FM May 11, 2009

I am still working on the afghan for a baby girl. However, when I started sewing the motifs, I noticed just a few little problems. First, I needed 16 9 inch motifs. I figured after I sewed them together in a 4 by 4 formation, I'd add some trim to it and it would be close to about 40 inches square. One little problem - I only made _15_ squares. Okay, that means I have to make another one, not a bit deal. I could just go on sewing them together;) But there's another little problem. Six of the finished motifs have a total of 4 white rounds as edging the motif. Eight of the finished motifs have a total of 3 white rounds edging the motif. One motif needs to be edged and of course, there's the motif I have yet to make. I don't really have an excuse or anyone to blame it on except myself. I thought I was good at math, but I guess not;)


However, Margaret Wertheim happens to be great at math. Check out the video of M's Wertheim talking about hyperbolic crochet:
http://subrealism.blogspot.com/2009/05/hyperbolic-geometry-of-coral-and.html


This is called a "Bottega Veneta Mini Crochet Ball Bag" and it's
selling for $5,200.00. Yup, I said 52 hundred dollars. Is it worth it?
Not to me, but it's definitely worth taking a look at:
http://www.geekhandbags.com/bottega-veneta/weird-and-interesting-bottega-veneta-mini-crochet-ball-bag



For those who live near Smiley's Yarn in Woodhaven New York, they are
having a huge sale next week. I don't live anywhere near there :(
http://www.smileysyarns.com/ezshopper/store.htm


And Yarn Lady is having a moving sale, but again, I don't live
anywhere near Laguna Hills, California....
http://www.yarnlady.com/


How about some artwork in the form of a crochet picture by Moonglow:
http://www.orble.com/free-flower-picture-crochet-pattern/

Here are two lovely jackets by Doris J. Chan
http://www.caron.com/projects/ss/ss_circle_jacket.html
and
http://www.caron.com/projects/ss/ss_SS64W7_lacy_jacket.html


The beautiful "Maggie Wrap" from "Blueprint Crochet" by Robyn Chachula
http://blog.craftzine.com/archive/2008/08/maggie_wrap_free_crochet_patte.html


If you are brave enough to wear it, I present some bathing suit patterns

This one includes a hat and a cover-up
http://web.archive.org/web/20000511202511/http://www.cei.net/~vchisam/groovy/1114-186.html

This is just your basic crochet swim suit
http://web.archive.org/web/20010908163424/www.cei.net/~vchisam/groovy/48-178bag.html

How about a crochet bikini
http://web.archive.org/web/20011030175418/www.cei.net/~vchisam/groovy/B-772.html

Or another bikini - the "Mimosa" bikini
http://www.adriafil.com/html/img/riviste/mag40/modelli/file_istruzioni/uk/4-5.pdf

This site has a free pattern a day and allows you to check back for 2 weeks of their earlier free patterns
http://www.dailycrocheter.com/day.php


As usual, no economic incentives have been given to me to post these sites.
_enjoy_

FM 2/16/09

Hello again - I got a lot of goodies for you today -

Margaret Hubert is a very talented designer. And from Lion Brand, a preview of Margaret Hubert's "Knit or Crochet -Have It Your Way" a pattern for a beautiful purse:
http://www.lionbrand.com/patterns/knitorcrochet2.html?noImages=

From Amy O'Neil Houck's "The Hook and I", directions on how to make a Valentine's Day hat. Yeah, it's late for Valentine's Day, but it's never to late to share the love.
http://www.thehookandi.com/

You may have seen this pattern on "Knit and Crochet Today". It's also from the very talented author of "The Hook and I" Any On'Neil Houck- crocheted socks
http://www.knitandcrochettoday.com/episodes/show205.html

Just in case you need a little pincushion - here's a cherry tomato pinchushion. Personally, I'd leave off the google eyes and the leaf, but that's me
http://www.orble.com/free-cherry-tomato-pincushion-crochet-pattern/

I don't think this is a repeat. If it is, I apolegize. Here's a list of one skein crochet projects
http://craftiblog.wordpress.com/crochet-one-skein-projects/

Mary Sue's Crochet News is available now:
http://news209.suescrochet.com/

For the threadies, a beautiful bright coaster
http://www.crochetmemories.com/archive/lorettaspattern.html

and a lot of doilies
http://www.momsloveofcrochet.com/doilypatterns.html

Caron scores again with a "Lattice Wrap"
http://www.caron.com/projects/ss_paints/lace_lattice_wrap.html

I crocheted penguins for my weeding topper, but maybe you like bunnies better - here's a bunny wedding couple
http://cache.lionbrand.com/printablePatterns/80306AD.pdf

I have no idea why I am fascinated with sock monkeys. But here's a sock monkey pattern
http://www.crochetville.org/forum/showthread.php?t=41930

This is title a "granny square jacket" but the motifs are flowers, not the traditional squares of the granny square.
http://www.caron.com/projects/br/BR7_granny_jacket.html

This is great - a lovely chevron scarf pattern
http://suzies-yarnie-stuff.blogspot.com/2006/03/my-chevron-scarf-pattern.html

As usual, I receive no endorsements from the folks listed. I'd take money or whatever, but than I'd have to pay taxes on it and it would be a pain;)

_enjoy_

FM 2/9/09

I'm baaaack....oh, wait, I wasn't gone, was I? Today is a beautiful 65 degrees and it's supposed to be nice all this week. Next week we'll probably have a foot of snow, but we'll worry about that when it gets here....

