Hello, Crochet Spot friends! I have a real treat for you today. You might be aware of Twinkie Chan from any of her many crochet activities – including her blog, YouTube channel, or seeing her patterns at Michael’s or on the Lion Brand website. You may have seen her previous book, Twinkie Chan’s Crochet Goodies for Fashion Foodies: 20 Yummy Treats to Wear. Or you may have seen the article I wrote about her innovative crocheted paintings. Perhaps you’ve run across her clothing line, Yummy You at a local boutique. Without a doubt, Twinkie Chan is a powerful force in crochet, and I’ve been a big fan since 2010.

All images in this post are property of Twinkie Chan and are used with permission.

Quarto Publishing just released Twinkie’s highly anticipated sophomore book, Twinkie Chan’s Crocheted Abode A La Mode ~ 20 Yummy Crochet Projects for Your Home and it is chock-full of joyful, exuberant, delicious, crochet fun. I have been rabidly awaiting my review copy since I heard it was available for pre-order. And, we are so very lucky that the publisher is allowing me to give away not just one copy, but three!
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The kids are out of school and it’s undeniably summer up here in the northern hemisphere! That means it’s time for some favorite summer activities like gardening, camping, and cooking out! Summer is so much fun that sometimes we let crochet fall to the wayside because we’re busy with different things to do. However, we here at Crochet Spot are fully in favor of summer crochet, and Rachel’s even got some tasty patterns to keep your hook working whether it is on the front porch while sipping a sweet tea, by the pool in the summer sun, or even relaxing in the air-conditioned comfort of your living room.

The neat thing is that a lot of them correspond to some favorite summer pastimes! And they’re also doubly delicious because (yum) they’re food!! Nom nom nom!
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I love crocheting play food. As a child my mom crocheted me an assortment of goodies to add to my kitchen collection. I will never forget her handmade surprises she’d whip up for me during my nap times. I suppose these early memories are what keeps me coming back to patterns like this. Today I have a zero-calorie ice cream sandwich pattern for you to indulge in. This little project can be made in a matter of minutes and it is great to keep in your toy stash for when little ones come to visit. Don’t forget about the holidays! A basket of play food makes a great gift.

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Since it is unbearably hot outside I’ve been enjoying my AC and an afternoon with my crochet hook. I like to add new appliques to my craft stash to spruce up a gift, card, scrapbook or other project for gifting and the holidays. Now is the perfect time to stock up and this project is a great one to add to your arsenal. Cherries are the perfect way to top off a beautiful dessert. From cupcakes to ice cream, cold drinks and pies cherries have the reputation for being the finishing touch to a fine confection! Use this project for an extra sweet handmade accent!

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I absolutely despised peas growing up and had more fun mashing them on my plate than anything else. However, when I discovered what they tasted like fresh out of the pod, I changed my mind. They are the perfect garden snack, wrapped in a little pod package. This week I crocheted my own peas in a pod. I used wool yarn, which can easily be felted too. This project would make a great pin. However, your children or grandchildren might claim them for their play food collection. I’m thinking of felting a few of these pods onto a wool purse too!

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I have been harvesting strawberries like crazy in our garden. I simply can’t resist their tempting sweetness. If held to the sun their sugary flesh is almost metallic in color. This week I decided to take my love of strawberries one step further and create this crochet pattern for you to enjoy. There are so many uses for this pattern, from decorating kids apparel to a zipper pull on your purse. Or, if you don’t want your strawberry to be three-dimensional, just make one half of the berry and use it as a cute applique on kitchen linens! The sky is the limit!

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As a kid did you ever make your own popsicles? I fondly remember those little plastic molds complete with a popcicle stick lid. It was so much fun to make my own treats. However, I was too impatient to wait for the popsicle to harden. When I went to pull the treat from the frosty mold the stick inevitably slid out and I was left to frantically eat the slushy fruit juice. This week’s project reminds me of a raspberry all fruit bar. It’s a perfect project for kids. Plus, you won’t have to worry about this treat melting!

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There is a bakery near where I am whiling the winter away in northern California that sells a myriad of macaroons. They are so beautiful in shades of mint green, pink and chocolate. Each one gracefully rests upon the other encased in apothecary jars. I love to stop at the bakery and just admire every little detail they add to their baked goods. So, for those of you who are tempted by macaroons like I am, here’s a crochet pattern just for you. Your kids are sure to love them almost as much as the real thing.

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When I was a child I remember one afternoon, while I was taking my nap, my mom crocheted some play food for me. When I awoke there by my pillow was some sweet handmade goodies! Now it’s my turn, and as soon as my little girl awakes from her nap she’ll have these little cookies waiting for her. They are so easy to make and a lot of fun. You can whip up a batch in no time! Make a baker’s dozen and give in a small tin to a little one in your life. Don’t forget to take some for children on your baked good delivery route this holiday season!

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Kate Jenkins pushes the envelope when it comes to fiber art possibilities. She doesn’t just knit and crochet, she knits and crochets. A former designer for fashion lines like Donna Karan, she is the owner of Cardigan, a knit and crochet shop and gallery all in one, based in the U.K. Her mission statement unravels like this: “anything can be created from yarn as long as it is made with love.” From striped wraps to fish and chip platters, dragonflies to the pork pie you see below, Kate exhibits at galleries and art shows all over the world and is known for her attention to small details and use of vibrant colors. read more »