a couple days late....

Sorry for the delay. Between dealing with work and snow, things have been a little weird around here. (Okay, a little weirder than usual). My rosebushes as well as my bulbs have about 28 inches of snow on them. And we're expecting more tonight. I'm beginning to wonder if my daffodils will make it.

Hopefully, my daffodils will make it. But this is the only way I'm going to see any daffodils any time soon
http://www.favecrafts.com/Kitchen-Crochet/Daffodils-Bouquet-Crochet-Pattern

Here's another cat for you
http://tinyurl.com/yle74vr

I just bought some Bernat in the soft yellow and I think it would perfect to this
baby duck crochet pattern. I could add some yellow fun fur to it, but I'm not so sure that would be good for a baby. The fun fur seems to shed.
http://www.favecrafts.com/Crochet-for-Baby/Baby-Duck-Crochet-Pattern

I seem to have toys on the brain - luckily here's a few more free patterns - a turtle
http://www.naturallycaron.com/projects/turtle_toy/turtle_toy_1.html

And a frog toy
http://www.caron.com/projects/w/frog.html

and a snake
http://www.caron.com/projects/ss/ss_coral_snake.html


And something cute but a little different, a stuffed star
http://www.craftster.org/forum/index.php?topic=329561.0


If you're on the east coast, you probably have need of a few more hats to keep yourself (or your loved ones) warm during this bout of "February Fury" as the Weather Channel is calling it so here's http://www.crochetme.com/Crochet-Hat-Patterns/ from CrochetMe

And you might need some mittens to go along with that hat. Bev's Country Cottage always has wonderful patterns- here's one for baby mittens
http://www.bevscountrycottage.com/tod-mitts.html
and a pattern for a larger size
http://www.bevscountrycottage.com/bevs-marvelous-mitts.html


Here's a peaked hat with ear flaps
http://www.naturallycaron.com/projects/glenmore/glenmore_1.html


I found this pattern absolutely fascinating and want to try it out...
a chain maile scarf
http://knitcidents.wordpress.com/2009/10/17/chain-maille-scarf-free-crocheting-pattern/

Here's an "autumn tunic" but there's no reason why you couldn't change the colors for a "winter tunic" or a "spring tunic"
http://www.caron.com/projects/ss/ss_autumn_tunic.html

Dogs have to be walked - even in the winter and the snow - and they can get cold. So here's a dog sweater pattern for you.
http://www.canine-kids.com/crochet-dog-sweater.html


This is an amazing looking scarf/belt
http://www.naturallycaron.com/projects/gallup/gallup_1.html

Or how about this pattern for crochet mittens and a hat from Bernat?
http://www.favecrafts.com/Crochet-Hats-Scarves-Gloves/Chunky-Crochet-Mittens-and-Scarf-from-Bernat#

If you missed the "Blessed Mother Prayer Shawl" from "Annie's Favorite Crochet" (December 2006), here's a chance for you to get the pattern. It is a wonderful work of art.
http://www.crochetmagazine.com/newsletters.php?mode=article&article_id=639&key=NL00


And how about a cute rainbow applique?
http://www.crochetspot.com/crochet-pattern-rainbow-applique/


If you need a cute decoration for a baby shower gift, here's a quick crochet mittens gift topper
http://www.bhg.com/holidays/christmas/crafts/crochet-mitten-gift-topper/


Here's a few quick ideas for Valentine's Day

Jewelry bag number 1
http://craftyarncouncil.com/sept98_crochproject.html

Jewelry bag number 2
http://www.favecrafts.com/Crochet-Bags/Pompon-Purselet-Crochet-Pattern-from-Caron-Yarn

and of course, some hearts.....

Here's crochet hearts ornaments
http://simplebeans.blogspot.com/2009/01/crochet-heart-ornament-pattern.html

This pattern says "Christmas" but you could do it for Valentine's Day
http://www.garnstudio.com/lang/en/visoppskrift.php?d_nr=0&d_id=527&lang=us

Again, this says "Christmas" but it could be done for Valentine's day
http://www.garnstudio.com/lang/en/visoppskrift.php?d_nr=104&d_id=46&lang=en

A treat from The Royal Sisters, Grandma's hearts
http://theroyalsisters.blogspot.com/2009/12/grandma-hearts-tutorial.html


Here's a quick one - a crochet heart bookmark
http://www.crochetspot.com/crochet-pattern-heart-bookmark/


And that's all I have for today. I'm still working on my groundhog, I'm still working on the body part, about half finished. As usual, I get no gratuities from mentioning these sites. I'd accept them, but nobody's offering;)
Enjoy and I hope you keep warm

FM 11/16/09

Hello. I have finally finished the round afghan and need to take a photo of it. I am also making a lion toy to go with it, it will be all white with a multi-colored mane.
I have the body made, I just need to do the ears, legs and tail.
Today would have been my friend Robin Freed's 55th birthday. I met her thru rubber stamping but we were both interested in fiber. Her interest took the form of quilts. For a quilter, the quilt block is the basic tool they use to make their creations. We crocheters also use motifs to make our creations. So in honor/memory of Robin Freed's 55th, I am posting links to various free motif crochet patterns.



