Pattern Picks - Sampler Blocks Baby Blanket

N.Y. Yarns has up a pattern called Cotton Crochet Sampler Blocks Baby Blanket. It's a very pretty combination of sampler squares and though they have it made in several colors I think it would look very good in one color that accentuates the textures of the samples as well.

Pattern Picks - Santa Baby Hat

Caron has a really cute Santa Baby Hat pattern. Looks warm and definitely in the holiday style.

Charity Spotlight - Operation Toasty Toes

Operation Toasty Toes makes handmade knitted and crocheted slippers, dickeys, headbands, helmets (a.k.a. ski masks), watch caps and wristlets (a.k.a. fingerless mitts). These items are mailed to the Armed Forces stationed overseas. You have to use their patterns only but it's a nice way to support the troops. Click the link to find a chapter near you.

Pattern Picks - Blushing Grannies Afghan

Coats has up a really nice project called Blushing Grannies Afghan. This is done in color faded rows of granny squares done in blush shades but I think it would just as nicely in the favorite color fades of your choice. I think it's a very elegant way to do a granny square afghan. Check it out.

Pattern Picks - Nooks 'n Crannies Square

I wanted to highlight Sally Ives Nooks 'n Crannies Square. I'm not a big grannies fan but this one I think is very pretty. I like the circular motif inside the square.

Pattern Picks - Scruby Bumpy Face Cloth

Hey folks. Now I'm not much for making face cloths and that sort of thing usually but you may want to head over to Craft Leftovers and take a look at their Crocheted Scruby Bumpy Face Cloth. The bumpy texture is supposed to help with exfoliation but I have to say I think the stitch itself works up really pretty and I like it. So go take a look and remember folks, someone worked to put the pattern together so if you download the free pattern a thank you isn't to much to pay in return.

Pattern Picks - Diamond Hat & Scarf

Crochet World magazine's featured pattern is the lovely Diamond Hat & Scarf. Almost anyone will love this chic and stylish hat and scarf set. You could even crochet it in school colors. It features puff stitch diamonds so you can learn how to puff stitch if you don't already know. Warning: This is a PDF document pattern.

Pattern Picks - Colorful Carryall

If you need a great gift idea for a friend who crochets Talking Crochet's Colorful Carryall is a great solution. This handy little case, as you can see, is perfectly styled to hold a generous set of crochet hooks. However, it can have other uses, too. For example, it could hold coupons for shopping, cards or money. You could insert bills, sorted by denomination, through the different post-stitch bands, and arrange your credit and bank cards in the bands as well. Naturally you could make the colors to suit your own taste

Tutorial Picks - Tunisian Reverse Stitch

Wonder How To has a little video up on how to create the Tunisian reverse stitch. The hook is inserted in back through the middle of the vertical bars and out the back side. Worked into a project it may help to reduce some of that curl up you get on a Tunisian project at the corners. Go take a look and learn How To.

Pattern Picks - Button Ornaments

Taking Crochet's Button Ornaments are fun and easy to make, and they're a great way to use up some of those beautiful leftover buttons in your sewing box. You can decorate the ornaments with additional trims, such as ribbon and bead string, as shown, or add your own choice of embellishments.

Pattern Picks - Angel Bells

There is no Getting Loopy today but instead we have these adorable little Angel Bells, they immediately made me think of that well-known line from the classic holiday movie, It's a Wonderful Life: "Every time a bell rings, an angel gets its wings." These little angels will add such a charming touch to your Christmas decorations.

Pattern Picks - Snowflake Garland

Coats has up a really cute pattern I wanted to let you all know about. It's a crocheted Snowflake Garland. Now I'm not a very Christmasy person mainly because of the over commercialization but I think this is really adorable. You could decorate your windows or your tree with it. I was also thinking if you have some white plastic shopping bags you want to use up you could make this garland out of plarn and even decorate some of your outdoor shrubbery. Now how is that for versatile and inspirational?

Lion Newsletter 4th for Nov

The 4th Lion newsletter for November is out. It features the introduction of 100% Cashmere from the new LB Collection. The free patterns include Fast, Easy Gifts to Make on a Budget but still coming out slightly heavy on the knitting side. I have to say that even though there are only 3 free crochet patterns as opposed to 5 knit patterns the crochet ones offered really do rock. The free patterns are as follows. Crochet: Driving Gloves, Ruffle Scarf & Graphic Squares Afghan. Knit: Easy Knit Mitten, Aran Cable Scarf, Hooded Knitted Sweater, Thigh High Socks & Lover's Knot Afghan. If you follow the Lola cartoon there are links to Amigurumi Turkey, Felted Fall Wreath & Cornucopia and Fruit however these patterns were given in a previous newsletter. If you missed those this is a good chance to get them. There is a link to their kids newsletter which shows how to Learn to Make Your Own Amigurumi. For the kit sale of the week you can get 50% Off their Knit Stained Glass Hat & Scarf pattern. The Trim of the Week crocheted Lattice Fringe

Happy Thanksgiving!

Outdoor Fiber Inspiration

Kingdom Of Style has a really cool and inspirational post up about a fiber terrific movement of Crocheted and knitted graffiti. I find this strangely attractive. Covered trees, statues and even a deserted gas station. I especially like the trees. Talk about tree hugging. What could be cooler than some crochet love for your tree? Pretty darn cool I say and it sure beats painted names all over everything. Now you probably don't want to use your most expensive hand spun but wouldn't just a little covering somewhere with some of your scrap yarn be something? What do you think?

