I know I can’t be the only one out here with multiple partial skeins of yarn left over. By partial skeins, I mean skeins or balls of yarn from which you’ve only used a few yards, like maybe 50 yards or less. They are left over after a project. Partial skeins can be a bit of a conundrum, because it’s too much yarn to throw away, but it might leave you stumped about what to do with it! Since I need to solve this problem for myself, I decided to put together a round up of patterns that we all could use to make the most of the yarn we have.

Today’s Yarns for You selection is a very special, indie-dyed confection, Aesir by A Hundred Ravens. A Hundred Ravens is an independent yarn company that I learned about when I visited Stitches Midwest in August. I was drawn into their booth because of the gorgeous array of bold colors and interesting combinations. I purchased the skein I’m reviewing today. It was a splurge, but I’m happy I did it!

Did you know that while crochet is found all over the world, the names and abbreviations we use for the crochet patterns are different, even in other English-speaking countries? It can be very confusing to come across a great crochet pattern, look it over, and realize that the stitches in the pattern do not appear to match the picture! Luckily, it’s pretty easy to read a foreign crochet pattern in English, and I’ve even created a downloadable chart for you to keep on hand in case you need it.

I should mention here that our Australian Crochet Spotters must be doing these “translations” all the time!

Do you LOVE new crochet hooks? I know I do! I recently received a new set in the mail from Sarah at Haven for Hands. She asked me to do a review on their brand new hook set. I had a great time playing around with these hooks and will share with you my honest opinion, the good and the bad. Sarah was kind enough to give us an exclusive coupon code, in case you decide you have to have one of these sets! Code NVCEMUFE will give you a 25% off discount on Amazon.

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Hooray! We have another fabulous prize in our Finish in ’15 Contest! Remember, you can enter until September 30!

Have you heard of Margaret Hubert? If not, it would be my pleasure to introduce you to one of crochet’s most prolific designers. Margaret Hubert is the author of more than 20 crochet and knitting books. She has been involved in the needle arts industry for years and has been instrumental in developing new generations of crocheters. In 2012 she was inducted into the Jean Leinhauser Crochet Hall of Fame.

We’re lucky to be able to offer a copy of her latest book, Customize Your Crochet, as a prize in our Finish in ’15 contest.

One thing I love about being a fiber artist is the variety of events that are held year round. I have been fortunate enough to go to the Maryland Sheep and Wool Festival twice, but since then, I had gone a few years between shows. Luckily, I found out that there’s a sheep and fiber festival held not far away from home, and I made plans to go. I even took along my nieces who, though they have had trouble learning, are at least interested in fiber arts.

Who wouldn’t be interested in something so pretty?

Before we begin, I want to remind everyone that the third quarter of our Finish in ’15 contest has flown by! Have you been working on your projects? If so, please submit your photos to our contest so that you may entered in the drawing! The prizes are a pattern from Rachel’s Crochet Spot Store or a month of free membership for members, the beautiful green shawl pin by Michelle’s Assortment, and more!

And now on to our #ILYD2015 post!

Did you know that we crafters have our very own holidays? We do, and the fabulous I Love Yarn Day, sponsored by the Craft Yarn Council, is celebrating its fifth birthday this year! Wooo! They have an exciting theme this year and it’s all based on sharing your love of yarn crafting with others – through teaching and sharing on social media.

Image used with permisison – Property of Craft Yarn Council

Last week we explored the Crochet & Cats phenomenon. This week it’s time to crochet in honor of and for our furry friends!

Cats are usually afraid of water, but the Cat Scrubbie will actually help you do dishes. Kind of. Help your child play dress up or express your catty side with the Child’s Cat Ear Headband.Your cat can play with any of these fun (& funny) cat toys! Crochet a lot with the 5 Quick Cat Toys pattern. Alternately, you could try the Miss Mouse Cat Toy. If your crochet skills are lacking, try the April Fools Cat Toy. (It’s really easy!) After playing, your sweetheart needs a cozy place to rest, so why not crochet the Super Versatile Cat Bed? I think it would look great in a multicolored yarn.

So what about you, my friends? Do think your cat would like these patterns? Are you going to try one? Please leave your thoughts, ideas and questions in the comment section below.

I don’t know what made me think of it, but last week I decided to look up “cats” here on Crochet Spot. With a number of results displaying on Crochet Spot, I was inspired to go a little further and do just a bit more research. While in 2010 Rachel wondered, ‘Do All Crocheters Have Cats?‘ and got a whopping 253 comments and 135 facebook likes, today’s Google search retrieves over 2.2 million results for “crochet & cats”!

Image modified from photo by Clint Gardner via flickr License.

Hey, everyone!! During my recent visit to Stitches Midwest I was on the lookout for things I thought you all would love and even some prizes to pass along to the readers of Crochet Spot. Since we’ve been engaging in our Finish in ’15 WIP/UFO Challenge all year, I was hoping to sweeten the pot with some unique & crochet friendly swag. Luckily I found an intriguing option, a handmade shawl pin from Michelle’s Assortment!

This is the actual prize! Green goes with everything!