Triple triangle square
http://crochet.about.com/library/weekly/aa120706.htm


Lace motifs - these are great
http://www.mypicot.com/crochet_patterns_quilt_motifs01.html

double heart square
http://www.crochetnmore.com/bonnieschristmasdoublehearts.htm


Teresa's "Art of Crochet" blog has a wonderfully textured knobby granny square
http://crochet-mania.blogspot.com/2009/02/crochet-knobby-granny-square.html


baby bonnet squares
http://crochetroo.blogspot.com/2007/03/bonnet-babies-crochet-square.html



hearts in a row square
http://www.freepatternsdonnascrochetdesigns.com/hearts-row-patches-free-crochet-pattern.html


Northern Lights motif is made in size 10 crochet thread, but I bet it would look great in fingering or lace weight yarn
http://www.karensvariety.com/NEWSLETTER/Patterns/NorthernLights.htm

Concentric circles from Lion Brand
http://cache.lionbrand.com/cgi-bin/faq-search.cgi?store=/stores/eyarn&faqKey=335


This is really cute - a retro polka-dot square
http://www.crochetville.org/forum/showthread.php?t=86785

torch flower motif
http://pandacrochet.8m.com/torchflower.html

That's it for this week. I hope you enjoy exploring the various motif patterns I have posted. As usual, no payments of any kind have been given to me to post these links. Everybody's too broke for that nonsense;)

_enjoy_

FM 2/9/09

I'm baaaack....oh, wait, I wasn't gone, was I? Today is a beautiful 65 degrees and it's supposed to be nice all this week. Next week we'll probably have a foot of snow, but we'll worry about that when it gets here....

I love the "Suncatcher Eyes" for toys and I think this "Noggins pattern" is pretty cool. I'm not hip or with it so I don't know if "Noggins" is something on tv or what....It's still cute...
http://www.suncatchereyes.net/Noggins%20Crochet%20Pattern.html

Yes, I know Valentine's Day is this week. I still have no idea what to get for my beloved. Vut this would be a cute gift for a friend - a small heart pattern
http://kcrochet.blogspot.com/

This is one of the cutest dolls I have seen and I'm not really a doll person. I love the way the hair looks and you can customize it to suit whoever you give it to (or yourself) - an amigurumi doll
http://stitch.hellooperator.net/free-patterns/amigurumi-doll/

Lion Brand makes the Valentine's free crochet patterns with two toys - a heartfelt bunny
http://www.lionbrand.com/patterns/80018AD.html?noImages=

and a heartfelt bear:
http://cache.lionbrand.com/printablePatterns/80019AD.pdf

and if you want to get more involved, here's the one stitch adult crochet cardigan from Lion Brand:
http://www.lionbrand.com/patterns/957.html

I do know this is the name of a children's book - "If You Give A Pig A Pancake".....
http://www.beansproutcreations.com/2009/01/08/pig-and-her-pancake-free-pattern/
wonder how it would translate to a bunny and a pancake;)

I think this is really sweet. At my wedding to my beloved, I crocheted a penguin groom and bride for the cake top....
http://bittersweetblog.wordpress.com/2009/01/19/not-quite-duck-pins/

February is also "Wear Red for Heart Disease" month - here's a pin you can make up quickly:
http://suzies-yarnie-stuff.blogspot.com/2009/02/suzies-red-dress-pin.html
To find out more about the number one killer of women - heart disease, not breast cancer,
check this link outhttp://www.cnn.com/2009/HEALTH/02/06/wear.red.heart.irpt/

and also from Suzie's Yarnie stuff, a pattern for a rectangle granny afghan:
http://suzies-yarnie-stuff.blogspot.com/2006/08/rectangle-granny-afghan-pattern_11.html


"Woman's Day" magazine has some crochet patterns online. I really miss the "old days" when a woman's magazine was about more than what diet to be on & what jeans to wear to make me look 10 years younger. I really liked "Woman's Day" articles around Christmas time about different presents a person could make. I doubt those days will come back, but this is a nice start:
http://www.womansday.com/Articles/Crafts/Crocheting/8-Cozy-Crochet-Crafts.html?cid=5385


