Me and my blankie by photosavvy
Project Linus is a national charity that provides blankets to children who are seriously ill or traumatized. There are 371 local chapters nationwide. As of this past September, 3,556,285 blankets have been delivered since 1995. Amazing!
Crochet designer, Ellen Gormley of Go Crochet blogged about the charity. Her ravelry group is going to crochet a blanket for Ellen’s local Project Linus Chapter in Cincinnati, Ohio. I thought that sounded like a worthwhile project and joined the group. So far I am enjoying the group and looking forward to participating.
Group members voted on which of Ellen’s designs to use for the blanket. The winner was Sunny Spread which will make a gorgeous blanket.
Why don’t you join us?
Last week I borrowed the recently released Crochet Master Class: Lessons and Projects from Today’s Top Crocheters by Jean Leinhauser and Rita Weiss. New crochet books can be very inspiring, and this one is no exception. The authors found the “masters” of 18 crochet techniques, from Aran to Woven Crochet.
Each section begins with a short biography of the master of the technique, along with photos of their crochet designs. Then an explanation of the particular technique is given, along with a tip or two from the master. Finally, there is a project highlighting the skill.
I have enjoyed browsing the book. My favorite styles include Hairpin Lace, Aran Crochet, Overlay Crochet (the technique featured on the cover), and Bruges Lace Crochet. I have been motivated to give some of these techniques a try. My favorite project in the book is the Bruges Lace Reversible Magical Wave Stole by Tatyana Mirer. It is gorgeous!
Happy Friday! Here’s some lovely crochet inspiration from etsy for you.
Daisy Arm Warmers by Yarnival
Boho Chic Circular Crocheted Earrings – Blues by Dilettant
Colorfull Hat by Vogueknitting
Green Shawl by Filofashion
Lacy Hand Crochet Necklace by Saltcitydesigns
Have a wonderful weekend!
Yesterday I took photos of my latest crochet basket. For this basket, I used antique blue and mint green satin cord. The pattern I chose was the interlaced shells, which is a very elegant design. Crocheting shells is enjoyable and always makes a pretty statement.
Crochet basket in antique blue and mint green satin cord
View of basket from the top
Close-up of my crochet stitches
The inspiration for my color choices came from the little girl’s couch in this La-Z-Boy ad. Oh, for a mother to be that nonchalant about spilled ice cream!
You can also view this basket in my etsy shop.
Have a wonderful day!
Happy New Year!
Let’s start the new year with some beginner crochet resources!
This site has both illustrations and videos of the crochet stitches. Nicely organized too.
This site has close-up photos of creating crochet stitches, but you will have to click to get to the next photograph. It would be much more helpful if the photos were all on the same page.
Teresa has produced many videos on beginner crochet, as well as crochet projects. She also includes left-handed instructions.
This site has video tutorials for beginner crochet stitches. I am not fond of the tiny frame of this site.
Mary Grace has a collection of video tutorials, as well as crochet articles, patterns and pictures.
I hope you find these links helpful. If you have questions about any of the tutorials, leave me a comment. And if you are aware of other online crochet resources, please let me know.
Have fun exploring!
Crochet Basket in Light Blue and Coral Satin Cord
I have been doing a lot of thinking about my 2011 goals for this blog and website. In addition to posts about my shop and studio, I have plans to cover crochet topics like:
- Crochet instructions
- Reviews of crochet books and magazines
- Links to great crochet resources
- Interviews and profiles of crochet designers and artists
- Inspirational crochet finds
- Charities that accept crochet
- Information about crochet and design trends
- Research on the different types of crochet work
- Critique crochet patterns
- Crochet troubleshooting
- Uses for crochet
- Opinions about crochet
- Technology for the crocheter
Are there any crochet topics you would like to see covered? Leave me a comment with your ideas and suggestions.
What about you? What are your goals for 2011?
Let’s get ready to ring in the new year!
