Silk is a warm and luxurious fiber. It’s fabulous for making crocheted garments and accessories. Undyed silk ranges in color from a bright white to a honey brown color. Because it takes dye well, silk can be found for sale in many bold and vibrant colors. It’s possible to crochet in pure silk, but perhaps more common to find yarns for purchase that are a silk blend. I love silk’s softness and shine. It’s a bonus that silk is also a very strong fiber.
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Drop everything and grab a long crochet hook. Now! I just learned the fabulous technique called Tunisian crochet and I want everyone to try it!

First you may want to know what Tunisian crochet is. Well, if you’ve ever seen the long crochet hooks or the shorter ones with long cords hanging off them, you’ve seen a Tunisian crochet hook. In order to start, you’d just need one of those and some yarn. The reason the hooks are longer is because when you work a forward pass in Tunisian crochet, all of the stitches stay on your hook. During the reverse pass, you work all of those live stitches off your hook. It’s fun. It’s like a cross between crochet and knitting. Here are the top three reasons I’m loving Tunisian crochet right now.
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We’re well into April and I am here to tell you that spring is coming! I know that many of my friends in the northern United States have been battling a long and difficult winter. For me, there’s no lack of crochet inspiration up there. I’ve traditionally crocheted with larger yarns, typically worsted weight or higher, and scarves, hats, and cowls are always at the top of my project list. However, when it comes to springtime, and living in this hot and humid Florida climate, I need to turn my sights to lighter weight yarns and versatile, transitional garments. Enter the crocheted shawl.
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Today we continue our series of yarn chats with an elegant but hardworking powerhouse yarn, Merino wool. Our previous chats include Focus on Fiber: Acrylic Yarn, What’s in Your Stash?, and Yarn Obsession.

Known for its soft durability, Merino wool is a favorite among crocheters. It is quite popular among yarn crafters (and yarn hoarders ) in general, with over 1.6 million skeins stashed on Ravelry! Merino wool gets its name from the adorable Merino sheep. Originally a Spanish breed, the Merino sheep can now be found all over the world, including South America, Australia, North America, and Africa.
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Yes, you heard correctly, my friends. In addition to being National Craft Month, and “coming in like a lion but going out like a lamb,” the third month of the year is annually dedicated to our favorite craft, crochet. In honor of this, I encourage you to share Crochet Spot with someone who might be interested. Tell your crafting friends to check us out and join the fun! And since it’s also National Caffeine Awareness Month, why not work on your crochet together at a local cafe? (Bring one of these to help reduce waste.) Crochet and caffeine go great together, but herbal tea works just as well! (I should know!)

Here is a list of other holidays and observances happening this month, along with suggestions on how to celebrate!
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How many of you started to crochet when you knew a little one was on the way? I have definitely crocheted quite a few things for my little loved ones-both relatives and the children of friends. It seems like the perfect time for the hooks to come out is when we know someone has a “bun in the oven!” There are many advantages to crocheting for little ones. Additionally, baby projects may be perfect for beginners! Here are a few reasons I love crocheting for children.
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Since I started teaching crafts and getting involved in the online community, I’ve noticed that some crafters are very hesitant to modify crochet patterns. There could be several reasons for this point of view. Perhaps this crocheter is afraid of doing it “wrong” or s/he is unsure of how the finished product’s look will change in a different color or yarn.

Some crocheters will relate to this and others will not. Personally, I’ve always enjoyed the idea that crochet allows me to make design choices, even if they are as simple as choosing colors. I’d even go a bit further to say that I try not to do my projects so they look just like the picture. However, I’ve heard a lot of stories about people who do not craft that way, and choose to follow the pattern to the letter, including yarn colors and brands.
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I am always astounded by the versatility of our craft. While crochet is perfect as a solo activity, maybe relaxing on the porch with some tea in the evening, it makes a fine group activity as well. Stitching while chatting over coffee with friends adds an entirely new dimension to the crafting experience.

I have to admit, my love of fiber crafting was very clearly driven by connecting to a craft community. At first this community was online, through podcasts and my personal blog. I later joined Ravelry and started a crafting group in Mexico City. It took me a long time and a lot of perseverance, but I finally attracted a core group of similar yarn lovers and we shared tips, patterns, encouragement, and most of all, friendship. We eventually became the first Mexican chapter of the Crochet Guild of America, Ganchitos Mexico City. The Ganchitos are still going strong although I’ve changed locales.
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I thought we’d take a peek into the world of crocheted artworks every now and then. This week we’ll talk about Japanese and Canadian artist Toshiko Horiuchi MacAdam.

When appreciating the massive artworks by MacAdam, you don’t have to keep your hands off the art. Many of her works are literally colorful playgrounds meant for children to enjoy, but they didn’t start out that way. The idea was born when children climbed onto a gallery installation resembling a hammock. MacAdam observed as her artwork as it changed shape and was inspired.
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We began our discussion of crocheting for the holidays here, but I wanted to take it even further. I think holidays are lots of fun, and there are some very unusual holidays that I’ve found, along with our old favorites. I thought it would be fun to match Crochet Spot patterns with holidays each month. We don’t need an excuse to crochet, but a little motivation never hurt! Here are some of February’s fun and fabulous occasions to crochet!

Bubble Gum Day – February 1 – Crochet one of these quick and beautiful bags and fill it with bubble gum to give to a friend.

Ballet Day – February 7 – Ballerinas are known not only for their grace, but also for their hairstyles. Crochet one of these three bun covers for a ballet enthusiast in your life.

Valentines Day – February 14 – One way to show you care is by giving this sweet heart to your sweetheart.

Love Your Pet Day – February 20 – Spoil your pet with a new dog bone or cat toy.

Academy Awards Night – February 24 – Whether you are on your couch or on the red carpet, rock it granny square style!

National Tooth Fairy Day – February 28 – Your child will love placing his or her lost tooth in this and finding money the next day!

What do you think of these crochet holidays? What else would you recommend to celebrate these or any other February observances?