking it out. Is it depression? Did a pod person take over me? I don't think so. One driving force is I have more yarn than I can possibly use in my life. As a matter of fact, I'm thinking of reducing my stash (don't faint!) because there is so much I'm not going to ever use. I have some beautiful bulky fall colored yarn. Absolutely beautiful. It's wool. I don't know if it's getting older or what but I find it difficult to work with wool. I get all stuffed up and itchy when I crochet with it. Same with mohair, but worse. This is a shame because I have some beautiful yarn in those fibers, but not if it is going to cause me to clog up.
Another reason is there is not enough variety of books and magazines in these stores. I mean, I wasn't that fond of "The Happy Hooker" but some folks think it is awesome. Stitch 'N Bitch Crochet: The Happy Hooker I'd rather see something new such as Unexpected Afghans: Innovative Crochet Designs with Traditional Techniques or The Complete Photo Guide to Crochet: *All You Need to Know to Crochet *The Essential Reference for Novice and Expert Crocheters *Comprehensive Guide ... Charts, and Photos for 200 Stitch Patterns or Simple Crocheting: A Complete How-to-Crochet Workshop with 20 Projects or here's something I could really use The Crochet Artist Memory (no kickback for me from these authors, just saying)

just something that has been published in the last 3 years. Sometimes (*gasp*) I go to Joanne Fabrics for books and magazines. They seem to have a fresher inventory or maybe it's just stuff I don't already own. They also have British books there occasionally.

But I don't know, maybe I am just a cheapskate.

It was suggested to me from somebody that I make myself a panda bear similar to the one I made for my sister Howie that was buried with her. She suggested it may have healing qualities for me. I think she is right. (It's strange to mention this on what would have been Howie's 54th birthday). Now I just got to find the perfect yarn - I used the Lion brand microspun yarn for hers. I am not sure that's the name of the yarn, but it is so soft and smooth and easy to work with - even when your eyes are full of tears. Do I have what was left of it in my stash or should I buy more....well, I do have discount coupons;)

FM June 15, 2009

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

_enjoy_

FM 1/12/09

Hello again. I'm back with your weekly dose of free crochet patterns. Here you go:

It's not _that_ cold here today, but according to the Weather Channel, it will be pretty cold (for the MD area) this weekend. So here are some crocheted polar bears that should feel right at home in my neck of the woods.
http://marthas-tatting-blog.blogspot.com/2008/12/time-out-for-crochet-polar-bear.html

And now for something completely different, a mini mokona
http://www.cutoutandkeep.net/projects/mini_mokona

Apparently you can use tiny crocheted sweaters to cover your keys so they don't scratch up your purse's contents - or as an ornament. Here are two tiny sweater patterns.
http://joy-paka-tavish-sadie-indy.blogspot.com/2009/01/homage-to-melissa-mall.html
and two:
http://crochetuncut.com/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=74&Itemid=&ed=10
Of course, talking about the cold means it's time for mittens
http://www.abc-knitting-patterns.com/1008.html

Perhaps you're not in a cold area. So here's a pin cushion pattern for you.
http://www.10000greatideas.com/idea.php?idea=1228&sid=4

Another cute preemie hat pattern:
http://debscrafts55.blogspot.com/2008/04/bumpy-preemie-hat-crochet-pattern.html


And Moonglow has two coaster patterns this time - a shamrock coaster
http://www.orble.com/free-proud-to-be-irish-coaster-crochet-pattern/
and a Valentine's coaster
http://www.orble.com/free-love-me-do-coaster-crochet-pattern/

And Maggie Weldon is giving away some of her wonderful crochet patterns available as a download:
http://www.maggiescrochet.com/free-crochet-patterns-c-33.html

And in case you won't be able to make it to Washington, DC for the inauguration, you could always make your own President Obama - courtesy of Lion Brand Yarn.
http://www.lionbrand.com/patterns/80658AD.html?noImages=
and you could probably modify the Senator McCain finger puppet to look like Vice President Biden
http://www.lionbrand.com/patterns/80657AD.html?noImages=

As usual, I get no paybacks for listing these items. The economy is tough and it's hard for a hooker out here;)
_enjoy_

FM 12/1/08 - a day late and a dollar short;)

I hope last week was, ahh, not as exciting as it was at my house. I had a grease fire in my oven on Thanksgiving. Nobody was hurt except for the rolls I had in the oven and the cookie sheets - and possibly my oven :( Seriously, no one was hurt, but that's why it's always good to keep a box of baking soda by the oven. It's the best thing I found to smother grease fires.

