I love reading the “Quit Your Day Job” posts that Etsy publishes. If you’re not familiar with the “Quit Your Day Job” series, they are written interviews with people who have successfully quit their day job by making a craft related business.

For me and I’m sure for many others, these posts are very inspirational! After all, lots of people would love to be self employed and make a living doing what they love, especially if they already do it as a hobby.

My question for you is, if you could have your dream job what would it be? Would it include crocheting?

It’s never too late or too early to crochet something fun for St. Patrick’s Day! Here are some ideas and patterns:

The ultimate St. Patrick’s Day crochet pattern is of course the Leprechaun Hat:

The best part is that you can make everyone one, since the pattern comes in 5 sizes: baby, toddler, child, woman and man. Learn more about this pattern here: Crochet Pattern: Leprechaun Hat – 5 size

If you don’t have time to crochet an entire hat, how about crocheting a lucky shamrock? This 4 leaf clover can be used as an applique. Attach it to your shirt, hat or wherever you want. See this pattern here: Crochet Pattern: Four Leaf Clover

Still need more ideas? Just browse through the Crochet Spot archives for a pattern you like and make it in St. Patrick’s Day colors. Simple as that! I’m sure lots of things can look good in green. Plus, you have literally hundreds of Crochet Spot patterns to choose from.

Have you crocheted anything for St. Patty’s Day?

When I started Crochet Spot, everything was written by me, me and me. The Guest Writer Program is my way of spicing things up and giving other bloggers and crafty writers a chance to share their love for crochet, just as I’ve been doing. This is a great opportunity for people to not only share their love for crochet with Crochet Spot readers, but also gain exposure to their website or crochet business. If you are an up and coming crocheter or even a seasoned designer, being a Guest Writer can be an exciting and rewarding experience for you!

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Since I’ve been blogging, designing and selling crochet patterns for a while, I’ve had the opportunity to help lots of people with crochet questions. I love helping people if they need it, but I have come across many people who do not know exactly how to ask for help. Here are some tips that I think will be helpful if you would like to ask me or any other crochet designer for crochet help:

Ask the right person. Every crochet pattern is written by a designer or owned by a person or company. If your pattern is written by me (Rachel Choi) then obviously you should ask me for help. Whoever designed or owns the pattern is the person who you should ask for help, being that he/she would know the most about it.

Indicate exactly what you need help with. The key word here is exactly. Don’t just say you need help, or that you’re confused. Tell the person exactly what section of a row you do not understand. You can even place the instructions that you need help with in quotation marks so the person knows exactly where to help you.

Be quick and to the point. Do not ramble on about who knows what. Be concise. Your message with your question should be 4 sentences or less. If you cannot write it that short, then you’re probably rambling.

Remember to ask the question. Too many times someone would say they need help, but forgets to ask the question. A question, if you remember from grade school has a question mark at the end. It is not a statement telling me how confused you are. If you’re going to ask for help, remember to ask the question.

Crocheting is suppose to be fun, not a pull your hair out experience! If you need help, just ask. Simple as that.

Brighten up a room by crocheting this cute potted flower! The best part of all is that you don’t have to water it. You can even embroider a face on it to give it a personality. This potted flower would make an excellent gift to a child or an adult. The potted flower crochet pattern can be downloaded at the Crochet Spot Store. Skill Level: Finished Size: 8 1/2” (21.5 cm) tall, 5” (13 cm) wide Materials: Medium Weight Yarn (Approximately 50 yards each of orange, yellow, green, light brown and dark brown) Crochet Hook F (3.75 mm) Polyester fiberfill Yarn needle

To download this pattern, visit the Crochet Spot Store
All purchases and Premium Pattern Member subscriptions help to support Crochet Spot!

If you help crocheting your potted flower, just let me know and I’ll be happy to help you!

I came across an article today (I wish I came across it sooner) that discussed making plastic mats for Haiti as a part of the post earthquake relief efforts. This idea is similar to the post I wrote featuring Rita Kunc, who crocheted milk bags to make mats for the homeless.

These crocheted plastic mats would also work great in Haiti. In fact, in Haiti’s warm climate, the mats become softer and are easy to clean. By sleeping on these mats as opposed to the ground, it can deter the chances of being bitten by parasites.

For more information about this project, please visit the following link to read the whole article: Mats Aim to Soften the Suffering in Earthquake-Rattled Haiti.

Crochet a cute apple coaster or make an entire set! Each coaster is fast and simple to crochet. You can even use scraps of yarn if desired. Follow the instructions below to get started. Skill Level: Finished Size: 4 1/4″ (11 cm) in diameter Materials: Medium Weight Yarn (small amount of red, brown and green) Crochet Hook H (5.00 mm) Yarn Needle

Gauge: rounds 1 – 3 in pattern measures 3 1/2″ in diameter
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Did you know that March is National Crochet Month? It’s the time of the year to spread crochet joy with your family and friends!

Here are some fun ideas to make crochet month extra special:

• Teach someone new to crochet.
• Throw a crochet party.
• Have a yarn/hook/pattern shopping spree.
• Join a crochet along, crochet group, or forum.
• Share Crochet Spot and other fun crochet sites with your friends.

You are doing anything special for National Crochet Month?

I don’t know about you, but I have a blast when I pick up my yarn and hook to crochet! Below are some of my reasons for why I think crocheting is so much fun. Feel free to share your reasons, by leaving a comment!

Crocheting is so much fun because…

• I can turn an ordinary ball of yarn into something useful, like a hat, slipper, blanket or toy.
• It’s like being in a secret club. We talk in crochet code.
• I can make cute things that make me go, “Awww…”
• I can gather with crochet friends and crochet the day away.
• Crocheting relieves stress, especially from work or nagging family members.
• I love teaching, especially when it’s about how to crochet.
• When I’m done a project, I get the feeling of accomplishment, the best feeling of all.
• It allows me to meet new people, who also are crazy about crochet.
• There’s nothing better than the happy face of the person I gift my crochet item to… as long as they like it.

Why is crocheting so much fun for you?

Need to crochet a bib really quick? Crochet this easy baby bib! This bib is crocheted in the round, with no sewing required. For a fun look and to hide food stains, try using a colorful variegated yarn. For extra absorbency, use 100% cotton. Skill Level: Finished Size: 6 1/4” (16 cm) wide, 5 1/2” (14 cm) from bottom of neck to bottom of bib Materials: Medium Weight Yarn (approximately 50 yards) Crochet Hook I (5.50 mm)

Gauge: rounds 1 – 5 in pattern measures 4″ in diameter
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