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 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 10/6/08

Here it is Monday again. I really truly mean to post days other than for Freebie Monday, but life gets in the way. Here's today's offerings:

Pattern Making has two lovely designs - one is a beautiful afghan
http://www.pattern-making.com/crochet/afghan-sea-shells/
and the second is for granny square slippers for the whole family:
http://www.pattern-making.com/crochet/granny-square-crochet-slippers/

Since it's October, pumpkins seem to be a primary decoration. Here's a filet pumpkin chart:
http://stylish-crochet.blogspot.com/2008/09/filet-crochet-pumpkin-chart-3.html

or maybe you'd prefer a few amigurumi pumpkin patterns:
http://planetmfiles.com/2008/10/04/free-crochet-pumpkin-pattern-or-two/


Or to get into the fall mood (and warm up a bit), here's a falling leaf afghan pattern:
http://www.coatsandclark.com/Crafts/Crochet/Projects/AfghansThrows/WR1039+Falling+Leaves+Afghan.htm

Red Heart has a website for the free patterns that come on the ball bands. So if you misplace that pattern (or maybe you never seen it), here's a place for you to check out:
http://www.redheart.com/patterns.html

Somebody out there has finished the Lion Brand crochet along and has a photo of her finished sampler - check it out, it's very pretty:
http://outtahere.wordpress.com/2008/10/01/its-finished/

Have you been looking for a Cthulhu pattern? Here's one for you and the wings look great.
http://cthulhucrochet.blogspot.com/2008/09/theyre-breeding-like-rabbits.html

Wormie has put her free patterns on one blog - Wormie's Pattern Place:
http://wormiespatternplace.blogspot.com/

This isn't a pattern but it may give you some ideas to do with plain t-shirts:
http://bonnindesigns.blogspot.com/2008/10/adding-zing-to-t-shirts-with-crochet.html

Here's another site that has free patterns - Sue's Crochet and Knitting patterns
http://crochetandknitting.com/patterns.htm

Noreen Crone-Findlay makes another appearance in this blog with her "Around the World" baby sweater and hat for Caron. Very cute:
http://www.caron.com/projects/ss/ss_around_world.html

As usual, I am not being financially supported by bribes or gifts by any of the sites I have mentioned. I keep waiting, but I think everybody's just too broke to do it;) - maybe when the economy takes an upturn;)

_enjoy_

FM 9/15/08

What a week! I celebrated (?) International Crochet Day by going to the leg doctor's and wearing my capris with the crocheted flowers on them. I crocheted preemie hats while waiting for the appointment. I even wore one of my t-shirts from my Cafe' Press shop. But that didn't have anything to do with the outcome - I _still_ have to wear the boot for another 5 weeks (too bad it's not a pirate boot). But on the bright side, at least it's my leg and not my hand.\

Some important news for pet owners - there has been (another) pet food recall. This includes pet food from Wal-Mart as well as Wegman's store brand. Some brands are Old Roy, Special Kitty, Pedigree and Buju and Ziggie. This petfood can cause Salmonella serotype Schwarzengrund in your pets. Please check this site: http://www.petcare.mars.com/

On a sad note, "Essentia" will no longer be publishing a newsletter. L'Tanya Durante is part of "the sandwich generation" (as many folks are) and is not able to keep up with it. I wish M's Durante the best of luck in her future endeavors and I am happy to see that M's Durante does have a new craft blog. Here it is: http://www.craftnicity.com/

On with the show
If you have ever listened to "Dr Demento" on the radio, you'll know that September 19th of every year is "Talk Like a Pirate Day". To find out a little more about it, here's a link
http://www.talklikeapirate.com/piratehome.html

What's that got to do with Freebie Monday? Well, there's a bit of a theme going on here...