Onward and upward:
Hanukkah is (I think) December 22 this year. You might have a chance to make a afghan from
crochet hexagonal Star of David motifs:
http://web.archive.org/web/20061006121902/http://www.chezcrochet.com/page0083.html

Here's a neat little crocheted icicle
http://www.hgtv.com/holidays-occasions/crocheted-icicles/index.html

Not everybody can be at New York for the lighting of the Rockefeller Center tree - but you can crochet one:
http://www.orble.com/free-rockefeller-center-christmas-tree-crochet-pattern/

Or how about something completely different, a crocheted snow globe?
http://www.orble.com/free-snowglobe-crochet-pattern/

Looking to make a gift of a book extra special - how about a book stocking?
http://www.orble.com/free-book-stocking-crochet-pattern/

Here's a scarf pattern from Caron's "12 Days of Christmas" collection
http://www.naturallycaron.com/projects/mirror_lake/mirror_lake_1.html

This is so cute - but I have no little kids to make it for - here's a crocheted snowman bib
http://www.hgtv.com/holidays-occasions/crocheted-snowman-baby-bib/index.html

For those of you who are already tired of winter, here are some spring bracelets
http://www.get-hooked.net/free-patterns/dreaming-of-spring-bracelets/

Still looking for a poncho to make - check out Purple Kitty for their poncho patterns
Click here: Free Poncho Patterns | Purple Kitty

crochet candy cane from Planet June
http://www.planetjune.com/blog/free-crochet-patterns/candy-cane/


Want to try a different slipper to make - how about these Mary Jane slippers
http://www.craftster.org/forum/index.php?topic=127333.0

As usual, nobody is sending me boses of yarn or patterns to list these freebies. I'd like to lie to you and say I wouldn't take it, but come on - offering me yarn is like offering a chocoholic a Hershey bar....

_enjoy_

fm 9/1/08

I have been released (yay!) from the surgeon, but am still waiting to hear from the leg doc (boo). The incision still hurts, but it is finally healed. But on to the real star of the show today - freebie patterns and such.

I always love Noreen Crone-Findlay's work. Here is a lovely crocheted baby cardigan and hat on the Caron site. http://www.caron.com/projects/ss/ss_around_world.html

Baby girls grow to be toddlers and here's a cute toddler skirt pattern.
http://www.naturallycaron.com/projects/sedona/sedona_1.html

I'm not trying to rush the season, but the stores have had Halloween stuff out for a few weeks, so here's some crochet patterns: a crochet ghost, cat and jack'o'lantern
http://crochet-patterns-techniques.suite101.com/article.cfm/halloween_crochet_patternsfree_easy

Do you ever think about a designer's life - read this first:
http://www.corsavoo.com/crafts/0,2577,388828,00.html

I like the star stitch but I remember having a hard time understanding it from the book I was usinf to learn it. Now there's a star stitch tutorial to make it easier.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=inUleg__vaU

Need to collect your plastic bags until you got enough to make a bag or just to reuse? Well, here's something useful for you - a plastic bag holder pattern.
http://kollegiatehooker.blogspot.com/

A few years ago, I made my older son a scarf. It wasn't long enough and instead of telling me, he told his aunt, my youngest sister. Of course she told me. I made it longer but not this long - here's a photo of the 115 foot crocheted scarf that was a group effort:
http://fancytiger.blogspot.com/2008/06/longest-crocheted-scarf-and-visit-from.html

I forgot about and I'd forgotten about how to do this stitch:
Crab Stitch Reverse Single Crochet Edging
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Z_DPQw2Dykg

Want to learn how to do mitered crochet? Here's a site for you.
http://www.innerchildcrochet.com/resources/how_to_design/mitered_square.html

Got plenty of scraps but can't face a granny square afghan? how about a crochet scrap hat pattern?
http://laughingpurplegoldfish.blogspot.com/2008/01/accidental-hat.html

As usual, I am not making any money off of posting these sites, I just thought I'd pass them along for you enjoyment. Hopefully you'll find something that will tickle your fancy:)

