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Tutorial – Front Post & Back Post Slip Stitches
Front post and back post stitches, sometimes called relief stitches or cables, are common in crochet. You’ll most often see front post and back post double crochets or trebles, and sometimes also half double crochets. Front post and back post slip stitches, on the other hand, are much more rare, but they are easy and can be very useful! One…
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Free Pattern – Merry-go-round square
This is the third of four 5 inch squares I made as homework for a crochet retreat. It’s much easier than it looks, with alternating accent rows on top of a background of dc stitches. The accent rows are worked in the front loop, so they stand up on top of the background, creating an interesting texture. Since the color changes with…
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Product Review – Unicorn Fibre Wash & Rinse
My friend Jessie of Jessie at Home had a serious soot problem in her home office / studio a little while ago, and for cleaning it up she recommended Unicorn Fibre products. I was looking for a good product to use for blocking my projects anyway, so I thought I would give it a try. I didn’t know whether I wanted Fibre Wash or…
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How to Crochet Without a Slip Knot
Most of us learned to start our crochet by making a slip knot. It's so annoying to squish some soft, luxurious, handmade item and feel that hard little bump. But you don't have to! You can start your crochet without a slip knot.
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Free Pattern – Crossed Cables Square
This is one of four 5 inch squares I made as homework for a crochet retreat. It’s a relatively easy pattern and works up quickly. The cables give it a bit of texture, with one crossed row in the middle just for fun. This pattern is protected by copyright. Please do not distribute or share this pattern in…
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Completing the CGOA Masters Program
When I finally made the decision to go to the Knit and Crochet Show this year, I also decided to take the CGOA Masters of Advanced Stitches & Techniques Program. My goal was to successfully complete the program in time to get my pin at the show, and I did it! I’ve been dying to tell you all about it,…
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A weekend retreat
This weekend, I’m going on a retreat. A crochet retreat, to be specific, just an hour and a half from home. It sort of snuck up on me, and now it’s almost here. 3 days of yarn, friends, and crochet classes – taught by Dora Ohrenstein! Yes, THE Dora Ohrenstein! Exciting, right? It’s all through my local crochet guild chapter. Everyone is bringing snacks…
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Free Pattern – Li’l Pumpkin Hat
A couple of days ago, I shared with you my Puffy Pinwheel Hat pattern. One Friday evening, I was working on that pattern at my LYS, and my friend Annie said “that looks like a pumpkin!” Well of course she was right (she usually is), and of course I had to make a pumpkin version. How could I not? Please note this pattern is…
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Free Pattern – Puffy Pinwheel Hat
This puffy, slouchy hat matches my Striped Booties and Dreaming of Pinwheels blanket. It’s made with the same Anne Geddes Baby yarn by Red Heart, which is machine washable and soft, with just enough stretchiness. This pattern has instructions for sizes 0-6 months, 6-12 months, and toddler (1-3 years). This pattern is protected by copyright. Please do not distribute or share this pattern in any way other…
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Pattern Review – Crochet Mannequin Heads by 5 Little Monsters
Meet Shane (yes, I name my mannequin heads). He’s about a 6 month old baby hat model, and I made him using the free pattern Crochet Mannequin Heads by 5 Little Monsters. The pattern is easier than I expected and very well written – a beginner would have no trouble following it. Those of you who know me though, know that…
