The Circular Vest is crocheted in the round as one piece (no sewing required). It’s crocheted with a large crochet hook to give it a loose drape while still providing warmth. Best of all, this vest works up really quick! Personalize this cardigan styled vest by adding buttons or a belt.

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A crocheted case is a very simple solution to screen scratches and purse dialing on smart phones and newer non-flip cell phones. This pattern is for a case that can be easily changed to fit your cell by simply changing the beginning number of chains in the first row to measure the same as the width of your cell and the number of total rows to measure the same as the length. Keep in mind that each person crochets differently, so measuring your phone and the case as you’re working will ensure for a better fitting case.

This pattern also includes instructions for an open at the top case for phones with headphones and charging jacks at the top of the phone, and instructions for an open at the side case, for phones with jacks on the side. Embellish your case with a bunch of darling poseys as a perfect girly gift for a teenager’s first cell phone or make a black and orange case with some Halloween appliques!

A Guest Post by Dionne.

Yarn Projects from the Heart, located in Pasadena, California, is a group of crocheters and knitters who love making things for others who are in need. We work on a handful of projects throughout the year, but mainly we make hats, scarves and kitty blankets. The hats and scarves go to a local cancer center, City of Hope, and the blankets go to the Pasadena Humane Society. We have also worked on the Red Scarf Project and scarves for the Special Olympics– Miles of Smiles. Recently, we added making prosthetic breasts for women who have had mastectomies. We have 2 scheduled meetings each month and welcome anyone who wants to join us.

If you would like to see more about what we do or get in contact with us check out the Yarn Projects from the Heart website.

I love to work with color combinations. I think it makes crochet all the more interesting, homespun and personal. At times I find myself stumped at what might compliment a beautiful shade of yarn that I’m just dying to add to my collection. I don’t want to mar its stunning hue with a color that might distract from my finished project. It’s hard to judge what a finished project might look like while holding an armful of skeins. So, I have found a solution to this color quandary in the pages of a book from 1900. Here are some suggestions that are just as useful today as they were over 100 years ago! Click Here To Read More »

In a previous post I gave instructions for three special stitches, the moss stich, the chevron stitch and the smocking stitch, which all help add texture and interest to crochet projects. Below are instructions for two more special stitches, photos of the stitches and general uses for them.

Classic Checkerboard Stitch
This stitch is great for all kinds of around the home type projects like washcloths and table runners. You can play around with this stitch by making each ‘checker’ a different color or any other kind of variation of colors.

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If you’re like me, you’re passionate about shopping for all things crochet! Although I’ve never seen a bumper sticker, “I brake for yarn stores!” I think I could easily apply that one to my car. I love shopping at fiber arts shops and just absorbing the whole creative atmosphere. I especially love the privately owned storefront shops. Their owners are always quite passionate about the topics I am and are especially helpful with any questions I might have. It’s like finding a long lost friend! Walking in a creative oasis provides a sensory overload of patterns and skeins of glorious yarn!

I have a favorite store in Petaluma, CA called The Knittery that I always look forward to visiting during my winter vacation. Housed in a turn of the century building and tastefully decorated it is an inspiration and a breath of fresh air!

Do you have a favorite yarn shopping destination?

Crochet these cute little goodie bags to make the perfect Halloween party favors. This set includes 5 different bag patterns: candy corn, pumpkin, ghost, Frankenstein, and witch. Each bag is crocheted in the round and designed with a drawstring at the top. Basic embroidery skills are required for the Frankenstein and witch bag.

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A cold weather accessory that is quickly becoming popular is the ear-warmer headband. This accessory is versatile and modern, is often used in place of a winter beanie and is very popular with runners. The pattern calls for three colors but have fun with this pattern and add more or less colors to suit your own taste. This headband would be great in Halloween colors with one of these Halloween Appliques sewn right on!

This pattern calls for sport weight cotton yarn to prevent the headband from stretching and to be easy to clean if used by a runner. You can use any weight or type of yarn for this pattern, just keep in mind your finished size will be different than the one listed in the pattern.

Adding Trim to a crocheted project can give it a more finished appeal. The uses for these trims seem fairly endless; crocheted scarfs, blankets, washcloths, belts and table runners are just a few examples of projects just waiting for an interesting trim.

This trim is great for washcloths (imagine it as the ‘fins’ on a aquatic bath set!). It’s also known as ‘Diagonal Box’ trim and is traditionally used as edging for clothing.

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Last week we discussed how to start your own crochet guild. Now that you’ve got the basics underway let’s delve a little deeper into fun events and classes you can host!

Guild Sales:
Many guilds host yearly sales where each member has their own table to sell their handmade products. This might be during a local community event or it might be your own special day. Remember to offer literature about your group during your sale to gain new members! Also, have a mailing list where your customers can sign up for an email or print newsletter to stay up-to-date. Click Here To Read More »