I love the "Suncatcher Eyes" for toys and I think this "Noggins pattern" is pretty cool. I'm not hip or with it so I don't know if "Noggins" is something on tv or what....It's still cute...
http://www.suncatchereyes.net/Noggins%20Crochet%20Pattern.html

Yes, I know Valentine's Day is this week. I still have no idea what to get for my beloved. Vut this would be a cute gift for a friend - a small heart pattern
http://kcrochet.blogspot.com/

This is one of the cutest dolls I have seen and I'm not really a doll person. I love the way the hair looks and you can customize it to suit whoever you give it to (or yourself) - an amigurumi doll
http://stitch.hellooperator.net/free-patterns/amigurumi-doll/

Lion Brand makes the Valentine's free crochet patterns with two toys - a heartfelt bunny
http://www.lionbrand.com/patterns/80018AD.html?noImages=

and a heartfelt bear:
http://cache.lionbrand.com/printablePatterns/80019AD.pdf

and if you want to get more involved, here's the one stitch adult crochet cardigan from Lion Brand:
http://www.lionbrand.com/patterns/957.html

I do know this is the name of a children's book - "If You Give A Pig A Pancake".....
http://www.beansproutcreations.com/2009/01/08/pig-and-her-pancake-free-pattern/
wonder how it would translate to a bunny and a pancake;)

I think this is really sweet. At my wedding to my beloved, I crocheted a penguin groom and bride for the cake top....
http://bittersweetblog.wordpress.com/2009/01/19/not-quite-duck-pins/

February is also "Wear Red for Heart Disease" month - here's a pin you can make up quickly:
http://suzies-yarnie-stuff.blogspot.com/2009/02/suzies-red-dress-pin.html
To find out more about the number one killer of women - heart disease, not breast cancer,
check this link outhttp://www.cnn.com/2009/HEALTH/02/06/wear.red.heart.irpt/

and also from Suzie's Yarnie stuff, a pattern for a rectangle granny afghan:
http://suzies-yarnie-stuff.blogspot.com/2006/08/rectangle-granny-afghan-pattern_11.html


"Woman's Day" magazine has some crochet patterns online. I really miss the "old days" when a woman's magazine was about more than what diet to be on & what jeans to wear to make me look 10 years younger. I really liked "Woman's Day" articles around Christmas time about different presents a person could make. I doubt those days will come back, but this is a nice start:
http://www.womansday.com/Articles/Crafts/Crocheting/8-Cozy-Crochet-Crafts.html?cid=5385


This would be cute for a belt...and maybe it will make your jeans look 10 years younger;)
http://www.orble.com/free-scrap-yarn-medallion-crochet-pattern/

I thought this was pretty cool - a tiny crochet angel. You could use it to make angel earrings.
http://www.orble.com/free-tiny-angel-crochet-pattern/

And now for something a bit different - an apple keychain
http://mycrochetstuff.blogspot.com/2009/02/apple-keychain-free-crochet-pattern.html

Roxycraft offers a free pattern for hearts done Roxycraft style:
http://www.roxycraft.com/crochet_hearts.htm

As usual, I get no breaks, special coinsiderations, favors, money, yarn or anything else to post these sites. I'd take a bribe, but than I'd have to pay taxes on it and that would be a mess for my accountant.
_enjoy_

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 1/19/09

It's been _cold_ here in my neck of the woods. And my leg still hurts, boo hoo. But here you go,
I do have the free patterns this week, if you can tear yourself away from the Inaguration and football....

