Author Archive

How to Crochet: Standing Single Crochet

Posted in Tutorials and Help on August 2nd, 2016 by Caissa "Cami" McClinton – 6 Comments

Standing single crochet is a method for joining a new yarn and/or color to your work. It is as simple as starting with a slip knot on your hook with your new yarn and making a single crochet stitch. You can use this technique in place of having to tie your new yarn to your work.

How to Crochet a Standing Single Crochet Tutorial by Caissa McClinton @artlikebread for @crochetspot
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Crochet Pattern: Mason Jar Wristlet

Posted in Free Crochet Patterns on July 11th, 2016 by Caissa "Cami" McClinton – Be the first to comment
I use mason jars for nearly all of my beverages. I like using glass instead of plastic, and mason jars carry a certain charm. I have been toting cool water everywhere in a crocheted pouch, now my coffee and tea have been getting jealous. Therefore I’ve designed this cozy for the 24-oz wide-mouthed mason jar in which I carry my coffee each morning. If you’ve seen my other patterns, you are already familiar with my mason jar! image

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How to Crochet an Edging for your Bullet Journal

Posted in Tutorials and Help on June 23rd, 2016 by Caissa "Cami" McClinton – 1 Comment

As I have an interest in virtually all things crafty, I have recently become enamored of bullet journaling. Bullet journaling is a relatively new concept that combines a planner, to-do list, and diary into one volume. I have only been bullet journaling for less than two weeks, but I can say it is a system that works well for me and allows me to incorporate my artsy craftsy side into my daily planning. A big bonus is that it really helps to keep me organized!

It occurred to me that crochet could (and should!) be incorporated into bullet journaling. This tutorial focuses upon crocheting an edging for your bullet journal. For the purposes of this tutorial, I will be using a piece of cardstock cut to 4.75 in (12 cm) x 8.25 (21 cm) because those are the dimensions of my bullet journal.

How to Crochet an Edging for your Bullet Journal by Caissa McClinton @artlikebread for @crochetspot - 1

Please feel free to modify the pattern as needed for your journal pages.
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Crochet Pattern: “I Love Crochet” Beaded Bracelet

Posted in Free Crochet Patterns on June 4th, 2016 by Caissa "Cami" McClinton – Be the first to comment
You can find alphabet beads in the kids’ section of your craft store. But why should kids have all the fun? I love using alphabet beads for various crafts, and since we’ve been exploring beads quite a bit here on Crochet Spot, I decided to design a bracelet that proudly proclaims to the world my love of crochet! I hope you like it as much as I do! This pattern is written to accommodate the “I LOVE CROCHET” message, but you could substitute other words.

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Crochet Pattern: Colorful Rainbow Mug Rug

Posted in Free Crochet Patterns on May 26th, 2016 by Caissa "Cami" McClinton – Be the first to comment
I could not stop with just one Mug Rug pattern, especially with the merry month of June upon us. Show your pride and/or love of diversity this summer with this versatile Colorful Rainbow Mug Rug! I made mine using (some of) a jumbo package of embroidery floss. Each color used just over one 10-yard skein of floss held double (two strands of floss held together while crocheting), meaning each stripe used the length of about 5.5 yards as held double, or about 11 yards total. These stripes could be changed to any colors to suit your mood. The cotton floss held double ended up being about the weight of a sock yarn.

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Crochet Pattern: Tasseled Mug Rug

Posted in Free Crochet Patterns on May 5th, 2016 by Caissa "Cami" McClinton – 5 Comments
What’s a mug rug? It’s bigger than a coaster, and smaller than a placemat. While sitting on your desk or side table, it can accommodate your cup and also a small snack. Mug rugs show their beauty even while being used. For these reasons, I knew I had to make a mug rug. The pattern is easy and addictive. Soon you’ll be making mug rugs in many different color combinations. Crochet a Mug Rug Free Pattern by Caissa McClinton @artlikebread for @crochetspot

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Book Review & Giveaway: Twinkie Chan’s Crocheted Abode A La Mode ~ 20 Yummy Crochet Projects for Your Home

Posted in Fun Ramblings on April 14th, 2016 by Caissa "Cami" McClinton – 41 Comments

Hello, Crochet Spot friends! I have a real treat for you today. You might be aware of Twinkie Chan from any of her many crochet activities – including her blog, YouTube channel, or seeing her patterns at Michael’s or on the Lion Brand website. You may have seen her previous book, Twinkie Chan’s Crochet Goodies for Fashion Foodies: 20 Yummy Treats to Wear. Or you may have seen the article I wrote about her innovative crocheted paintings. Perhaps you’ve run across her clothing line, Yummy You at a local boutique. Without a doubt, Twinkie Chan is a powerful force in crochet, and I’ve been a big fan since 2010.

All images in this post are property of Twinkie Chan and are used with permission.

Twinkie Chan Crocheted Abode A La Mode Review by Caissa McClinton @artlikebread for @crochetspot and #cgoa BookCoverMedium-1




Quarto Publishing just released Twinkie’s highly anticipated sophomore book, Twinkie Chan’s Crocheted Abode A La Mode ~ 20 Yummy Crochet Projects for Your Home and it is chock-full of joyful, exuberant, delicious, crochet fun. I have been rabidly awaiting my review copy since I heard it was available for pre-order. And, we are so very lucky that the publisher is allowing me to give away not just one copy, but three!
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Drop Everything And Read, Crochet Bookmark Round-Up

Posted in Fun Ramblings on April 5th, 2016 by Caissa "Cami" McClinton – 1 Comment

April is here, and spring is in the air. As you may know, I like to keep track of interesting holidays and observances. Any reason to crochet is a good one. I recently found out that April is known as “Drop Everything And Read,” or D.E.A.R. Month. Here on Crochet Spot, we have a number of great bookmark patterns. I’ve rounded them up here (and I’ve even included a bonus book cover pattern).

20+ Crochet Bookmarks Roundup by Caissa McClinton @artlikebread for @crochetspot




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How to Crochet: Herringbone Double Crochet (HBdc)

Posted in Tutorials and Help on March 31st, 2016 by Caissa "Cami" McClinton – Be the first to comment

Herringbone double crochet (HBdc) is one of the first special stitches I learned. It is an easy way to create texture in any project. To achieve the full effect of the stitch, Herringbone double crochet should be worked back and forth in rows. For the purpose of practicing this skill, we’ll make a swatch in this tutorial. Yarn and hook size don’t matter for this practice swatch.
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Crochet Spot Oscar Mystery CAL Winners!

Posted in Fun Ramblings, News on March 17th, 2016 by Caissa "Cami" McClinton – 7 Comments

It is an absolute pleasure to announce and congratulate the winners of the 2016 Crochet Spot Oscar Mystery CAL! The whole thing was a lot of fun and it was different for us. I was thrilled to see that people threw caution to the wind and enjoyed the process and the projects, too!

We had twelve wonderful nominees! Each entrant was honored with a beautiful, high resolution nominee badge suitable for printing or displaying on your blog, website, or social media.

300 Nominee 2016 Oscar Crochet Along Badge by Caissa McClinton @artlikebread for @crochetspot



Congratulations to our nominees, Tia, Julie, Gayle, Linda, Brenda, Diane, Susanne, Varsha, Michele, Wendy, Lisa, and Lynne!

Oscar CAL Nominees - Caissa McClinton @artlikebread for @crochetspot



There was one person who was a prolific CAL-er and received multiple nominations!
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