Addictions have a reputation for being bad. Well, if it’s drugs or something like that, maybe it is. But who ever said that being addicted to crochet is a bad thing? I certainly don’t thing so. But if you do, we can make a “Crochet Addicts Anonymous” group just for you. To determine if you are a crochet addict, simply read the symptoms below.

Symptoms of a Crochet Addict

• You’re proud to be called a “hooker”.
• You have a room for your yarn, not a shelf or a draw, you have an entire room.
• When someone greets you they start off by say, “What are you knitting?”
• You have more crochet hooks and patterns than you can count or will ever use.
• You have a designated crochet bag that you carry projects in, and the bag isn’t small.
• You always keep a crochet project in your car or at work, just in case you have some down time.
• Your hands get fidgety when you go a day without crocheting (as if you would ever do that).
• You have a play list of music or movies that’s called, “Play While Crocheting”.
• You memorized when the major yarn stores have discounts and coupons.
• You crochet with things other than yarn, such as plastic bags, cassette tape, duck tape, t-shirts, etc.
• You’ve learned to die yarn with Kool-aid and spin yarn out of your pet’s hair.
• You wear one of those necklace medallions that cuts your yarn for you.
• Your number of WIPs (works in progress) and UFOs (unfinished objects) keeps multiplying, and you blame it on your cat/dog/spouse.
• You are crocheting while reading this post.

Are you a crochet addict?
Do you have a symptom to add to the list?

The Lovable Heart Blanket is made out of a bunch of squares sewn together! This makes your project easily portable since you can crochet one square at a time without having to carry around the rest of your blanket. After you assemble all of your squares together, the blanket is bordered with fun ruffles. If you need help crocheting your blanket, just let me know and I’ll be sure to help! Skill Level:

Finished Size
Blanket: 35 1/2” (90 cm) wide, 42” (106.5 cm) long, baby size
Each square: 6 1/2” (16.5 cm) wide
Blanket size can be adjusted by adding more or less rows of squares as desired.

Materials: Medium Weight Yarn (approximately 1000 yards of red and white) Crochet Hook I (5.50 mm) Yarn Needle

To download this pattern, please visit the Crochet Spot Store.
You will be supporting Crochet Spot by purchasing this pattern or by becoming a Premium Pattern Member. You support is greatly appreciated!

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.

Crochet this rainbow to embellish a blanket, bag or anything you can thing of! You can also use it as a pin or fridgie (refrigerator magnet). You will need to know how to change colors in crochet, so take a look at the tutorial if you do not already know how to.

Skill Level:

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I’ve been wondering what skill level you would consider yourself. There are many ways to describe your skill level and a bunch of opinions as to what constitutes a beginner, intermediate or advanced crocheter. For the sake of this question, let’s use the definitions created by the Craft Yarn Council of America for different skill levels for projects. Based on the project level, you can choose which one would best suit your skill level. Here are the different levels:

	Projects for first-time crocheters using basic stitches. Minimal shaping.
	Projects using yarn with basic stitches, repetitive stitch patterns, simple color changes, and simple shaping and finishing.
	Projects using a variety of techniques, such as basic lace patterns or color patterns, mid-level shaping and finishing.
	Projects with intricate stitch patterns, techniques and dimension, such as non-repeating patterns, multi-color techniques, fine threads, small hooks, detailed shaping and refined finishing.

What project level do you think best describes your skill level?

Whether your loved one is your spouse, child, or friend, there are is always something you can crochet for Valentine’s Day! Your gift doesn’t have to be elaborate or take a lot of time to make. Here are some ideas that I have. If you have your own ideas, feel free to share here!

• Envelope – Crocheting an envelope is just as simple as crocheting a square! You can use this crocheted envelop to hold a small gift or card. The crocheted envelop gives the perfect handmade touch to you gift. Here is the link to the pattern: Crochet Pattern: Envelope.
• Flowers – Why buy flowers that will only last a week, when you can crochet flowers that will last forever? There are all sorts of different flowers you can crochet to make a bouquet! Here are some patterns for you to check out: Calla Lily, Tulip, Daisy, Sunflower, Rose.
• Heart Bookmark – For the book lover, here is a crochet pattern for a heart bookmark: Crochet Pattern: Heart Bookmark. These are really fast to crochet, so if you are look for a gift that you can make many of to give to several people, this one is good for you.
• Teddy Bear (or other stuffed animal) – It’s always cuter when you make it yourself! Well, sometimes it is. At least you can customize it to the way you want it to look. Maybe even embroider the special somebody’s name on it.

Are you crocheting anything for Valentine’s Day? Do you have an idea that you would like to share?

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.

Need a place to put your chapstick? Here is a cozy that you can attach as a key chain! This pattern is super fast to work though. You can even use your scrap yarn to make your cozy. If you need to adjust the cozy to fit your chapstick, just follow the instructions within the pattern.

Skill Level:

Finished Size: when flat 3 1/2″ (9 cm) tall including key chain hole, 1″ (2.5 cm) wide
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I was recently asked by a reader, what my favorite yarn was and it was a pretty hard question for me to answer. For me it all depends on the material I’m looking to use. For instance, I use acrylic a lot for everyday things, so my favorite acrylic yarn is Caron Simply Soft. I love the softness, the colors, plus it’s a decent price for what you get. My favorite novelty yarn is Sensation’s Boucle yarn (this yarn is soft too), although I hated it the first time I tried to crochet with it.

I think I’m starting to realize that I’m a sucker for all the “soft” yarns no matter what the material is, because when I first started crocheting I used a lot of cheap Red Heart yarn, and that stuff is rough (the opposite of soft). I must admit that there’s tons of yarns that I haven’t tried yet, so I bet that my favorite yarns will constantly be changing.

Do you have a favorite brand of yarn?