2/1/10

In this neck of the woods, we got 7 inches of a "light dusting of snow". Plus it's _cold_, in the teens. Not exactly the most pleasant weather in the world. But being able to stay inside and drink tea and crochet is great:) I just hope the bulbs that are just to pop out of the ground don't freeze.

Unless you have been living under a rock, you have heard about the earthquake in Haiti. It will take _years_ for Haiti to get something close to normal. Etsy has a special section for selling items to benefit Haiti - it's called Hearts for Haiti and this is the site. Check it out:
http://www.etsy.com/shop/HeartsforHaiti?ga_search_query=Haiti+Relief&ga_search_type=all&ga_page=&order=date_desc&includes[0]=tags&includes[1]=title&page=3



I don't know if you follow the blog, "This Year's Dozen" but it's pretty cool. Chesk out the granny squares she's completed so far:
http://thisyearsdozen.wordpress.com/2010/01/24/more-squares-finished-squares-61-98-101-76-78/

And along with the granny squares, here's a rainbow outline granny square pattern.
http://crochet.about.com/od/freecrochetpatterns/a/Rainbow_Outlines_Granny_Square.htm


And just because February has Valentine's Day in it, here's a granny square heart pattern
http://theroyalsisters.blogspot.com/2009/12/grandma-hearts-tutorial.html

And, of course, another heart pattern from Planet M Files:
http://planetmfiles.com/2010/01/26/free-crochet-heart-pattern/

Maybe you call your honey your "love monkey" (or maybe you don't). Either way, here's a cute amigurumi monkey pattern
http://www.favecrafts.com/Crochet-Amigurumi/Monkey-Amigurumi-Crochet-Pattern-from-Caron-Yarn


And though I am freezing right now and can't think of what I'd use fingerless gloves for, this is still a very pretty pattern
http://www.naturallycaron.com/projects/aqualina/aqualina_1.html



How about trying out cables in a limited way - here's a crochet cable purse
http://www.favecrafts.com/Crochet-Bags/Cable-Purse-Crochet-Pattern-from-Caron-Yarn#



And if your feet are freezing, here's some crocheted slippers
http://bohemianmermaid.blogspot.com/2010/01/crochet-slippers-pattern.html

Another lovely pattern from Caron - a scarf - Pandores scarf
http://www.naturallycaron.com/projects/paradores/paradores_1.html


That all for me this week. I hope you are staying comfortable - not too cold and not too warm, just right. As usual, I don't get any favors for posting these links.

_Enjoy_

FM 11/09/09

It's happy birthday to me day at my house. I have reached the age of a speed limit;) (55 if you must know). I have almost finished the "oopsi" afghan. I had a great deal of difficulty doing the last 5 or so rounds. This is because I wasn't paying attention as closely as I should have. I would get 2 rounds into it and realize I made a mistake on the first round. Or 3 rounds into and realize a mistake in the first round. So I chickened out and made up my own last few rounds. It still looks good, but I do think the real pattern looks better. I also think I wasn't going to spend more time ripping out the rounds. I should have paid attention and if I make it again (I'm sure I will), I will use stitch holders to mark where I checked the pattern every 10 or so clusters. All the patterns in the book are great.

This isn't a plug, just something I am curious about - you can learn
to crochet from an iphone? Isn't the screen small?
http://prmac.com/release-id-8344.htm

Suzie always has such great patterns - here's Suzie's circle of hearts beret
http://suzies-yarnie-stuff.blogspot.com/2009/10/circle-of-hearts-beret.html

If you are preparing for Thanksgiving and you have the time, here's a Thanksgiving wreath for you: http://www.favecrafts.com/Thanksgiving/Thanksgiving-Turkey-Wreath-Crochet-Pattern



I love sunflowers. My sunflowers have gone the way of most of my flowers because it's been a little cold here. But this is great - a sunflower lapghan
http://debscrafts55.blogspot.com/2008/03/sunflower-lap-ghan.html


More stuff for the fall or Thanksgiving - crocheted leaves
http://www.craftstylish.com/item/13783/how-to-crochet-autumn-leaves-to-decorate-your-table

