FM 1/11/10

oops, almost put 2009 on that one. It's cold in this neck of the woods so I dug thru my stash to find the (sadly discontinued) 2 skeins of Lion Brand "Big" I had to make the hat in the picture above. I put it on Etsy for sale. Red's not my color (except for my hair) and I have a totally different hat in mind for myself. But it was so quick to make - I used an "S" hook and chained 14, than single crocheted in every chain across. I continued that for 12 more rows. (This yarn is as thick as a finger, so that's why there's only a total of 13 rows.) I folded the material in half and single crocheted the seams together. Than I put a round of single crochet at the opening of the hat. As you can see, I put a tassel on the edges. If you wanted to recreate this hat with different yarn, I'd advise measuring your head from mid-ear to mid-ear. That will give you the circumference that you need to make the hat fit. Then you crochet until the material creates a square. Fold it over, seem it up and you're good to go. I can't claim it as a pattern as it's just a set of directions, but I did make it up myself.
Currently I am working on preemie hats for the NICU where my sister-in-law works. I love using the variegated yarn because I like the patterns. I try not to pick blue or pink because there's no way I can know how many boys or girls will be in NICU. So I just use bright colors.
But I am waiting for the pattern from Planet June to make the groundhog.
http://planetjune.com/shop/index.php?main_page=product_info&cPath=11_17&products_id=104&zenid=96ba2cbcdcb0d22afb493d6d03d48139
It's not a free pattern (just so you know) but it's so cute, like all Planet June's work. And yes, I paid for it and I don't get any percentage out of what Planet June sells. (I'm just telling you this upfront so you don't think I get some sort of kickback.) The pattern is delivered in a pdf file and you can print it out.


On with the free patterns

Just for fun, a prune hat to look at (no pattern)
http://www.uniquedaily.com/prune-juice-crochet-hat/


Here's another just for fun to look at (no pattern)
http://www.threadbanger.com/post/15834/weekly-diy-roundup-knit-and-crochet-cephalopods-and-tentacles


Here's an article about "Brochet"
http://chronicle.com/article/Brochet-Rhymes-With/49438/

I am absolutely fascinated with this fish counting toy. I have no idea why, but I just think it's so cool.
http://suzies-yarnie-stuff.blogspot.com/2008/07/learn-your-colors-fish-counting-toy.html

This is just lovely - an angel afghan
http://www.crochetkim.com/patterns/angelafghan.html


If you are going to go shopping, this market bag will come in very handy - especially with some stores charging for bags:
http://www.favecrafts.com/Crochet-Bags/Everyday-Market-Bag-from-Bernat

Hats for kids
http://www.crochetmagazine.com/newsletters.php?mode=article&article_id=515&key=NL00

Here's a frilly scarf
http://www.crochetmagazine.com/newsletters.php?mode=article&article_id=516&key=NL00

This is a simple crochet angel
http://www.favecrafts.com/Crochet/Angel-Ornament-Pattern#


I really like this Scandinavian hat
http://www.favecrafts.com/Crochet-Hats-Scarves-Gloves/Scandinavian-Hat-Crochet-Pattern-from-Red-Heart-Yarn

This is cute and a little silly - a striped cat
http://funmigurumiandkidsstuff.blogspot.com/2009/12/funmigurumi-stripey-cats-no-1-fletcher.html

As usual,I do not get a kickback from featuring any of these links. I'd take one, but it's not going to happen.

_enjoy_

May Fourth (be with you) FM

I know, I know, it's a terrible pun. But my beloved told it to me, so of course I couldn't resist passing it along. I enjoyed the Maryland Sheep and Wool Festival Saturday, but somehow I managed not to buy any yarn. I'm not quite sure how that was even possible for me, the yarn was gorgeous but not quite what I was looking for (I guess...). I am working on a pink baby afghan (still) I'm about a third of the way thru it. And of course, making preemie caps.....