These 2 patterns are for _sale_ not for free, but you might feel compelled to buy them to celebrate Talk Like A Pirate Day
Interweave Press Crochet Dread Pirate Sam (unless you have the edition with this pattern in it) http://shop.interweave.com/Crochet-Dread-Pirate-Sam-P202C59.aspx
and Scurvy Pirate pattern for sale
http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=6355011

This one is a freebie pattern from Lion Brand, a crochet pirate pal.
http://cache.lionbrand.com/patterns/70445AD.html

Or how about a Crochet Captain Teddy?
http://crochetme.com/patterns/captain-cute-pirate-teddy

here's a few links that aren't related to pirates.

This is a beautiful beaded crochet collar pattern.
http://www.pattern-making.com/crochet/beaded-crochet-collar

And at the same site, a crochet butterfly doily pattern.
http://www.pattern-making.com/crochet/crochet-butterfly-doily/

Here's a little something to dress up your little black dress:
http://www.berroco.com/exclusives/liza/liza.html

This is an incredibly cute scarf pattern - all hearts
http://pepperberry.typepad.com/my_weblog/conversation-hearts-scarf.html


I can't remember if I posted this or not - if I did, sorry, but here it is again, a crochet along with Lion Brand
http://www.lionbrand.com/patterns/20124AD.html


As usual, I receive no booty for listing these sites. I'd take some, but nobody's offering;)
_enjoy_

FM 9/8/08

Here I am, a little later than I like to be, but that's the problem at work - they don't let you surf the internet;) or crochet, *sheesh* what a rotten place;) I definitely miss being home and crocheting whenever I want. But while patterns may come free, yarn doesn't. (Neither does cat food.) So here we go:

Dee of "Crocheting with Dee" is doing her "60 scarves in 60 days" campaign again (she has extended the time). So check this out:

Click here: Fifth Annual "60 Scarves in 60 Days" Challenge Kickoff!

Yes, it's not quite fall, but almost. Here are some pumpkin patterns for you.
http://crochet.about.com/od/pumpkins/Pumpkin_Free_Crochet_Patterns.htm?nl=1

I thought this was pretty cool - a "flower power" slide show of beautiful crochet.
http://www.myspace.com/gonerustic

Remember the 10 year old girl crocheting doilies? Her mom posted more of her doilies to her blog site. (By the way, Lynn's blogsite is interesting in it's own right, but it doesn't have anything to do with crochet. It does, however, have a brownie mix recipe posted.)

lynnskitchenadventures.blogspot.com
and the daughter's blogsite:

http://briannascreativecrochet.blogspot.com/

Wondering about amigurumi? Here's a cool tutorial on it:
http://www.instructables.com/id/Crochet_tutorial_Amigurumi_Part_1/

And once you check out the tutorial, you can make this alien amigurumi alien- wouldn't the eye be cool in glow-in-the-dark yarn or if not for a child, a flow-in-the dark device/button?
http://pepperberry.typepad.com/my_weblog/2008/09/amigurumi-alien-pattern.html

And if you're looking to buy yarn, Herrschner's is doing their free shipping for orders $35 or more until September 30, 2008. The code is CC2. Could save money just by not driving around to find exactly what you want. I know sometimes I _need_ to pet the yarn, but it's great to be able to see all the colors in a particular line of yarn if I'm looking for specifics for a project.
http://herrschners.com/

September 12, 2008 is International Crochet Day. Crochet in public, wear or use something crocheted or something crochet related. Spread the good word. You can find out more about it here: http://yarnkrazy.wordpress.com/2008/09/06/september-12-2008-international-crochet-day/#comment-11

You may recognize this jacket - I did. Here's a pattern for a crochet and denim jacket.
http://www.pattern-making.com/crochet/crochet-denim-jacket/

And last but certainly not least, bat curtains. I'm hoping my younger son does not see these because he'd probably want them for his room. Than he would be unhappy because they didn't block out the sun. Oh, well, can't please everyone.
http://www.craftstylish.com/item/8710/filet-crochet-goes-to-the-bats

As usual, I get no payments from anyone for listing these sites. These are just things that are interesting to me and I hope are interesting to whoever is reading this blog. If not, poke around, there's bound to be something in these blogs you might want to crochet.