This is great - a crocheted joy sign
http://www.favecrafts.com/Christmas-Crafts/Joy-Crochet-Sign


My oldest sister loves dolphins. I wonder how she would like this dolphin pattern?
http://members.optusnet.com.au/we2/dolphin.html


If you are making gifts, Christmas or otherwise, you need to know what size to make the article - Beverly Button has a sizing chart on her site
http://www.bevscountrycottage.com/size-chart.html

How about some monster slippers
http://premieryarns.com/patterns.php?id=128


The Happy Yellow House has a sweet pattern for a technicolor heart afghan
http://www.happyyellowhouse.com/htm/techheart.html

And here's a pattern for a granny square Christmas tree
http://hookyarnpattern.blogspot.com/2008/12/granny-square-christmas-tree.html


As usual, no kickback for me for featuring these items. Who could afford it?
_Enjoy_

FM June 8, 2009 and RIP Mrs Donley

I was Ida Mae Donley's "senior beacon" which meant I was supposed to sent her no guilt mail - you know, cards for holidays, that sort of thing. The relationship evolved slowly until I felt I really got to know Mrs Donley (I could never bring myself to call her by her first name - she was older than my grandmother and it just didn't seem polite.) Mrs Donley was quite the quilter, even well into her late 90s. She would quilt lap quilts and walker bags for the other folks in the nursing home. Even though we didn't do the same type of handwork, the fact we both did handwork bonded us.
Mrs Donley passed away last week, at the age of 101 years old. Later today I will be attending her funeral. Granny squares and motifs are the closest thing crocheters have to quilt squares, so I thought I'd honor Mrs Donley's memory by just having all free patterns for those items.


How to crochet a granny square
http://www.crochetcabana.com/tutorials/granny_square.htm


A quarter granny square:
http://promotions.drgnetwork.com/newsletters/talkingcrochet/pages/TCNL2806_patt.html

a half a granny square
http://www.geocities.com/riverglorious/Patterns/halfgrannysquare.html

Off kilter granny
http://sofar-sogood.blogspot.com/2007/05/off-kilter-granny.html

Lacy Spoke motif
http://www.crochetmemories.com/archive/misc10.html

This site uses symbol crochet, no instructions
http://www.mypicot.com/qumo.html

This motif creates a star
http://cache.lionbrand.com/cgi-bin/faq-search.cgi?store=/stores/eyarn&faqKey=342

sunrise granny square
http://crochet-mania.blogspot.com/2009/02/sunrise-granny-square.html

Stuffed circle square
http://www.squidoo.com/freestuffedcircleafghansquarecrochetpattern

Heart square
http://www.crochetnmore.com/heartafghansquare2.htm

Fish afghan square
http://www.crochetnmore.com/fishafghansquare.htm

Little flower square
http://www.geocities.com/alyssa5000/flowersq.html\

The usual disclaimers apply (I didn't get paid to post these sites).
FYI I will name the winner of the book on Tuesday, June 9, 2009. Sorry for the delay but I'm not in the mood to pick a winner right now.
_Enjoy_

Freebie Monday May 18, 2009

Hello again. I finally finished the baby afghan and have to finish the pink and white turtle that goes with it. Actually, all I have to do is embroider a face, stuff it and sew it together, not that big a deal. But it's crunch time at work so I'm not sure if I'll finish it this week...

Let's start out with a few blogs to check out:

This is Prudence Mapstone's blog about a scumble a week
http://prudencemapstone.blogspot.com

In case you are interested in recycling your plastic bags into "plarn" - plastic yarn, here's a blog about that
http://plastiqrecreation.blogspot.com/

Not a pattern, but a cool blog...
http://thisyearsdozen.wordpress.com/

Vickie Howell has a new crochet book out and here's an interview with her
http://naughtysecretaryclub.blogspot.com/2009/05/crochet-conflab-with-vickie-howell.htm