_enjoy_

FM August 4, 2008

On the recovery front, things have gotten a bit, ahh, worse for wear. My surgical incision popped open about 4 inches long and 1 ince deep. I swear, I was only embroidering at the time. (I was embroidering around crocheted flowers I put on a pair of jeans.) It bled a lot but wasn't too serious, I guess. The incision got repacked and now my poor husband has another task, clean and pack the incision twice a day. It is down to 3 inches long and about 1/2 inch deep, so it is healing.
The other thing hindering recovery is I missed a step at my youngest sister's house and brought my (considerable) weight on my right foot, which folded up under me. I thought it was merely a sprain, but the lovely purple bruises have me thinking otherwise. So I have been under "house arrest" ;) since last Tuesday, after that accident happened. Luckily, the incision did not pop open again. I plan to have the foot checked out at my doctor's appointment.....
On the plus side, I have made about 4 bags, 1 bunny and 2 pairs of adult booties (the Carolyn Christmas "Gourmet Crochet" ones) so far. I'm not too sure about the Yarn Olympics thing, I can't "shop my stash" with a bum foot. *sigh*
Now on with the show.


"Years of Yarncraft", a Sluggy Freelance production. This is not a pattern but hilarious all the same. I have a few Sluggy Freelance items (t-shirts, Bun-Bun) that I was lucky enough to have my sons get me as gifts. Check it out:
http://www.sluggy.com/images/comics/080728y.gif

This is a crochet caliometry pattern, but I can't tell you what a caliometry is because I don't know. But it looks interesting.
http://homegrownrose.typepad.com/reclaimingthehome/2008/07/the-one-hundredth-in-which-she-shares-a-crochet-calorimetry-pattern.html

This is one of those neck pillows, shaped like a cat and it's for kids. Why do kids have all the fun?
http://www.coatsandclark.com/Crafts/Crochet/Projects/BabyChild/WR1679+Cat+Neck+Pillow.htm

Another geometric afghan pattern for you:
http://www.happyyellowhouse.com/htm/geo101.html

Of course, this is the Olympic challenge I spoke of earlier. I don't know if I will make this, maybe I'll substitute something else for the taprestry kitty pattern....
2008 Crochet Games of Ancient Greece Challenge

I can't tell you how long ago I learned to make a granny square, maybe when dinosaurs roamed the earth;) But if you don't know how to crochet a granny square, here's a site for you:
http://meetmeatmikes.blogspot.com/2008/07/how-to-crochet-granny-square-even-if.html

I've made a lot of scrunchies, but never a "curly" one. Check it out:
http://crochet.about.com/od/scrunchies/a/curlyqscrunch.htm

Want to know what to do with all those useless cds you got from AOL and the rest? Here's a site to guide you on using your cds with crochet.
http://www.akupara.com/turtleknitta/?p=50

Manitiu's crochet beehive shawl pattern, absolutely beautiful.
http://detnews.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20080712/OPINION03/807120400

You scream, I scream, we all scream for ice cream - that seems rather rude, doesn't it? You can make a little ice cream cone purse to keep your ice cream money in:
http://www.ecrochetpatterns.com/crochetpatterns/freeicecreamconenecklacepursecrochetpattern.htm

And this scrunchie pattern is from the same spot.
http://www.ecrochetpatterns.com/crochetpatterns/fancyyarncrochetedponytailholdersfreepattern.htm

Want to try your hand at filet crochet? Here's a neat pattern for a filet teapot chart:
http://stylish-crochet.blogspot.com/2008/07/filet-crochet-teapot-chart-2.htmlfilewt

Here's advice on how to use your stash up and a new (to me) acronym, SABLE - Stash Accumulated Beyond Life Expectancy....hmmm
http://knittingcrochet.suite101.com/article.cfm/using_up_your_yarn_stash

This is a bunny hat for adults. Lady Linoleum calls it "inebriated bunny hat" which since she's the designer, she has the right to do.... I love it, inebriated or not.
http://monstercrochet.blogspot.com/2007/01/inebriated-bunny-hat.html

Have rags, make butterfly rug. Or maybe you could just use thick yarn, it would be a different look but I bet it would still be pretty cool.
http://www.craftown.com/crochet/cropat54.htm

Yes, here's another Christmas pattern for a towel this time. Yeah, I know not everybody celebrates Christmas and it's only August, but here it is anyway.....
http://www.crochetmemories.com/archive/lorettaspattern.html

This is a Maneki Neko crochet pattern and if you are wondering what a "Maneki Neko" is, I can tell you "neko" means cat in Japanese, but I don't know what "maneki" means. Perhaps happy or lucky? You'll recognize this cat if you frequent Chinese restaurants as they always seem to have a huge pink statue of this in the restaurants.
http://www.mountainweaver.com/blog/

As usual, I do not receive a kickback or payoff from any of the sites listed here. I'd accept the bribes, but apparently there's none being offered;)

_Enjoy_ :)

