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Last Minute Gift Ideas
I know, I know….I haven’t posted a thing since Thanksgiving! I’m sorry I’ve been so quiet. I’m still here, just a bit swamped right now with a couple of projects that I can’t tell you about yet. Isn’t that the way it always goes at this time of year? Anyway, I just wanted to peek in and say I haven’t forgotten about you all, and I promise I have lots of fun stuff in the works and should have a new pattern out to you soon. Meanwhile, if you’re looking for a last minute gift for someone on your list, or a great hostess gift for that holiday party, here are…
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Free Pattern – Fierté
This Thanksgiving, in the wake of the attacks in Paris and other parts of the world, I am particularly grateful for the safety and comfort that I have. Today, a few of my friends and I are posting patterns in honor of / support for France, and this is mine. This easy, somewhat slouchy, hat pattern features a wide band with a French flag detail. Please be sure to check out some of the other patterns too (note – some of these links may not be active right away, but should all be up at some point today): Patriot Square Coaster by American Crochet French Flag Graph on Creative Threads by Leah…
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Free Pattern – Bruges Lace Napkin Ring
Follow my blog with BloglovinIf you’ve never done Bruges lace, this pattern is a great introduction! Before you start, be sure to check out my new Bruges Lace tutorial. Basic Bruges lace is really nothing more than the stitches you already know, with lots of chain spaces and slip stitches to create interlocking loops. These chain spaces create the beautiful lacy effect. Make yourself a set of these quick, easy, and elegant napkin rings for your holiday table this year! This pattern is protected by copyright. Please do not distribute or share this pattern in any way other than by sharing a link to this page or to the pattern…
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This way, or that?
Turning my work at the start of a new row was never something I really thought about. Sometimes I turned it one way, sometimes the other. If I did think about it at all, it was to alternate turning directions so my yarn wouldn’t get tangled when doing colorwork. But then recently I noticed something. If I turn my work counter-clockwise, I end up with the working yarn in front, like this: If I turn it clockwise, it ends up at the back, like this: Big deal, right? When working a chain at the beginning of the row, the turning direction and location of the working yarn never really seemed to matter…
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Your feedback matters!
I’m far from perfect (yes, yes, I know, it’s hard to believe, but it’s true! ☺) Recently, a lot of people have been making my Crocodile Stitch Pixie Hat, and have been nice enough to share their pictures and thoughts on their Ravelry project pages. I LOVE to see comments and particularly pictures of your projects! It lets me know what is working and what isn’t. With this pattern, it seemed that the hat was working out a bit small for several people, and that several others were making adjustments to it to make it bigger. Based on this feedback, I have updated the pattern to increase the sizes (what…
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This is why.
Sometimes, I try to pull out the end from the center of a skein, and the whole middle comes out in one big blob of yarn barf that I then spend 2 hours untangling. Sometimes, 15 stitches from the end of a massive project, I run out of completely unmatchable yarn. Sometimes, I put down a project for a few days, and when I pick it back up again, I can’t remember what hook I was using (and when I guess, I get it wrong). Sometimes I make a pair of socks…then another pair of socks…then another pair of socks…and none of them fit me quite right, but all for…
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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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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, but I was waiting for this picture to share with you. It was taken at the pinning ceremony, by a photographer from Narrative Images Studios. See the girl in the front, with the brown jacket? That’s Grace Rosburg – at only 13 years old, I believe they said she’s the youngest ever…
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Free Pattern – Simple crochet balls
I ran out of dryer sheets the other day, so I decided to try making felted dryer balls instead. I only made it through one ball before other projects (and life in general) got in the way. One day I’ll make more, and then I’ll let you know how they work! Meanwhile, I thought I would share with you a general recipe for making crocheted balls. This is a great starting point for buttons, dolls heads, ornaments, toys, and more! Depending on the yarn you use and your gauge, you can make lots of different sizes. Really large balls may look a little misshapen (more like a capsule than a ball). I wouldn’t recommend making anything…
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15 Newbie tips for the Knit & Crochet Show
I just got back from the CGOA / TKGA Knit & Crochet Show in San Diego. This was my first show, and it was truly amazing. It was almost surreal to spend 4 whole days surrounded by such talent. Thanks to some good advice from some good friends, I was really able to make the most of it. I want to share that advice, from one newbie to another, along with a few tips of my own. If you’re going to the show next year for the first time: 1. Arrive Early. The fun starts bright and early on the first day! I arrived near lunchtime and ended up missing some of it.…
