oh deBBIE

Really, truly, I want to send you this book....but I don't have your address. So please contact me somehow, someway by Saturday, September 25, 2010 at midnight EST. Otherwise I will give the book to somebody else....



Here's another coral reef....

oh deBBie

you got to be  out there somewhere, please email me so I can send your book...please

oh deBBie

Oh deBBie, you need to contact me with your info so I can ship the book to you.......
you won

and why not a contest?

well, because it's more a drawing than a contest. I recently reviewed "Crobots" on Amazon and thought it was a cute book - but unless you adapt it, the toys are suitable for kids - too many small potentially hazardous parts.

But I thought, "What the heck. the economy's in the toilet, who knows when it's going to recover? And it's hot, so I'd rather make smaller items. So this book is perfect for a giveaway - and you could make gifts with it"...
So here's the basic rules - enter your name in the comments for this blog - a simple "Hey, I'm Petunia and I'd like to win the book" will do. Also something that connects you to your name like "I got 100 dalmatians" or something like that. Because I know a whole lot of Jennifers and Tiffanys. Do it before midnight, June 28, 2010.  I will randomly choose a number on June 29, 2010 and if it's your number, you win. You just have to provide me (in private) with your mailing info. Please, only 1 entry per reader. 
Good luck!

FM July 6, 2009

It's actually very pleasant here for July. No air conditioning on, just a few fans. It doesn't seem quite right but I'm happy to reduce the gas and electric bill whenever I can....
Now on with the show

Dee Staniziano is hosting a murder mystery crochet along
http://crochetwithdee.blogspot.com/2009/06/murder-mystery-crochet-project.html

and Annie Modesitt has extended the deadline for her hat contest. You got a little bit of time, plus a hat is small and won't make you sweat. contest (yes, it does include crochet, I checked)
http://1000fabulousknithats.com/

Interested in the modified front post crochet stitch - here's a video tutorial
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6mdpcjl6x0Y

Saving your best yarn? Here's an essay about why you shouldn't
http://crochetliberationfront.wordpress.com/2009/07/03/saving-the-best-yarn-for-later-why/


And speaking of the Crochet Liberation Front, here's an interview with Laurie Wheeler of Crochet Liberation Front
http://www.blisstree.com/hankeringforyarn/profile-laurie-wheeler-fearless-leader-clf/

A bag is also a good thing to work on during the summer (or actually anytime), quick and easy
http://crochetncrafts.com/overtheshouldercrochetbag.html

Crochet Spot has some free patterns (and you get a pattern for a crobot when you sign up)
http://www.crochetspot.com/category/free-crochet-patterns/

Teresa is having a drawing at her always great site, Learn to Crochet
http://crochet-mania.blogspot.com/2009/06/crochet-giveaway-11.html

And now for something completely different, some free vintage crochet patterns
http://craftybegonia.blogspot.com/2009/07/free-vintage-crochet-patterns.html

As usual, no pay for me for posting this stuff. I'd be happy to accept it in almost any form, but nobody is coughing up any bribes.
_enjoy_

the winner is

V - for victory.
Please contact me with your email address at my email address so I can ship the book to you.

FM 11/10/09

November 11 is Veteran's Day, which is so much more than buying carpet or mattresses. The poppy is for rememberance and here is a link for a crocheted poppy: http://crochetroo.blogspot.com/2007/04/anzac-poppy-free-crochet-pattern.ht
And here's part of the haunting poem.....
In Flanders Fields
By: Lieutenant Colonel John McCrae, MD (1872-1918)
Canadian Army
In Flanders Fields the poppies blow
Between the crosses row on row,
That mark our place; and in the sky
The larks, still bravely singing, fly
Scarce heard amid the guns below.

For the complete text of the poem: http://www.arlingtoncemetery.net/flanders.htm
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################################################

Now to go on to our normal Monday visit. I'm still limping around, but I had a grand time at Stitches East. Today (Sunday, November 9) is my birthday and my sons and my beloved gave me some wonderful gifts, some books, a cd, and even a tiny silver crochet hook. I could probably crochet with it, but I can't imagine working in thread that small. Here's your freebies.