FM June 9. 2008

Hi!
I'd like to start on a serious note this week with a link to Wheat Carr's blog. M's Carr is writing about the Orphan Works Act. How this act is decided upon will determine the future for crochet. Basically, it's to protect the designers of crochet from people ripping off their patterns and claiming it as their own. If crochet designers get ripped off, they can not afford to create crochet designs. If they can't creat crochet designs, that means crocheters will be trying to reinvent the wheel with each new project. I think M's Carr puts it much better than I could. So definitely check it out:
http://wheatcarr.com/blog-a-mentary/orphan-works-now-is-the-time.php



If you have been crocheting for a long time, you may remember the "crazy daisy" maker. They sold it on tv as well as in some 5&10 stores quite some time ago. Sometimes you can come across them in thrift shops or even on Ebay. This is a pattern on how to make a monkey using the "crazy daisy" winder. It makes it sort of like making yo-yos. Pretty cool - plus I bet you can think of some other uses for the daisy winder:
-http://www.knitting-and.com/small-looms/monkey.htm


Need a quick cute necklace for the summertime - here you go:
http://soozs.blogspot.com/2007/10/how-to-crochet-daisy-chain-necklace.html

Betty Hechtman talking about her upcoming book, "Dead Men Don't Crochet" and the shawl pattern in it: http://killerhobbies.blogspot.com/

This is such a great site - little acorn and strawberry purses to make:
http://littlegreen.typepad.com/romansock/2008/06/little-acorn-pa.html

Here's another pattern for a crocheted bee - very cute
http://crochetalong.wordpress.com/2008/06/02/little-bee-free-pattern/

Need a light weight summer hat so your scalp doesn't get burned? Try this one:
http://mkcarroll.typepad.com/mk_carroll/2008/06/jules-julia-crochet-hat-pattern-set.html


This is cute and quick - a flower ring:
http://www.diynetwork.com/diy/cr_needle_arts/article/0,2025,DIY_13768_5210759,00.html

Speaking of flowers, how about a flower potholder?
http://www.freecraftunlimited.com/flower-hot-pad.html

Carol Ventura has a video on You Tube showing how to do felted tapestry crochet:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EoBCdW1WvgI

And here's something handy if you want to do tapestry crochet or maybe filet crochet - different graph paper you can print out:
http://incompetech.com/graphpaper/

The "Celebrate" contest is still on, you must make a comment on the "Celebrate" blog to be in the drawing.

As usual, I do not recive any special considerations from these folks or their sites. I'd take a bribe, but nobody's offering one.
_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 3/3/08

If you have crocheted for any length of time, you know the patterns of Jean Leinhauser and Rita Weiss. Here is their new website:
http://www.creativepartnersllc.com/Free_Patterns.html

March is National Crochet Month and this blogger has some great ideas for it:
http://www.shadetreearts.com/crochetblog/?p=299

I've only sold in 1 craft show and that was a very long time ago. My sister keeps trying to convince me to try again, but I don't know - the timing never seems to be right. But this is a blog definitely worth reading if you're interedted in doing craft shows:
http://crochetcoalition.blogspot.com/2008_02_24_archive.ht

You've got that sweatshirt you were going to paint, but the paints are all dried up and you really don't want to invest more money in fabric paint. I hear you. So check this pattern out:
http://crochet.craftgossip.com/sweatshirt-cardigan-crochet-embellished/2008/02/17/

I thought this was totally cool. a Betty Boop pot holder. My youngest sister is a Betty Boop fan.
http://www.craftown.com/crochet/baz1.htm


Here's an Irish crochet pattern for a shamrock. You could make a pin with it.
http://crochet-patterns-techniques.suite101.com/article.cfm/irish_crochet_shamrock


Just learning how to crochet or need a little help? Here's a site for you:
http://tipnut.com/learn-how-to-crochet-free-resource-guide/

Tetris is my favorite video game. I started what I called a "Tetris blanket" but ended up making the run of the mill granny afghan with my pieces. But I still have more granny squares, so this looks pretty cool to me.
http://crochetalong.wordpress.com/2008/02/26/tetris-granny-square-blanket/

Easter is March 23 this year - you might want to crochet the Easter eggs for the hunt just in case the hunt is called on account of snow. You definitely don't want hard boiled eggs sitting in your yard for a few weeks.
http://knittingcrochet.suite101.com/article.cfm/easter_egg_crochet_pattern

Here's a cool belt pattern for those of you who want to emphasize your waistline;)
http://www.cutoutandkeep.net/projects/crochet_belts

