These lace fingerless gloves are fast to crochet with an easy, repetitive stitch pattern. The pattern includes instructions for making the gloves as wide and long as you like to create the perfect fit for your hands. The gloves in the photo use size 10 thread, but any weight yarn can be used to create a different look! Finished Size: 3” (7.5 cm) wide, 7” (18 cm) long Note: size may be adjusted to fit any size hand using the instructions within the pattern Skill Level:

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Vintage Crochet Pattern Series: Week 1

“…model and tool, craft of culture, how we go on.”
Axe Handles Gary Snyder

Crafting items by hand is one of the oldest and most revered traditions we know.  Crocheting is one of these traditions and a way we have of passing down our knowledge is by making patterns.  This pattern is for a Starburst Afghan and is from a very old handwritten pattern, one of many that will be featured in the ‘Vintage Crochet Pattern Series’ over the next few weeks.  It’s been changed a bit from the original, mainly being turned into a throw size afghan rather than a Queen sized one and changes in the pattern’s phrasing, but in essence is still the same. Using two or three colors in corresponding rows of two creates the starburst effect.

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A Guest Post by Dannee Wood.

Wow, you’ve just finished your latest or even your first crochet project and you’re anxious to start something else…but what? If you’re like most crafters you might have an ever-growing list of “to-do” projects or projects saved to your Ravelry account. Maybe you have a binder or two full of projects, organized by categories/colors/yarn weights, etc. Perhaps you have them downloaded to your computer or a thumb drive. Or maybe you only work on one project at a time not concerned about the next project…not! Sometimes, you may want a simple or small project after tackling a large or complex project. How do you go about choosing your next project? It may seem over-whelming to select a new project; there are a lot of good resources out there. read more »

When planning out a crochet project, in addition to choosing yarn colors, you have to take into account the texture and functionality of different yarn fibers. Even if they are both worsted weight, for instance, using a bamboo cotton compared to an acrylic will change how your project turns out. What kind of yarn fibers are out there? What are the differences? Here is a general breakdown:

My acrylic stash, and some acrylic projects

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. 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 //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!

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