_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 8/18/08

On the health front, I am recovering slowly. Yesterday I decided to have an outing at Target and it was definitely too much, too soon. I hung on to the shopping cart for dear life. I arrived home, sore and exhausted and almost too tired to crochet. But I'm taking it easy today.
FYI, for the Crochetville 2008 Olympics game, I switched my challenge because I couldn't shop my stash. I decided I'd make 50 preemie hats (using the pattern on this website) by the end of the Olympics 2008. Why is it a challenge? Because I got a _very_late start.
Let's get on to Freebie Monday

this is a very elegant shawl pattern.
http://www.elann.com/ShowFreePattern.asp?Id=176024

I have problems making tassels as well as making pom-poms. If you have trouble with tassels, here's a tassel tutorial to teach you.
http://groups.msn.com/NeedleTattingTwo/tasselideas.msnw

Here's another pattern for crochet socks:
http://loveyarn1984.blogspot.com/2008/04/small-shell-socks.html

Okay, so I have a thing for crocheted socks - here's another pattern, this one is called "domino socks".
http://loveyarn1984.blogspot.com/2008/07/domino-sock.html

If you're looking for a charity to get involved with, here's one for Special Olympics scarves. You have to use Red Heart in specific colors to participate, here's the site:
http://www.coatsandclark.com/Crafts/Crochet/Features/Special+Olympics.htm

Perhaps you'd like to check out this site, a place to donate handmade items to soldiers, Soldiers Angels:http://tinyurl.com/Soldiers-Angels


Here's a pattern for a beret - you can make a whole collection, perhaps even a "raspberry beret" - or not....
http://cats-rockin-crochet.blogspot.com/2008/08/chunky-beret-and-three-seasons-beret.html

Here's a cute littletote, Dot's Little Ditty bag. There are also directions for different sizes.
http://patbythehook.blogdrive.com/archive/56.html

I think it's time for a puppy break - an amigurimi puppy that is:
http://www.craftbits.com/viewProject.do?projectID=2159

Did your children or you make one of these this past summer - this is pretty cool.
http://www.makingfriends.com/godseyes.htm

Are you planning to have a craft booth this fall at a festival? Here's ideas on how to make it "pop" and have folks notice your booth:
http://www.craftbusinessblog.com/craft-fair-booth-secrets/

This isn't a pattern , but a combination of knit and crochet squares for Terry Pratchett's "pratchgran" - made by his fans due his recent diagnosis of Alzheimers.

http://www.boingboing.net/2008/08/16/terry-pratchett-fana.html

This is also not a pattern, but the winner of the "People's Choice" award at the recent CGOA meeting:

http://crochetalacarte.blogspot.com/2008/07/my-major-projectrevealed.html

'

Again, just something to look at .This is a beautiful afghan that features the four elements - really lovely. Check it out: http://kimby77.blogspot.com/2008/01/avatar-four-elements.html

As usual, no one has given me a kickback to list these sites. I'm up for a bribe, but everybody else is just so darned honest.
_enjoy_

FM August 4, 2008

On the recovery front, things have gotten a bit, ahh, worse for wear. My surgical incision popped open about 4 inches long and 1 ince deep. I swear, I was only embroidering at the time. (I was embroidering around crocheted flowers I put on a pair of jeans.) It bled a lot but wasn't too serious, I guess. The incision got repacked and now my poor husband has another task, clean and pack the incision twice a day. It is down to 3 inches long and about 1/2 inch deep, so it is healing.
The other thing hindering recovery is I missed a step at my youngest sister's house and brought my (considerable) weight on my right foot, which folded up under me. I thought it was merely a sprain, but the lovely purple bruises have me thinking otherwise. So I have been under "house arrest" ;) since last Tuesday, after that accident happened. Luckily, the incision did not pop open again. I plan to have the foot checked out at my doctor's appointment.....
On the plus side, I have made about 4 bags, 1 bunny and 2 pairs of adult booties (the Carolyn Christmas "Gourmet Crochet" ones) so far. I'm not too sure about the Yarn Olympics thing, I can't "shop my stash" with a bum foot. *sigh*
Now on with the show.


