FM 11/17/08

I'm still hobbling around with this boot and thinking about the big Thanksgiving feeding frenzy at my house. I've been working on preemie hats and just shipped off 10 crocheted hats to "Knit One, Save One" in Brooklyn, New York. http://vickiehowell.blogspot.com/2008/11/knit-one-save-one-with-warm-up-america.html
The other preemie hats I make continue to go to the NICU at University of Maryland Hospital.


Not a freebie, but 50% off of Roxycraft Patterns is still pretty sweet.
http://roxycraft.com/

SInce Thanksgiving is in little over a week (in the USA) , it's time to polish the silverware - or maybe not....how about spending that time making crochet decorations for Thanksgiving? People will remember the Thanksgiving decorations longer than whether they can see their face in your silver?

How about starting with a turkey amigurimi?
http://www.lionbrand.com/patterns/80744AD.html

Or how about this turkey?
http://planetmfiles.com/2008/11/11/free-crochet-turkey-pattern/

You might remember making a turkey drawing from tracing your hand - or maybe your kids did? Here's a crochet example of it in crochet - a turkey hand crochet
http://cecinatrix.blogspot.com/2008/11/turkey-love.html


Or how a turkey square that needs to be tested, according to the author - check it out
http://dayna.tdgservices.com/ShowPattern.aspx?PatternID=34

Here's something really cute - a pumpkin pie fridge magnet
http://www.crochetmemories.com/archive/november2.html

Or how about a turkey fridgie...
http://www.bevscountrycottage.com/turkey.html

Here 's teddy bear pilgrim outfit and a link for a crocheted teddy bear
http://crochet.about.com/library/weekly/aa112297.htm

How about a cute turkey pin to wear on your apron or coat -
http://www.crochetdoilies.com/crochet_turkey.html

Or how about a pumpkin pin
http://www.suite101.com/article.cfm/fiber_arts/83799


As usual, no payola came my way for listing these sites.
_enjoy_

fm 10/13/08

Happy Thanksgiving to the Canadians in the audience. Lucky you, you're going to be eating turkey:)

There's a few things that aren't freebies, so let's get them out of the way right now.

If you're so inclined, I have put a button up (on the right hand side) for a donation for the "Race for the Cure"in Baltimore. It's next week, so I'm not quite sure if my doc will let me walk the mile or so. I signed up for it before I realized I'd be in the stinky boot so long. The money doesn't go to me, it goes directly to "Race for The Cure" which is working to find a cure for breast cancer. I've walked it almost every year, but not so sure about this one because of the broken leg. We;ll see what the doc says on Friday.

Peter Franzi (Hookerbear Creations) does some besutiful patterns - even for larger sizes. Until December 31, 2008, he is offering his great patterns at half price. Plus they are in a pdf form, so there's immediate gratification for thos of us who are pattern addicts. Check it out:
http://hooker-bear.com/

Here's something amazing (to me) - okay, it's not a freebie, but it really doesn't look that hard to make the Saks "Pacific Hobo Bag":
http://www.zappos.com/n/p/p/7509071.html

Thinking maybe the next few months will ruin your diet? Here's a suggestion for you - an amigurami food swap:
http://www.swap-bot.com/swap/show/22986

And to get you started, a pattern for amigurami candy corn
http://www.lionbrand.com/patterns/80763AD.html?noImages=

This is a very pretty hat done in bulky yarn:
http://freshwaterfibers.blogspot.com/2008/10/bulky-crochet-hat-pattern.html

In honor of my two new kittens, Braveheart and Heidi, here's a cute kitten filet chart:
http://stylish-crochet.blogspot.com/2008/10/filet-crochet-kitten-chart-1.html

This patten is called "Divine Cap" and it really is quite divine - check out the other patterns on the site, too.
http://rheatheylia.com/index.php?page=patterns&id=0

Need a crochet Christmas tree here you go:
http://www.mypicot.com/christmas_crochet_patterns04.html