Making a bag for yourself or as a gift and wondering if it's just too hard to line it? Check out this tutorial - sewing a lining in a crochet bag. http://www.futuregirl.com/craft_blog/2008/10/tutorial-sew-a-lining-into-a-crocheted-bag.aspx

This could be a quick gift idea - lovely wristlets.
http://www.naturallycaron.com/projects/doral/doral_1.html

For those upcoming holiday parties, make an spectacular entrance with this sequin heart shawl
http://donnascrochetdesignstheblog.blogspot.com/2008/11/sequin-hearts-wrap-free-crochet-pattern.html

I have 3 things from Teresa, from "The Art of Crochet"
First, a new (to me) granny square - a checkerboard square granny
http://crochet-mania.blogspot.com/2008/11/checkerboard-crochet-square.html

For the threadies in the audience, here's a beautiful crochet thread angel
http://crochet-mania.blogspot.com/2008/10/crochet-thread-angel.html

And last but certainly not least, Teresa doing a drawing to celbrate her 200th blog entry
http://crochet-mania.blogspot.com/2008/11/contest-drawing-2-this-is-in.html

I can't really imagine this, the local newspaper here smells like oily rags. But hopefully the yarn from old newspapers doesn't
http://www.dezeen.com/2007/10/21/yarn-from-old-newspapers-by-greetje-van-tiem/

Want something cute and furry - how about some slippers? I think they are cute, but my kittens would tear them up quickly...
http://www.christinascrochethaven.com/furry_girl.htm

Here's a beautiful pineapple shawl
http://www.caron.com/projects/ss_eco/sseco_pineapple_shawl.html

A free crochet e-book from Interwaeve Press -
http://www.knittingdaily.com/blogs/patterns/archive/2008/11/07/IWC_2D00_gift_2D00_book.aspx

Amd now, a brief introduction to tapestry crochet by Carol Ventura
http://www.knitonthenet.com/issue7/features/tapestrycrochet/

There's a brand new online crochet magazine - "Crochet Uncut"
http://crochetuncut.com/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=50&Itemid=88


Looking for a different potholder for the Christmas holiday - here's a Christmas tree light bulb potholder http://www.geocities.com/Heartland/Ranch/4054/cldcph.htm


As usual, I have received no payment of any kind for any of these mentions. (Okay, except the Stitches East and I already explained that one) but I do accept bribes;) Just everybody is so honest, they don't offer bribes. Shame, I would take them.....

_enjoy_

Pat Johnson & Alia

You are the winners, so please contact me so I can get your prize to you.
thanks

Celebrate!

I got my "Masters of Basic Crochet Stitches" certificate yesterday in the mail. I am so _thrilled_. My sons made fun of me because "what is it Mom, just crochet a couple little things?"...
But it's a lot more than that - it's swatches and essay type answers. I did learn a lot....

So to celebrate my academic achievement, I will be doing a drawing for 2 books - one each by the lovely crochet women that helped me along the way.
The first one is "Crochet on the Edge" by Belinda "Bendy" Carter. She was the person who went over my swatches and patiently explained what I needed to correct.
The second one is "101 Crocheted Squares" by Jean Leinhauser. She was also extremely helpful to me.
If you want to enter the drawing, leave a comment on this post by June 14, 2008. You can only win _1_ book so if you have a definite preference (maybe you already have 1 and not the other), please state which one you'd prefer. Otherwise it will be up to my discretion. I will announce the winner on June 15, 2008. Enter as often as you like.

and the winner is

Thanks for all the comments, *wow* was I surprised. I intend to have a book drawing next month, just haven't figured out which book (I get extra copies as gifts sometimes - or *shudder* I make the mistake of buying a book I already have;))
Drum roll please:
Lucky # 11 commentor, Linda...
I will be contacting you, Linda, for your snail mail address.
Thanks for all of you who stopped by....

"Hooked on Murder" a contest

I devoured Betty Hechtman's "Hooked on Murder" and found it to be a charming book. The book is from the viewpoint of Molly Pink, a 4oish widow, and she's a very likable character. Plus there's a crochet pattern and a pound cake recipe in it.....
I have an extra copy I am going to have a drawing for - so make a comment on this post and I will pick a winner on May 17, 2008 and mail the book to the winner.
Please, no whining. I get enough of that at work;)
Good Luck!

