huh?

I'm thinking "how the heck did we get here already?" in regards to both Christmas and the upcoming new year. I feel like I flunked Christmas in terms of crochet this year. I didn't make many presents, but I should have. I haven't even donated to charity as much as I usually do. I don't have a great reason for it, but it is what it is.
It's not like I don't have a stockpile of stuff already made, stuff that was made without any particular person in mind. I do, I'm just not  impressed with them now;) No reason why, just look at it and thing "blah". I do have that Fibonacci purple scarf, I liked the way it turned out. It was something a little different for me but I did enjoy it.
And I really loved working on the coral reef project. I missed the chance to help put it together, too much work, I missed the reception, my choice, because I was having my extended family over for an early Thanksgiving. I haven't even gotten around to uploading the photos! And I can't blame work or anything else for it except my growing addiction to Facebook and the most evil game of all, Farmtown. I have a farm, I have llamas, cows, sheep, goats, pigs and lots of flowers. If I took all the time I wasted on Farmtown... well, I probably would have wasted it doing something else unproductive.
Enough of my whining. I have to put the finishing touches on a scarf for my nephew's buddy and I guess I'm done. I didn't even make a list of what I wanted to make for Christmas crochet wise. The last few weeks I get totally nuts and start thinking "Yes, I'll crochet an ornament for everybody in my department. Heck, I'll do it for the whole company". This is a totally insane idea for a number of reasons because I don't like everybody I work with, why would I want to give them something I made.
Part of it is performance anxiety. Some people do not see the value in homemade items and think it's "cheap". I've only had one person piss and moan about I made for him and I should have known better than to make a thing for him. But I did, I know, I learned, end of sentence.
So if you have any time left to squeeze in some crochet, here's a site for you to check out:
http://www.bestfreecrochet.com/ 

_enjoy_

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_

FM 11/3/08

Some of you may remember me posting about my great nephew, Payton, the little boy who slid down the slide that was covered in acid. He is getting another skin graft this week, so please send good thoughts his way. Thanks a lot.
If you're a fan of art dolls, this one by Bonnie Prokopowicz is featured in the Winter 2009 "Art Doll Quarterly" magazine. I'm not sure if the word "cute" is used to describe art dolls, but it is a cutie.
http://www.prokopowicz.org/dolls/crochet/happy/happy.htm

Not a pattern, just a thought / inspiration here.....
http://thesmallobject.com/stenopad/wordpress/?p=1046

For those of you who follow Noreen Crone-Findllay's blog, she is no longer at "Hankering for Yarn". She is now at www.tottietalkscrafts.com

Crafty Corral is having a contest on the website - the deadline is quick (November 14, 2008). You have to make certain items for charity. Check out the drawing at:
http://craftycorral.blogspot.com/

Now for the free patterns:
once again, Teresa has come thru - here's a beautiful potholder pattern using the "magic square" technique. She is amazing.
http://crochet-mania.blogspot.com/2008/10/crochet-magic-heart-potholder.html

another one from Teresa
http://crochet-mania.blogspot.com/2008/10/crochet-thread-angel.html


I've seen a few flakes of snow, so it's probably time to crochet this - an ice scraper mitten
http://doyourworsted.blogspot.com/2007/01/ice-scraper-mitten.html


This pattern is the reason my sons are happy the internet wasn't accessible to me when they were kids - otherwise, they'd be wearing hats like this:
http://www.piece-by-piece.net/Crochet/baby_hat.htm

I have a lot of those clear plastic cds left over from my beloved's projects. This is pretty cool way to use them - a Christmas wreath cd hotpad/trivet
http://www.crochetmemories.com/archive/december13.html


_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_

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_

FM 4/28/08

Do you have a small doll that needs some clothes? This might be a good place to look for patterns.
http://www.geocities.com/crochet_crafters/patterns/patindex.html

I have made many, many afghans made of motifs - as I'm sure most crocheters do. Here's an easier way to join all thoise motifs.
http://www.crochetcabana.com/tutorials/joining_squares3a.htm


Want to try some freeform for a good cause - breast cancer.
http://www.knotjustknitting.com/

Krenik (to me) is better known for their embroidery thread. But here's some crochet patterns for their various projects:
Click here: Kreinik Manufacturing Co., Inc. :: Freebies :: Crochet & Knitting

Here's a new fashion crochet magazine that debuts June 15, 2008: http://chiqmag.com/

Crochet (as well as knit) patterns by yarn type:
http://www.straw.com/cpy/free_pattern_yarnssort.html#choo

The hyperbolic crochet reef project visits New York.
http://www.wnyc.org/shows/bl/episodes/2008/04/08/segments/96377

