Archive for 2011

How to Crochet: Pop Out Flower Stitch

Posted in Tutorials and Help on February 17th, 2011 by Erin Burger – 23 Comments

It seems like 3-D is so popular these days, why not try it out in crochet as well? This stitch not only looks better in two colors, it’s also designed to be made with two. You can be a traditionalist and made the bottom of the pop out flower green, or get creative and mix and match new colors.

These instructions call for you to break off colors at each end, but weaving in all the ends is worth it to achieve this stitch!

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Crochet Pattern: Pressed Petals Bookmark

Posted in Free Crochet Patterns on February 16th, 2011 by Claire Ortega-Reyes – 6 Comments
Don’t we all like having those cute bookmarks? I do–but then I always lose them! So I came up with the idea of bookmark-bracelets. I wear them on my wrist as I read, so I never forget that I set them down on the table, or so that it won’t get blown away by a stray gust of wind. Never lose another bookmark again!

This bookmark can be used to mark a group of pages, as well as just the place you left off. Very easy to adjust the length to fit any book–just make sure to chain the appropriate number of chains in the beginning. There are two sizes in the pattern, one for 7-inch tall books (pink), and the larger for 8.5-inch tall books (red).

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Crochet Pattern: Striped Poncho

Posted in Best Crochet Patterns on February 14th, 2011 by Rachel Choi – 14 Comments

Add some flare to your outfit with this striped poncho! Ponchos are extra roomy and super comfortable to wear while adding a fun style to your wardrobe. It’s like having your favorite blanket wrapped around you all day, but having it be much more fashionable acceptable. This pattern features a series of netted stripes which creates an easy drape and keeps the poncho from being too hot and heavy. The roominess on the poncho allows for it to fit most adult women from extra skinny to extra large. Crocheted in one piece, no sewing is required for this pattern!


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Crochet Pattern: Longing for Spring Doily

Posted in Free Crochet Patterns on February 13th, 2011 by Erin Burger – 5 Comments
This doily was designed with a similar idea in mind as The Hipster Doily; using sock or fingering yarn in modern colors to update the idea of an old fashioned doily made with cotton lace weight yarns and tiny steel hooks. This doily was done in rounds of three contrasting ‘spring’ or ‘valentine’ colors and a simple dc4tog stitch. This stitch can be considered a puff stitch and is worked just like a dc2tog (what can be called a decrease in some patterns) except worked 4 dc together instead of 2!

Finished Size: Approx. 8″ (20.32 cm) in diameter

Materials:
Fingering Weight Yarn in three colors, approx. 20 yards per color
Crochet Hook G (4.00 mm)

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Crochet Bible Winner

Posted in News on February 12th, 2011 by Rachel Choi – 10 Comments
I had a great time reading all the comments on the Crochet Bible Giveaway post. They are all inspiring and put a huge smile on my face as I read all the awesome and kind things everyone is doing.

Congrats to the winner…

Rita (random comment #74)

Although there can only be one winner, keep up the wonderful acts of kindness everyone!

How to Crochet: Mini Motifs – Part Four

Posted in Free Crochet Patterns, Tutorials and Help on February 11th, 2011 by Erin Burger – 5 Comments
A motif is defined as a distinctive and recurring form, shape, figure, etc., in a design, as in a painting or on wallpaper. Granny squares are a great example of a motif. The mini motifs featured in these posts can be used for so many fun crochet projects. Make a cool garland with many mini-motifs strung together, design your own jewelry (earrings!), decorate a child’s room, make a table runner; the possibilities are practically endless!

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Crochet Pattern: One Ball Ribbon Scarf

Posted in Free Crochet Patterns on February 10th, 2011 by Robin Beers – 18 Comments
This scarf is a breeze to make with just one ball of the Lionbrand Incredible Ribbon yarn. It is great for a splash of color to add to your outfit or for a child’s scarf. If you want to have a longer scarf, use 2 skeins.

Skill Level: easy crochet skill level

Finished Size: 2 ¼ inches wide by 60 inches long including the 10 inch fringe on each end.

Materials:
100% Nylon Ribbon Yarn
approx. 110 yards
Crochet Hook J (6.00mm)

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What To Do With Grandma’s Hankies

Posted in Fun Ramblings on February 9th, 2011 by A Guest Writer – 19 Comments

Guest Post by Veronica Smith.

So the time has come, your grandma or mum is aging. You can see her once all seeing eyes deteriorating, her beautiful hands that she nursed and hugged you with getting less agile with age. Everything she ever made you is more precious than it has ever been. What happens now? Well you keep using it of course, that is why she made it for you. When she passes you will have lovely memories around you.
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How to Crochet: Bullion Stitch

Posted in Tutorials and Help on February 8th, 2011 by Robin Beers – 59 Comments
The bullion stitch is a special stitch formed by wrapping the yarn several times around the crochet hook (usually 7 to 10 times), and then pulling a loop through. It can be used as a decorative stitch for jewelry, flower making or as a pretty edging. There are several methods for accomplishing this stitch, but I chose the following method because it was the easiest for me.

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Crochet Pattern: Basketweave Pillow Cover

Posted in Best Crochet Patterns on February 6th, 2011 by Erin Burger – 5 Comments

This pattern is for a throw pillow cover that will fit a 12″ x 12″ pillow, which is a common throw pillow size. You can either purchase a bare pillow and cover it with the pillow cover you make from this pattern or stuff the cover yourself with fiberfill or your chosen stuffing.

The pictured pillow in the pattern features one color but since the back of your work isn’t going to be seen (it will be facing the inside of the pillow) you could use multiple colors without breaking off at the end of each row. Fancy this pillow cover up with three loud and large buttons, or if you would like to make a more understated cover use flat, monochrome buttons instead.

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