Another Project Completed!

Just wanted to post a picture of this lovely dress from Paula, one of our readers, following the Autumn Celebration Dress pattern for dolls. She gave it an elegant touch by adding a row of shell stitch on the bottom of the dress. Thank you for sharing this picture, Paula!

If you have made anything from my patterns, feel free to share pictures with us here.

And...we're back!

Hey everyone! I'm back! I've been taking a bit of a break to finish my show in Lancaster and recuperate, but now I am back for good, with loads of ideas to share. Look here for new patterns and tips in the next couple of days.

Until then, Happy Holidays from me and Violet!

Love,
~ Tennyemaye ~

Would You Crochet This?

Would you crochet this mad-scientist cerebrum hat, or even wear it? Whats your opinion...creepy or cool? Please comment!

Check out the link here: http://crochettoday.com/crochet-patterns/brainy-maniac

Center-Pull Skein Part 2 of 2: Easy Storage

Now that you know how to make your own center-pull skeins, learn how to stash them in these handy, easy-to-make containers. These containers separate your skeins of yarn, preventing them from becoming battered or tangled while on the road. Your yarn can always stay nicely in these containers. No taking them in and out; just pull your yarn from a hole in the top!

Want to see what I mean? Follow these easy steps to making your own storage container.

You will need:

-scissors
-a plastic container that will fit your ball of yarn (I like to use old yogurt containers)

1. Start with a clean plastic container of your choice that will fit your skein of yarn. I find that old yogurt containers work very well for this.

2. Remove the lid. With your scissors, cut out a circle (with about 1/2 inch in diameter) in the center of the lid.

3. Place your center-pull skein in the container, with the center pull facing up.



4. Draw the yarn through the hole in the center of the lid, and secure the lid shut.

5. Make one for all your center-pull skeins, and you have your own, user-friendly yarn separators in which to store your yarn. These are especially great for traveling with a project that requires lots of color changes.

This is super easy to do! And now that you know how, you'll be wanting to make one for all of your center-pull skeins.

Any questions? Please comment!



Center-Pull Skein Part 1 of 2: Make Your Own

You love to crochet. And you love your yarn! But face it, yarn can be downright FRUSTRATING. Most yarn in the stores are sold in long cylinder-shaped skeins that are bulky and get tangled at the end. This may lead you to wind your yarn into balls before use, which is equally annoying when they roll all over the place.

This is where the SUPER MAN of a crocheter's heart comes to save the day: and its in the form of the center-pull skein. Learn the easy way to wrap your yarn into a tidy little ball that wont roll everywhere because it pulls from the center, not the outside. Just follow these simple steps below.

1. Start by wrapping the yarn in a figure eight around your thumb and forefinger. Make sure you hold on to the beginning peice with the rest of your fingers, as shown.

2. Continue wrapping until the bulk of the yarn reaches to about the midsection of your forefinger.

3. Slide the yarn down your fingers and hold the two sections together. Make sure you are still keeping track of your strand of yarn and that you have your thumb in the hole where it is coming from.

4. Holding the strand, with your thumb still in the hole, begin to wrap your yarn around in a ball.

5. Eventually, as you ball gets bigger, it can get tiresome keeping your thumb in the hole and holding on to your strand. You can solve this by sticking a pen or a highlighter in it and tucking the strand into the clip.

 6.  When you are finished winding all the yarn, congratulations! You now have a nice center-pull skein of yarn!

Any questions? Please comment!

Want more fun tips on how to keep your center-pull skeins organized and travel-friendly? Be sure to check back for Center- Pull Skeins part 2.

Gobble-Gobble Turkey Applique

Where has the year gone? It feels like just yesterday I was at the beach in flip flops enjoying the summer breeze, but now the colorful leaves on the tree are falling, and its time to think about Thanksgiving! Heres a great pattern for a this cute turkey applique to get you in the mood!

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Wintry Patterns, anyone?

Sooo...I've got a few small ideas for wintry pattern to write for this year. I've concocted some ideas not only for myself but for Christmas gifts for family and friends too. I would love some more ideas.

What Christmas/Winter patterns would you like to see here this season?

Please comment!

Elegant Wrist Warmers

Its been a bit nippy outside lately, and my hands easily get cold when I'm typing or playing the piano (or crocheting!). So I made these elegant little wrist warmers to keep out the chill! These are easy and fast and are great for unpredictable fall weather.