"Years of Yarncraft", a Sluggy Freelance production. This is not a pattern but hilarious all the same. I have a few Sluggy Freelance items (t-shirts, Bun-Bun) that I was lucky enough to have my sons get me as gifts. Check it out:
http://www.sluggy.com/images/comics/080728y.gif

This is a crochet caliometry pattern, but I can't tell you what a caliometry is because I don't know. But it looks interesting.
http://homegrownrose.typepad.com/reclaimingthehome/2008/07/the-one-hundredth-in-which-she-shares-a-crochet-calorimetry-pattern.html

This is one of those neck pillows, shaped like a cat and it's for kids. Why do kids have all the fun?
http://www.coatsandclark.com/Crafts/Crochet/Projects/BabyChild/WR1679+Cat+Neck+Pillow.htm

Another geometric afghan pattern for you:
http://www.happyyellowhouse.com/htm/geo101.html

Of course, this is the Olympic challenge I spoke of earlier. I don't know if I will make this, maybe I'll substitute something else for the taprestry kitty pattern....
2008 Crochet Games of Ancient Greece Challenge

I can't tell you how long ago I learned to make a granny square, maybe when dinosaurs roamed the earth;) But if you don't know how to crochet a granny square, here's a site for you:
http://meetmeatmikes.blogspot.com/2008/07/how-to-crochet-granny-square-even-if.html

I've made a lot of scrunchies, but never a "curly" one. Check it out:
http://crochet.about.com/od/scrunchies/a/curlyqscrunch.htm

Want to know what to do with all those useless cds you got from AOL and the rest? Here's a site to guide you on using your cds with crochet.
http://www.akupara.com/turtleknitta/?p=50

Manitiu's crochet beehive shawl pattern, absolutely beautiful.
http://detnews.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20080712/OPINION03/807120400

You scream, I scream, we all scream for ice cream - that seems rather rude, doesn't it? You can make a little ice cream cone purse to keep your ice cream money in:
http://www.ecrochetpatterns.com/crochetpatterns/freeicecreamconenecklacepursecrochetpattern.htm

And this scrunchie pattern is from the same spot.
http://www.ecrochetpatterns.com/crochetpatterns/fancyyarncrochetedponytailholdersfreepattern.htm

Want to try your hand at filet crochet? Here's a neat pattern for a filet teapot chart:
http://stylish-crochet.blogspot.com/2008/07/filet-crochet-teapot-chart-2.htmlfilewt

Here's advice on how to use your stash up and a new (to me) acronym, SABLE - Stash Accumulated Beyond Life Expectancy....hmmm
http://knittingcrochet.suite101.com/article.cfm/using_up_your_yarn_stash

This is a bunny hat for adults. Lady Linoleum calls it "inebriated bunny hat" which since she's the designer, she has the right to do.... I love it, inebriated or not.
http://monstercrochet.blogspot.com/2007/01/inebriated-bunny-hat.html

Have rags, make butterfly rug. Or maybe you could just use thick yarn, it would be a different look but I bet it would still be pretty cool.
http://www.craftown.com/crochet/cropat54.htm

Yes, here's another Christmas pattern for a towel this time. Yeah, I know not everybody celebrates Christmas and it's only August, but here it is anyway.....
http://www.crochetmemories.com/archive/lorettaspattern.html

This is a Maneki Neko crochet pattern and if you are wondering what a "Maneki Neko" is, I can tell you "neko" means cat in Japanese, but I don't know what "maneki" means. Perhaps happy or lucky? You'll recognize this cat if you frequent Chinese restaurants as they always seem to have a huge pink statue of this in the restaurants.
http://www.mountainweaver.com/blog/

As usual, I do not receive a kickback or payoff from any of the sites listed here. I'd accept the bribes, but apparently there's none being offered;)

_Enjoy_ :)

shark week & fm July 28/08

It's shark week! Here's an English translation of a German pattern.
http://www.ullrykka.de/iblog/B567792918/C947144548/E20070508153639/Media/shark_english_version.pdf