Not a pattern, but it's Herrschners (www.herrschners.com)free shipping (with $35 or more purchase) good until May 31, 2009 , Code D25


Here's today's freebie crochet patterns

Here's a crochet box
http://www.crochetspot.com/free-crochet-pattern-box/

That you could use to put in Noreen Crone-Findlay's buillion jewelry creations

Buillion stitch tutorial
http://www.blisstree.com/hankeringforyarn/how-to-crochet-bullion-stitches/

first part of crochet bracelet tutotial
http://www.blisstree.com/hankeringforyarn/crocheted-bullion-stitch-bracelet-1/

how to add findings to crochet jewelry
http://www.blisstree.com/hankeringforyarn/how-to-add-findings-to-a-crocheted-bracelet/

and last but certainly not least, a crochet flower
http://www.blisstree.com/hankeringforyarn/topic/tutorial/

All the above is from Hankering for Yarn, M's Crone-Findlay's blog.

How about another crochet flower - a crochet aster from Lion Brand
http://www.lionbrand.com/cgi-bin/faq-search.cgi?store=/stores/eyarn&faqKey=487&language=

This is something new from Leisure Arts - the Crochet Soiree from Leisure Arts
http://www.crochetsoiree.com/


Here's something cute and "retro" a smiley face afghan square
http://smoothfoxlover.blogspot.com/2009/04/free-cool-smiley-face-square-7-x-7.html

from Planet June. crochet roses
http://mail.google.com/mail/?shva=1#inbox/120f869cf2b5e42a

How about a crochet cardigan from Berocco
http://www.berroco.com/exclusives/aruna/aruna.html


Paton tea cozy
http://www.patonsyarns.com/newsletters/apr2009/ClassicWool_Web_TeaCozy.pdf?utm_source=newsletter&utm_medium=email&utm_content=TeaCozyPDF&utm_campaign=PatonsApril2009

Karen D prayer shawl pattern
http://karendcreations.blogspot.com/


octopus key chain tutorial
http://knittingdragonflies.blogspot.com/search/label/Free%20octopus%20pattern%20tutorial

As usual, I receive no bailout from anyone for posting these links. It's okay if somebody wants to offer me one;) but I don't think that's going to happen.

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_

Freebie Monday & getting the gold

I made it! I had a total of 62 preemie hats completed by Saturday night. Since my goal was 50, I got the gold:)
I am slowly healing from surgery, the open area of the incision is now shallow and not as long. The broken leg is still troublesome to deal with. I tried to "sneak" upstairs (on my hands and knees) to find something in my stash. I thought I would find it and be back downstairs (by scooting down on my butt) by the time my beloved came back from running errands. I was _wrong_. I think "busted" is the word I'm looking for here. That won't become a regular thing until after the leg is healed - too much energy going up and down the steps and scooting around the room.

Now on to the show:


Are you having an elegant Thanksgiving bash? This is for a pattern for sale, not for free....
I'd love to wear it to work, but the dress code says "no hats". Plus my head would sweat horribly in that hat. Could be a centerpiece, maybe........
http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?ref=cat2_galley_4&listing_id=8560590

They are called "panther paws" but you could probably use them for other cats, small and large. You could apply the motifs to a purchased baf, for example.
http://mycrochetcreations.wordpress.com/2008/04/24/panther-paw-earrings/


Here's a lovely lotus blossom to crochet:
http://crochet-mania.blogspot.com/2008/08/crochet-lotus-bloom-flower.html

This sounds like a great pattern - crochet mittens from Canada - I bet they are warm. (Yes, I am a dumb American that thinks it's cold in Canada.)
http://www.canadianliving.com/crafts/crochet/retro_crocheted_mittens.php

I needed something to cover our metal headboard in the winter. It feels cold. I didn't think too hard about it, just used a piece of fake tiger fur and sewed it to fit. But I wish I had thought of this granny square headboard covering. It could be any colors, any motifs you wanted.
http://yscmama.typepad.com/little_purl/2007/08/granny-squares-.html

I thought this was a pretty cool potholder pattern
http://www.jpfun.com/patterns/free/potholders/f102007checkerboard.shtml

This is a pattern for"wool eater" afghan instructions. For the U.S. among us, keep in mind this is an Aussie site and interpret the crochet directions as such.
http://sarah-london.blogspot.com/2007/11/wool-eater-blanket.html


How about a pretty freeform purse to start school or the fall season or just because:
http://www.diynetwork.com/diy/cr_needle_arts/article/0,2025,DIY_13768_5058307,00.html


All from one person, Monica Zenberg, and all are beautiful....I especially like the "girlie flower baby afghan pattern" - that's just really neat.