Lacy Shell Doll Dress- a project completed!

I have a lovely surprise this morning! Diane, one of our readers, has already made two dresses from the Lacy Shell Doll Dress pattern, and was kind enough to share pictures! She agreed to let me share them on this site, so here they are! I love Diane's creativity, and how she really made the pattern her own! If you ever make something from one of my patterns, feel free to send me pictures of your work here.

Crochet Humor

Time for a laugh! Enjoy these funny crochet jokes I found.

Why is it that a ball of yarn can't walk?
Because its all tied up!

Why do crocheters make good comedians?
 Because they keep us in stitches!


What do you call an unmarried stitch?
A single crochet!


What happened to the naughty little afghan?
He got into treble!

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How many crocheters does it take to change a

lightbulb?

 Just one, but when she's done, she's going to want to crochet a cord pull for it, and a light cover, and then she'll need to make matching valances, and of course the whole room will need new doilies and chair covers, and...
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A woman is crocheting as she drives (which is totally unsafe, and I don't advocate it). Pretty soon, her speed has crept all the way up to 95 mph--and she passes a parked police car. The car gives chase. Officer Bob turns on his siren, but the woman, oblivious, doesn't notice him. Finally, he pulls up alongside her car and yells, "Pull over! PULL OVER!"

She looks at him, looks at her crocheting, and yells--

"NO! It's a CARDIGAN!"

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Did you know the art of crocheting is mentioned in documents dating back to Bible times? In the Book of Genesis, chapters 40 and 41, it tells the story of Joseph, and how his father had a coat of many colors made for him. Well this is obviously some ancient-times crocheter's attempt to use up her stash of yarn!!

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There was once a man and woman who had been married for more than 60 years. They had shared everything. They had talked about everything. Nothing was held back. Well, almost nothing. They had kept no secrets from each other except that the little old woman had a shoe box in the top of her closet that she had cautioned her husband never to open or ask her about.

For all of these years, he had never thought about the box, but one day the little old woman got very sick and the doctor said she would not recover. In trying to sort out their affairs, the old man took down the shoebox and took it to his wife's bedside. She agreed that it was time that he should know what was in the box. When he opened it, he found two crocheted doilies and a stack of money totaling $250,000. Holy Moly! He asked her about the contents.

"When we were to be married," she started, "my grandmother told me the secret of a happy marriage was to never argue. She told me that if I ever got angry with you, I should just keep quiet and crochet a doily." The old man was so moved, he had to fight back tears. Only two precious doilies were inside the box! She had only been angry with him two times in all those years of living and loving. He almost burst with happiness. "Honey," he said, "that explains the doilies, but.... what about all this money? Where did it all come from?"

"Oh," she said, "that's the money I made from selling the doilies.

Knifty Knitter Love

I'm in love with my new Knifty Knitter looms! I've been wanting some for a long time, and finally got around to buying some at the local A.C. Moore. They're great because they make knitting ten times easier, and because I can make hats and other dimensional things with them (when I knit, I only knit flat things, like scarves and squares). Plus they are totally portable! I've enjoyed taking mine to the beach or on long road trips. I can even see them being tools for teach younger kids to enjoy knitting. What do you think? What's been your experience with the Knifty Knitter? Please comment!

For more information on the Knifty Knitter visit: https://www.myknitter.com/
For Knifty Knitter patterns, visit: http://www.provocraft.com/projects/projects.php?dsp=list&prdindex=kniftyknitter

Apple Cozy

An apple a day keeps the doctor away! This is a cute little gift for any occasion. Leave one of these on a teachers desk, or suprise a family member by slipping it into their lunch box. You can enjoy your daily apple bruise-free with this cute little cozy. And its easy to make too!

Use medium worsted weight yarn and a size G (4.25 MM) hook.

Round 1: ch 3, sc 8 into first ch. Sl st into first sc. 2 sc into each sc around. Sl st into first sc.
Round 2: *2 sc in first sc, 1 sc in next. Repeat from * all the way around. Sl st into first sc.
Round 3: *2 sc in first sc, 1 sc in next two sc. Repeat from * all the way around. Sl st into first sc.
Round 4- 8: Sc into each sc around.
Round 9: Continue as before (sc into each sc around) but about halfway around, stop, ch 1, and turn.
Row 10: Sc into each sc across. Stop right before the beginning of the row, leaving 3 st between the beginning and the end of the row. Ch 1, turn.
Row 11: Sc in each sc across. Do not break off. Fold rows 9-11 (about 1 inch) over to make a collar. Ch 3 to make a button hole, and end with a sl st.

