Hacky Sacks are great for children to toss around or for an impromptu game at a bonfire. Teach kids the rules of hacky sack (a variation found here) and they’ll have something to keep them busy at the bus stop or waiting in line at an amusement park! The pattern shows two colors, but this type of pattern is great to experiment with many colors. It’s also a great way to use up scrap yarn. Thinner cotton is suggested for this pattern because it makes the hacky sack much lighter. Dried lentils are used to stuff this particular hacky sack, but you could use any small dried bean or mix of beans instead of lentils.

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This pattern is for an ultra versatile and classic looking cabled headband. Most people assume that making cables is difficult, but as soon as you master these two techniques: Front Post Double Crochet (fpdc) and Back Post Double Crochet (bpdc), cabling will be part of your everyday crocheting repertoire.

This pattern calls for sport weight yarn and the smaller E hook. If you would rather use a heavier weight yarn and a larger hook, have at it! With a DK or worsted yarn and a H hook this headband could also be used as a winter earwarmer!

Clusters are a great tool for adding texture and fun to any crochet project. Some patterns call for a ‘cluster’, others use clusters that are involved in a more intricate stitch. Below are two sets of instructions for two cluster stitches and some photos to help you accomplish the specific clustered look. Check out the crochet abbreviation chart for help with abbreviations and symbols.

This tutorial is for both right and left handed people. For left handed pictures, roll your mouse over the image and it will change for you.

V-Clusters

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Vintage Crochet Pattern Series: Week 3

“That’s the reason they’re called lessons, ” the Gryphon remarked, “because they lesson from day to day.”-Lewis Carroll, Alice in Wonderland

Clusters are a big theme in vintage patterns and this one is no different. It uses the modern and trendy idea of making a blanket like one big granny square, but uses clusters to create a bit more texture. The original handwritten pattern was so vague it was almost impossible to decipher! Instructions went like this: 1,four clusters. 2,increase clusters by x2 each round. 3. make increases each corner 4. add double increase in middle. add border finish off

This pattern calls for three colors but you can change the number of colors or the order of the color changes to make your own unique creation! Not sure how to change colors? See How to Change Colors in Crochet for help!

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Vintage Crochet Pattern Series: Week 2

“Anyone who stops learning is old, whether at twenty or eighty. Anyone who keeps learning stays young. The greatest thing in life is to keep your mind young.”-Henry Ford

This pattern was originally a giant mercerized cotton oven mitten, made with 6 strands of heavy weight cotton and a heavy fiber lining, this oven mitt would have weighed a good five pounds!   In keeping with the theme of modernizing vintage patterns the following pattern is now for a soft and adorable star washcloth, while still using the basics of the original pattern.

Fun for a child’s bathroom or in the kitchen, a set of these washcloths, a bottle of baby soap and a ribbon would also be a great baby shower gift!   The pattern below uses sport weight 100% organic cotton, but since gauge and color isn’t important please feel free to experiment with colors and yarn weights! Keep in mind cotton (or bamboo) are the best types of yarn for bathroom and kitchen use!

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One of the most exciting and beneficial aspects to being a mother is being able to share the things you love and enjoy with your children.  It can also be one of the most disappointing aspects as well…especially when the child does not enjoy something as much as you might!

I learned this the hard way when my oldest daughter Rosey was five.  I had been waiting and waiting her whole life until she was old enough for us to read A Wrinkle in Time together and within the first five minutes of reading it she exclaimed, “Momma!  This book is so boring!!!!”.  Bummer.

Thank goodness she is very much into crochet, or I might have lost all hope! read more »

Vintage Crochet Pattern Series: Week 1

“…model and tool, craft of culture, how we go on.”
Axe Handles Gary Snyder

Crafting items by hand is one of the oldest and most revered traditions we know.  Crocheting is one of these traditions and a way we have of passing down our knowledge is by making patterns.  This pattern is for a Starburst Afghan and is from a very old handwritten pattern, one of many that will be featured in the ‘Vintage Crochet Pattern Series’ over the next few weeks.  It’s been changed a bit from the original, mainly being turned into a throw size afghan rather than a Queen sized one and changes in the pattern’s phrasing, but in essence is still the same. Using two or three colors in corresponding rows of two creates the starburst effect.

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A great way to add to your crocheting arsenal is to learn and implement special stitches. With special stitches you can make a plain scarf, blanket or washcloth more interesting and special. It’s easy to apply the instructions for a special stitch into your upcoming project.  Below are instructions for a few special stitches, some photos of the stitches and tips on using them in your project.  Check out the crochet abbreviation chart for help with abbreviations and symbols. read more »

This change purse would make the perfect handmade gift for a little girl, a teenager or a grown woman!  By using different colors and styles of buttons the purse can look as versatile as its many uses. This pattern includes instructions for using two small buttons for the closure, feel free to experiment with different types and styles of closures and then share them with us here!

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Doilies aren’t just for grannies anymore!  Adding a pop and punch to your shelves, bookcases and tables is never a bad idea.  Instead of the standard off white cotton thread and tiny hook this pattern puts a twist on the classic doily by using sock yarn (fingering weight) in bright alternative colors instead.

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