FM May 11, 2009

I am still working on the afghan for a baby girl. However, when I started sewing the motifs, I noticed just a few little problems. First, I needed 16 9 inch motifs. I figured after I sewed them together in a 4 by 4 formation, I'd add some trim to it and it would be close to about 40 inches square. One little problem - I only made _15_ squares. Okay, that means I have to make another one, not a bit deal. I could just go on sewing them together;) But there's another little problem. Six of the finished motifs have a total of 4 white rounds as edging the motif. Eight of the finished motifs have a total of 3 white rounds edging the motif. One motif needs to be edged and of course, there's the motif I have yet to make. I don't really have an excuse or anyone to blame it on except myself. I thought I was good at math, but I guess not;)


However, Margaret Wertheim happens to be great at math. Check out the video of M's Wertheim talking about hyperbolic crochet:
http://subrealism.blogspot.com/2009/05/hyperbolic-geometry-of-coral-and.html


This is called a "Bottega Veneta Mini Crochet Ball Bag" and it's
selling for $5,200.00. Yup, I said 52 hundred dollars. Is it worth it?
Not to me, but it's definitely worth taking a look at:
http://www.geekhandbags.com/bottega-veneta/weird-and-interesting-bottega-veneta-mini-crochet-ball-bag



For those who live near Smiley's Yarn in Woodhaven New York, they are
having a huge sale next week. I don't live anywhere near there :(
http://www.smileysyarns.com/ezshopper/store.htm


And Yarn Lady is having a moving sale, but again, I don't live
anywhere near Laguna Hills, California....
http://www.yarnlady.com/


How about some artwork in the form of a crochet picture by Moonglow:
http://www.orble.com/free-flower-picture-crochet-pattern/

Here are two lovely jackets by Doris J. Chan
http://www.caron.com/projects/ss/ss_circle_jacket.html
and
http://www.caron.com/projects/ss/ss_SS64W7_lacy_jacket.html


The beautiful "Maggie Wrap" from "Blueprint Crochet" by Robyn Chachula
http://blog.craftzine.com/archive/2008/08/maggie_wrap_free_crochet_patte.html


If you are brave enough to wear it, I present some bathing suit patterns

This one includes a hat and a cover-up
http://web.archive.org/web/20000511202511/http://www.cei.net/~vchisam/groovy/1114-186.html

This is just your basic crochet swim suit
http://web.archive.org/web/20010908163424/www.cei.net/~vchisam/groovy/48-178bag.html

How about a crochet bikini
http://web.archive.org/web/20011030175418/www.cei.net/~vchisam/groovy/B-772.html

Or another bikini - the "Mimosa" bikini
http://www.adriafil.com/html/img/riviste/mag40/modelli/file_istruzioni/uk/4-5.pdf

This site has a free pattern a day and allows you to check back for 2 weeks of their earlier free patterns
http://www.dailycrocheter.com/day.php


As usual, no economic incentives have been given to me to post these sites.
_enjoy_

May Fourth (be with you) FM

I know, I know, it's a terrible pun. But my beloved told it to me, so of course I couldn't resist passing it along. I enjoyed the Maryland Sheep and Wool Festival Saturday, but somehow I managed not to buy any yarn. I'm not quite sure how that was even possible for me, the yarn was gorgeous but not quite what I was looking for (I guess...). I am working on a pink baby afghan (still) I'm about a third of the way thru it. And of course, making preemie caps.....

Not a pattern, but it's Herrschners (www.herrschners.com)free shipping (with $35 or more purchase) good until May 31, 2009 , Code D25


Here's today's freebie crochet patterns

Here's a crochet box
http://www.crochetspot.com/free-crochet-pattern-box/

That you could use to put in Noreen Crone-Findlay's buillion jewelry creations

Buillion stitch tutorial
http://www.blisstree.com/hankeringforyarn/how-to-crochet-bullion-stitches/

first part of crochet bracelet tutotial
http://www.blisstree.com/hankeringforyarn/crocheted-bullion-stitch-bracelet-1/

how to add findings to crochet jewelry
http://www.blisstree.com/hankeringforyarn/how-to-add-findings-to-a-crocheted-bracelet/

and last but certainly not least, a crochet flower
http://www.blisstree.com/hankeringforyarn/topic/tutorial/

All the above is from Hankering for Yarn, M's Crone-Findlay's blog.

How about another crochet flower - a crochet aster from Lion Brand
http://www.lionbrand.com/cgi-bin/faq-search.cgi?store=/stores/eyarn&faqKey=487&language=

This is something new from Leisure Arts - the Crochet Soiree from Leisure Arts
http://www.crochetsoiree.com/


Here's something cute and "retro" a smiley face afghan square
http://smoothfoxlover.blogspot.com/2009/04/free-cool-smiley-face-square-7-x-7.html

from Planet June. crochet roses
http://mail.google.com/mail/?shva=1#inbox/120f869cf2b5e42a

How about a crochet cardigan from Berocco
http://www.berroco.com/exclusives/aruna/aruna.html


Paton tea cozy
http://www.patonsyarns.com/newsletters/apr2009/ClassicWool_Web_TeaCozy.pdf?utm_source=newsletter&utm_medium=email&utm_content=TeaCozyPDF&utm_campaign=PatonsApril2009

Karen D prayer shawl pattern
http://karendcreations.blogspot.com/


octopus key chain tutorial
http://knittingdragonflies.blogspot.com/search/label/Free%20octopus%20pattern%20tutorial

As usual, I receive no bailout from anyone for posting these links. It's okay if somebody wants to offer me one;) but I don't think that's going to happen.