FM 3/24/08

If you want to try crocheting with beads, this site has a cool beaded crochet bag.
http://promotions.drgnetwork.com/newsletters/talkingcrochet/pages/TCNL1608_patt1.html

In Chicago, the crocheters decided to do something slightly differnet than make hats and mittens - they decided to "artistically litter" the area, with, of course crochet on the trees.
http://www.neatorama.com/index.php?s=crochet+graffiti&Submit=Go

It's not too late to enter this contest. I really can't think of a heart design I haven't seen someone else do (and better, I might add) but hopefully you have more imagination than I do. Good luck!
http://www.crochettoday.com/pdfs/heartcontest.pdf

These are some Japanese crochet patterns. I don't know Japanese but my sons and my beloved know the language. But you can probably suss it out by the diagrams.
http://www.rakuten.co.jp/gosyo/437212/870755/

I have often though of running a bakery, with vintage crocheted potholders hung up as a kind of decoration. I haven't made a business plan or found a location, but I _can_ make these cool potholders.
http://tipnut.com/more-vintage-crochet-potholder-patterns-free-download/

Not free patterns, but a fashion show and some inspiration for you:
http://www.saralytle.com/

These are _book_ thongs, folks, not people thongs. Although what you do with them after you make them is entirely up to you. Check out the owl and fish _book_ thongs.
http://yarnigras.blogspot.com/2008/03/little-hoot-bookthong.html

Not a free pattern, but an interesting story of how crochet leads to higher education:
http://www.stuff.co.nz/stuff/sundaystartimes/auckland/4447039a6497.html

It's sad but true - sometimes you don't get along with your crochet hook. It might split the yarn or decide to get lost at a crucial point in crocheting. Or you might be using it for something you shouldn't have been doing (killing the squeaker box on an annoying toy - Boye steel hook #7, I'm talking about _you_)) and the tip breaks off. Here's another use for it:
http://www.deccanherald.com/Content/Mar212008/sesame2008032058519.asp

I love sunflowers. I was especially disappointed last year that _no_ sunflowers grew in my yard. That's unusual for me because we usually have at least 5 growing tall (and sometimes more). This lapghan has the bright colors of sunflowers:
http://debscrafts55.blogspot.com/2008/03/sunflower-lap-ghan.html

This is a filet teddy bear square. It's pretty cool looking:
http://crochetpatternsonly.blogspot.com/2005_09_05_archive.html

This is the birds and the bees of crocheting;) When a "mommy yarn" and a "daddy yarn"... no, it's really a cute pattern for crocheted birds and bees:
http://kristieskids.weebly.com/patterns2.html


There was a pattern for a shawl called "Seraphina" (I'm not quite sure where it was originally published, to be truthful). Apparently, the pattern needed to be teaked and here it is, a seraphina shawl adaptation:
http://www.angelfire.com/journal2/donisfuff/croshawl.html

Wonder about shelling out the cash for the ergonomic hooks? Here's a great review of the Provo brand of ergonomic crochet hooks:
http://crochet.craftgossip.com/hook-review-provo-ergonomic-hooks/2008/03/13/

Did I mention this Spider-Man afghan before? If I did. sorry, I just happened to remember it again. If not, well, hooray for me;)
http://www.angelfire.com/tx5/angelcrafts/patterns/spidermanroundrippleafghan.html


As usual, I receive no kickbacks from any site I have mentioned. I'd take them, but nobody's offering;)
Enjoy

FM 3/17/08

You have to remember that I worked as a volunteer for a little over a year at ther National Aquarium in Baltimore to hunderstand my obsession with a hyperbolic crochet reef project:
http://www.nytimes.com/2008/03/04/arts/design/04crochet.html?_r=1&ref=environment&oref=slogin

This site has a lot of answers to your crochet questions and can direct you where to find tutorials on various techniques:
http://www.crochet911.com/home.html

Carolyn Christmas' website, free as well as pay patterns. These are terrific:
http://www.gourmetcrochet.com/

I was looking for a frog pattern and I came across this particular gem - a tree frog pattern. If you got a frog lover in your life, here you go:
http://littlegreen.typepad.com/romansock/tutorial-tree-frog.html

Want to learn more about fair use? Check out this website
http://hookandi.blogspot.com/2008/03/fair-use.html

It's not quite clear to me what counterfeit crochet is, but this certainly_sounds_ interesting:
http://stephaniesyjuco.wordpress.com/2008/03/10/wanted-counterfeiters-for-live-bootlegging-event-328/


This is a cool thing to crochet with sock yarn (or any other yarn for that matter). I can't quite explain what it is except a sort of pointy ball thing:
Click here: Berroco® Free Pattern | Celestine Crochet

If you need comfort or somebody you know needs some comfort, check out Noreen Crone-Findlay's bear pattern. Who couldn't use some comfort?
http://www.hankeringforyarn.com/crocheted-comfort-bear-by-noreen-crone-findlayc

Do you remember the Leggs pantyhose that came in an egg? I do. Here's some free patterns that use the egg - or you could just use some stuffing.
http://www.sarahanns.com/crochetworks/cwhome.html