Crochet & Knit Harmony

Curbly has up a very keen post about her friend that made a blanket of knit circles with crochet edges that were crocheted together. Get some inspiration and feel the luv of Crochet and knit joined together in harmony when you read about Joy's Circles of Blankety Goodness.

Crochet! January 2009

I just got my January issue of Crochet! and I've had a bit of time to page through before posting my comments. This is just a review through Rabbit9's eyes and not meant as any criticism to unpicked items. I'm just highlighting the patterns and articles that especially appeal to me.

Articles:
Elegant Hooks: Crochet With Comfort: This is a little review of Elegant Hooks made by Al and Bella Bourassa for people that have join or muscle pain that makes it hard to hold a regular hook. You get one handle and the hook part is interchangeable coming in a set of 6 plus an accessory bag and a few replacement O-rings. You can also get additional hooks separately.

Secrets for Seaming Success: Several methods of joining pieces are discussed here. A very beneficial article for both beginner and advanced crocheters including pictures so you can see what they are doing as well as text descriptions.

Crocheting Socks That Fit: Need I say again that socks in crochet rock? Ok well they do so there and if you are having trouble getting yours to fit right this article is one you need to read. It goes through how to measure and how to adjust by shoe size. If you want to make the kind of socks you can wear in your shoes & fit to your actual feet and legs check this article out.

Patterns:
Threads of Compassion Scarf by Bendy Carter: Not only is the scarf lovely but it can be donated to the charity Threads of Compassion which provides scarves for the victims of sexual violence.

Striped-Yoke Top by Melissa Leapmin: This is a very pretty sweater that I think would look good on almost any body type. Depending on the yarn you choose and what you wear it with I think it could go from casual to slightly dressy.

Mens Hooded Cardigan by Treva McCain: A simple but still elegant cardigan for the men in your life. Yes, that's right, men. So for all you out there wanting to crochet something your man might actually wear I suggest you check this pattern out.

Zigzag Rib & Small Slanted Shells by Annie's Attic: This is a continued series. What's not to love about learning a new stitch you might be able to use in making up your own patterns. These two stitches are both very pretty in their own way Zigzag Rib has an almost basket weave look. Small Slanted Shells has almost a vertical bullion look to it. Sorry but that's the closest I can get to a description. You just have to see this one to really appreciate it.

Fair Isle & Easy Breezy Socks by Janet Rehfeldt: As you know I so dig crochet socks. For so long I could only find knitted patterns and I knew there must be a way to crochet them. Actual socks not the slipper things. This article has 2, count 'em 2 patterns to choose from. I say why choose, make both and Show that cool socks can be crocheted too, not just knit.

Continental Cable Scarf by Peter Franzi: Ok you scarf makers get your hook out because this one rocks. I'm not a huge fan of post stitches. Normally I think it's an attempt to make the look of knit cables in crochet but it doesn't quite work for me. This pattern however has a much better look than most crochet "cables" to me. It is very classy and I have to give all kinds of props to Peter. I'm also personally glad to see more men getting into crochet.

Black & white Hat & Solid Hat by Sharon Mann: For me hats rank even higher than socks and these two are beauties. Rounded hats with brims. The B & W has a very elegant stripe and buckle that I think is just beautiful and the solid is a fun pattern with a flower with the stem going around as the band. I think it would make a great summer sun hat.

Sampler Shawl by Kim Guzman: The name says it all. Large pattern squares and solid squares teamed up with a beautiful scalloped edging to make this really beautiful shawl. Definitely a must do for someone special on your gift list.

Letter-Baby Jacket by Brandee Fondren: This is really cute and classic version of a letterman jacket for a child. This would be great if you are looking for a pattern for young boys. The sizes are for 6 to 24 months.

Those are my personal hot picks for this issue but there are many more that I did not mention. My congrats to every designer in the issue for their patterns and pushing through to make crochet fun and fashionable.

Hot/Cold Roll & Embroidery

I improvised this design of a hot/cold roll as a gift for a friend. It's crocheted in a simple shell stitch and filled with sterilized cherry stones. I used Bernat Satin in colorway jade and an H hook. As the name implies it can be put in the refrigerator to be used cold or heated in the microwave to be used hot. The embroidery I did by hand on a handkerchief to wrap the roll in and tied with a ribbon for gifting in place of wrapping paper. Eco friendly and beautiful if I do say so myself.

Lion Newsletter 3rd for Nov

The 3rd Lion newsletter for November is out. It features a lot of knitting including a new knit-along, wrist warmers and knit trim. The free patterns include washcloths to crochet & knit. For the kit sale of the week you can get 50% Off their Crochet Hazelnut Scarf pattern. You can also share your story and your tips with others about how crocheting and/or knitting helps you deal with stress. Definitely another issue more geared to knit than crochet but what they do offer isn't bad.

Charity Spotlight - The Mother Bear Project

I'm posting today about The Mother Bear Project. This seems a worthwhile charity to crochet for but I will bring to your notice that they only accept there bear patterns and you have to pay for the pattern but they do crochet as well as knit so if you want to pay a few dollars for their bear pattern and make a difference it's a good cause.

The Mother Bear Project is dedicated to providing comfort and hope to children affected by HIV/AIDS in emerging nations, by giving them a gift of love in the form of a hand-knit or crocheted bear.

Pattern Picks - Pineapple Shawl

Caron Yarns has up a very pretty pattern for a Pineapple Shawl. They have it made with their NatureSpun™ but it's not heavy. It's a very beautiful lacy and open pattern. It would be a nice pattern for those thinking of spring, like me.