No matter how much you love something, including crochet, there is always something about it that can make you tick. Whether it’s just something that makes you roll your eyes, annoy the heck out of you, or even make you pull your hair out, they are all pet peeves and I want to know about them!

Here are some of my all time crochet pet peeves:

Knots in my skein – I’m pretty good at taking out knots, but just because I’m good at it doesn’t mean I want knots! I’m pretty sure that the whole point of buying skeins of yarn is to avoid having knots in the yarn. But sometimes there’s that surprising knot in the skein that always makes me put down whatever I’m making and untangle it.

Running out of yarn – I’m not talking about running out in the middle of a project, because if I’m that far off in my yarn estimate that’s just my fault. But if I run out of yarn on the last row, that’s qualified as a rip your hair out situation! Who would want to go out and buy an entire skein of yarn just to finish the last row?

Distractions – Sometimes I’m caught in a deep concentration not wanting to lose my place or idea. Then someone comes along and starts chatting with me. I don’t mean to be rude when I ignore them, but they just don’t get it…I’m crocheting here!

Counting – 1…2…3… I can count that, no problem. But when I have to count over and over again and for a very long time, it drives me nuts! Probably because I get bored counting, or my mind wonders elsewhere and then I have to start over again.

Weaving in end – I just wish that the ends of yarn would weave themselves in. It seems so tedious when I finish making something to tuck the ends in nice and neatly.

What are your crochet pet peeves? Come on, you can let it out…

Now that the holidays are approaching and somehow always end up getting here faster than I think, it’s about time to brainstorm ideas for what to make as gifts. Like many of you, I don’t have much time to make a bunch of large gifts for everyone, so quick, easy and still knock your socks off great, is what I’m going for.

Here are some things that I’ve been considering:

Dishcloth – Just about everyone has a kitchen or something to clean, right? Dishcloths are so fast and easy to crochet and can be used for more than just dishes. Crochet Pattern: Dishcloth with Ridges

Wine Bottle Cozy – Wine has to be one of the most given gifts around the holidays. So why not add a touch of crochet to your wine gift? Crochet Pattern: Easy Wine Bottle Cozy

Animal Bookmarks – There are fast and cute to make for kids, or even adults (like me) who just like cute things. Crochet Pattern: Animal Bookmarks

Beanie – Beanies are always a winter classic! Men, women, boys, girls, and babies…everyone can wear a beanie. Plus they are pretty simple to make if you use the right pattern. Crochet Pattern: Family Beanie Set – 6 sizes

Wrist Warmers – These are pretty fast because they are just rectangles sew into the shape of wrist warmers. If you know the person wears wrist warmers, I think having another pair would never hurt. Crochet Pattern: Beginner’s Wrist Warmers with Ridges

Scarf – Only make a scarf if you know he/she wears scarves. If they do, then that’s great, because scarves are pretty fast to make too! Feel free to use my scarf patterns. (I would list them here but there are too many) You can use the search box at the top of the page and type in “scarf” to find all the scarf patterns.

Do you have a quick crochet gift idea that you would like to share?

Decorate with these little Halloween appliques! The set includes 5 patterns: candy corn, ghost, pumpkin, spider, and witch. Place them on goody bags, clothing, or scrapbooks. You can even use them as pins or fridgies (refrigerator magnets).

Download this pattern at the Crochet Spot Store. Free to download for Premium Pattern Members.

Skill Level:

Finished Size: each applique is approximately 2″ – 3″ tall

Main Materials: Medium Weight Yarn (small amount of each color) Crochet Hook H (5.00 mm)

By purchasing or this pattern (or becoming a Premium Pattern Member), you will be supporting Crochet Spot in purchasing supplies needed to create the tutorials and patterns you love on this site! Visit the Crochet Spot Store to download this pattern and to check out other patterns that you may enjoy.

If you need help with crocheting these Halloween appliques, let me know and I’ll be glad to help!

Let’s face it, there are tons of things to crochet. But I’m sure everyone has a favorite, no matter how small or big the item may be. I often describe myself as someone who doesn’t like to crochet something more than once, but even I have a favorite thing to crochet!

My favorite is my dishcloth with ridges! It’s nothing fancy and even a beginner can do it. It’s my all time favorite thing to crochet because it is soooo simple! The repetition of single crochet stitches makes it very soothing and relaxing to crochet, no thinking needed. Plus, the dishcloth is pretty small, so I won’t get bored making it. Now if this was a blanket sized pattern…I would probably go insane doing a bunch single crochets in a row.

What’s your favorite thing to crochet?