Crochet Daily : Crochet For Kids

I Love Yarn Day Crochet Gifts for You

Toni Rexroat — Fri, 12 Oct 2012 16:00:00 GMT

It's finally here! Today is I Love Yarn Day! Time to break out the gifts. Okay, I adore yarn every day—just take a quick peak in my craft room—but I'll gladly take a special day to celebrate my yarn addiction...I mean love.

So how are you going to celebrate? The Craft Yarn Council has put together a fabulous collection of free patterns from a nineteen crochet designers. I was thrilled when they invited me to donate a couple of patterns. Most of these projects can be whipped up in a day and are great stashbusters. Linda Cyr's Owl Cell Phone Cozy is at the top of my queue, but you will find crochet toys, hats, scarves, bags, and more.

Of course you don't have to dive into your stash. Celebrate by taking a trip to your LYS or order that skein you have been drooling over online.

So whether you love cotton, wool, acrylic, or cashmere, whether you crochet, knit, or weave, have a fabulous I Love Yarn Day!

Best wishes,

P.S. I would love to hear how you are celebrating. Let me know in the comments below.

Irish, Broomstick, and Filet: Exploring Lace Crochet

Toni Rexroat — Mon, 13 Aug 2012 11:00:00 GMT

When I first started learning to crochet, the first technique I wanted to try was lace crochet. It didn't take me long to discover that crochet lace is not a single technique but a genre. Lace can be crocheted in any weight of yarn, from thread to bulky yarn, and there are multiple techniques within the genre, from Irish lace to filet crochet.

Many of these techniques were developed in diverse locations and have been worked for generations. The newest issue of Crochet Traditions explores the history of several lace crochet techniques. Each section details not only how to work the technique but also the history behind the crochet style and the crocheters who shared our passion for crochet. Here are a couple of my favorite crochet lace techniques.

A Burano Clones Lace Mask by Maire Treanor

Irish Crochet

Irish crochet became popular in the 1840s in Ireland. A potato blight destroyed much of Ireland's potato crop, eliminating the income of many families. In an effort to make money, many women and girls turned to crochet hooks to put food on the table. The Irish lace they created is incredible! Irish lace is comprised of individual motifs that are worked separately, then laid out in a predetermined shape, such as a band of lace or a collar, then joined with a crocheted mesh. Although lace collars and cuffs have gone out of fashion, Irish crochet is still used to create beautiful works of art, such as Maire Treanor's Burano Clones Lace Mask.

Raindrops Broomstick Lace Shawl by Jill Wright

Broomstick Lace

Broomstick lace is named for the large knitting needle used to create the distinctive loops that set this lace apart. The largest needle size used is about the size of a broom handle. Broomstick lace is created by using a crochet hook to pick up loops and place them on the knitting needle. After loops have been picked up across the entire row, a predetermined number of loops are "joined" by working single crochet stitches into them. The resulting fabric has amazing drape and is quite unlike any other crochet lace technique.

A reproduction of a doily worked by Laura Ingalls Wilder from a pattern designed by Mary Card

Filet Crochet

More than any other crochet technique, filet crochet offers the ability to create pictures with crochet. This lace technique has historically been used to crochet table cloths, dresser scarves, collars, cuffs, and more. Worked in double crochet, a series of open and filled "mesh" sections are used to create flowers, animals, and geometrical shapes. This technique is still popular today for everything from home decor to afghans and shawls.

You can also crochet lace using motifs, doilies or doily-inspired designs, or many other techniques. The Fall 2012 issue of Crochet Traditions also explores the history of crochet toys as well as exotic crochet from Sweden, India, and more. Order your copy of Crochet Traditions today to learn about the history of crochet and pick up a new crochet technique.

Best wishes,

P.S. What is your favorite crochet lace technique? Let me know in comments.

Little Stitches, Big Reward

Toni Rexroat — Thu, 17 May 2012 11:00:00 GMT

Spring is an ideal time to whip up a few crochet projects for the babies in your life. I have a new niece and several friends with little ones on the way, so as I sat down to decide what new crochet patterns to add to this fabulous free eBook, I kept their needs in mind. Every new baby needs a warm crochet afghan, so I had to include the Magic Carpet Blanket. And you will find two great new hats. I hope you find the perfect crochet gift for the babies in your life.

Baby crochet patterns are so satisfying! Who can resist those tiny garments and crocheted accessories? Moms always appreciate handmade gifts, tailored specifically for their newest addition, and these little projects provide opportunities to experiment with a new stitch or construction technique. Plus these quick and easy items make great stash busters-or perhaps a chance to indulge baby in a bit of luxury yarn!

The Magic Carpet Blanket by Melisa Darnieder will be a favorite of both mom and baby. A crochet interpretation of the Around the World pattern, front post and back post double crochet stitches mimic handstitching in this warm wool baby blanket.

Molly's Mukluks by Toni Rexroat are designed to keep the wee one's feet warm in style. The tall shaft of the boot ensures these fashion-forward booties will stay on while the buttons make them easy to put on and take off.

Inspired by her namesake niece, the Kathryn in Beauly Dress and Hat by Kathy Merrick will transport you to the Highlands of Beauly, Scotland. The top-down construction, beginning with the striped yoke, minimizes seaming. And the matching bonnet can be worn with the striped edge flat or folded back.

The versatile Anna Cardigan by Robyn Chachula looks great with everything from mini-jeans to a frilly dress, making it perfect for any occasion. And the three-dimensional flower embellishments on this lightweight crocheted baby cardigan will make your little petunia look right in fashion this spring.