The next three links are from Vashti Braha's blog - the first two are about crocheting with wire
http://designingvashti.blogspot.com/2009/05/free-crochet-pattern-for-mothers-day.html
http://designingvashti.blogspot.com/2009/05/using-crochet-jewelry-with-wire-free.html
and this link explains how to keep your crochet inspirations in a reasonable order. I'll write thoughts for patterns on a scrap of paper. I'll lose the scrap and find it much later, when I can't quite remember what I was trying to do. This is a much more formal way to keep track of inspiration, but my informal way isn't helping me.
http://designingvashti.blogspot.com/2009/05/how-to-journal-about-your-crochet-ideas.html


This was a tough winter in many ways. My houseplants got hit hard because it got cold and stayed cold early on. I lost a lot of cacti, unfortunately. But now I can crochet a few to brighten my work area - it's really cute.
http://amigurumipatterns.blogspot.com/2007/11/thank-you-little-cactus.html


If you're old enough, you may remember the ads for the "crazy daisy loom" on tv. You could order an afghan kit that included a flower loom. Now you may be able to pick them up at a yard sale or thrift store (or E-bay). Noreen Crone-Findlay has a tutorial on "vintage" flower looms. ("Vintage"?! I guess that makes me "vintage", too)
http://www.blisstree.com/hankeringforyarn/how-to-make-flowers-on-vintage-flower-looms/

I knew my younger niece was pregnant, but until today I didn't know if she was having a girl or a boy. I suspected she was having a boy and I was right. Now I got to figure out another boy baby afghan (I've made 2 baby boy afghans for her already)...so I'm thinking, maybe this will be the next baby afghan?
http://crochetme.com/patterns/dont-be-square-granny

or this?
http://www.craftyarncouncil.com/projects/animals.html
I don't know yet. I have to think some more about this. I've got until August, so hopefully something will impress me..
I could make a crochet bib, but that would have to be extra because I did make the other 2 boys and afghan.....
http://crochettogo.blogspot.com/2009/03/crocheted-bib.html

That's it for Freebie Monday this week. As usual, I do not get a penny from mentioning any of these people or any of these sites. I'm willing to be bribed, but who has the money for that these days;)

_enjoy_

FM 12/15/08

Hello again. I'm not 100% but then again, who is? I've got a lot of links today, mostly Chrismas related - for gifts and some decorations. I have searched for free Hannukah crochet patterns, but the few I found I have listed already. So if you know of any or maybe you have it on your blog, please make a comment and I'll be happy to post it....
on with the show

This is a contest from Berroco Yarns - enter to win a gift basket of yarn from Berroco
http://www.berroco.com/knitbits/html/KB270.html

The new "Crochet Insider" is now available
http://www.crochetinsider.com/

This is a news article about how a woman chose to honor her sister:
http://www.beacononlinenews.com/news/daily/1338

More news - Interweave Press acquires "CrochetMe" site:
http://www.ncbr.com/article.asp?id=97471

You probably have heard of this or maybe seen a photo of it - it's a giant crochet pencil, I tell you!
http://www.digitalartsonline.co.uk/news/index.cfm?NewsID=11858

I don't like gingerbread. I know, it seems a terrible thing to say, but there you are. And though I like to bake, I wouldn't consider baking a gingerbread house. I'd rather crochet a gingerbread house:
http://www.thriftyfun.com/tf75040263.tip.html

This articke says it's about knitting, but I would think the same principles apply to crocheting
http://wikiknitting.com/wiki/How_to_Take_Detailed_Photos_of_your_Knitting

Those of you who are up on things, here's a new project for you - it's the Chinese zodiac amigurumi
http://www.knit1mag.com/patterns/2008/winter/chinese_zodiac.pdf

This would be a cute add-on to a sweatshirt - a crochet snowman applique (yes, even though it says "add to cart",it's a freebie
http://www.thehandmadedress.net/tutorials.htm

How about some crochet thread ornaments from Purple Kitty:
http://www.purplekittyyarns.com/patternbook/plaid7317

The next five patterns are from Caron's "Twelve Days of Christmas" 2008 emailing:
fingerless gloves
http://www.naturallycaron.com/projects/charleston/charleston_1.html
another pair of fingerless gloves
http://www.naturallycaron.com/projects/memphis/memphis_1.htm
stuffed lion )
http://www.naturallycaron.com/projects/pretoria/pretoria_1.html
front door stocking (or to hang up by the chimneyif you've been very, very good)
http://www.caron.com/projects/op/op1_door_stocking.html
rainbow crocheted fish
http://www.caron.com/projects/ss_paints/ssp_big_fish.html

