150 Crochet Trims , Published in 2007, this book is a delicious collection of crochet edgings and some motifs (especially flowers), complete with color pictures and written instructions.  What’s missing?  Schematics.  Susan Smith has assembled a pretty collection of trims … Read More...

There are several books in print which cover many of the techniques demonstrated in this book, published in 2006.  It’s a handy size hardback with my favorite spiral binding.  Why aren’t all books made like this?

Included are 127 pages … Read More...

If you don’t have a yarn winder, you’re missing out on a great crochet tool.  Pull skeins of yarn, like RH and similar brands, don’t absolutely require winding into nice little cakes, but those hanks that are twisted into a … Read More...

Seems as if people are always asking for free patterns for crochet flowers.  There are so many ways to use these lovelies.  Applique them to purses or jackets, join to create a textured shawl of capelet, add to a headband … Read More...

So, I’m sitting at the Crochet Club Meeting, minding my own business the other night, knowing I had to leave early to get to the airport to pick up my MIL who was flying in from India via Australia, when … Read More...

The air is suddenly crisp and cool.  Fall (my least favorite time of year) may well be upon us and it’s still August!  Tho’ I’m not a fan of Fall as cold winter soon follows, I do like the colors … Read More...

Did you see the latest announcement from LionBrand.com that all their patterns, and there are thousands, are now FREE?

http://www.lionbrand.com/patterns/80243AD.html

This is a boon to us – and a GREAT way for a company to sell a lot of yarn.  … Read More...

Although there were not that many entries into this contest, there were some really lovely Christmas doilies entered.

The winner SHOULD be the doily at:

http://www.karensvariety.com/CHRISTMAS/FreePatterns/Doily.htm

It’s a real beauty!  I write SHOULD BE THE WINNER because so many of … Read More...

Fall isn’t really my favorite time of year, but I do love the colors and Fall decorations.  I’ve scouted out some ideas for us to crochet.  This first is a place mat that even a rank beginner could make.  Color … Read More...

While searching for crocheted wreaths, I’ve run across some other crochet beauties.  Gotta share these.

First is a fantastic crocheted ring from this blog – the crocheted one on the right:

http://www.modishblog.com/modish/2007/11/

Plus, this set of wreaths is to be … Read More...

I had this idea to find a great crocheted wreath for my front door.  Wreaths and swags are things that I enjoy crafting with a lot of recycled/upcycled components.  I usually start with a wreath from a thrift store from … Read More...

I’ve just learned that my beloved mother in law is coming to stay for several months.  Have to make room for her.  Seriously.  What to do with all the yarn/books/hooks/magazines/print outs/etc in the ‘yarn room’ that will be her bedroom?  … Read More...

Scarves make great gifts.  They tend to work up quickly, don’t take too much yarn, and are a great way to experiment with new stitches and color palettes.  I often feel I can splurge on a single skein of luxurious … Read More...

I think that treasure bags make great gifts, quick and well suited to all ages and genders.  If you pick the right pattern (free) and the right colors, you can create a nifty little project in no time.  Great for … Read More...

After my walk today, I remembered that my husband needed a can of jalapeno peppers, so I stopped at a tiny Mexican market that was on my way home, Maye’s Market at 15270 Manchester Road in Ballwin, MO.  WOW!  This … Read More...

Sadly, annoyingly, this topic has been on my mind lately.  I’ve started wearing a splint at night for sleep and it’s helping.  I DO NOT want to get into advice giving here.  A crochet blog is not the place for … Read More...

I’ve found another batch of books from my stash that I want to GIVE AWAY.  Hot Diggity!  Another contest is born.

This is Annie’s Pattern Club #43.  In this batch, there are 5 other Annie’s Pattern Club books and a … Read More...

Remember how to make Plarn?  Here’s the tutorial:

How to make Plarn . 

You can also purchase plarn ready made here via Etsy.

This clothespin bag is made from ‘plarn’ :

http://tipnut.com/crochet-a-recycled-clothes-pin-bag-free-pattern/

I can think of plenty of other ideas … Read More...

Upcycling, repurposing, recycling – these are all no lose ideas.  Anything we can reuse for a creative or practical purpose is a good thing.  Here are some ideas I’ve run across recently.

Can you tell these were knitted caps?  While … Read More...

Making decisions about color can be overwhelming.  As artists/crafters, we are compelled to make decisions regarding color, often on an hourly basis.  At the very least, we must make these decisions each time we select yarn for a project.  In … Read More...