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!

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.

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.

Lion Newsletter 2nd for Nov

The 2nd Lion newsletter for November is out and I'm sorry to say it's a little disappointing for the crocheter in my opinion. The focus this time is on scarves which if fine, But, take a look at the difference between the knit patterns which have some style and flare and the crochet ones which to me seem a little boring and basic with the styles chosen. Sorry but I don't really need a pattern to DC back and forth rows in the width of a scarf. No there is nothing wrong with beginner patterns. I'm all for more people learning to crochet. I just don't see an evenness in the presentation of style in this issue. To me it says look at the knitting, cables, ribs, waves, BAM! Oh yeah and here's some simple ones for you crocheters. I'm not feeling the luv for the hook. On the plus side If you follow the link for the Lola cartoon you will find 3 more patterns. The Crochet Luxury Hood has some real potential if you don't mind working with fun-fur. For the knitters there is the Furry Pillbox Hat & Santa Hats. The kit sale of the week is 50% off the Knit Wild & Woolly Hat & Scarf Set. The trim of the Week is the crocheted Soft Center trim. Go take a look and let me know what you think.

Lion Newsletter 1st for Nov

The 1st Lion newsletter for November is out and the Halloween fun has begun. In this issue you will find the Grace Scarf, amigurumi patterns for a Crochet Tom Turkey, a Crochet Cornucopia and a Crochet Wreath of felted leaves. There are also Afghans to Make in 6 Hours or Less, 2 are Crochet and 2 are the K word for those that run that bent. You can also get over 50% Off the current Kit which is also the K word but Rabbit9 does have fiber love for all that love us back so I'm mentioning the Knit Ermine Wrap. The trim this week is Knit Bobbles but you can also check the site for crochet trims so we are not left out. My personal pick is the amigurumi items. Very cute. Go look.

Pet Yarn Chic

You worked a long day and now it's time to settle down and relax. You have your crochet together, a good movie on and a nice cup of tea. You're set. You sit down into your favorite chair and within minutes you realize you're wearing a blanket that never saw a hook belonging to you or anyone else. Yup, your favorite pet has shed enough hair to make you look like a wookie with one sit down. What is a crocheter to do? Of course you love your pet to no end. No way you are going to do without that sweet fluffy face! However it's time for fluffy and duke to start earning their share and adding to the coffers of your stash instead of your laundry and housekeeping. So you say yeah Rabbit9, I can dig that but where are you going with this? What do I do, hook up my dog to my ball winder? Well, yes and no. It's time to tame the shed. Gather up the hair and go check out Pet Yarn Chic. They can take all the brushed shed [no clipped hair] and make it into yarn. At last you can make a sweater that you can actually take off and put on at will. Costs are on the page but I think after the initial set up this would be worth it if you have a heavy shedding or multiple animal[s]. You need to brush your animals anyway for their health and your housekeeping anyway so why not fatten your stash in reward for all your work at the same time? Take a look and see if it's worth it for you.

It’s absolutely easy … and fun,too! When you join Pet Yarn Chic you begin the process of regularly gathering and saving your pet’s shed or groomed fur and hair for your homespun yarn. We supply you, or your pet groomers, with a starter kit of hair collection instructions and shipping labels. As you send us your collected pet hair, we hand-spin it into yarn, and mail the finished yarn back to you. We will continue to spin your pet hair into yarn for as long as you like…whether it’s for one project…or for many projects to come.

Small Town Living

Small Town Living is a free pdf magazine and the October - November issue is out. I've been reading these for some time and it is appropriately named. It often has simple living tips and craft related articles. Some of my favorite articles from this issue are as follows.

Small Town Business Basics by Rich Musgrave
Which is some thoughts on how to make and keep your business more profitable.

Not Your Grandmother’s Aprons by Bev Frankeny
Is a pretty cool article about the old fashioned type of aprons, you know, actually functional. It also has some links included for pattern resource so you sewers might want to check it out.

Homemade Cheese by: Kristina Ecker
Real cool article for anyone that has had an interest in how to make simple mozzarella at home. Yummy.

The Art of Rescuing Vintage Textiles by LuAnn Smith, Artisan
Now we are getting into the crafty stuff. If you either have some vintage fabric or want some this is a must read in this issue. They also have some resource links.