Here's a Scandinavian snow white bikini for the (relatively) short Scanfinavian summer.
http://www.garnstudio.com/lang/en/visoppskrift.php?d_nr=99&d_id=28&lang=en

Want to make a hackey sack? Here you go:
http://www.instructables.com/id/How-to-crochet-a-ball-or-a-hackey-sack/?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss

This is a pattern for a natural alternative for plastic pants that cover diapers. Definitely better than plastic pants.
http://www.motherearthnews.com/Modern-Homesteading/1976-09-01/Woolen-Diaper-Covers.aspx

Ready for a crochet talk show - with the "cheerleader for crochet" Dee Stanizano?
http://www.blogtalkradio.com/Mary-Beth-Temple
Crochet and Dee Staniziano

The "crochet dude", Drew Emborsky, has a free afghan pattern posted, based on Frank Lloyd Wright's work.
http://www.creativehomeartsclub.com/Projects/Project.aspx?id=104502
Drew Emborsky also has a book coming out later this year, "The Crochet Dude Designs For Guys".

Need an oven towel? I do. Here's a tutorial for one:
http://bunks.wordpress.com/2008/04/23/oven-towel-tutorial/

Sometimes, I need to see a stitch being worked to really understand it. This tutorial for the diagonal box stitch is good.
http://www.crochetcabana.com/stitches/diag-box-st.htm


It doesn't have anything to do with crochet, but it's a little something to think about:
http://amyoops.blogspot.com/2008/04/some-deep-thinking-for-today.html

as usual, no kickbacks for me

_enjoy_

FM 3/31/08

People used to laugh at me when I told them I met my beloved thru an ad in the local free weekly paper. But now with Match.Com and E-Harmony, it really doesn't seem that strange. Here's a man that posted his description online. He's interested in cocaine, crystal meth and _crochet_. As far as I know, "crochet" isn't slang for any particular drug. And no, there's no pattern attached, but it's a hoot to read.
http://dating.guardian.co.uk/s/view/304211/?ILC-SOUL&link=Front_slot_rightnav&section=theobserver


I took the easy way out and found a site that has a lot of different patterns (crochet as well as knit) for bunnies and lambs. Yes, Easter is over, but bunnies and lambs are always popular.
http://www.diylife.com/2008/03/21/easter-bunnies-and-spring-lambs-to-knit-and-crochet-part-ii/

I made a pair of baby booties for each of my two sons. I measured the gauge carefully and produced a very nice white pair of booties for each. But even checking the guage didn't help me because both sons had big feet. Of course, they couldn't wear the booties and I ended up giving them away. But if you have a baby to crochet for that has more baby size feet, this site will come in handy. http://fairythreads.com/?p=840

This is a really cute pattern for a small crocheted airplane. You could make it to go with the baby booties: http://www.innerchildcrochet.com/patterns/mini_stuffed_airplane.html

This is a very nice pattern for a preemie cap.
http://www.youcanmakethis.com/info/free/Crochet-Preemie-Windowpane-Skull-Cap.htm


Again with the baby theme, here's a pattern for a "crocheted diaper basket".
http://chickpeastudio.typepad.com/chickpea_sewing_studio/2008/02/the-little-croc.html

Need a cool crocheted dishcloth or you could make a hot pad with this pattern from the Peaches and Creme people: http://elmore-pisgah.com/ladder_stitch_crocheted_dishcloth.htm


Remember the pantsuits for women trend quite a few years ago? Most were not particularly flattering. This isn't a free pattern, but you still have to see it to check out how far pantsuits have come. And if you can manage to work up a blazer like this for your own wardrobe, you'd save about $1, 800.00 and have some major bragging rights.
Jean Paul Gaultier- Crochet Inset Blazer

You know the usual - no kickbacks for me.
_enjoy_

fm 1/7/08

I'm a bit discomboobalated here, it's hard for me to believe it's January 7, 2008 already...


Here's a good star to the New Year with New Years Resolutions
GREETING 2008 - A GOOD YEAR TO CROCHET

Want to see some fantastic freeform crochet? You must check out this site.
http://www.flickr.com/photos/15617834@N04/

And to head off in 2008!
By SB&C
a _very_ expensive hat - approximately $5810.17 USD as of the quote I got _today_. I don't see what the attraction of the hat is, but if somebody's spending that kind of cash for a hat, I'm more than willing to make a few ugly hats myself.

and more New Year's Resolutions
Yarn, Crochet and New Year
I haven't posted my New Year's resolutions (or much of anything else) but really, I'll do it.( It will give my beloved something to laugh at when he reads it. Especially the stuff about "reducing the stash". I hope he's not drinking coffee at that point.)