The "Art of Crochet" always has wonderful videos. I sometimes forget stitches I've used in the past....
tutorial on the v stitch
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=G_x5uLTl2oI

All right, lets go to Home Depot and buy some copper wire and start crcoheting....
http://foothillhomecompanion.blogspot.com/2008/11/how-to-crochet-leaf-with-wire.html

How about a quick pair of crochet slippers:
http://www.stitch-simply.com/FreeCrochetPatterns-Slippers.html

Moonglow has posted some sweet patterns of her site - here's a chocolate truffle hat.
http://www.orble.com/free-girls-chocolate-truffle-hat-crochet-pattern/

You're broke, I'm broke, everybody's broke. And for the vast majority of us, there won't be a bailout from the government. But you can still get a cool handbag - here's a pattern for a Fendi bag - check this site out
http://www.counterfeitcrochet.org/patterns.html

How about a star garland?
http://www.blossomhandmade.com/2008/12/crochet-pattern-stars-and-star-garland.html

This is pretty neat - you got one skein of yarn in a particular color, here's a site that lists one skein crochet projects
http://craftiblog.wordpress.com/crochet-one-skein-projects/

Not really holiday like, but still neat a a star dishcloth pattern
http://www.myrecycledbags.com/2008/08/22/my-star-dishcloth/

I never would have thought of this, but it's a great idea - doilies using sock yarn
http://www.coatsandclark.com/cgi-bin/MsmGo.exe?grab_id=484&page_id=14681856&query=LW1613&hiword=LW1613+

Got Jelly Yarn and wondering what to do with it - check out Jelly Yarn patterns
http://www.jellyyarns.com/patterns.html#freepattern

Granny squares pop up in a granny square Christmas tree
http://hookyarnpattern.blogspot.com/2008/12/granny-square-christmas-tree.html

Star of David hexagon granny - put them together for a scarf?
http://www.chezcrochet.com/page51.html

Here's your listings for this week. As usual, I received no money to list these sites. I'd take it, but nobody's offering me any money;)

_enjoy_

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_

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 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 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 April 7, 2008

I have a lot of plants. This becomes a problem in late October when I have to bring them in the house because the sunroom will be too cold for them. However, this plant sling could be just waht I need to make that transition a little easier:
http://members.aol.com/lffunt/plantsling.htm

Got a cat potholder? Here's your chance for a pattern for one:
http://crochet.about.com/library/weekly/aa071297.htm?nl=1

Summer is coming and here's a pattern for a bag. It's made out of granny squares, but it doesn't look like the traditional granny square bags:
http://www.stricksucht.de/anleitungen/crochetedbag.pdf

Speaking of summer, here's a pattern for a beach cover up:
http://www.crochetme.com/June_July_2005/patt_waters_edge.htm

I hope I haven't posted this before, but I love this pattern. It's perfect for people who have an offbeat sense of humor - or to offend somebody, I guess.....
Mouldy Cupcake Crochet Pattern

This says it's a pattern for a pot holder, but I see it more as a trivet kind of thing:
Pattern for Crocheted Sealer Ring Pot Holders...

You've seen or heard of performance art - here's a crocheting piece of performance art:
Radical crocheters plug away on pink project for Ulrich

Do you have cats? Then you have cat fur! Would you like to learn how to spin it into yarn? Check this out: http://www.hankeringforyarn.com/spinning-cat-fur

Want to find out more about crochet designers, particularly Mary Jane Hall, author of "Positively Crochet!"? Here's an interview with her: http://www.bellaonline.com/articles/art2070.asp

How about a crochet necklace? Here's a pattern:
http://creativeyarn.blogspot.com/2008/03/free-patterns-outline-for-crochet.html

You know the normal disclaimer - no kickbacks are given.
_enjoy_

FM 3/3/08

If you have crocheted for any length of time, you know the patterns of Jean Leinhauser and Rita Weiss. Here is their new website:
http://www.creativepartnersllc.com/Free_Patterns.html