Freebie Monday April 27, 2009

I've spent so much time at work, I don't even have time to crochet. But I'm still crocheting when I can. Too bad I can't crochet with my feet.....

If you're in the Maryland area, the Maryland Sheep and Wool Festival
is this coming weekend. There's a lot to look at (from sheep to
shawl, various exhibits of needlework with wool) and of course, lots
to buy - if you choose to. Currently they are calling for rain on the festival days, but that will probably change 6 times before Saturday. If you want to buy any of the festival gear (t-shirt, bag), I'd advise buying it online. The line is extremely long at the festival and while you're in line, waiting for your stuff, somebody else (maybe me) will be buying up all the good yarn and accessories. Admission is free
http://sheepandwool.org/

For those of you around Portland, Oregon, you might want to check out the Mandy Greer exhibit at the MCC - here's a little taste
http://www.fiberarts.com/back_issues/April-May-2009/mandy-greer.asp

This coral reef video shows the relationship between the math and the crocheted coral reef.
http://www.ted.com/index.php/talks/margaret_wertheim_crochets_the_coral_reef.html


How to crochet a bunny nose (among other things)
http://www.wonderhowto.com/how-to-crochet-bunny-nose/

Here's a cool beret pattern from Australia
http://cats-rockin-crochet.blogspot.com/2009/04/beret-with-simple-cross-stitch-free.h

How about having a ball? Here's a free Roxycraft toy pattern
http://www.roxycraft.com/crochet_play_ball.htm

This is cool looking - a v-stitch hat
http://www.crochetcabana.com/Patterns/Hats/sassy-stripes-double-v-hat.pdf

And here's what you could really use - a free crochet pattern from SweaterBabe
http://www.sweaterbabe.com/wwmag/

This is for a boy's fishing hat, but you could decorate it any way you wanted to
http://suzies-yarnie-stuff.blogspot.com/2007/08/gone-fishin-boys-hat-c.html

The designer for this one (and she knows best, she designed it) said this is a great little doily. But I think it could make a great motif for an afghan. You check it out and decided for yourself.
http://www.jpfun.com/patterns/free/doilies/f111011simplysmall.shtml


This is so pretty - it's called "Mollie Flowers"
http://littlegreen.typepad.com/romansock/2009/04/mollie-flowers-the-tutorial.html

As usual, I receive no payola for listing these links. I will be at the Sheep and Wool and if they want to shower me with gifts I will take them, but I doubt that's going to happen;)

FM April 20, 2009

It has been very nice this weekend, though it might rain tomorrow. But I'll be at work, so presumably I won't see too much of it. Physical therapy is going fine, my right ankle feels more mobile. Even though I generally don't like to have my feet touched, I do enjoy the foot massage;)

I got the issue of "Apronology" at A.C. Moore. Very interesting and it has two aprons that use crochet - one uses parts of a doily. If you like aprons, you might want to pick this up. (Be warned - it's $15 so you might want to use a coupon in it).
Here's the free crochet patterns for this Monday:


This is a flower afghan from "Talking Crochet"
http://www.crochet-world.com/newsletters/talkingcrochet/pages/TCNL1709_patt2.html

I'm currently working on a baby afghan for a friend's daughter. But since I will be a great aut again sometime in August or September, I might choose this motif for a baby afghan from SmoothFox
http://smoothfoxlover.blogspot.com/2008/11/foxs-baby-flower-motif-free-pattern.html


I thought this was great - instructions on how to use the motifs you have collected
http://crochet.craftgossip.com/more-motifs/2009/04/17/


This is a great idea idea if you have some old cds (or the clear plastic ones that you get when you buy the burnable cds) - a cd drawstring bag
http://www.jpfun.com/patterns/free/bags/f125001cddrawstringbag.pdf

This is quite lovely and good for my end of the world's (sort of) spring weather - a crocheted cardigan from Berroco
http://www.berroco.com/exclusives/aruna/aruna.html

I thought this was really cool - crocheted pinwheel sweater
http://www.elann.com/ShowFreePattern.asp?Id=351024

This is so neat - it's a crocheted cat afghan tutorial by Teresa Richardson, "Art of Crochet"
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qG5dt2dPYsY

And another great pattern from Teresa Richardson "Art of Crochet" - a bingo bag. I would think you could use it as a craft bag, too.
http://crochet-mania.blogspot.com/2009/04/crochet-bingo-bag-or-craft-bag.html


How about a rose pin (or magnet)
http://www.crochetmemories.com/archive/barbsfreepattern.html
from Crochet Corner
http://www.crochetmemories.com/newsletters/newsletter.html


This is really sweet - a flower pincushion from "Suzy's Stuff"
http://suzies-yarnie-stuff.blogspot.com/2007/03/flower-mini-pincushion.html

That's it for this week, folks, As usual, no econimic incentives were given for the sites listed here.
_enjoy_

FM April 13, 2009

Sorry, folks, work has been eating up my time and I didn't even crochet _1_ thing last week. Hard to believe, but it's true. Not even a preemie hat. So today's list is short and hopefully I'll get caught up (at work and on life) next week.....