Sew on a cute button, and slip in an apple. Have fun!

Any questions? Please comment!

Please remember that this is my pattern. Do not sell this pattern or reproduce it in any way, shape, or form. This is a free pattern. If you would like to share it, please do not copy and paste the pattern, but instead share the link to this page. All items made from this pattern are not to be sold under any circumstances, and are for personal use or charity only.


Thank you!

What Not To Crochet

Would you crochet this?

Or this?

Or even this?

Browsing patterns and crocheted designs online can turn forth some of the most glorious, glamarous, beautiful designs ever to grace the planet. But others just look like cat barf...(or worse), and sometimes you wonder...just what was this designer thinking? Get your fill of some of the worst crocheted designs EVER at What Not To Crochet, a fun website that good-naturedly mocks the ultimate crochet flops.

The Cats Meeeow! Crocheted Cat Toy

My fat cat loooooooves this cute little cat toy! Make it for your own kitty cat, or make a couple as a gift for your cat-lovin' friend!

Use any medium worsted weight yarn and a size G hook. I would suggest sturdier yarn as opposed to softer, satiny yarn, since your cat will be less likely to tear it.

Row 1: Ch 7, turn, sc in second ch from hook and in each across. Turn, ch 1.
Row 2: Sc in each sc across. Turn, ch 1.
Row 3- 15: Repeat Row 2.
Sew up the sides, leaving one side open. Stuff with catnip (I used cat mint, but its basically the same thing) and sew up the remaining side.

For ears (repeat on both ends of "head"): Sc 3, ch 1, turn, sc 1, sl st in one. Break off and weave in ends. Repeat on other side.

For whiskers: In the center, towards the top, pull two 3" strands of contrasting yarn through one of your sc, and tie securely in a knot. Trim to taste.

Any questions? Please comment!

Please remember that this is my pattern. Do not sell this pattern or reproduce it in any way, shape, or form. This is a free pattern. If you would like to share it, please do not copy and paste the pattern, but instead share the link to this page. All items made from this pattern are not to be sold under any circumstances, and are for personal use or charity only.

Thank you!

Mask- Free Form Crochet

I've fallen in love with some of the beautiful free form crochet things out there! So I timidly made my first attempt at beauty with this mask. Its both gorgeous, hideous, and kinda cool all at the same time! Whaddya think? Please comment!

Berr-natt? Ber-nay? Bear-nay? Bear-nah?

Bernat has great yarn, but does anyone know how to pronounce it? I've heard Berr-natt, Ber-nay, Bear-nay, Bear-nah and all sorts of other things. How do you say it?

How To Read Crochet Patterns

So you know the crochet basics, and now you want to learn to read patterns. Reading patterns opens you up to a whole world of possibilities. There is nothing you can't crochet that you have a pattern for! Lots of people get tripped up reading patterns, with all their abbreviations and symbols. Fear not! I have made you a fast and easy guide to reading patterns. Just remember...practice makes perfect! You wont get it right away, but if you hang in there and keep trying, reading patterns will be a piece of cake! The whole world will be at the tip of your fingers! (or rather, the tip of your hook!)

Things to immediately look for on a pattern:

- the difficulty of the pattern. Patterns are usually rated Beginner, Easy, Intermediate, or Advanced. Picking a pattern that is too hard for you is just setting you up for frustration. Instead, choose a pattern that suits your skill level. Once you have mastered the art of crochet a bit more, challenge yourself with a higher level.

-yarn weight and hook size. Most patterns will specify what type of yarn you should use and what size hook. With some patterns, this doesnt matter, but with many it does, so pay close attention. Make sure you have the right kind of yarn and the right hook.  (Example: medium worsted yarn and hook size F 3.75)

-rows or rounds. Crochet patterns are almost always worked in either rows (back and forth) or rounds (around in a circle) and will usually specify at the beginning of the pattern. If a pattern is supposed to be worked in rounds, and you are working it in rows, it can get very confusing!

- special terms. Some crochet patterns will have special terms (which they will define for you) or may list any special stitches used in the pattern. This is very helpful, because then you can quickly see if the pattern is feasible or not. For example, if a pattern specifies that it uses front post double crochet, and I am unfamiliar with front post double crochet, I know to either choose another pattern or find a video tutorial that will show me how a front post double crochet works.

