Is there a Wrong Way to Crochet?

Unique Stitches, and Crochet Patterns that use them

Today, I am bringing you some different ideas,  Regular Crochet Stitches, with a twist, either placed in unique places, or in some cases, just a slight variation in how the stitch is constructed to begin with.

Crochet is such personal art form. So many people, so many options, never a wrong answer, but your results may differ from the intention.

As Always, take the time to work a swatch on any fitted item. This will give you a feel for the way the stitch is worked, as well as confirming the scale is correct for what you are creating.
In this first design, there are several oddities that jump right off the screen at me.

Spiraling Out of Control, is an original design from MNE Crafts. The free pattern is found on her blog

Ignoring the concept that this is worked in Red Heart Reflective Yarn, This design screams distinction. coupling the yarn choice ups the ante, don't you think?

This Not Knit Warm and Quick Cowl, offered by Oombawka Designs is a style I just love. Ubber Soft, Mega Cozy, and ever so pretty. The placement of traditional stitches employed in this design creates a very Knit look.  It is a technique I employ in some of my designs too.  I have used it more for accent, so seeing a whole design worked this way was enlightening.

This Waves Scarf, from Crochet Kim would seem to be a variation of Broomstick Lace, and Chain Lace, and the result is pure magic.  So delicate, light and fun.  Imagine, if just for a moment, you had unlimited funds to create this scarf, what product would you reach for?  While generally I shy away from multi-color yarns, I have begun to work them in too. Kim's design is an inspiration to forge forward with it.

Tangled Happy has just released this Chunky Pom-Pom Beanie.
While the stitches are becoming more common, it is the blend that allows this design space on the page today. I am always into discovering ways to texture-ize my work.  I would say it hits a grand slam for my mind.

The Shelbi Hat, from Country Willow Designs is a sweet hat, offered free in a child size pattern. The rest of the sizes are available for purchase.  I really like the Swirl, and find the sidewall design to be an interesting way of mixing up the expectation.  Well constructed design, that may just find it's way to my make me list.

I am also bringing you a link for an interesting stitch Sara Dugan brought to my attention this last week.
I have only read it through, and looked at this swatch picture, but I can tell you it is in my cue to see what may become of it.  The Candy Cover looks like it could offer some real variety

There are more, Oh so many more, and I will be bringing them to the spot light a few at a time. Too many can be overwhelming, I want to Whelm you. :)

Until next time

Becky

Life gets tough, so Let's Crochet

Today's Planned Posting is going to have to wait.

Some other things in my personal world have taken my attention, I feel too distracted to really be sure the content is complete, and  worth taking your time for. I will come back to posting my interview results in the next few days.  I know that many of you are following, please accept my apologies.

In lieu of the content I had for you today, I would like to share a few links to other posts that are awesome. I would like to know that I imparted something great to you today.

Kathy at ELK Studios is hosting a wonderful Red Heart Give Away. The package is one of the best I have seen in a while. Please visit her blog for your chance to enter. While you are there, take a look at some of the FREE PATTERNS she has offered.  The Boot Cuffs are my favorite, and there is a terrific new hat pattern too.

Twin Stitches offered an amazing pattern for a Poncho. It is a twist on the expected, and BEAUTIFUL. You can see it here on my Free Pattern Pintrest Board        

Another Gotta Have Pattern from this week is this fabulous Scarf from Crafting Friends Designs.  You will find it on my Free Patterns Board as well.

Moogly has released the prettiest blanket pattern I have seen in a while. It is written for 7 sizes.  I Love the options with this pattern. See the Loopy Love Blanket Here

My Hobby is Crochet always has such an assortment of patterns, from all over the world, as well as her own crafty little mind. Today, I chose this wonderful Sun Hat, Between the shape, and colors, I just had to share

Jessie from Jessie at Home is honoring National Crochet Month, a quick pop in on her page will offer so many ideas,  as well as some insight to who she is.

Celina at Simply Collectable Crochet Designs has the cutest silliest Bearded Hat  pattern, that has me thinking leprechauns, and wishing for a pot of gold

Have a fabulous day, and don't forget about the Webinar with the information crafters, artists and bloggers need to find their target market. There is still time to sign up for this 3 part event that begins on March 29.


Until Next Time

Becky

I want to buy a Dragon

To make 3 entries in one day is not my norm.

While watching television this evening, I saw an ad, and went to the website to look it over. It is an item I have toyed with for quite some time.

I shared my find in a facebook group, and was surprised at how quickly it was scooped up by a member.

I want this. It will add a new dimension to my world. here on the blog, and  in my pattern writing. I see so many ways that it will be good.

I want this.  I do not have the money.  how can I make this work?

Oh, sure.  I have set a sale in my Ravelry store, I have set up a slae. Buy one pattern, get the second at 50% off.  This is just a sale, no codes are needed.  This sale will expire at 11:59pm EST Monday.

I really want this program, it is wonderful.
you should check it out  infact, HERE is the link to look at it.

Did I tell you I want this?

Visit my Ravelry Store, choose 2 patterns, get the second at a 50% discount, and help me out, cuz, in case you missed it, I want this!

Should I? I think I might

Are we ready?

I keep visiting a pattern idea, and wanting to go big, because the idea, and the way it works up, is amazing. With this platform, I feel it is time.  In honor of Valentines Day, which falls on a Friday this year, And In honor of being able to, I am going to give away my pattern. I want to do it early enough that you have plenty of time to complete it to wear that night. Do you have plans? Hitting the dance floor? A Nice Dinner? Out, or staying in?

For this you will need a ball of something cool, A novelty yarn perhaps, Something you saw on sale that was an impulse, but it now sits in your stash because upon further looking at it, you have no idea how to use it.  I am not referring to the Sashay, or Net yarns, They will not work for this project. I will be using this product for mine.

did you catch the yardage there, it isn't going to take a lot of this, so it will not be a budget breaker.

See how the yarn is really skinny, Like a #2,  and then has the glittery fluffy spots?  I know knitters have little issue with this, but for Crochet artists, it can be a bit more of a challenge. It is a #4, but No, No it isn't.

You can use a WW yarn that has a color that just grabs you, or your tried and true favorite. It really does not matter. Be daring, or be sedate.

You will need another yarn, it can be something you hate, or something you adore, it does not have to match, or look good with your subject yarn, but you will need  an equal amount of what you choose to use. It should be an easy work with WW yarn. Not another Novelty product.

You will also need 2 crochet hooks for this project. A lofty pair. 1 standard crochet hook, 1 double ended Tunisian hook, of the same size.  Did you catch that?  Double ended!   I will be using an N, or 9.00mm  sized set of hooks.
The pattern will be easy to adjust, so if you are completely unable to work with the large hooks, choose what is comfortable for you, and comment here with the size you selected. I will respond with a modified starting chain for you. You need to understand that your stitches will be smaller, tighter, and will use more yarn with the smaller hook size.

Alright, Let's spend this next few days promoting this, share the link, pass the word. There are buttons to share on facebook, Google +, Pintrest and all the social networking sites. Please use them. all of them.  I would love to see the numbers jump up there.  I will reveal the patterns first look on Saturday, January 25, unless I have a real strong calling for it sooner. (that would mean a huge surge in traffic, and comments, letting me know you are ready) Are you ready? Lets Make it happen.

See you soon
Becky