Frugal Living 33 Ways to Save and Stretch Your Dollars
Self explanatory and who couldn't use and extra money saving tip these days.

To get your issue follow the link above and click on the picture to download the pdf. Back issues are also available on that page and some of those are very good too like the August - September issue witch has an article on spinning fiber.

Lion Newsletter

The 1st Lion newsletter for October is out and the Halloween fun has begun. In this issue you will find Halloween candy bags & amigurumi candy corn, loom-knit slippers, over 70% off easy scarf kits, the trim of the week is crochet slip fringe and if you click the link for the Lola cartoon there are some extra links for a candy corn felted treat bag, amigurumi lollipops & amigurumi roll candy. Lots of cute things to get your spooky started.

Crochet! November 2008

I just got my November issue of Crochet! yesterday and I've had a bit of time to page through before posting my comments. As with my post on I.C. 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:
Caron Launches Exciting New Yarn Line: This is a little review of the new "Naturally Caron" yarns Country, a wool microfiber blend & SPA.

Insider Shaping Secrets: As mentioned in past posts shaping is a weak point for me so I really want to read this article carefully and hopefully I can improve.

Patterns:
Flower of the Month Pins by Jane Brown: The series continues and though I'm not a very fru-fru kind of girl I really like the two presented in this months issue.

Granule Stitch & Staggered Diamonds by Annie's Attic: This is also 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 Granule is a close weave stitch and Staggered Diamonds is more open. Something for everyone.

Winter White Car Coat by Melissa Leapmin: This is a very lovely long coat, about knee length. It's really beautiful. This is a big project & I would try it but I already have something similar made by my mother.

Camo Socks by Julie Farmer: 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. These are a typical short woman's length sock and blue camo but you could choose a different yarn if you wanted.

Double Take by Kim Guzman: This is a slipper pattern, options for men or woman. Nice, simple and would make a good slipper sock. Mainly I like the way they used buttons on the men's pattern.

Sienna Jacket by Candi Jensen: This is really pretty to me and a very classic styling. I may try it at some point but as I mentioned I'm not so great with shaping on garments.

Great Stocking Stuffers by Bendy Carter, Darla Sims, Barbara Worn-Wurtz, Lori Zeller: These are little amigurumi animals [elephant, octopus & pig], Very very cute so if you're into amigurumi check 'em out.

Beaded Bag Necklace by Barbara Worn-Wurtz: Very cute little bag necklace that would be very customizable with different beads.

Those are my personal hot picks for this issue and my congrats to every designer in the issue for their patterns and pushing through to make crochet fun and fashionable.

Interweave Crochet Fall 2008

I just got my fall issue of I.C. yesterday and I wanted a bit of time to page through before posting my comments.

I want to start by saying all the patterns are lovely. I just want to highlight the patterns and articles that especially appeal to me.

Articles:
There is an interview with Robyn Chachula that I'm really looking forward to. I've heard her before on G.L. and her patterns are really beautiful so I'm looking forward to reading about what she has to say in this issue.

There is an article that seems to be the start of a series on garment construction, this being part 1: seaming. Now this has particular appeal to me because to be honest I have trouble with making crocheted garments. I hate doing any sort of shaping because it takes me no end of frogging to get it right so I'm looking forward to this series and I may even make notes.

Patterns:
Oxford Town Tote: Lisa Naskrent. This is a beautiful bag and if I didn't have so many already I might make it. However if I need a gift at some point it would be a pattern I'd consider. It's very simple but with some lovely bits of fancy on the strap and edges.

Austen Lace Muffler: Robyn Chachula. Now to me this pattern is ultra yummy. I love the look of the layered ruffles and I am in no way a girly girl. This is just pretty and classic looking to me and it is going to get made. I love nice neck mufflers because I get cold easily and they keep the winter damp out of the top of my coat. This one rocks. [told ya Robyn is good]

Sweet Lorraine Lace Throw: Doris Chan. Beautiful beautiful. Not only is the blanket lovely but there is a picture of part of the pattern made into a scarf. It's pretty, and lacy in a feminine way without being girly girl. There will be Christmas gifts.

Those are my personal hot picks for this issue and my congrats to every designer in the issue for their patterns and pushing through to make crochet just as up to date and fashionable as knitting ever was, and in my humble Rabbit9 opinion, even more so.