This would be cute for a belt...and maybe it will make your jeans look 10 years younger;)
http://www.orble.com/free-scrap-yarn-medallion-crochet-pattern/

I thought this was pretty cool - a tiny crochet angel. You could use it to make angel earrings.
http://www.orble.com/free-tiny-angel-crochet-pattern/

And now for something a bit different - an apple keychain
http://mycrochetstuff.blogspot.com/2009/02/apple-keychain-free-crochet-pattern.html

Roxycraft offers a free pattern for hearts done Roxycraft style:
http://www.roxycraft.com/crochet_hearts.htm

As usual, I get no breaks, special coinsiderations, favors, money, yarn or anything else to post these sites. I'd take a bribe, but than I'd have to pay taxes on it and that would be a mess for my accountant.
_enjoy_

FM 1/19/09

It's been _cold_ here in my neck of the woods. And my leg still hurts, boo hoo. But here you go,
I do have the free patterns this week, if you can tear yourself away from the Inaguration and football....

You have to see this - it's amazing. I think Teresa should partner with a yarn company to sell this as a kit:
http://crochet-mania.blogspot.com/2009/01/barack-obama-crochet-painting-with-yarn.html

Cjeck out this gallery of great crochet
http://crochetinsider.com/gallery6.html

I do recycle, but this is taking recycling to a higher level
http://online.wsj.com/article/SB123180107217975103.html?mod=googlenews_wsj

Is this the year you submit your crochet pattern to a magazine -
here's some info
http://www.thisiscrochet.com/2009/01/12/8-ways-to-create-an-attractive-crochet-submission-package-pt-1/

Here's a job I never would have thought of - crocheting for the movies:
http://www.granttribune.com/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=211:woman-creating-blankets-for-movie-has-family-in-grant&catid=37:lifestyle&Itemid=57

Here's a lovely scarf pattern from Australia
http://crochetroo.blogspot.com/2008/09/stingey-neck-warmer-and-fluffy-scarf.html

And how about a crochet purse?
http://www.allfreecrafts.com/crochet/purse.shtml

The next 4 are from Moomglow:
scarf stitch
http://www.orble.com/scarf-stitch/

a open motif
http://www.orble.com/free-rose-and-white-motif-crochet-pattern/

a crochet carrot bag
http://www.orble.com/free-carrot-carryall-crochet-pattern/

and a demonstration of one type of shell stitch
http://www.orble.com/free-large-shells-scarf-stitch-crochet-pattern/

And if you're like me, you got plenty of t-shirts that may be a little, well, sad. Here's how to make a rug out of t-shirts:
http://www.craftstylish.com/item/39345/how-to-crochet-a-rug-out-of-t-shirts

Here's a neat motif - a circle square
http://www.marloscrochetcorner.com/circle%20of%20friends%20square.html

If you got a boy to crochet for, chances are he will love this - a gross eye patch
http://kellyskraftystuff.blogspot.com/2008/11/mad-eye-patch-free-pattern.html

How about a cute little beaver pattern
http://bittersweetblog.wordpress.com/2008/08/01/damed_beaver/

You can't use it to hold hot water, but it's still cute - a crochet tea pot
http://knottsend.blogspot.com/

And there's a moose on the loose
http://yanaknits.com/projects/crocheted-toy-moose/

And here's a charity even coming up - V-Day. They are accepting donations for scarves for auction at Frostburg State University, but there are other events going on - www.vday.org
If you want to donate to the scarf sale, here's the info:

Office of Leadership and Civic Engagement

Attn: Dawn Lucas - V-Day Committee

20 Braddock Road

Frostburg, MD 21532

As usual, I get no payola from the sites listed. That's probably a good thing because otherwise I'd have to declare it as income on my income taxes and it would bump me to a much higher bracket;)

_enjoy_ (and stay warm!)

the Masters class

Quite a few folks asked me to post the ins and outs of the Master of Basic Crochet Stitches class, so I thought I'd do that today, since I am exhausted from mopping the kitchen floor yesterday (yeah, really, and it's a small kitchen. And no, Craig didn't know I was doing that.)

I had kicked the idea around of taking the class for quite some time. First I was like "hey, what can they teach _me_?" alternating with "suppose I'm _not_ good enough?" But gradually my curiosity regarding the class got the better of me and I decided I could learn something new from taking the class - maybe an easier/better way of doing things. So I wrote the check and filled out the application and waited.