You have to see this - it's amazing. I think Teresa should partner with a yarn company to sell this as a kit:
http://crochet-mania.blogspot.com/2009/01/barack-obama-crochet-painting-with-yarn.html

Cjeck out this gallery of great crochet
http://crochetinsider.com/gallery6.html

I do recycle, but this is taking recycling to a higher level
http://online.wsj.com/article/SB123180107217975103.html?mod=googlenews_wsj

Is this the year you submit your crochet pattern to a magazine -
here's some info
http://www.thisiscrochet.com/2009/01/12/8-ways-to-create-an-attractive-crochet-submission-package-pt-1/

Here's a job I never would have thought of - crocheting for the movies:
http://www.granttribune.com/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=211:woman-creating-blankets-for-movie-has-family-in-grant&catid=37:lifestyle&Itemid=57

Here's a lovely scarf pattern from Australia
http://crochetroo.blogspot.com/2008/09/stingey-neck-warmer-and-fluffy-scarf.html

And how about a crochet purse?
http://www.allfreecrafts.com/crochet/purse.shtml

The next 4 are from Moomglow:
scarf stitch
http://www.orble.com/scarf-stitch/

a open motif
http://www.orble.com/free-rose-and-white-motif-crochet-pattern/

a crochet carrot bag
http://www.orble.com/free-carrot-carryall-crochet-pattern/

and a demonstration of one type of shell stitch
http://www.orble.com/free-large-shells-scarf-stitch-crochet-pattern/

And if you're like me, you got plenty of t-shirts that may be a little, well, sad. Here's how to make a rug out of t-shirts:
http://www.craftstylish.com/item/39345/how-to-crochet-a-rug-out-of-t-shirts

Here's a neat motif - a circle square
http://www.marloscrochetcorner.com/circle%20of%20friends%20square.html

If you got a boy to crochet for, chances are he will love this - a gross eye patch
http://kellyskraftystuff.blogspot.com/2008/11/mad-eye-patch-free-pattern.html

How about a cute little beaver pattern
http://bittersweetblog.wordpress.com/2008/08/01/damed_beaver/

You can't use it to hold hot water, but it's still cute - a crochet tea pot
http://knottsend.blogspot.com/

And there's a moose on the loose
http://yanaknits.com/projects/crocheted-toy-moose/

And here's a charity even coming up - V-Day. They are accepting donations for scarves for auction at Frostburg State University, but there are other events going on - www.vday.org
If you want to donate to the scarf sale, here's the info:

Office of Leadership and Civic Engagement

Attn: Dawn Lucas - V-Day Committee

20 Braddock Road

Frostburg, MD 21532

As usual, I get no payola from the sites listed. That's probably a good thing because otherwise I'd have to declare it as income on my income taxes and it would bump me to a much higher bracket;)

_enjoy_ (and stay warm!)

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 1/5/09

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

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

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

On with the freebies:

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


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


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

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

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


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

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

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

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


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

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

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

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

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

FM 12/22/08

Happy Hannukah, Wondrous Winter Solstice and Merry Christmas! I got a short list today because, like you, I am busy. My new oven came yesterday (hooray!) and I have baked brownies & German chocolate cake so far. But as I tend to bake a lot for Christmas, obviously, I got a lot more to bake...
Try not to blow out your wrist in the run-up to Christmas. You can always attach a piece of yarn to a card, a description of what you and the estimated time of the finishing of the gift you are making to give as a gift to your gift receiver. That may save your wrist....
Here we go:

Here is a bunch of free patterns for the female in your life - some I know I've featured before, but there are a few new ones....
http://whipup.net/2008/12/06/guide-to-crochet-patterns-on-the-web/

You'll recognize this child's toy ornament - some sort of sketchy toy immediately:.
http://www.orble.com/free-childs-sketch-toy-ornament-crochet-pattern/

Another one from Moonglow - a Christmas Candy dish - though you can change the colors anyway you like
http://www.orble.com/free-christmas-candy-dish-crochet-pattern/

How about a video on how to crochet a hat
http://www.threadbanger.com/episode/THR_20081219

This looks quick - a crochet tree coaster
http://www.crochetmemories.com/archive/lorettaspattern.html


I debated whther to post this link or the link to the Burger King site (for the Burger King cologne). After watching the Burger King video, I decided it wasn't only _not_ worksafe and _not_ kidsafe, but properly unsafe for anyone to look at - it would probably give you nightmares. But the "Mom Song" by Anita Renfroe won me over, so here it is:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=o6P2w5GkXmU

Here's a really quick no-bake cookie recipe for you...
! package (12 ounces) milk chocolate chips (you could go for another flovor if you want)
1 package dried Chinese noodles (15 ounces, I think?)
1 small pinch of salt.

Line a cookie sheet with wax paper. Empty the package of chocolate chips into a pan, add the small pinch of salt and _slowly_ melt them over a low flame. Chocolate scorches easily - you could use a microwave, but I find chocolate burns up quick in a microwave.
When the chocoalte melts, add the Chine noodles and stir until well covered. Use a teaspoon (or a tablespoon if you want bigger cookies) and drop by the spoonful onto the waxed paper. Allow to cool. Now you have about 60 Chinese noodle cookies (I've heard them called haystacks, but that's when you use butterscotch chips) . These are good for the sweet and salty crowd.

As usual, I get no paycheck from the items I've mentioned - not even the Chinese noodle people;) I hope you have a happy and healthy holiday....
_enjoy_