Although it has been 6 months since the catastrophic earthquake hit Haiti, the already impoverished country is still struggling on just about every level. How could crochet possibly come into play? Here goes: Pat Eidsness is the pastor of South Dakota’s Peace Lutheran Church and she recently spent time volunteering in Haiti. While there, Eidsness tried instructing mothers to avoid letting their children play in or sleep on the dirt-covered ground.

Upon her return to Sioux Falls, SD, she wanted to do something more for the people of Haiti, so she started brainstorming. Her memories of the mothers and children sparked an idea: cutting up t-shirts into strips and crocheting mats from them. Soon enough she was requesting t-shirt donations from the community and asking for volunteers, from experienced crocheters to those who have never crocheted (but are willing to learn!). The collective effort has already resulted in dozens of completed mats and it’s fortunately an ongoing effort.

You can read more about crocheting for Haiti here.

A great way to add to your crocheting arsenal is to learn and implement special stitches. With special stitches you can make a plain scarf, blanket or washcloth more interesting and special. It’s easy to apply the instructions for a special stitch into your upcoming project.  Below are instructions for a few special stitches, some photos of the stitches and tips on using them in your project.  Check out the crochet abbreviation chart for help with abbreviations and symbols. Click Here To Read More »

Crochet old plastic grocery bags into this sturdy market bag! Use your market bag over and over at the grocery store, beach, or any where you need a large bag. This pattern is intended to be made with plarn (plastic yarn) but can also be crocheted with medium weight yarn. Instructions for creating the proper gauge and adjusting the size of the bag and straps are included within the pattern. To download this pattern, visit the Crochet Spot Store. Finished Size: 22” (56 cm) wide and tall when flat, including straps Skill Level:

Materials:
Approximately 80 grocery bags cut into 1” wide plarn
Crochet hook H (5.00 mm)
Yarn needle

Download Pattern:

1. Go to http://www.crochetspot.com/store/
2. Log in (or create a new account).
3. Premium Pattern Members may download for free, others may purchase by adding the pattern to their shopping chat and checking out.

If you need help while crocheting your market bag, just let me know and I’ll help you out!

Don’t you love holidaying in the summer? I know I do! I also love getting started on holiday gifts for the family and friends. If you would like to get started on holiday items too, I’m pleased to tell you that all Christmas patterns are currently 40% OFF! Hurry before the sale ends on Wednesday 7/28/2010 at 11:59 PM EST. Visit the Crochet Spot Store to shop!

The sale includes the following Christmas crochet patterns:

Santa Claus Hat (5 sizes) – Yes, that’s right, this pattern includes instructions for crocheting the Santa Claus Hat in 5 different sizes! From a newborn baby to a man, everyone can have a crocheted hat.

Christmas Applique Set #1 – This set includes 5 crochet patterns: candy cane, Christmas tree, gift box, Santa Claus hat, and stocking. Appliques are great to use as ornaments, pins, or to sew onto a bag, hat, or blanket!

Christmas Applique Set #2 – This set includes 5 crochet patterns: elf, gingerbread man, reindeer, Santa, and snowman.

Don’t forget that patterns can be downloaded straight from your store account after purchasing. No need to wait for an email

Have fun crocheting your holiday items this summer!!

Do you have sweaters you no longer wear? Afghans a-plenty in the closet? Ignore them no longer! If you have neglected crocheted items that you don’t have sentimental attachment to, perhaps it’s time to go on an unraveling binge. Recycling previously-used yarn is a great way to make use of those items again–by turning them into something else! Sometimes I find crocheted garments at thrift stores that are in good condition, but not what I’d want to wear. And yet, at $3 for a bulky wool sweater worth of yarn? Too good too pass up. Below I will tell you how easy it is to restore recycled yarn so that you can use it in your next project.

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This change purse would make the perfect handmade gift for a little girl, a teenager or a grown woman!  By using different colors and styles of buttons the purse can look as versatile as its many uses. This pattern includes instructions for using two small buttons for the closure, feel free to experiment with different types and styles of closures and then share them with us here!

Click Here To Read More »

Kate Jenkins pushes the envelope when it comes to fiber art possibilities. She doesn’t just knit and crochet, she knits and crochets. A former designer for fashion lines like Donna Karan, she is the owner of Cardigan, a knit and crochet shop and gallery all in one, based in the U.K. Her mission statement unravels like this: “anything can be created from yarn as long as it is made with love.” From striped wraps to fish and chip platters, dragonflies to the pork pie you see below, Kate exhibits at galleries and art shows all over the world and is known for her attention to small details and use of vibrant colors. Click Here To Read More »

Hello! My name is Erin and I’m a writer, mother and crocheter. My days are filled with mayhem, mischief and makings.  I started crocheting while on bed rest with my second daughter and have been crafting items for sale and as gifts ever since.  You can read all about my chaotic life at my personal blog Blogging is For Dorks and see my hand made items at Ultra Cute Crochet.

I love sharing my patterns and experiences in crocheting with beginners and with more advanced crocheters looking for more to learn!

Hello! I just started blogging here on Crochet Spot and I thought I’d tell you a little bit about myself. I am a 28-year-old New York City/Pittsburgh-based freelance writer and crochet/knit designer (among other random jobs!). I started crocheting about five years ago when I was diagnosed with a serious chronic condition that left me pretty housebound. It quickly became a therapeutic activity, something I really enjoyed and that I could do from the comfort of my home. I started designing my own patterns right away and opened an Etsy shop to sell some of my whimsical, personified handheld items like safety cones, balloons, s’mores, gourmet cheeses, fortune cookies, silver-lined clouds and many others. Click Here To Read More »

Doilies aren’t just for grannies anymore!  Adding a pop and punch to your shelves, bookcases and tables is never a bad idea.  Instead of the standard off white cotton thread and tiny hook this pattern puts a twist on the classic doily by using sock yarn (fingering weight) in bright alternative colors instead.

Click Here To Read More »