Girlie Flower Baby Afghan Pattern -
http://www.gather.com/viewArticle.jsp?articleId=281474977417819

Little Boy Blue 8 Point Round Ripple Baby Afghan
http://www.gather.com/viewArticle.jsp?articleId=281474977275501

Eight Point Round Ripple Preemie/Baby Afghan
http://www.gather.com/viewArticle.jsp?articleId=281474977270508

Sunshine Round Ripple Baby Afghan Pattern
http://www.gather.com/viewArticle.jsp?articleId=281474976910272

Monica's Simple Ripple Crochet Baby Blanket
http://www.gather.com/viewArticle.jsp?articleId=281474976720718

Quick Stripes Baby Afghan
http://www.gather.com/viewArticle.jsp?articleId=281474977275692


Yes, the Olympics are over, but who doesn't like a fortune cookie? These would be cool for a baby shower or maybe a bridal shower:
http://www.quamut.com/quamut/crochet_project_fortune_cookies


This is a cute little amigurimi bluebird and nest.
http://www.quamut.com/quamut/crochet_project_amigurumi_bird_and_nest

This is not a free pattern, but a photo of a crochet interpretation of Terry Pratchett's "Discworld"
http://www.planetjune.com/blog/amigurumi-discworld/

I still am healing from surgery and the broken leg. While I have been away from work, they have rearranged the physical layout of my department. I usually had a lot of plants at work, but I have no idea where my desk will be in relation to any windows. Depending on how things have changed at work, this may be the plant I will taking back in and leave the other ones in the sunroom
http://childrens-knitwear-projects.suite101.com/article.cfm/crocheted_cactus_plant_project


I don't know if you are familiar with Twinkie Chan. She has scarves on Ebay that go for $300 or more. They are generally cute, cupcakes or ice cream cones. Here's a Twinkie Chan interview.
http://scene360.com/ARTdirect_Chan.php

Need some scrunchies for the upcoming school year - hear are some curlicue scrunchies
http://crochet.about.com/od/scrunchies/a/halfdozcurlq.htm


Something I've thought about but never have done - saving crochet work in resin
http://carmicimicata.blogspot.com/2008/08/saving-crochet-work-in-resin.html


As usual, no one is greasing my palm to put their links in my blog. I'd take some money or yarn or something, but it just doesn't happen. Apparently most crocheters don't believe in payola.


_enjoy_

freebie Monday 8/11/08

More on the health front. The surgical incision is healing slowly. My right leg is broken (broken tibia for those medical words folks) and I am wearing a boot for the next 4 weeks. No prolonged walking or standing :( But I can still sit and crochet :). I haven't quite decided what I should do for my crochet Olympics challenge, but I'll figure it out.....
On with the freebies.


Here's a site to make crochet lace vases to put your crochet flowers in - very lovely.
http://blog.craftzine.com/archive/2008/08/pattern_for_crochet_lace_vases.html?CMP=OTC-5JF307375954

Lady Linoleum makes a return to this blog with this wonderful cherry ribbon tote.
http://monstercrochet.blogspot.com/2008/08/cherry-ribbon-tote.html

This is a pattern preview from "Crochet Blueprint".
http://blog.craftzine.com/archive/2008/08/maggie_wrap_free_crochet_patte.html?CMP=OTC-5JF307375954

Want a pup but can't have one because of housing restrictions or maybe not enough cash? Planet June has a miniature schnauzer pattern for you.
http://www.planetjune.com/blog/how-to-crochet-a-miniature-schnauzer-pup/

Is you Ipod thingie naked? Or maybe it needs a costume to appear in public? Here's a ninja cozy for your mp3 player.
http://cthulhucrochet.blogspot.com/2008/08/ninja-cozy-tutorial.html

How about some filet crochet designs for Halloween?
http://stylish-crochet.blogspot.com/2008/08/filet-crochet-halloween.html