March is National Crochet Month and this blogger has some great ideas for it:
http://www.shadetreearts.com/crochetblog/?p=299

I've only sold in 1 craft show and that was a very long time ago. My sister keeps trying to convince me to try again, but I don't know - the timing never seems to be right. But this is a blog definitely worth reading if you're interedted in doing craft shows:
http://crochetcoalition.blogspot.com/2008_02_24_archive.ht

You've got that sweatshirt you were going to paint, but the paints are all dried up and you really don't want to invest more money in fabric paint. I hear you. So check this pattern out:
http://crochet.craftgossip.com/sweatshirt-cardigan-crochet-embellished/2008/02/17/

I thought this was totally cool. a Betty Boop pot holder. My youngest sister is a Betty Boop fan.
http://www.craftown.com/crochet/baz1.htm


Here's an Irish crochet pattern for a shamrock. You could make a pin with it.
http://crochet-patterns-techniques.suite101.com/article.cfm/irish_crochet_shamrock


Just learning how to crochet or need a little help? Here's a site for you:
http://tipnut.com/learn-how-to-crochet-free-resource-guide/

Tetris is my favorite video game. I started what I called a "Tetris blanket" but ended up making the run of the mill granny afghan with my pieces. But I still have more granny squares, so this looks pretty cool to me.
http://crochetalong.wordpress.com/2008/02/26/tetris-granny-square-blanket/

Easter is March 23 this year - you might want to crochet the Easter eggs for the hunt just in case the hunt is called on account of snow. You definitely don't want hard boiled eggs sitting in your yard for a few weeks.
http://knittingcrochet.suite101.com/article.cfm/easter_egg_crochet_pattern

Here's a cool belt pattern for those of you who want to emphasize your waistline;)
http://www.cutoutandkeep.net/projects/crochet_belts

This is a great blog that deals with probably the most ignored stitch in crochet, the slip stitch.
http://ayarnifiedlife.blogspot.com/2008/02/slip-stitch-crochet-tips.html

You can read a Stephen Kingish type story and learn how to crochet an axe at this webstie.
http://theanticraft.com/archive/imbolc08/splitter.htm

This is a crochet along that should be perfect for lots of people, including me - "Small Crochet", where it's okay to make those little toys:
http://crochetalong.wordpress.com/2008/03/01/welcome-to-small-crochet/

As usual, no kickbacks. _enjoy_

FM 2/18/08

I got a little mix of sites for you for Presidents Day


A lot of areas are banning paper and plastic bags. Here's another tutorial on how to make bags out of the plastic grocery bags you already have:
http://hellejorgensen.typepad.com/gooseflesh/how-to-make-plastic-bag-y.html
Apparently there is a lot of call for this bag. Here's an article from a woman who recycles plastic (as well as cloth) for bags and sells them. The article states the plastic bags go for about $100 a bag.

Just because it's February doesn't mean winter is over for the northern hemisphere. (of course, for the sothern hemisphere, it's summer). So just in case you're tired of the hat and scarf you have been wearing or maybe your kids have lost their hats or scarves, here's a site for you:
Click here: Free Hat and Scarf Patterns
Maybe a little more ruffly suits you?
http://wolfandturtle.net/Yarnpath/index.php/Yarnpath/comments/crocheted_ruffle_sided_scarf/


*wow* when I seen this site, I was ready to sign up for a trip in that past of the country. I never was particularly interested in going there before, but the factory outlet of Wrights - maker of my favorite hooks? Oh yes, sign me up. They do sell over the internet, but that can't be as much fun as oohin and ahhing over all the goodies.