Translating patterns into plain English...

"Crochet language" may seem like jibberish to you, but its very easy to catch on once you get the hang of it. Patterns are written in abbreviations, and its good to know what the abbreviations mean. I made a basic list below, which you can refer to whenever you like. For now, here's an example.

A pattern worked in rows will list directions row by row, usually numbered. So the first row may look something like this.

Row 1: Ch 26. Dc in 4th ch from hook. *Dc in one, 2 dc in next. Repeat from * across. Ch 3, turn.

Translated into English, it looks like this:

Row 1: Chain 26. Make a double crochet in the 4th chain from the hook. *Make a double crochet in one chain, make two double crochets in the second chain. Repeat everything from * over and over until you get to the end. Chain 3, and turn.

See? Its not so bad. Lets try the next row.

Row 2: Dc 4, 2 dc in next 2, dc 4, 2 dc in next 2, dc 10, 2 dc in next 2, dc in 4, 2 dc in next 2, dc 5. Ch 3, turn.

Translated into English, it looks like this:

Row 2: Make 4 double crochet, make 2 double crochet in each of the next  2 double crochet, make four double crochet, make two double crochet in each of the next 2 double crochet, make 10 double crochet, make 2 double crochet in the next 2 double crochet, make 4 double crochet,  make 2 double crochet in each of the next 2 double crochet, make 5 double crochet. Chain 3 and turn.

See? Not so hard!

Here's a simpler one.

Row 7: Sc in each dc across. Ch 2, turn.

Translated into English, it looks like this:

Row 7: Make a single crochet in each double crochet until you get to the end. Chain 2 and turn.

ABBREVIATIONS
Here are some important abbreviations to know:

ch- chain
sl st- slip stitch
sc- single crochet
dc- double crochet
tr- treble crochet
yo- yarn over
st- stitch
rep- repeat
RS- right side
WS- wrong side
rnd(s)- round(s)
sp- space
inc- increase
dec- decrease
ch sp- chain space
beg- beginning

Learning to read crochet patterns is like learning any other language: the more you are exposed to it, the faster you catch on! It may be a bit tricky or confusing at first, but you will soon get the hang of it! And remember, if you have any questions, please comment!



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Mushroom Applique

This is the pattern for making the mushroom applique I used on the Mushroom Festival Doll Dress. Its simple, easy, and cute!

Use medium weight yarn in beige and white, and a crochet hook size F 3.75.

Mushroom Cap

Row 1: With beige yarn, Ch 4, sl st into first ch to make a ring. Ch3, dc 8 into ring. Ch 2, turn.
Row 2: 2 dc in each dc across. Sl st and break off. Weave in ends.

Stem

Row 1: With white yarn, ch 8. Sc in second ch from hook and each ch across. Ch 1, turn.
Row 2: Sc in each sc across. Ch 1, turn.
Row 3: Sc in each sc across. Sl st, break off, weave in ends.

Sew the cap and the stem together and use as an applique for anything. So adorable, and I hope you enjoy!

Any questions? Please comment!

Please remember that this is my pattern. Do not sell this pattern or reproduce it in any way, shape, or form. This is a free pattern. If you would like to share it, please do not copy and paste the pattern, but instead share the link to this page. All items made from this pattern are not to be sold under any circumstances, and are for personal use or charity only.

Thank you!

Mushroom Festival Doll Dress

Every year, in Kennett Square, there is an annual Mushroom Festival! In honor, I made this Mushroom Festival doll dress. Its going for sale in the shop. Click here for the mushroom applique pattern.

Circular Dishcloth

A crocheted dishcloth is one of the handiest things to give as a gift for any occasion. Its great for the kitchen (if you can bear to use it in that dirty dishwater) and in the shower, or, in fun colors, they can make great gifts for kids and new moms at baby showers. Whatever the occasion, enjoy this homemade pattern for a circular dishcloth!

This pattern uses medium weight yarn (use cotton for better absorbency) and an F hook.