This is a great blog that deals with probably the most ignored stitch in crochet, the slip stitch.
http://ayarnifiedlife.blogspot.com/2008/02/slip-stitch-crochet-tips.html

You can read a Stephen Kingish type story and learn how to crochet an axe at this webstie.
http://theanticraft.com/archive/imbolc08/splitter.htm

This is a crochet along that should be perfect for lots of people, including me - "Small Crochet", where it's okay to make those little toys:
http://crochetalong.wordpress.com/2008/03/01/welcome-to-small-crochet/

As usual, no kickbacks. _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 2/11/08

Think only women are daring enough to make cool wearables out of crochet? Check this website out and you will change your mind.
http://blog.jengibrewear.com/2007/08/verano-overalls.html

How about something quite different in crochet wearables? No patterns but lots of eye candy. There's a lot of what appears to be freeform work in this site.
http://www.susanobrant.com/


Looking for something quick and easy for Valentine's Day? Or maybe you're planning a Saint Patrick's Day gift for someone. I'm thinking Easter prezzies for the great-nephews.... Check this out:
Click here: "The Gabu" Crochet Amigurumi Creature Free Pattern

Maybe you're looking for some heart shaped crochet, just in time for Valentine's Day? Here's 2 different sites.
http://crochet.about.com/library/weekly/aa021099.htm?nl=1

http://thinking.ivalerie.com/
heart bookmarks

I know it's Heart Month, but I couldn't skip over this particular freebie. It's for a chemo cap.
http://byhookorneedles.blogspot.com/2008/01/chemo-hat-with-hdc-brim.html


_enjoy_

finished the tree skirt

I finally finished weaving in the ends of the Christmas tree skirt for my sons. I will _never_ wait until the end of the project to weave in all those ends again. It's basically a granny square pattern, I need to take a photo of it and post it. I made it with Peacock yarn (which I'm not that fond of), some Bernat and some Herschnerrer's. It various shades of blue, with a silver metallic thread in the yarn. I based it off of one I made almost (_eeek_) 36 years ago, long before there were kids or even before I had my own household. It's a good gift for somebody who is spending their first Christmas in their brand new household - or at least I think it is. Christmas decorations are something that never gets considered as a wedding gift or a house warming gift, but definitely a thoughtful one. My tree skirt is made from green, red and white Dazzleaire yarn. Remember that yarn, it was _great_. It has a sort of shimmery effect to it. It has held up very well (beter than me;)) after all these years. Since it's old enough, maybe it should run for president - but that's something to comtemplate for another time.
Two years ago, when my neice and her new hubby moved to their first home, I made them a tree skirt out of the same colors of yarn I used for Dan's & Will's tree skirt. I believ I got the pattern from one of the digest crochet books, but I wouldn't swear to it. It ended up looking similiar to a shrug and my sister-in-law teased that Allison would wear it rather than put it under the tree. I do think she is using it as a tree skirt.

Here's a freebie I was unaware of Monday when I posted freebies. Caron (see how nicely that fits in with the tree skirt) has a newsletter for the "Twelve Days of Christmas"
http://www.caron.com/connections/connections_12.1_H.html
The first issue has Christmas stockings, one with a gingerbread girl and one with a gingerbread boy on it. The pattern is by Noreen Crone-Findlay and is very cute. So check it out!

_enjoy_

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_

The sea creatures you'll see

I haven't been to the beach in ages. I _like_ the beach, but I also don't like getting sunburnned. I can stay outside for 15 minutes & get a sunburn. As to sunscreens, they do work - but not as well as I think they should. I mean, SPF 45 should allow me to stay outside 45 times longer than what I could without it (that's my reasoning) without getting fried. It doesn't work that way for me. Sometimes I think I should just use Crisco;) When I smeeled the skin burning, I'd know it was time to get out of the sun.
But I do have a deep appreciation of the ocean and the creatures that live in it. I was a volunteer at the National Aquarium in Baltimore for about a year or so and I really liked talking about the displays and doing demonstrations. I don't have any pet fish because I flunked goldfish.

So you're wondering, what does this have to do with crochet? well, here's the link
http://hellejorgensen.typepad.com/photos/artcraft/index.html
M's Jorgensen has made some fantastic looking sea creatures out of crochet. I don't remember seeing any of them at the National Aquarium (or at the beaches I've been to) but they are amazing to look at - the polypod is cool but the sea aneome is really awesome. There's also an interview with her in the April issue of "Crochet Insider"

http://crochetinsider.com/Helle.html

Her work reminds me of something I read, where the crochet artist spoke of using her crochet hook as a sculpturing tool. (Was that "Crocheting in Plain English" by Maggie Righetti or maybe the freeform team of Sylvia Cosh and James Walters - "The Crochet Workbook" ? I'm not sure.)