This isn't a pattern. Every mom thinks their child is special and of course, they are right. This mom blogged about her daughter's crochet work and it is exceptional, in my opinion. I couldn't even crochet at the age of 10 and I know I couldn't produce something that delicate.
http://lynnskitchenadventures.blogspot.com/2008/08/my-daughters-crochet.html

Here's a pattern for a crochet bolero.
http://www.e-pleteni.cz/aktuality.petra?id=2&lang=en

Here's Noreen Crone-Findlay's post about crocheting during the Olympics:
http://www.hankeringforyarn.com/crocheting-during-the-olympics

Ever get confused when crocheting in the round? It can be a bit strange at first. Here's some help: http://barney.gonzaga.edu/~aburton/crochrnd.html

And to practice what you have learned, here's a round ripple crochet tree skirt pattern.
http://www.crochetville.org/forum/showpost.php?p=1070831&postcount=2231

Yeah, it's warm in some parts of the world, but it won't stay that way. Here's a beautiful crocheted sweater pattern.
http://bejai1962.blogspot.com/2008/08/just-stitchin.html

Crochet Poet's pattern links (and these is an amazing amount of links for just about anything you could think of to crochet).
http://www.myhq.com/public/c/r/crochetpoet/

Kreinik crochet (and knitting) freebies
http://www.kreinik.com/kshop/home.php?cat=33

Bella Online online crochet magazine
http://www.bellaonline.com/articles/art9515.asp/zzz

As usual, I have not accepted any payola for listing these sites. And as usual, I would accept payola if offered but none was offered.

_enjoy_

FM 6/16/08

Here we go again, a nice little mix....

http://www.black-purl-magazine.com/NEWS-061308.htm
The new "Essentia" magazine is online.

http://www.crochetmemories.com/newsletters/newsletter.html
The new Crochet Corner newsletter is also online.

2nd blogiversary contest
Planet June is having a contest to win one of her patterns or a mouse she has made herself - very cute. If you're like me and can't decide between the mouse and the pattern, don't worry - just post twice to enter both contests.

http://www.garnstudio.com/lang/en/visoppskrift.php?d_nr=0&d_id=428&lang=en
It's been a little warm here in the MD area and somehow sewing worsted weight motifs together doesn't seem too appealing. Here's a lighter pattern.

http://www.coatsandclark.com/Crafts/Crochet/Projects/Accessories/WR1661+Crochet+Buttonon+Trims+for+Crocs.htm
If you are one of the folks who wear Crocs (or "Croc like" shoes), you can make them a bit fancier by using some of these trims. My beloved won't let me make any for his Crocs;)

http://www.friendshipshawl.org/patterns.html
Since it's vacation time for lots of folks, maybe you'd like a quicker project to work on - this, of course, is a link for a friendship shawl pattern.

http://leisurearts.com/customer_care/download_files/N_06_08_CrochetStole.pdf
Another link for a friendship shawl pattern.

http://www.crochetville.org/forum/archive/index.php/t-2815.html
And another link for a shawl pattern, this one is a butterfly shawl pattern.

http://sofar-sogood.blogspot.com/2008/06/peace-granny.html
Do you want to crochet for peace? Here's a really cool crocheted square. a peace sign.

http://www.lionbrand.com/patterns/80211AD.html?noImages=0
Maybe you are preparing for a wedding at this time and can't figure out what type of wedding favors to have. Lion Brand has a few patterns for a wedding favor sachet. I can't imagine crocheting them for a really large guest list, but I'm sure there are more ambitous people than I am out there.

http://crochet.about.com/od/squaresbysize/a/crksq2clr.htm?nl=1
This is a strange little square and I think I will try this pattern out for a baby afghan...it would definitely be different....

http://crochet.about.com/od/bytype/a/zigzag.htm?nl=1
Okay, so maybe crocheted squares don't float your boat. How about some ripple patterns?

http://web.archive.org/web/20050208122000/http://grandmashookery.com/religious/supper.html
I have seen this "Last Supper" pattern made in filet crochet. (It was hung in a nursing home I visited for my job.) It is absolutely amazing to look at and takes up a ton of time. Check it out.

As always, I receive no payment or special consideration from the sites I have listed.
_enjoy_