Author Archive

Book Review: Crochet Master Class

Posted in News on April 1st, 2014 by Claire Ortega-Reyes – 3 Comments
One of the most ambitious crochet books I’ve come across is Crochet Master Class: Lessons and Projects from Today’s Top Crocheters by Jean Leinhauser and Rita Weiss. Don’t let the title intimidate you–the words “master” and “class” have duplicate definitions and could be misunderstood at first glance. It’s not a book for crochet masters; it’s a book by them. The projects are not reserved only for those in the “master class,” instead they’re supposed to evoke being in a classroom taught by master crocheters. If you love learning about new crochet techniques, read on.

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Crochet Pattern: Soft Serve Scarf

Posted in Best Crochet Patterns on March 23rd, 2014 by Claire Ortega-Reyes – 2 Comments
Add that splash of color to any outfit with a two-toned scarf. Much like your favorite soft serve with two flavors, the two colors of the scarf meld together when worn. The lacy design evokes a classic teardrop or polka dot design from afar. Make it in color combinations of the latest palette, or in the colors of a school or team. Using medium weight yarn in acrylic or wool makes this a warm scarf, too. 

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.

Made with Repix (http://repix.it)

Book Review: Blueprint Crochet

Posted in News on December 31st, 2013 by Claire Ortega-Reyes – 4 Comments
For me, Robyn Chachula’s book Blueprint Crochet: Modern Designs for the Visual Crocheter is a game-changer. I learned how to crochet with written patterns, so it never occurred to me that I might be a visual crocheter (I didn’t even know there was such a thing as visual crochet). Because of this book, I learned how to understand crochet diagrams and how to make join-as-you-go motifs. Suddenly, those beautiful Japanese patterns are doable, and motif projects aren’t as daunting. Preview the book on Amazon and read on for my full review to see whether or not you’ll like it.

Blueprint Crochet: Modern Designs for the Visual Crocheter by Robyn Chachula

Blueprint Crochet: Modern Designs for the Visual Crocheter by Robyn Chachula

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Crochet Pattern: Blossoming Doily Rug

Posted in Best Crochet Patterns on December 29th, 2013 by Claire Ortega-Reyes – Be the first to comment
Add beauty and cheer to any room in your house with this deceptively simple doily rug. The main body of the rug is inspired by pretty flowers blossoming. The decidedly feminine design is tempered with a geometric border highlighted with picots. Made with super bulky yarn and a 10.00 mm hook, you’ll be done after only 12 rounds of crochet work. crochet blossoming doily rug

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.

Book Review: Crochet Adorned

Posted in News on December 12th, 2013 by Claire Ortega-Reyes – 4 Comments
I’ve always kept a lookout for Linda Permann’s crochet patterns. I’ve always thought her creations were whimsical yet elegant and practical since the first creation I saw from her: “Pinups” from Stitch ‘n Bitch Crochet. So when I found out that she had authored her own book, I immediately set out to get a copy. Crochet Adorned: Reinvent Your Wardrobe with Crocheted Accents, Embellishments, and Trims was everything I had expected it to be–it was just so Linda (“linda” by the way is Italian, Spanish and Portuguese for beautiful or pretty, which makes it even more appropriate).

Crochet Adorned: Reinvent Your Wardrobe with Crocheted Accents, Embellishments, and Trims

Crochet Adorned: Reinvent Your Wardrobe with Crocheted Accents, Embellishments, and Trims

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Crochet Pattern: Ivy League Tote

Posted in Best Crochet Patterns on November 24th, 2013 by Claire Ortega-Reyes – 2 Comments
This tote is named after the mark of any prestigious university—climbing ivy vines. This bag is tote-ally unique with its crocheted embroidery design, and pretty braided handles. Measuring a roomy 4” x 11” x 12.5,” it makes great company on errands or a day at the library.

You won’t even have to sew a lining into it—most of the bag is made in single crochet (sc) stitches. It’s also made with medium weight yarn, making it extra sturdy. Make it in a color with different shades for a subtle look, or use contrasting colors to make the design shine.

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.

Crochet Pattern: Athena Lacy Textured Shawl

Posted in Best Crochet Patterns on November 3rd, 2013 by Claire Ortega-Reyes – 5 Comments

Athena is the Greek goddess of wisdom, warfare, and the arts (among others). She is the inspiration for this shawl, both lacy and textured, featuring crocodile stitches and a lacy edging. The main body resembles what could have been part of a warrior’s armor, but the lacy border provides a very ladylike sophistication.

Measuring 49″ wide by 25″ tall, this shawl gently hugs the shoulders and gracefully skims the bottom of your back. Make it in lace weight rayon (as used in the photos here) or other plant-based yarn like cotton or bamboo for a stylish summer or spring accessory. Make it in wool or other animal-based yarn to give more warmth for fall or winter.

Click here to see full pattern details!

athenashawl2

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.

Book Review: Filet Crochet: More than 70 Designs with Easy-to-Follow Charts (Stitch Collection)

Posted in News on October 29th, 2013 by Claire Ortega-Reyes – 1 Comment
Betty Barnsden is the author of The Crochet Stitch Bible, 75 Floral Blocks to Crochet, and other crochet, knitting, and embroidery books and patterns. When I found out that she also authored a book for Filet Crochet, I just knew I had to get it! If you’re interested in getting a copy, check it out on Amazon (use the Look Inside feature to check out some of the pages). Here’s a short review to help you decide, too. Filet Crochet Betty Barnsden

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Book Review: Stitch ‘n Bitch Crochet: The Happy Hooker

Posted in News on October 1st, 2013 by Claire Ortega-Reyes – 14 Comments
Stitch ‘n Bitch Crochet: The Happy Hooker introduced me to the cool side of crochet. I learned crochet by making doilies, so seeing colorful crocheted items and cute crochet illustrations really got me hooked (literally). Reading it inspired me to go online and create my blog. There’s so much to love about this book, but it’s not perfect. Check out the book for yourself on Amazon (I just love the “Look Inside” feature). In the meantime,here’s my short review of this book.

Stitch ‘n Bitch Crochet: The Happy Hooker

Stitch ‘n Bitch Crochet: The Happy Hooker by Debbie Stoller

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Crochet Pattern: Squarenet Scarf

Posted in Best Crochet Patterns on September 18th, 2011 by Claire Ortega-Reyes – 6 Comments
New pattern in the Crochet Spot Store! Sometimes you need to add just that last touch of simple elegance to complete your outfit. An airy scarf is just the trick! Made with size 10 thread, this scarf won’t give much warmth, but will definitely put style on cold summer nights or warmer autumn days. Make it in laceweight wool for added warmth, if preferred.

The scarf is made in one piece staring from the main body, to the edging and fringes. Make it to match your favorite outfit, or give them as gifts to friends and family.

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.