This is one of my faves because I have trouble working with thread - snowflakes using "woolen yarn"
http://www.mypicot.com/christmas_crochet_patterns04.html

But for those of you who do work with thread, here's some lovely thread snowflakes:
http://www.mypicot.com/christmas_crochet_patterns01.html

The Art of Crochet makes an appearance again with these crochet slippers on You Tube.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8jUBskG-6V8

Want to learn how to make some beautiful lace - check out the basic Bruges lace shown here:
http://crochet-mania.blogspot.com/

As ususal, I don't get any payola from the sites mentioned here. I'd accept it but since I mention the sites for free, why would anyone pay me?
_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.

FM 2/25/08

okay, so I'm a day late (and a dollar short;))

Do you happen to have a pattern that uses the Bristish sizing for hooks and you're wondering - do I have this hook? Here's the place to go for the conversion:
http://www.grandriveryarns.com/needlechart.htm

Toast is great - it can be breakfast or a little something for the rumbly tummy. Growing up, toast and tea cured almost everything. But I've never seen a toast purse (complete with pat of butter) until now. It's cute.
http://bittersweetblog.wordpress.com/2006/09/05/butter-me-up/

But maybe you prefer cookies - Oreo to be specific. I think these are cool and I don't even like Oreo cookies. Plus you don't have to worry about the "proper" way to eat them (middle first of the whole cookie). Yes, crocheting food is a little silly, but if you can't have fun with your crochet, what can you have fun with? Here you go.
http://www.thriftyfun.com/tf34890489.tip.html

I'm not a tatoo person. I'm not scared of the needle (however, the cost makes me wince) but I'm just not into them for myself. But they are some cool craft tats. No crochet ones, but there's a sewing machine as well as a knitting tat.
http://blog.craftzine.com/archive/2007/09/crafty_tats.html
http://flickr.com/photos/theloneknitta/2222634141/in/pool-craft

Do you want to make a little girl (12-24 months) a pretty spring dress? Here's a pattern for you:
http://www.crochetville.org/forum/showthread.php?t=72570

Or maybe it's time for a new hat? This lovely beret is very impressive, especially with the bow:
http://creativeyarn.blogspot.com/2008/02/puff-stitch-crochet-beret-with-bow.html

Do you need a refresher course in crocheting? Or maybe you just want to watch somebody eles's technique? Check this out
http://sharonb.wordpress.com/2008/02/21/learn-how-to-crochet/#comment-18914


As always, no kickbacks.

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_

October 15 freebies

okay, it's not all free patterns. There's a few interviews scattered along the way.
Let's get started:
BellaOnline Interview.

cool interview with a designer. I like BellaOnline, but I tend to forget about it since you have to go to the site.

I think the old "Crochet Fantasy" did an article on Darla Fanton and her illusion crochet. Here's a site where she is shown teaching a class in it. If you're lucky, she'll be near where you are, so you can see it for yourself.

Click here: Darla Fanton

I thought this was a pretty cool scarf pattern, but I am a sucker for the watercolor looking yarn

http://crochet.about.com/od/clothingforwomen/ss/aa062905.htm


I have a thing about crocheted food. I have no idea why, except I think it's pretty cool. Plus I remember when my younger son was a baby, each time we visited my mom, he'd take the cookie magnet off the fridge. He would act like he was going to eat it and we thought that was hilarious (that's what happens with the second kid, if it was the first, I'd probably would have been upset). I don't know that he would have been "fooled" by the crocheted food. (There's always been some doubt whether he actually thought he was eating a cookie or he was just doing it for the reaction.)

http://www.normalynn.info/freepatterns.html

And to top that off, a crocheted hamburger dress. Yes, you heard me right. Probably would be good for Halloween.
http://www.craftzine.com/blog/archive/2007/10/crochet_hamburger_dress.html?CMP=OTC-5JF307375954

_enjoy_