And if you're waiting for the Olympics to begin, here's a way to join in - 2008 Crochet Games of Ancient Greece Challenge
I decided I'd join in and make Carol Ventura's tapresty kitty bag. *thanks Noreen for poiting this out to me) I've never done tapresty crochet before, so I thought why not give it a shot. It is also a free pattern, not sure if I posted the link before....
http://www.tapestrycrochet.com/KittyBag.htm


Remember peace signs? Sure you do - check out the pease sign battette (it looks like a barrette to me)
http://shala-beads.livejournal.com/218625.html#cutid1

Here's a lovely hairpin lace shawl by the Stitch Diva. Her work is always so beautiful. (Stitch Diva also has tutorials on how to do hairpin lace)
http://www.stitchdiva.com/ProductInfo.aspx?productid=FREE008

Michaels website has some crochet patterns on it, here's a V-neck vest:
http://www.michaels.com/art/online/projectsheet?pid=e06596

It's hot, you don't feel like making anything that's going to lay across your lap, try this pattern. You can customize it with a fancy button, it's a wreath pin.
http://craftside.typepad.com/craftside/2008/07/bullion-stitch.html

I've made a lot of toys in my life, but I have never seen this technique used before. Next time I make a toy, I'm trying this. It's a tutorial on how to make a toy with ears and legs all in one piece.
Click here: http://www.esunbeams.com/knittycat/patterns/knittycatsLoopyLegCrochetTechniquetutorial.pdf

"Woman's Day" also has some crochet patterns - these are a preview from Tamie Snow's "Tiny Yarn Animals"
Cuddly Crochet Creatures

Or maybe you're in the mood to make motifs to put together - here's a flower (daisy like) motif
http://crochet.about.com/library/weekly/aa051300.htm?nl=1

Want to make something cute for a child - here's a bear-ghan.....hmm, I wonder if I can make it big enough for an adult....
http://web.archive.org/web/20021009171701/http://home.earthlink.net/~bollandbunch/bearghan.html

Somewhere along the way, I missed the July edition of "Black Purl". Here's the link so you don't....
http://www.black-purl-magazine.com/

I ran into some sites that feature free patterns:
http://www.yarncat.com/crochet.html
http://www.crochetstuff.com/
http://www.grannys-garret.com/pattern/crochetpattern.html

Have you watched the "Tour de France" ? or maybe "The Triplets of Belleville" (a beautiful movie, by the way, great for kids and adults). Perhaps you'd like to know about the "Tour de Fleece"
http://www.tourdefleece.com/TdF_2008_home.ht


FYI, no kickbacks were given for mention on this blog :(

_enjoy_

FM 7/21/08

I'm back, tanned, rested and ready;) Actually it's more like pale, achy & tired, but what's new about that? The surgery went okay, but I am still recuperating. My first day back home from the hospital I tried to read the new issue of "Crochet World" and I couldn't make sense of the dc and sc and ch 3 but now I think I'm back in regards to crochet. I've made 2 bags and some scrunchies and I took apart a video tape ("Something To Talk About" in case you're wondering) to start to crochet. I wasn't too happy with the results so far, perhaps I need a smaller hook. Enough about me, here's some stuff for you to check out...

This is a chainless half double crochet tutorial. Some folks don't care for the half double crochet, but I like it.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AEBR6SCt8IA

Some people are clever enough to see crochet supplies all around them. This person demonstrates that going to the local hardware store can be sort of like crochet supply shopping.
http://beadline.blogspot.com/2008/07/bead-crochet-end-caps.html

Need a wristband? I'm thinking about modifying it a bit for a wrist support.....the one I made and left at work decided it wanted to live elsewhere so it grew legs and ran off.....
http://crochet.about.com/od/wristbands/ss/aa061105.htm

Between recuperation and the heat, it's hard for me to keep a thought in my head, but this one occurred to me: Can a crocheted monster win against a rubber toy? See for yourself.
http://adweek.blogs.com/adfreak/2008/07/milk-fed-thumb.html

This is a cute crocheted baby blanket, the designer calls it "Jasie". Pretty cool.
http://happyyellowhouse.com/htm/jasie.html