Row 1: ch 8, sl st in first chain to form ring, sc 8 into ring
Row 2: Sl st into first sc, 2hdc in each sc around. Sl st into first hdc.
Row 3: *2 hdc in first hdc, 1 hdc in next. Repeat from * all the way around. End with sl st.
Row 4: *2 hdc in first hdc, 1 hdc in next 2. Repeat from * all the way around. End with sl st.
Row 5: *2 hdc in first hdc, 1 hdc in next 3. Repeat from * all the way around. End with sl st.
Row 6: *2 hdc in first hdc, 1 hdc in next 4. Repeat from * all the way around. End with sl st.
Row 7: *2 hdc in first hdc, 1 hdc in next 5. Repeat from * all the way around. End with sl st.
Row 8: *3 sc in first hdc, 1 in next. Repeat from * all the way around. End with sl st. Fasten off, weave in ends.

Any questions? Please comment!


Please remember that this is my pattern. Do not sell this pattern or reproduce it in any way, shape, or form. This is a free pattern. If you would like to share it, please do not copy and paste the pattern, but instead share the link to this page. All items made from this pattern are not to be sold under any circumstances, and are for personal use or charity only.


Thank you!

Making Time For Crochet

I am here to make an announcement: there are only 24 hours in a day! And most of the time, it seems like hardly enough. There are so many things to be done, and when the day comes to a close, it seems like there is so little time left to just relax and crochet. So how do you make time for crochet, when life is just a hectic mess?

1. Take it along! Because of my busy schedule, I must spend half my time in the car, waiting in line, or just waiting in general. This is when I get a lot of my crocheting done. Its said that the average American spends 3 years of his or her life waiting in line. That's an extra three years of your life to crochet!

2. The extreme hours! Are you a night owl who can never sleep at night, or an early bird who likes to get up early? Either way, use a few minutes from your earliest or latest hours to work on your latest project. I like to crochet at night. That's when I am most awake, and when I am most in the mood to whiz up something snazzy!

3. Schedule it!  Life is hectic. Yes, you have a billion things to do, but resting is almost just as important as getting the work done. You are actually more efficient with your work when you take time to rest too! Schedule a small piece of your day to just sit in the rocking chair on the porch and crochet. Sometimes I like to listen to music while I work, or I'll keep my hands busy when watching a movie. Its a great way to rest your mind and exercise your hands!

What do you think? What are some of the ways you make time for crochet? Please comment!

Sunflower Coasters

Last night while watching a movie I wanted to keep my hands busy, so I came up with these sweet little sunflower coasters. I decided to give them to my mom; her kitchen is sunflower-themed and she loves yellow and blue.

Note: this pattern uses treble crochet (tr) and double treble crochet (dtr). If you are unfamiliar with these stitches, you can find great tutorials here: http://www.stitchdiva.com/custom.aspx?id=53. But don't be intimidated; these stitches are fairly easy, and you will be surprised how similar they are to a double crochet stitch!


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Little Fabrications: Alice in Wonderland

Alice in Wonderland: the first in my Little Fabrications series.

Who isn't captivated by the story of Alice in Wonderland? It was my favorite Disney movie when I was younger (and later on my favorite book!). Like every little girl, it was my dream to be Alice, to stumble into Wonderland and have all of her amazing adventures.I had so much fun recreating a piece of that in this outfit. This outfit includes a blue dress with a white apron attatched, a black headband, and black maryjanes.

What should my next Little Fabrication be? Please comment!

Absolutely Dolling

I stumbled upon a website the other day called "Absolutely Dolling". Once I had clicked, I found I couldn't tear my eyes away. The gowns shown in the pictures above, are only a few of the stunning historical fashion gowns crocheted by Diane Farmer. Diane has been crocheting since she was 8. She spent some time as a hospice nurse for several patients who were doll collecters, and she started collecting dolls herself. Now she makes amazingly detailed and intricate doll fashion from historical time periods such as the Old South, the Victorian and Edwardian eras, and 18th century Europe. Each gown is so intricate, so detailed, and so realistic, I cannot even imagine the hard work and skill it took to make them, plus the keen understanding of what fashion was like in these specific time periods. That, ladies and gentleman, is what I call the fine art of crochet! To learn more, visit her website at http://www.absolutelydolling.com/

What do you think? Please comment!

Autumn Celebration Dress

Its starting to feel like Autumn! Summer is coming to a close, school is starting, the leaves are beginning to change. Autumn is my favorite season of the year, and I felt it deserved a celebration, so I made the Autumn Celebration dress! This is a great pattern that I like to use as a base for lots of differnt kinds of dresses (see the August Bliss dress) so feel free to use it for whatever you like, whatever the season!

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