Origami angels of peace and healing-Links
Not crochet related, but who couldn't use peace and healing in their lives?
M's Crone-Findlay's work is always so great.

and speaking of M's Crone-Findlay's work:
Second Chance Contest
This is for the doll she was giving away in December (I think). And don't use my theme "I wish I had a second chance to buy a winning lottery ticket";)

Remember the "Island of Misfit Toys"?
Advice for that misfit doll
Bizarre title but interesting perspective on charity crochet.


Want to join a "crochet-along"? Here's one for granny squares:
Happy 2008!

I thought these old fashioned potholders patterns were pretty cool. I doubt I'd make mine in thread, but it would still be neat to have them in cotton. If I ever had my own tea shop / bakery, I'd display that sort of stuff and sell it.
Vintage Crochet Potholders Pattern - Free Download


That's it for this week. Hopefully, I will become undiscomboobalated by next week & post the yearly horoscope and such. I have a small part of it done, but I must look deep into my crystal ball to see what 2008 brings for the crocheters ;)

Happy Boxing Day......

well, it's the day after Christmas & time to "box" things for the service folk in your life - if you're the type of person that does that sort of thing.....I guess I'm not as I haven't done it.

I got some great Christmas gifts, 2 killer gifts from my sons (who were also good enough to fix Christmas dinner at their place and clean up afterwards - themselves. Excellent turkey dinner)
One is "Crochet Embellishments" by Jean Leinhauser and the other book is "Everyday Crochet" by Doris Chan. Pretty cool books.

But I thought I'd take a poll and publish the results on January 15, 2008. If you're interested in participating, here's the questions:

1) Top crochet books of 2007. If you give the title of an e-book, please give the website. For a book to qualify as a "top crochet book", at least 50% of the patterns have to be crochet. Why? Because I said so;)

2) How many projects do you estimate you made this year? How many were gifts? How many for charity? And did you really make something for yourself this year and if so, what was it?

3) Christmas gifts - a _lot_ of people crochet Christmas gifts. Did you? Did you finish in time? My youngest sister offered to give me a new hobby this year - cross stitch;) She's making a cute bunny picture but didn't quite finish it. I said no, I have enough hobbies;)

4) What project are you looking forward to doing in 2008? Any crcochet challenges or crochet alongs? Maybe trying a new technique?

5) Your blogs or your favorite blogs or both. I'm always curious to see what other folks are writing about.


That's it, inquiring minds want to know;)

Please just put the answers in the "comments" section or you can email me at blazelaflame at g m a i l (.) c o m (you know the proper way, just trying to avoid spambots).
Thanks!

_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....

60 scarves in 60 days

I'm sure most, if not all of you, are familiar with the "Crocheting With Dee" blog. In it, Dee descibes the various items she has been crocheting, her attempts at gaining knitting proficiency, the classes she teaches and projects she supports. One project she supports (and I got involved in) in her "60 scarves in 60 days". You don't have to follow a particular pattern or use a particular yarn. You don't have to give it to a particular charity - you can choose a local charity if you want. That's what makes it so cool.
This year, I made 8 scarves. I particularly enjoyed working with all the different yarn. I made a lovely one (if I do say so myself) out of Plymouth Encore "Colorspun", an oatmeal color with other colors in it.l color. I also used Caron's "Simply Soft Shadows" for 2 of the scarves. I love the way they feel and the way the yarn works up. I also used an old favorite, Red Heart. Say what you want, but I _know_ Red Heart is durable. It will be softer once it gets washed.
I didn't really use any special techniques to crochet the scarves. On the red scarf, I made a graduated fringe, which I have never done before, so that was neat. But I used the basic double crochet or half double crochet because it could be used for male or female. I didn't use any fur yarns just because (to me) they seem feminine.
The church I go to has a homeless shelter for women and children. I will donate the scarves there. Even if it's a relatively warm winter (according to the "Old Farmer's Alamanc", it's supposed to be for this area), it still gets windy and cold and a soft scarf is a great companion.
If you want to check out Dee's blog, you can use the "Crocheting With Dee" button I have on my page.