I don't know quite how to describe this pattern, I'll say "star flower" because that's what it looks like to me. Neat afghan idea.
http://www.berroco.com/exclusives/cyanne/cyanne.html

Yeah, it's hot where I am. But since I have a bit of free time between watching Jerry and Oprah;) I can work on a cardigan for the fall.
http://www.naturallycaron.com/projects/turnberry/turnberry_1.html

I hope I didn't post this one already, I seem to have a thing for crocheted cupcake patterns/
http://bittersweetblog.wordpress.com/2007/08/14/bake-me-a-cake/

Here's a 9 point star afghan. I'm not sure where the round afghan trend started, but I do like the star ones.
http://stormdracscrochet.blogspot.com/2008/04/9-pointed-round-ripple-with-solid.html

Maybe you could use a small change purse, just enough to store your quarters for the soda / coffee machine at work. Here's a cool pattern for one.
http://members.aol.com/gypsydoodl/reticule.htm

And of course, I'm jump on the "Batman" bandwagon to promote my blog;) I doubt I'll make $158 million (which is what I think "The Dark Knight" took in on opening weekend) but hey, let's give it a shot, you never know;).... I thought this bat filet pattern could be adapted to a scarf for folks who like bats.
http://crochet.about.com/library/nbat2.htm?nl=1

Or Maybe you'd prefer a "bat banner".....
http://crochet.about.com/library/weekly/aa091900.htm?nl=1


And finally, for those of you who can't make the CGOA conference, here's somebody that is going to report from the floor of the conference. I'd love to be there, but not the way I feel now....and with maybe Donald Trump's credit card. I could rent one of those mobility scooter things and buy a _lot_ of yarn and supplies.
Click here: Hobbies online radio shows and crochet internet talk radio by Getting Loopy! with Mary Beth Temple | BlogTalkRadio

As usual, no payments were given for mention in this blog. But in case in the weird chance somebody would _want_ to give me payola, I'd probably take it;)

fm (a day late)

Here is a fascinating site for those of you who like miniatures. This is a pattern for a miniature bouquet. Absolutely amazing to me....
http://www.artisansinminiature.com/catalog.html

Looking for something a little different in a hotpad? Check this pattern out for a beautiful hotpad pattern, sort of Celtic in looks (at least to me).
http://cityofcrochet.blogspot.com/2008/05/weaved-hotpad.html


Way back in the depths of time, there was a pattern featured that had Marilyn Monroe worked into it. Todd Paschall has the method of taking a photo and working it into an afghan at this site.
http://www.crochetbynumbers.com/

Just in case the airconditioning is a bit colder than you would like, here's a shawl pattern for you.
http://www.coatsandclark.com/Crafts/Crochet/Projects/Accessories/WM0303+Crochet+Lacy+Shawl.htm

I may have posted this one already, but I'm not sure.....
http://www.naturallycaron.com/projects/belize/belize_1.html

Noreen Crone-Findlay's pattern for an angel doll for peace. Her work is always great and this is cool.
http://www.hankeringforyarn.com/crocheted-angel-of-peace-doll

Doris Chan has a pattern for a wrap. I love M's Chan's patterns of "exploded doilies".
http://www.naturallycaron.com/projects/cocobay/cocobay_1.html

An article that talks about the benefits of crochet (and knitting).
curlsofsunshine.tipzu.com/people-who-knit-and-crochet-may-be-happier-and-healthier


As usual, no kickbacks for me. I even thought of setting up a separate mail box to accept them but nobody's even offering;)

_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 6/2/08

There's a neat online publication that's called "Canadian Living". It often has crochet patterns. Here's one for you:
http://www.canadianliving.com/crafts/crochet/crocheted_halter_top_and_shawl.php

This link is not a freebie but I really like it. If I can find a few plastic geese, I think I'd have a perfect gift for my sister-in law. (Did I ever post the story about the "drive by scarfing" incident?) Here it is, costumes to dress your goose....
http://collins-ottinger.com/

