I have two cats at home who are crazy about catnip. I’ve made felt cat toys in the past and filled them with my kitten’s herb of choice, much to their pleasure. I’m away from home on a business trip now and so in a fit of homesickness I crocheted this mouse for my comedic kitties, Crazy and Maggie. I know they will have as much fun with this as I did making it. I can’t wait to watch them! This mouse is jumbo sized for a heaping helping of catnip, but you could also use this as a child’s toy (minus catnip). If you want, you could add beads for eyes too!

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I love essential oils and learning more about aromatherapy. Occasionally I like to put a little essential oil on my pillowcase before drifting off to dreamland. Since I travel so much, and don’t want to drag my scented pillow along with me, I decided to whip up this pattern. Simply slide the mini “pillow” inside your pillowcase before hitting the hay. The felt inside the crocheted enclosure will keep your essential oil’s fragrance for days. These little pillows, lightly scented with lavender, also work great in the pockets of wool coats in storage to keep moths away!

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I love crocheted accessories that add a personal touch to my wardrobe. Check out this sweet flower pin; it’s so easy to make! There is so much you can do with this ultra easy project. You could make one of these flowers to accent a child’s crocheted headband. They are the perfect hat accessory or how about pinning one on your purse. You could also sew a few of these flowers along the hem of a little girl’s dress. Don’t be afraid to mix things up a bit and alternate each flower’s yarn color or add a vintage button in the center. Crochet yourself a flower garden!

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It’s hard to believe that summer is winding down. Since it’s back to school time, I thought a bookmark would be the perfect project. This little bookworm will keep your place in the latest read or textbook. You can make him as short or long as you want. You could also make each little medallion, that makes up his wiggly body, a different color. I’m going to use this same little worm as an applique on baby blankets and toddler shirts too. This little guy is so versatile and a snap to make! There are a million and one variations and A+ applications. Have fun!

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This super simple project is the perfect purse to keep in your large bag. If you need a few dollars to run in the store, throw on this little crossbody beauty and you’ll have what you need without a backache from carrying a large purse for those quick errands. They also work great for simple gifts and can be stashed away for the holidays. My daughter especially enjoys keeping a few of these little purses handy for her dolls and play money. Whenever we go to town, she has to bring her own pocket purse and be just like mommy!

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As a child I fondly remember one afternoon my mom out of desperation tried to convince me that I needed a nap. She told me it would be worth it and there would be a surprise when I woke up. After fighting the idea, I finally gave in. A couple hours later when I rubbed my sleepy eyes I saw a slice of pizza, an Oreo cookie and hamburger and bun, complete with a pickle waiting for me. She had crocheted everything. It was my most memorable nap. When I woke up I thought the shut-eye was well worth it!

Have you ever crocheted play food just for the fun of it?

Anyone who reads this post obviously has an interested in crochet and perhaps it has crossed from an interest into an obsession! There are only 24 hours in the day and only so many hours to crochet! There is always more laundry to be done, a meal waiting to be prepared, an errand to be accomplished, a friend to call or perhaps a child to console. So, how can we factor in some precious time just to unwind and create something? Here are a few suggestions.

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There is nothing more frustrating than setting aside time to work on a new project and not be able to find your pattern, yarn or hook. You can spend precious minutes that could have been invested in your project while searching for the needed tools to begin. After accumulating an assortment of crochet necessities I finally decided it was high time to get them in one organized space where I could turn to and find what I needed in a matter of seconds.

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I fell in love with sheep, spinning and crochet at a very young age. Every year my parents and I made it a goal to attend a fiber festival that gloried in all things handmade and homespun. With these cherished experiences in my young memory I came to treasure craft skills just like heirlooms worthy of great value.

It became my goal to raise my own sheep, spin the yarn and crochet this handspun fiber into a finished project. Years later I have my own small flock of shetland sheep, the wool is waiting to be cleaned and processed and I now know how to spin. I can’t wait to get my crochet projects going this winter with yarn that found its start in my own backyard.

Do you enjoy crocheting with natural fiber? Do you have your own flock? Please share!