Since I’ve made Crochet Spot, everything has been written by me, me and me. I want to spice things up and give other bloggers and crafty writers a chance to share their love for crochet, just as I’ve been doing. This is a great opportunity for people to not only share their love for crochet with Crochet Spot readers, but also gain exposure to their website or crochet business. If you are an up and coming crocheter or even a seasoned designer, being a Guest Writer can be an exciting and rewarding experience for you!

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I came across an article today (I wish I came across it sooner) that discussed making plastic mats for Haiti as a part of the post earthquake relief efforts. This idea is similar to the post I wrote featuring Rita Kunc, who crocheted milk bags to make mats for the homeless.

These crocheted plastic mats would also work great in Haiti. In fact, in Haiti’s warm climate, the mats become softer and are easy to clean. By sleeping on these mats as opposed to the ground, it can deter the chances of being bitten by parasites.

For more information about this project, please visit the following link to read the whole article: Mats Aim to Soften the Suffering in Earthquake-Rattled Haiti.

Did you know that March is National Crochet Month? It’s the time of the year to spread crochet joy with your family and friends!

Here are some fun ideas to make crochet month extra special:

• Teach someone new to crochet.
• Throw a crochet party.
• Have a yarn/hook/pattern shopping spree.
• Join a crochet along, crochet group, or forum.
• Share Crochet Spot and other fun crochet sites with your friends.

You are doing anything special for National Crochet Month?

If you are new to Crochet Spot or if you’ve missed a few post here and there, check out the new archives page! Here you can find a list of all the post (patterns, tutorial, etc.) ever published on Crochet Spot. Everything is organized by month and date. The number in the parenthesis after each title tells you the number of comments on the post. You can quickly skim through each month to see if anything catches you eye!

Hopefully the new archives page is easier to navigate then the old design I had. So if you’ve been away from Crochet Spot for a while, head on over to the archives page to catch up on all the fun posts!

Here is another charity group that you may like to check out! Care Wear is a nationwide group of volunteers who crochet, knit or sew baby items. The items are then sent to hospitals and distributed to newborn babies, infants and their parents.

Here are some of my free crochet patterns for baby items that you can crochet, then donate!

Crochet Pattern: Newborn Baby Hat
Crochet Pattern: Basic Preemie Hat
Crochet Pattern: Shell Stitch Blanket

Care Wear is also a non-profit organization [501(c)(3)], meaning your donations are tax deductible. (Not that the joy of giving isn’t good enough)

If you have extra baby items to donate, you can learn more about Care Wear at the Care Wear website.

Looking for more places to get involved? Check out the Crochet Spot Charity page.

Hooray! I finally made a Twitter page for Crochet Spot! So if you’re on Twitter too, feel free to follow me on Twitter. Just use the button below:

Twitter is just another way for us to stay in touch! I’ll post short “tweets” to keep you updated with the new patterns and tutorials on Crochet Spot or whatever it is I’m up to. I also think it’s a great way for me to get to know you (the readers) better, since I can follow you too!

Thanks for joining me on Twitter!
By the way, I’m also on Facebook

Do you have a crochet blanket to donate? If so, Blankets for the Gulf is an organization that can help you find a family in need to give it to! The goal of Blankets for the Gulf is to deliver handmade blankets to the victims of the 2005 Hurricanes Rita and Katrina. Even though as I write this it is 2010, people still need our help!

With the help of everyday people like you and me, Blankets for the Gulf has sent out 1,120 blankets and counting! Now that is something to be proud of! If you would like to join in on this great cause, visit the Blankets for the Gulf website for more information.

Need a blanket pattern? No worries, here is one of mine that you can use: Crochet Pattern: Shell Stitch Blanket. This is a beginner level pattern so anyone can make a blanket to donate!

If you would like to find even more places that need your crocheted items, check out the Crochet Spot Charity Page.

I ran into a neat site called the Pink Slipper Project! Here is a snippet of what they are all about:

“The Pink Slipper Project is an endeavor to warm the hearts and the toes of those who will spend this winter living in women’s and children’s shelters. We are going to provide hand-crafted slippers to as many of these women and children as possible.”

The great thing is that you can donate crocheted slippers or even knitted or sewn slippers! Slippers don’t have to be pink, but they do have to be toasty and warm. Feel free to visit their site to learn more about the Pink Slipper Project.

Also, feel free to use my Crochet Pattern: Easy Adjustable Slippers if you need a slipper pattern.

You can also find more information about charities to donate your crochet items to at the Crochet Spot Charity Page.

Are you a Facebook addict?? If so, GREAT!

Crochet Spot now has it’s own page on Facebook. So if you’re a Facebook user, like me, feel free to become a fan of Crochet Spot on Facebook. Just use the button below to join in!

Becoming a fan of Crochet Spot on Facebook is just another way for us to stay in touch

As a fan you will be able to…

• Stay updated as new patterns, tutorials and news are added to Crochet Spot!
• Share your own pictures of projects you’ve made
• Connect with other Crochet Spot readers
• Share your love for crochet with your Facebook friends!

Thanks for joining and supporting Crochet Spot’s Facebook fan page!

Here is a list of the most popular, most commented, most viewed, and most bought patterns of 2009! In no particular order, here they are:

• Crochet Pattern: Rose – this is a classic and beautiful rose pattern. Although it can be a challenge for beginners to crochet, 2 more tutorials where created, including How to Roll Up a Crocheted Rose.
• Crochet Pattern: Amigurumi Animal Coasters – inspired by my first Teddy Bear Coaster Crochet Pattern, this set includes 5 new and cute animals to crochet as coasters.
• Crochet Pattern: Piano Key Scarf - made after a request, the piano scarf became very popular since there are so many piano lovers out there.
• Crochet Pattern: Spider Web Scarf – Who knew that such a simple pattern could be so popular? It must be simpleness that makes it so pretty and elegant.
• Crochet Pattern: Family Beanie Set (6 sizes) – this pattern offers convenience since there are 6 sizes ranging from a preemie baby to a men’s size.
• Crochet Pattern: Slouchy Beanie – Fun and stylish for women, this free pattern has been made by lots of Crochet Spot readers.
• Crochet Pattern: Santa Claus Hat (5 sizes) – one of the best patterns for the holidays! The pattern includes 5 sizes ranging from baby to men’s.
• Crochet Pattern: Easy Adjustable Slippers – this tutorial is can help you make ANY slipper size! Although it may be slightly difficult for beginners to follow, the more experienced, should have no problem.
• Crochet Pattern: Beginner’s Wrist Warmers with Ridges – one if the most made crochet items, this pattern is so easy a beginner can do it. Plus the ridges make the wrist warmers stretch for a nice snug fit.
• Crochet Pattern: Animal Bookmarks – Theses are fun and cute bookmarks that are great for kids and adult to use.

Do you have a favorite Crochet Spot pattern?