This is a very pretty afghan pattern. It is the blogger's own and her favorite afghan pattern:
http://pumamouse.com/crochetmyfavorite.html

I know, I know - who wants to think of an afghan (at least in the North America area) when it's warm out. But this is quite pretty, you can work it up a few motifs at a time and you won't sweat to death doing it.
http://www.artoftangle.com/free_patterns.htm

This is an oldie but a goodie - a "hobo bag" by Lion Brand.
http://crochet.about.com/gi/dynamic/offsite.htm?zi=1/XJ/Ya&sdn=crochet&cdn=hobbies&tm=30&f=21&tt=14&bt=0&bts=1&zu=http%3A//joann.lionbrand.com/patterns/ckc-tote.html

Purple Kitty has done it again. I find lobsters funny and this potholder is pretty cool. Or you could adapt the lobster pattern and sew it on a bag - maybe the hobo bag?
http://www.freevintagecrochet.com/potholders/lobster.html


A ribbed sock pattern:
http://www.planetshoup.com/easy/crochet/ribsox.shtml

As usual, I don't get any kickbacks from any of these people for listing their sites here. I'd take kickbacks, I'm not proud, but apparently everyone is watching their money;)

By the way, June 14 is "Knitting / Crocheting in Public Day". I'm not sure what my parents' anniversary has to do with public displays of needlework, but there you are. I happened to be watching an Oriole versus Yankee baseball game and saw a few people knitting in the stands.
(Of course, the Orioles lost because_ I _was watching, doing my own version of "Pitch and Stitch" at home.)

_enjoy_

FM 5/12/08

This ia a pattern for crocehting the Lorenzo manifold. I know, you're thinking "what is the Lorenzo manifold?" You've most likely have seen it but don't know that name for it:
http://www.enm.bris.ac.uk/anm/preprints/2004r03.pdf


Remember Bjork, with her crocheted outfits and of course the famous swan dress. Bjork is back now with pompoms, apparently the new cool thing. I hardly make pompoms, to be honest with you.
http://thescotsman.scotsman.com/features/Pompoms-can-save-the-planet.4051774.jp
http://debscrafts55.blogspot.com/2008/04/baby-bumpy-booties.html


I know, it's too late for Mother's Day but maybe you can squeeze it in for graduation day or a birthday:
http://rsislandcrafts.blogspot.com/2008/02/crocheted-long-stem-roses-free-pattern.html


This isn't a pattern, but it is a Stella McCartney crochet purse. It is quite expensive, perhaps M's McCartney crocheted it herself? Take a look at this purse and see if you think it's worth over a thousand dollars:
http://www.neimanmarcus.com/store/catalog/prod.jhtml?itemId=prod53230003&ecid=NMCIGoogleBaseFeed&ci_src=14110944&ci_sku=V03TW
Stella McCartney's crocheted bag

I haven't seen a new "Knit and Crochet Today" lately, though I think I heard they are going to change the hostess (Kassie Depaiva....I think...) at any rate, here's the site with the crochet patterns from the show: http://www.coatsandclark.com/Crafts/Crochet/Projects/TV+Projects/Crafts+Project+List.htm


As usual, I get no kickbacks from any of these folks or companies. Sure, I'd take a kickback (I'd tell you that I was taking a kickback first.) But nobody's offering. Must be the economy.....

Sorry for the relatively low amount of sites, I am quite heart broken because I had to put my bunny, Cadbury, to sleep on Saturday. He broke his back and there's nothing the vet could do for him. Bunnies have very fragile backs. I will miss him terribly

Freebie Monday 5/5/08

Want a pattern for a daisy square that "pops out" at you? Try this 3D granny square.
http://crochetmaryellen.blogspot.com/2007/06/easy-daisy-granny-square.html

Around Baltimore, it's that weird sort of weather - cool in the mornings and evenings, but warmish during the day. A shawl is the perfect solution for that inbetween weather:
http://www.caron.com/projects/ft/summer_shawl.html

You need to check this site out - she makes amazingly cool amigurimi toys and this pattern shows you how to make a human figure:
http://geekcentralstation.blogspot.com/2008/03/free-pattern-aragorn-and-boromir.html