The Mari Nursing Wrap by Robyn Chachula allows mom to nurse in elegant privacy. A granny-square border frames a curtain of linked stitches, which provides excellent coverage, and the cotton/linen-blend yarn becomes softer each time it is laundered. For convenience, the wrap can be hooked over Mom's neck with the attached strap for feeding or draped over a stroller to shield sleeping baby from the elements.

The Berry Baby Hat and Booties by Chloe Nightingale make great quick-crochet gifts. The hat is worked in single crochet and sized from preemie to adult, for grown-ups who enjoy embracing their inner whimsy. The booties are worked from the toe-up, and the heel is shaped with deceptive ease, making these crocheted booties perfect for first-time footwear makers.

The Summer Blues Baby Dress by Ellen K. Gormley is an adorable girlie dress without being fussy. Stitches of differing height provide comfortable stretch through the skirt, and minimal seaming makes this quick to crochet. This project will be a favorite both for the crocheter and the wearer.

Baby Bear's Backup Hat by Marty Miller works up quickly and easily in double crochet stitches. Roll up the brim and add the optional pom-pom for added character. You can whip up this simple crocheted stocking cap in an evening, making it the perfect last-minute gift.

Goldilocks's Hat by Marty Miller embellishes an easy single-crochet hat with a delicate flower and fun ruffle. This quick crocheted cap is as adorable as it is warm. You can find the rest of the Goldilocks's family of hats in the Interweave Crochet Accessories 2010 issue.

Download Free Baby Crochet Patterns from Crochet Me: 9 Free Crochet Patterns for Babies and enjoy crocheting for the babies in your life!

P. S. Download Crochet for Kids with Crochet Me: 5 FREE Crochet Patterns for Kids for more great kids patterns.

National Crochet Month Crochet Me Crochet-Along

Toni Rexroat — Thu, 01 Mar 2012 22:50:00 GMT

Today is the first day of March, and you know what that means. We are beginning National Crochet Month! And what better way to celebrate than with a community crochet-along. I wanted to choose a project that everyone could make, so I narrowed it down to six beginner projects from our eBook 8 Free Crochet Amigurumi Patterns: Amigurumi Crochet with Crochet Me. These patterns are all free and perfect for beginning and experiences crocheters alike. So vote for your favorite amigurumi and invite a new crochet friend to come join us. I will announce the winning pattern on March 9th. Happy crocheting, Vote for our National Crochet Month Crochet-Along Project

		Doug + Gordo Dolls by Kim Werker These oversized crochet dolls are great cuddly companions for children-even the eyes are crocheted, so there's no choking hazard. Suitable for beginning crocheters (or those of you with a short attention span), these easy crochet toys are fast and fun! Like Kim Werker, you can finish them up before you get bored and start thinking about the next thing you want to make. With an exoskeleton of bulky yarn crocheted on a small hook, these guys are terrific for cuddling or for just hanging around looking good.

		Funky Stuffed Toys (Cat & Dog) by Judith L. Swartz These funky amigurumi patterns are perfect for teaching a child how to crochet. Made up of simple rectangles, these crochet doll patterns are great stash-busters as well. Bright colors and simple details define this cat and dog. They are a great exercise in striping, with a little shaping thrown in. Stuff them tightly or slightly for different looks. Whipstitched seams add another touch of color and emphasize the handmade look. With the exception of the ears and tails, both animals are constructed the same, just in different colors

		Sir Stephen, the Bunny by Donna Childs The super-adorable crochet bunny called Sir Stephen, may become your go-to crochet toy for baby presents! Antique toys were the inspiration for this cuddly crochet bunny. Each body part is crocheted separately in basic stitches. Vintage buttons both embellish and are used to join the arms and legs so he can be posed. Organic cotton yarn makes this a perfect gift for a recipient of any age.

		Frog Charming by Toni Rexroat Now you can make a frog prince for your own princess with this fantastic amigurumi crochet toy. In the story of the Frog Prince, a spoiled princess loses her favorite ball down a well. It is retrieved by a frog prince in exchange for becoming the princess's playmate-to eat with her, play with her, and sleep on her pillow at night. One morning the princess awakens to discover that the frog has been transformed into a handsome prince. Stitch him up to give as a present along with a copy of The Frog Prince fairy tale.

		Crochet a Lamb by Meg Grossman Derived from a pattern in Weldon's Practical Needlework, Crochet A Lamb is a bit of a fancy crochet toy. She has a crocheted fleece fitted over a cotton-batting body which makes her perfect for showcasing handspun yarn for any of your fibery friends. The combination of fine yarn for the lamb's legs, underside, and face, with fuzzy yarn for the fleece, is particularly intriguing. The body of the lamb is an armature over which the crocheted fleece is sewn. A beautiful and loving gift that is sure to be cherished.

		Hugo the Not So Hungry Hippo by Stacey Trock Hugo is the perfect crochet toy gift for boys and girls of all ages. Worked entirely in single crochet, this amigurumi pattern is perfect for beginners looking to practice skills, or for experience crocheters looking for a quick pattern. Make one or make an entire matching set of these crochet dolls in your favorite colors. This beautiful and loving amigurumi gift is sure to be cherished.

Crochet Daily : Crochet For Kids

I Love Yarn Day Crochet Gifts for You

Irish, Broomstick, and Filet: Exploring Lace Crochet

Little Stitches, Big Reward

National Crochet Month Crochet Me Crochet-Along

Vote for our National Crochet Month Crochet-Along Project