Red Scarf project

If you participated in the 2007 Red Scarf Project for the Orphan Foundation of America, you may want to know there have been some changes made. The date the scarves are due has been changed to September 1, 2007 to October 15, 2007. This might seem a bit early, but the group can process the scarves earlier and get them to the recipients earlier when they are more useful. OFA is also requesting each crafter (it can be crochet or knit) to contribute no more than 5 scarves. Apparently, charity crocheters and knitters gave so much for the 2007 project, they had scarves left over.
The scarves can be navy, teal, olive and gold for the guys in the group. (I think black, too.)Please check out the guidelines for more details:

http://www.orphan.org/index.php?id=40

preemie hat pattern

I keep my 2007 "Crochet Pattern a Day" calendar at my desk. I sort of forgot that July 12 was the date my pattern would appear. So I thought I'd post it here, for anyone and everyone. Please do not claim this pattern as yours, I hold the copyright. If you want to make the hats and donate them, that's fine by me. Please do not repost this pattern to your website, just send any inquiries you might have to this website. I thank you in advance for your co-operation and I hope many of you will be making preemie hats to donate.

##########################################################
Here's the pattern:

Skill level: C3 - intermediate
Fiber: Red Heart - Baby Sport Pompadour (I also use Lion Brand "Jamie", but this happened to be done in the Red Heart Baby Sport)
Color #1046 Carousel Print
Gauge: 5 stitches x 2 rows = 1 inch/2.5cm in dc
Hook size: steel E US/3.5mm
Notions: Yarn Needle
Stitches used: chain, slip stitch, single crochet, double crochet

Round 1: Chain 6, join with a slip stitch, chain 2. Double crochet 11 double crochets into the ring, counting the chain 2 as a double crochet, equals 12 stitches. Join at top of chain 2 with a slip stitch.
Round 2: Chain 2, double crochet in round 1's chain 2 stitch, 2 double crochets in each stitch around, counting the starting chain 2 stitch as a double crochet equals 24 double crochets. Join with a slip stitch to top of the chain 2 stitch.
Round 3: Chain 2, double crochet in round 2's chain 2 stitch, *1 double crochet in next stitch, 2 double crochets in next stitch all the way around, counting the starting chain 2 stitch as a double crochet equals 36 stitches. Join with a slip stitch to top of the chain 2 stitch.
Round 4: Chain 2, double crochet in round3's chain 2 stitch, *1 double crochet in next 2 stitches, 2 double crochets in next stitch, all the way around, counting the starting chain 2 stitch as a double crochet equals 48 stitches. Join with a slip stitch to top of the chain 2 stitch.
Round 5-9: Chain 2, double crochet in each double crochet around. Join with a slip stitch to top of the chain 2 stitch.
Round 10: Chain 5, double crochet in second double crochet from hook from joining chain, *chain 1, skip 1 double crochet, double crochet in the next double crochet all the way around. Join with a slip stitch to top of the chain 2 stitch.
Round 11: Chain 4, single crochet in second chain from hook, single crochet in next 2 chains, attach to round 10 by slip stitching to chain 1 space *working in back loops only, single crochet in each of the 3 single crochets, chain 1, turn, single crochet in each of the 3 single crochets, attach to round 10 by slip stitching to chain 1 space all the way around, total 48 rows. Slip stitch the ribbing together by working thru the back loop of row 48 and the bottom of the chain for the first row of single crochets.

Break off and weave in ends.

Chain stitch 90, fasten off, weave in ends. Thread the chain 90 thru round 10. Make a small bow.

################################################################

I was very fortunate never to have a premature baby. But my mom did in the early 1950's. There wasn't a lot that could be done at that time and the baby died (many complications). This baby boy was spoken about very rarely - it was the way it was done at that time. My sister-in-law is a nurse at the NICU and I give her the hats to distribute. She does tell people she made them;) but that's okay - as long as they get to the right place.

Think Pink

If you live in the Ellicott City part of Maryland or you are close, you may want to visit the Celtic Knot Yarn Shop this Saturday. They are having a special fundraising event on Saturday, July 14, 2007 from 2pm-6pm that benefits the group "Survivors Offering Support", a volunteer group made up of breast cancer survivors that help newly diagnosed breast cancer patients. One of the things they give the newly diagnosed breast cancer patients is a hand made pink scarf. (Yes, they can be crocheted, I checked.)
The Celtic Knot Yarn Shop is offering kits to make these scarves. The kits are free _as_long_ as the supplies last. You sign out the kit, create the scarf and bring it back to the yarn shop so they can distribute it. You can also buy the yarn to make the scarf and even sign up for their " Sleeping In For the Cure". My bad knees _love_ the idea of "Sleeping In for the Cure".
I really like the idea of making the scarf because it's, excuse the obvious, very "hands on". It is something seems very personal and comforting about it. Sort of similiar to a prayer shawl, I guess.

So if you're in the area, check out the Celtic Knot Yarn shop - here's the address:
The Celtic Knot Yarn Shop
8480 Baltimore National Pike
Suite 428
Ellicott City, MD 21043
phone #: 410-203-0133
http://www.thecelticknotyarnshop.com/