I have to tell you I never really noticed Bonnie Pierce's name until the 2006 "Crochet Pattern a Day" calendar. I had seen her work before, but that calendar showcased her amazing talent with a roll (bullion) stitch. This site has patterns for a few of her squares and her work is so beautiful, I want to make one of everything. So far, I haven't but I definitely want to work a few of these squares into an afghan:
http://members.aol.com/gandal195/patternpg.html

Need a pattern for a small bag? This is a quick pattern to work up:
http://crochet-mania.blogspot.com/2008/04/blog-post_30.html

This pattern is from a 1972 "McCall's Needlework". I remember the magazine well....this is "groovy";)
http://web.archive.org/web/20010908163424/www.cei.net/~vchisam/groovy/48-178bag.html


This site is about making "Izzy dolls" to give away. It has both crochet and knit patterns. The story behind the dolls is very powerful, please check it out:
http://www.northumberlandtoday.com/ArticleDisplay.aspx?e=1007808

I have been working on a crocheted rainbow afghan for my nephew. He put the request in at Easter, I guess to give me lots of time to make it. I had debated on how to make the double bed size afghan. Right now, I'm thinking of going with a quilt sort of look. I really didn't want to do a double bed side ripple or make a ton of little motifs to sew together. I am almost finished the orange section (I already finished red), so that just gives me 5 more sections to finish and put together. At the present rate of work, I think I should be done in about 6 weeks. At least, I'm hoping to have it done in 6 weeks;) I'll see how it goes once I have more of the color sections done.

I love mystery books. I skipped Nancy Drew completely and went straight away to the Agatha Christie novels. I loved "The Cat Who...." books, the P.D. James books and the Diane Mott Davidson's books with the recipes in them. But now I am currently waiting for Amazon to deliver a crochet mystery book to me. It's called " Hooked on Murder" by Betty Hechtman. I don't know anything about it, but since there are quilt and knit mysteries out, it's about time for a crochet mystery book. I'll let you know how I like it after I read it.

As usual, I receive no kickbacks from any of the sites or products mentioned. I can be bought, but apparently no one wants to buy me;)

_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 4/21/08

This is a really cool pattern for crocheted socks:
http://loveyarn1984.blogspot.com/2008/04/small-shell-socks.html

Yes, it is Earth Day this week. Although some media outlets are calling Earth Day a "national holiday", it's not really - the post office and the banks remain open. But I never need a holiday to post a link to Noreen Crone-Findlay's site for some cool crochet. Here's a crocheted market bag as M's Crone-Findlay's contribution to Earth Day
http://www.hankeringforyarn.com/crocheted-market-bag

Do you ever dream about crochet? Sometimes I think about a pattern before I go to sleep, it seems to help me fall asleep faster. But this woman dreams of crochet and creates hats with her dreams:
http://tapestrycrochet.blogspot.com/

Not a pattern site, but something totally different in the land of crochet. Here's a crochet crab and a frog (among other animals) by Portuguese artist Joana Vasconcelos.

http://casasugar.com/1549938

This pattern combines 2 of my favorite things - crochet and buttons.
http://crochetroo.blogspot.com/2008/04/button-blossom-brooch-free-crochet.html

This is a character from the "Dr Who" tv seiries:

http://community.livejournal.com/starrs_crodream/13453.html

Did you ever have a Blythe doll? I was a little too old for dolls when she became popular. But my younger sisters had one. They would have asked me to make this hat for their doll.
http://www.knitchat.com/2008/03/28/freebie-friday-blythe-crocheted-hat/


Many, many years ago, I was married to a guitarist. The band would usually practice at my house. I wish there was something like this pattern then.
http://www.gizmodo.com.au/2008/04/rock_band_drum_kit_crochet_covers_prevent_eviction-2.html


Looking for a springtime centerpiece - check out Berroco's pattern for pussywillow and hydrangea.

http://www.berroco.com/exclusives/centerpiece/centerpiece.htm



as usual, no payoffs.
_enjoy_