Easter is almost here and the stores are filled with yummy chocolate. But if you want to give your waist (or hips) a break, this site has a zero calorie "Cadbury Creme Egg".
http://mama24boyz.blogspot.com/

I have never worked with lace weight yarn, but this shawl pattern makes me want to buy some and test the pattern.
http://milobo.wordpress.com/2008/01/24/evas-shawl-pattern/


Have you ever crocheted socks? Or a Christmas stocking? How about a crochet (and knit) sock contest? Read the rules and regulations here and_good_ luck_!
http://thinkoutsidethesox.com/SOX/Categories_Text.html


This is a really cool idea - wildlife rescue nests.
http://www.bevscountrycottage.com/nest.html

I'm a fool for pansies and this afghan is lovely:
http://www.purplekittyyarns.com/crochet-afghan-patternsie.html


This is a really cool looking square.
http://www.heartmadeblessings.org/patterns/BobbysSquare.asp

And this isn't free and it's only marginally about crochet but here it is:
http://www.petitiononline.com/1234lulu/petition.html
This is a petition to get Vickie Howell and "Knitty Gritty" back for another season. I think M's Howell is a terrific hostess and I do watch "Knitty Gritty" every chance I get. I don't knit, but I like to see the techniques because they do translate to crochet and I like the guests as well as M's Howell. So if you want to sign the petition, that's the site for it.

Before I sign off for this post, I'd like to thank all of you who have sent condolences to me regarding the death of my grandmother. It really means a lot to me.

Thank you, Crochet Lassie!

I wanted to show all of you a beautiful coaster Crochet Lassie sent me, along with a Christmas card and a photo of her family. I was quite surprised to get this little package yesterday. I opened it thinking "oh gosh, did I join a swap I forgot about? A scrunchie swap, maybe?" but I was very happy to find this beautiful coaster. She sent this to me as thanks for winning the book contest, what a very sweet thing to do. I'm not sure if the picture accurately presents how detailed the stitches are - very cool. I'd like to say publicly thank you, Mary Lynn - what a sweet gesture.

FM 12/24/97

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


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

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

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


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

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

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

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

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

_enjoy_

Freebie Monday 12/3/07

I got a mixed bag of listings for you today. The first one I seriously considered keeping to myself because I am a big brat. It's a contest for a snowman crochet hook hand carved by Noreen Crone-Findlay and it is beautiful. I like to use snowflake designs for Christmas (that way if I don't take them down right away, it doesn't look so goofy), so I really think this is cool.
http://www.hankeringforyarn.com/contest-win-a-handmade-crochet-hook
There's the website so you can see how the hook was made and you can enter the contest.

This also is a contest - it's for either a $300, $200 or $100 shopping spree at your favorite yarn shop. If you win, you could splurge on that yarn you've been eyeing but just can't justify buying it for yourself:
http://www.knittingdaily.com/about/yarn-spree-entry-rules.html

DMC (yes the embroidery thread people as well as perle cotton and Senso) have a site with free crochet patterns. If you want to check it out, here you go:
http://www.dmc-usa.com/majic/pageServer/1p010000kt/en_US/Free-Crochet-Designs.html

I said before I like snowflake patterns. I have made one snowflake afghan, but it didn't look like this one. I'm considering if I want to make another one - maybe. I do really like this pattern and it would make a great gift if you're fast enough to whip it up.
http://www.artoftangle.com/snowflake.htm


I don't have grandchildren and my sons are much to old to wear a hat like this. But I am thinking about making it for my great-nephews. Whether they are too fashion conscious to wear it, I don't know. If you get a chance to poke about Bev's Country Cottage, definitely take the time. She has some very lovely patterns - for sale as well as freebies - and they are always well written. http://bevscountrycottage.com/bevs-bear-beanie.html

Want to check out a few free crochet patterns from Interweave Press? That's a pattern for a boy's sweater here as well as a woman's pullover. Neither of these patterns are in the Interweave Crochet magazine: http://www.interweavecrochet.com/issue/materials_win07.asp#murphy

And here I go with another snowflake pattern. I really do _not_ need another scarf. In fact, I got some very soft yarnand some patterns for a scarf from a swap and I haven't used that yet.
http://crochet.about.com/nscarf.htm

I even buy those packs of crocheted snowflakes, I think they could be from India (not sure) because I think they are beautiful. I have a huge stack I was going to make a vest with, but now I don't like the way it looks. I did sew some on a denim Christmas stocking which of course, is _my_ stocking). I should post Craig's stocking....

As usual, I don't get a kickback from these folks, but as usual, I could be bought;)
_enjoy_

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_

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.