The form I got was probably 4 pages long, front and back. I was supposed to do the required number of swatches with the directions given to me. The materials are specified - smooth light colored yarn so it's easier to see the stitches. I used the Red Heart Super Savers in white, eggshell, mint green and light purple. I had to get sports yarn, so I chose Lion Brand MicroSpun for that project. I also had to get (*gasp*) cotton thread, size 10 to use for a filet project

There are other requirements besides yarns and threads. I had to get some 3 ring binders to use to contain the portfolio I was creating. I also purchased those acrylic see thru sheets (some people use them for recipes or patterns) and blank tags, like those used for a yard sale. I would crochet and number the swatch and put down all the requested info - type of yarn used, hook, etc. I decided to get two storage boxes to store the yarn and the swatches plus some of the books I used for help. You can use any book you choose, but you have to reference what you used. This is where all the experience I had doing term papers in high school came in handy;) (finally). There are instructions given for some of the swatches but not all.

I started off making the "easy" swatches first - the single and double crochet ones - and labeling them. I tackled the filet crochet piece last. And I didn't do such a hot job on it. As Bendy Carter explained to me, I was doing "shadow filet" - not the normal two double crochets in the space but only one. The piece sort of looked like the display piece, but not exactly. (There were no instructions given for this piece. I enlarged the photo at work to figure out what I needed to do.)
I had to redo that piece. I wasn't thrilled about it, but now I had some new toys - the Boye interchangable steel hook set. I had looked for the Comfort Grip Clover steel hooks, but they didn't have the size I needed. My second attempt at thread with a steel hook came out much better.

I also had trouble with the gauge. I can make items to gauge, done it many times, but I can't seem to put the explanation into words. It doesn't make sense, but there you are. I also had trouble with cables. They just didn't pop out enough.

M's Carter emailed me as well as phoned me. (I couldn't seem to email her except thru one email provider, the other never reached her.) She went over what I did correctly and what I needed to correct. I corrected the necessary items and sent them back to be judged. I have to admit, I was nervous about it. You either pass or fail, there is no refund on the money (and of course not the time) spent. So I was _thrilled_ when I finally got the news that I had passed.

Now keep in mind this is just my experience with the class. It's probably been updated and modified since I took it. I had a year to complete it and though a year seems long, it really isn't because of course other things like life get in the way. So I'd advise if you're going to do this class, commit to making the time for it - whether it's an evening a week or whatever time you can squeeze out along the way. You probably are more organized than I am, but I really needed to make myself crochet the swatches and answer questions on a regular basis.

The swatch part is easy compared to the questions - what if you did this or that, how would that change the look of the swatch, that sort of thing. I scribbled notes as I went along and kept them in the same place I kept my supplies. When I had the notes to about five of the swatches, I used a word processing program to transcribe my notes. I wanted whoever was going to judge the swatches and the answers to be able to read what I had written.

When I was finished to my satisfaction, I set three 3 ring binders up for my portfolio and divided the swatches into sections. I relabeled the swatches with the proper information. If I could have figured out a way to type the swatch info and attach it, I would haved done that. I set up a table of contents for each binder and included a bibliography for the books I used. I also made sure I put all the labels for the yarn that I used in a separate holder (it's in the directions). I cross referenced this with the name of the yarn and what swatches were made from each particular yarn or thread. I intended to present an organized portfolio to the judge.

I was fortunate because M's Carter corrected me. You can just be rejected without any hope of trying to correct what you have done wrong, so I was certainly happy that didn't happen to me. But it was a concern of mine and I'd advise anyone who would take the class to take the time to found the directions to the letter on how the portfolio should be set up. When I took the class, you couldn't ask any questions about what was expected or any pattern advice. I don't know if that has changed or not, but sometimes I felt as if I was wandering around stubbing my toes in the dark. When I felt like that, I would put it away for a little while and try not to stress over it. I'd pour over magazines and books and of course, the online crochet groups trying to figure out what to do next. I never got any specific advice as such, but sometimes a nugget of knowledge would come my way without me asking the question. It is said that when the student is ready, the teacher appears and that must have been the case for me.

I hope this clears up any questions about the class. As I have said, I started mine in 2007 and it has probably been changed by this time. If you have any general questions about the course, I'll be happy to answer them if I can. I don't know if CGOA has changed its stance on answering questions regarding the course, but you can certainly try them for information.

Remember, mileage may vary. What works for you may not work for me and vice versa.