So if you're limited to beach excursions because of that whole work thing (having to pay the mortgage, feed the bunny and buy yarn), you can see a little ocean beauty in crochet. I don't think there are patterns for the creatures, but you could get inspired enough to try to make them on your own.
_enjoy_

Link

"Crochet Fantasy" and not a happy camper

As most of you know already, "Crochet Fantasy" stopped publication last year. There was never any official word from Fiber Circle Publishing, the parent company, but publication stopped all the same. Since I re-upped my subscription prior to the shutdown, I am currently trying to get a refund of my subscription. I thought other people may also want to try to get refunds for their subscriptions, so I have enclosed the information here. I'd advise you to make a copy, front and back, of your check for proof of payment.

Here's the info
Fiber Circle Publishing
P. O. Box 552
200 McKinney Street
Farmersville, TX 75442

Here's the website one of their current magazines have:
http://www.inknitters.com/contact.htm


Payton Update:
http://wjz.com/topstories/local_story_145210421.html

Yes, he spent his third birthday at the hospital. But he might be going home shortly. He is healing fairly well.

Fruit flies like a banana;)

time flies like an arrow;)

Sorry for not keeping up, had a few ugly weeks at work* than the hustle & bustle of my two sons moving out and I'm just amazed at how fast time goes by. At any rate, I realized I had promised 2 charity squares for somebody & didn't do it yet. I better get myself together & do it.

as for the Payton update:
http://www.abc2news.com/news/local/story.aspx?content_id=47ea40c8-d7ed-44e3-ad0b-4b5e055e62ea

The trial of the two 16 year olds was supposed to be today but it got postponed. I don't know why. I think they are trying to get another venue for the trial, originally the lawyers had made some noise about the juveniles not being able to get a fair trial in Baltimore County.

And as if things aren't crazy enough, Payton's dad, Rich, had to go into the hospital for emergency surgery. He's okay, but obviously since Payton's at a pediatric hospital, Rich is in another hospital.


* Bad work weeks make my right wrist quite tender, therefore, I don't crochet.



Link

amigurami bunny film

This was posted in another group and I just wanted to share it with it. It's cute and it's cool. And you may think you recognize the song, despite the fact it's sung in Japanese. You may know it if you are familiar with John Sebastian's work. The song is "Magical Connection" and it's on one of his older albums (or cds, I guess). It's a neat blending of the artist's crocheting and film making.
_enjoy_

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QLu9aN35eRk


I don't get a kickback from any of the particpants, but that bunny sure is cute.



Payton update:
He's still having some difficulty but they are hoping he will be out in time for his birthday (the 26th).

Mary Maxim contest

In case you were thinking about entering the Mary Maxim contest, you only have a few days left to fill out the entry form. I keep thinking about it but just realized how close the entry date is. I'm thinking of a Christmas decoration type of thing. The afghans are due in approximately _1_ month, (nope, no kickbacks for me but I'd take them;))
here's the link
http://www.marymaxim.com/webapp/wcs/stores/servlet/general_10001_10054_-1_afghanContest?jspStoreDir=MaryMaxim&mpe_id=10052&catalogId=10054&evtype=CpgnClick&intv_id=10002&langId=-1&storeId=10001&ddkey=ClickInfo


For the Payton update:
Physical therapy is going a little slower than anticipated for Payton. They are reteaching him to crawl and it's causing some pain in his right leg. Apparently the right leg was more damaged by the acid than the left - I don't know if it's because the way the liquid was on the sliding board or the puddle. We were hoping he'd be out this week, in time for Mother's Day, but right now it doesn't look like it's going to happen. If we had thought about it a bit more, we would have realized the recovery time wouldn't be that quick.

we all scream for ice cream

Despite the fact I shouldn't eat ice cream for any number of reasons (except my cholesterol - that happens to be "good"), I still want it. And though crocheting is not quite a substitute for ice cream, you can't eat ice cream and crochet at the same time. Well, I can't, maybe you can.
But you could always make a crocheted ice cream cone. This one happens to be mint chocolate chip, but I'm sure you can make it any flavor you choose. Here's the link:

http://www.texasdg.net/daynascrochet/pattern.asp?id=78


_enjoy_