Click here: Wrights® Info/Help - Factory Outlet - About the Factory Outlet


I've made 3 round ripples so far, all different patterns. This site has round ripple patterns I have never seen before - various numbers of points, a reall cool one where the points get made into another set of points. (I know it doesn't make any sense, but you really do have to see it to appreciate it.)
http://www.tamemymind.com/blog/2007/03/19/round-afghan-blanket-patterns-crocheted-or-knitted.php

Interested in making a madela in tapestry crochet? Here's a site about it:
http://www.tapestrycrochet.com/blog/?p=328


You've heard this joke before and so have I, but I never heard the crocheted doll variation.
Crochet Doll Collection

This isn't crochet related but if you got a candy heart this year and you're wondering what to do with the package (what, you still have chocolate?), this is a cute idea.
http://www.kodak.com/eknec/PageQuerier.jhtml?pq-path=12813&pq-locale=en_US&_requestid=7877

You've probably made one granny afghan or may one hundred. Here's a way to make a rectangle granny afghan. I haven't tried it yet, but the next time I make a granny afghan, this is the one I am trying.
http://www.angelfire.com/tx5/angelcrafts/patterns/recgrannyafghan.html

Here are some free crochet patterns for you. The "Suncatcher Eyes" look great and I'll let you know how they are in person when I get my order.
http://www.suncatchereyes.net/Free%20Patterns.html

Are you a fan of Kyle, Stan, Kenny and Cartman? Or maybe Butters or Timmy is your favorite character? Here is a "South Park" homage in yarn:
South Park Tunisian Crochet Afghan

Here are some free crochet patterns from Coats and Clarks, always interesting to check out:
http://www.coatsandclark.com/Crafts/Crochet/

Maybe you'd prefer a one eyed critter to make? My sons would have loved this when they were little.
It's Fun To Crochet A Muno Amigurumi, And That's How You Do It

You've heard about the use of "preformance enhancing drugs" (steroids and human growth hormone) being used in baseball. But steroids and crochet? Say it isn't so;)
http://www.twincities.com/localnews/ci_8265902

If you're thinking about starting a wire crochet project, this appears to be a cool easy one - a crocheted wire pendant. You can do a small project to see how you like it before you commit to a larger project:
http://www.craftypod.com/


As usual, I do not receive kickbacks from these sites or businesses. I'd take them;) but nobody offers them to 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 ;)

finished objects

On the right is a poncho I made for a friend's grandaughter. It's made from Caron's Simply Soft and it was a joy to work with. This is probably the most basic poncho in the world - two rectangles sewn together with edging and fringe. I didn't rely on a pattern but made it up as I went along. I just used a shell stitch to create the rectangle and added little curly fringe on it. I was veryhappy with the way it turned out. I hope she will be happy, too.
On the left is the tree skirt I was working on for my sons. As you can see, it's just granny squares with a hole left in the middle so it can be draped around the tree. I was pleased with the way it came out, but wasn't too thrilled with myself for letting the ends wait to be woven in. I would stick to Bernat or Red Heart to make another one. I wasn't too thrilled with the way the Peacock yarn worked up, but I did like the colors.

An update on Payton: He is doing as well as can be expected. He is eagerly waiting for Santa Claus (of course). The case went to trial and the judge is waiting for a psych report on the two juveniles so he can decide what, if any, punishment they should receive. I'd rant and rave, but that's not what this blog is supposed to be about

Freebie Monday 12/10/07

it's a short list today as I should be going to bed. You know how jobs are, they expect you to be all fresh and perky for them;)

here you go for today
Need to make a pair of mittens for a child - check this site out:
Click here: Mittens For Children - This is a great one piece pattern that I use every winter.

How about some free patterns for crochet toys?
http://www.suncatchereyes.net/Free%20Patterns.html


I tend to learn from seeing something done. I always had a hard time with the box stitch until this tutorial.
http://www.crochetcabana.com/stitches /box-st-in-rows.htm

Another Crochet Cabana special:
http://www.crochetcabana.com/granny_square_options.htm


I'm sure you've heard of the Sylvia Cosh and James Walters books on freeform crochet. Mr Walters is offering worksheets on freeform crochet at this website.
http://www.crochet.nu/scjwc/workshops/index.html

And finally, one of my favorites - ~/o There's no people like snowpeople~/o (okay, that's bad, but at least you didn't have to listen to me sing it;))
http://members.aol.com/maglizrd/private/crochet/crochetsnowmen.html


The usual disclaimers apply - I don't get a kickback from these folks or sites, just passing what I think is interesting information on to you.

_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....