I have always been fascinated by the crocheted mitered square and here's a tutorial on it:
http://www.innerchildcrochet.com/resources/how_to_design/mitered_square.html

Once again, "Art of Crochet"'s Teresa Richardson has a wonderful tutorial - this one on the "trinity stitch"
http://www.howcast.com/videos/45868-Trinity-Stitch-Crochet?ref=as

I realize not everybody has a use for a "Hello Kitty" crocheted bag but for those of you who do, here's a cool pattern:
http://mamacatbluequilts.blogspot.com/2009/04/crochet-hello-kitty-bag.html

If you're just starting to learn crochet or you need a refresher, here's 3 tips for crochet
http://www.ezinearticles.com/?How-to-Crochet---3-Essential-Crochet-Tips&id=2158489

I always think that crocheted dishclothes are "too pretty to use". This pattenr's no exception to my belief, but here it is anyway.
http://www.calledblessed.com/2009/04/crochet-dishcloth.html

That's it for this week. I didn't receive bribes, kickbacks, chocolate, jelly beans or anything else in exchange for posting these sites. I just thought they were cool.

_enjoy_

3 quick things

I wanted to post this link to Roxycraft for a free bunny pattern because I just read about it and somebody out there may still be looking for a quick bunny pattern:
http://www.roxycraft.com/crochet_bunnyboo.htm

L'Tanya Durante has relaunched her blog and is giving away prizes alll week
http://www.craftnicity.com/

Plus, I know this is "Crocheting Lessons" and not "Baking Tips" but here's one I'm going to toss out there for you. A lot of people are celebrating Easter this week and can't see the sense of making a bunch of hard boiled eggs that their kids won't eat. (Okay, maybe it was just my picky brats). Here's a suggestion, you can bake cupcakes from scratch or use a cake mix. If you use the foil lined cups, you can shape the line to be egg shaped. Bake the cupcakes, provide some icing (again homemade or purchased), some sprinkles or candy and let the kids (or adults) have fun decorating the cupcakes. I'd just use one type of frosting myself, but it's up to you.

Now we go back to our usual broadcast;)

FM April 6, 2009

It's April and it's Monday, so it must be time for Freebie Monday....


Last week I had a pattern for the cat from "Kiki's Delivery Service" - this week it's Kiki herself
http://web.me.com/michael2k/KISS/The_Home_Hub/Entries/2009/3/2_Kiki_and_Her_First_Outfit.html

Need a quick gift or maybe just some silliness in your life? I'm often tempted to bring finger puppets into work just for a laugh, but maybe they would haul me away to the funny farm. But maybe I'd start with these spring finger puppets
http://crochetuncut.com/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=87

Or how about funky pigs?
http://www.premieryarns.com/patterns.php?id=96

This is really cute, in a "Frankenbunny" kind of way. Check it out...
http://zodwollopp.webs.com/frankenbunnypattern.htm

For those of you who work in thread, this is a lovely Irish rose doily
http://www.albany.edu/~ef8043/irish.htm

I keep saying I'm going to make a rectangular granny square - maybe I should try this pattern...
http://crochetliving.blogspot.com/2007/09/37-year-old-rectangle-granny-afghan.html

This is a great pattern for a v-stitch hat
http://crochet-mania.blogspot.com/2009/03/v-stitch-crochet-summer-hat.html

And because Passover is coming up, here's a crocheted yarmulke
http://www.purlbee.com/crocheted-passover-yarmulke/

I love flower patterns and this pansy pattern from Planet M is beautiful. And yes, I do agree, guinea pigs are very cute. And I do like her crocheted representation of a guinea pig better than I like the one I made up....
http://planetmfiles.com/2009/04/04/free-pansy-crochet-pattern/

Remember the VHS clutch purse I said I was going to make? I got so frustrated with it, I put the tape away for now....but maybe I could handle a VHS tape mouse pattern
http://mycraftblog.today.com/2009/03/30/free-vhs-tape-mouse-crochet-pattern/

or better yet, a VHS tape bunny pattern
http://www.orble.com/free-vhs-tape-bunny-crochet-pattern/

This is very interesting for those of you who want to work with crochet diagrams - how to make crochet diagrams using Adobe
http://blog.craftzine.com/archive/2009/04/how-to_make_crochet_diagrams_u.html

TIme to spruce up the house? Maybe you can try these crochet bath accesories
http://www.bukisa.com/articles/55591_crochet-patters-bath-accessories

I've seen a few butterflies this week and they made me think of these butterfly accessories
http://grandmotherspatternbook.com/?p=795

As usual, I get no money for posting these sites. I feel like I should say it every week just in case somebody's thinking "hey, why did she post that free pattern and not mine?" I post what I like but more importantly what I find.
_enjoy_