FM June 9. 2008

Hi!
I'd like to start on a serious note this week with a link to Wheat Carr's blog. M's Carr is writing about the Orphan Works Act. How this act is decided upon will determine the future for crochet. Basically, it's to protect the designers of crochet from people ripping off their patterns and claiming it as their own. If crochet designers get ripped off, they can not afford to create crochet designs. If they can't creat crochet designs, that means crocheters will be trying to reinvent the wheel with each new project. I think M's Carr puts it much better than I could. So definitely check it out:
http://wheatcarr.com/blog-a-mentary/orphan-works-now-is-the-time.php



If you have been crocheting for a long time, you may remember the "crazy daisy" maker. They sold it on tv as well as in some 5&10 stores quite some time ago. Sometimes you can come across them in thrift shops or even on Ebay. This is a pattern on how to make a monkey using the "crazy daisy" winder. It makes it sort of like making yo-yos. Pretty cool - plus I bet you can think of some other uses for the daisy winder:
-http://www.knitting-and.com/small-looms/monkey.htm


Need a quick cute necklace for the summertime - here you go:
http://soozs.blogspot.com/2007/10/how-to-crochet-daisy-chain-necklace.html

Betty Hechtman talking about her upcoming book, "Dead Men Don't Crochet" and the shawl pattern in it: http://killerhobbies.blogspot.com/

This is such a great site - little acorn and strawberry purses to make:
http://littlegreen.typepad.com/romansock/2008/06/little-acorn-pa.html

Here's another pattern for a crocheted bee - very cute
http://crochetalong.wordpress.com/2008/06/02/little-bee-free-pattern/

Need a light weight summer hat so your scalp doesn't get burned? Try this one:
http://mkcarroll.typepad.com/mk_carroll/2008/06/jules-julia-crochet-hat-pattern-set.html


This is cute and quick - a flower ring:
http://www.diynetwork.com/diy/cr_needle_arts/article/0,2025,DIY_13768_5210759,00.html

Speaking of flowers, how about a flower potholder?
http://www.freecraftunlimited.com/flower-hot-pad.html

Carol Ventura has a video on You Tube showing how to do felted tapestry crochet:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EoBCdW1WvgI

And here's something handy if you want to do tapestry crochet or maybe filet crochet - different graph paper you can print out:
http://incompetech.com/graphpaper/

The "Celebrate" contest is still on, you must make a comment on the "Celebrate" blog to be in the drawing.

As usual, I do not recive any special considerations from these folks or their sites. I'd take a bribe, but nobody's offering one.
_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 ;)

FM 12/31/07

The last Monday of the year - how did it get here so _darned_ quick? I don't know either, but here's today's dash of freebies.

Tired of that 9 to 5 life, all the phone calls, all the paperwork and that lousy "coffee" in the break room. Maybe you'd like to be a crochet designer. Sounds cool but it's a lot of work. Crochet Craft Gossip offers some books to help get you started:
http://crochet.craftgossip.com/crochet-designer-could-you-be-one/2007/12/25/

This person is lucky enough to know Vickie Howell - well enough so M's Howell names a yarn after her. And well enough to score some free yarn from M's Howell. Sounds pretty sweet, doesn't it? However she had a slight problem with her gauge and found a different way to solve it rather than ripping the whole hat out.
http://www.azcentral.com/arizonarepublic/home/articles/1229crafty1229.html


Ever try to figure out how to make a pattern, but for some reason or another (tiredness, too much work, not enough caffeine) you just can't remember? Here's a tutorial on making a shell stitch pattern:
http://crochet-mania.blogspot.com/2007/12/crochet-shell-stitch.html


I love Crochet Craft Gossip. She always has some really cool stuff. In this particular blog, she presents thrifted sweaters to have fun with - making mitten garlands or crocheted scarves. So if you have some old wool sweaters or snag some from your local thrift store, here's something you can do with them:
http://crochet.craftgossip.com/recycled-sweater-scarf-looking-ahead-350-days/2007/12/28/
Yup, I'm back on the coral reef fascination again. This is a coral reef made from hosiery.
http://www.prokopowicz.org/bonnie/reef1/reef1.htm

This site claims it's for threadies, but they are so wrong. It's for anyone who crochets, you can adapt the patterns for worsted weight or sprots weight yarn. Plus a big advantage - patterns for crocheted snowflakes made from yarn as well as thread. Check it out:
http://www.mypicot.com/patterns.html


I hope all of you have a safe happy New Year with lots of good surprises coming your way!

_enjoy_

retro or right up to date?

Here's something that caught my eye while surfing the net
http://www.retrotogo.com/2007/07/evans-60s-style.html

These are bright and colorful and in "larger sizes" but since they don't give any size as a reference, I have no clue. I think the price is in pounds, which is approximately $2 American dollars to each pound. (at least right now it is, who knows when you look at it).

I would think they are made of cotton or rayon motifs and sewn together, with a dyed slip underneath. It must be fingering weight or finer because it looks delicate. Pretty cool stuff - check it out when you get a chance.