Author Archive

Crochet Pattern: Book Cover

Posted in Free Crochet Patterns on September 9th, 2011 by Claire Ortega-Reyes – 9 Comments
Nowadays, when people say “notebook” they mean a portable computing device. I miss those days when I lived for school-supplies-shopping and got brand-new notebooks, pencils and pens. If I had known how to crochet way back then, I would have wanted to cover all my books and notebooks with a crocheted cover!

This pattern is for a notebook or book cover done in medium weight yarn, and is crocheted all in one go from end to end. It is written for a book 8 inches tall, but the pattern is easily adjusted to accommodate any size. Make this cover for books, notebooks, journals, or scrapbooks–add a decorative touch to the plain covers, to give it a little personality.
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Crochet Pattern: Hugs and Kisses Baby Blanket

Posted in Best Crochet Patterns on September 4th, 2011 by Claire Ortega-Reyes – 2 Comments

New in the Crochet Spot Store, the Hugs and Kisses Baby Blanket is a highly customizable pattern you can use to make baby blankets, afghans, or even shawls and scarves. This blanket incorporates a sweet yet subtle X’s and O’s pattern, echoing the best way to welcome a new arrival to the world: hugs and kisses. The blanket makes the perfect first big project for beginners, but at the same time works great for intermediate to advanced crocheters because of its highly customizable nature. Panels are crocheted separately and then joined as the edging is made—no sewing involved!

Click here to see full pattern details!

All purchases help to support Crochet Spot and are greatly appreciated! Please log in or create a new account at the Crochet Spot Store to purchase this pattern. Premium Pattern Members may log into the store and download the pattern for free.

 

Join-as-you-go Motifs

Posted in Tutorials and Help on August 31st, 2011 by Claire Ortega-Reyes – 14 Comments

As a crochet beginner, I steered clear of granny squares and other crochet projects made with motifs. Don’t get me wrong–I loved the look of crocheted motifs and how each little part plays a big role in the shape and look of each piece. I didn’t make motif projects simply because I wasn’t confident with my sewing skills–skills I thought were vital in completing motif projects.

When I discovered join-as-you-go motifs, a whole new world of crochet opened up for me. I didn’t have to sew all the motifs together! The last row of each motif is matched up to a corresponding side of the previous motif, and slip stitches are made in place of chain spaces. Here it is at work with my Magical Market Bag Pattern:

Magical Market Bag Photo Guide


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Crochet Pattern: Delta Soap Saver

Posted in Free Crochet Patterns on August 25th, 2011 by Claire Ortega-Reyes – 8 Comments
Spa products are typically pricey-but in reality you can make your own! One of my favorites are soap savers. They actually save you money by making the most of soap bars, make sure your soap doesn’t jump out of your hands, and also give you extra exfoliation. The great news is, they are easy to make! Rachel has already shared some fantastic patterns: 5 Simple Soap Savers and Absolutely Easy Soap Saver. These patterns use medium weight yarn; and so I decided to try my hand on a thread version.

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Crochet Pattern: Regal Cuffs

Posted in Free Crochet Patterns on August 18th, 2011 by Claire Ortega-Reyes – 19 Comments
Wearing cuffs is a great way to extend your wardrobe, and keep your wrists and hands warmer too. 

Fast and easy, simple yet feminine, the Regal Cuffs have a stretchy main body that hugs the wrists (no need to bother with closures) and a shell edging that looks like a royal crown.

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Crocheting By Color

Posted in Tutorials and Help on August 10th, 2011 by Claire Ortega-Reyes – 16 Comments

When it comes to crochet, color is one of the first things to consider when starting a project. It plays a vital role in the visual impact of any project–for bigger projects you may want to use colors that area easy on the eyes, but to make details stand out, you have to pick an eye-catching pop of color. You may think you have it all planned out when you go yarn shopping, but when you get home you think, “Did I just make a big mistake?”
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Crochet Pattern: Mi Amor Shawl

Posted in Best Crochet Patterns on August 7th, 2011 by Claire Ortega-Reyes – 6 Comments

New in the Crochet Spot Store, Mi Amor is a shawl that gracefully drapes over both the front and the back. Generous front panels make sure it doesn’t slip over the shoulders.  The last few rows make a subtle heart design, and the ends can be folded into a stylish collar. Although it is made with skinny fine weight yarn, the whole shawl is finished in just 30 rows! Make it with cotton for a summer wrap, or wool and acrylic for colder weather. Make it for yourself, or for anyone who can use a little more love in their life!

Click here to see full pattern details!

All purchases help to support Crochet Spot and are greatly appreciated! Please log in or create a new account at the Crochet Spot Store to purchase this pattern. Premium Pattern Members may log into the store and download the pattern for free.

 

Alternative Crochet Accessories

Posted in Tutorials and Help on July 29th, 2011 by Claire Ortega-Reyes – 18 Comments

We’ve all seen those crochet notions or accessories in craft stores. Some make us go, “oohhh,” and others, “how could this possibly help me crochet?” Regardless, most of them really just are what they are called: accessories AKA things you can do without. Some of them really do help with crochet work, and some even regard them as necessities in completing any project. These items can be quite expensive though–and won’t fit in all craft budgets. Don’t dismay, you just might have something around the house to substitute for that store-bought crochet accessory.
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Crochet Pattern: Shelly Sash

Posted in Free Crochet Patterns on July 27th, 2011 by Claire Ortega-Reyes – 17 Comments
This versatile piece can be worn a number of ways: a traditional headband, a hippie headband, a sash, a scarflette, a hair tie–the possibilities are endless. Plus, the simple repetitive pattern allows you to make it as long or as short as you wish. 

Skill Level: crochet skill level easy

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Crochet Pattern: Emerald Drops Bracelet

Posted in Free Crochet Patterns on July 20th, 2011 by Claire Ortega-Reyes – 6 Comments
This easy-to-crochet bracelet features a crocheted toggle clasp and diamond motifs–all made in one go! Made with crochet thread, you can make this in an array of colors to make quick gifts for loved ones. 

Skill Level: crochet skill level easy

Finished size: 7.5″ long (fits most adult wrists)

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