Crochetville Designer Blog Tour

Hello everyone!

Thank you for stopping by on the Crochetville Designer Blog Tour! Have a look around at my past posts and the pages on the left.

Thank you to Amy and Donna of Crochetville for all the work they are doing to make this 5th annual tour happen! Make sure to click back to Crochetville to see all that they are offering this month. Great stuff!

Crochet has always been a part of my life.  When I was a little girl (too young to crochet yet) our home had many beautiful thread crochet projects all around that my grandmother had made (first photo in this post).  Then I learned how to crochet at about age 8 and had my own creations of crocheted doll clothes and bookmarks around.  

A few of my very first projects - a doll top and stuffed animal hat

Once I became a teenager I bought my own crochet leaflets (with babysitting earnings) and taught myself how to do the thread crochet while making a variety of Christmas ornaments.  For several years I consistently brought out my crochet when it was time to make Christmas gifts.

Thread Crochet Ornament

I crocheted baby blankets and booties for my first child while I was pregnant. 

Cute little booties for my first child

Then about a year after my second child was born, I started teaching crochet to adults and children. Creating courses and coming up with designs that allowed my students to practice their skills became a great new creative outlet for me.  About 5 years after that, I tried my hand at designing crochet patterns for publication and crochet became a much bigger part of my life! (Visit the Editor's Blog for Crochet World by Jackie Daugherty TODAY to hear more about how I began my Celtic Knot Crochet technique.)

My daughters now all crochet and love the craft - it is wonderful to see them create school projects, gifts for family and friends and their own accessories.

Crocheted projects all by my daughters

  And I am often crocheting while waiting for them (during their appointments or classes) or spending time at home - I always have several projects in the works either for a magazine publication or for my own website.  My Celtic Knot Crochet creations are often my most favorite.

So, with all of the crocheting that goes on here, I guess you could say that every month is like National Crochet Month!  In honor of this special month and all of you who are visiting this year and have visited in year's past, we are offering a NEW FREE Celtic Knot Crochet pattern.

Come visit my Ravelry store here to download your free copy.

Thank you for visiting! 

National Crochet Month - Crochetville Blog Tour!

The 5th annual blog tour is underway! Crochetville is stopping by to visit several designers and yarn shops this month.  Every day there are projects to see, patterns that inspire and giveaways to win!

Stop by www.crochetville.com to see all that is happening.

I have enjoyed reading the answers to the various questions Crochetville is asking the designers and it's great to see all the beautiful designs they have created.  It is only the beginning of the month, so there is a great deal more to see!

Stop by here on Tuesday, March 7th for my turn - I'll be publishing a new Celtic Knot crochet pattern.

Trinity Knot Christmas Tree - NEW Celtic Knot pattern

Several Christmases ago I posted a photo of a lacy Christmas tree I had crocheted from an out-of-print leaflet.  It is one of my most asked about posts!  I had made the Christmas tree as part of a display I had put up at my local craft store to advertise for my upcoming crochet classes.  

Since so many people have asked for the pattern (and it is very hard to find), I decided to create my own Celtic Knot version shown above.  It is available now here in my Ravelry pattern store as an instant download.

The Trinity Knot can be an ornament on its own so you will be receiving two patterns in one!  The instructions include over 10 photos showing various steps in the pattern along with a color-coded knot diagram.  These trees were crocheted with Omega's Sinfonia yarn - a cotton yarn that comes in wonderful colors.

 This project works up quickly and would make a great last-minute gift.  

Merry Christmas and Happy Crocheting!

Sand Dollar Earrings

Well, here it is September already and are you like me wondering, "Where did summer go?"

As you can tell from my lack of blog posts this summer, I was taking a break from working on my computer - it was great to spend time outdoors reading books, photographing wildlife, going for bike rides and having fun with my family.  And now that the school year is about to begin, I have a good amount of catching up to do!

Yes, I went to Ireland with Annie's and Craftours - it was wonderful! Stay tuned for photos and stories from that trip.

But for now I have a small project to show you - Sand Dollar Earrings.

I love to beach comb and find all kinds of 'treasures' from unique shells to sea glass.  I would love to find a Sand Dollar but I haven't visited a beach that would have some.  I remember our neighbor bringing one home from Myrtle beach and being impressed by the delicate design on top. I tried to replicate its pretty design with these earrings and thought they would make a unique accessory.

You can find the pattern in the August 2016 issue of the digital magazine, I Like Crochet -
www.ilikecrochet.com.

These work up very quickly and would be a great addition to your outfit for a Labor Day weekend barbecue to celebrate the last days of summer!

(The great thing about I Like Crochet is that once you have a subscription, you have access to ALL of the past patterns that have been published with a simple click!)

Spring Blossom Pillow

 

I love flowers and how they are a symbol of new life this time of year.  As I look back over the designs I have created in the past 4 years, I realize that many of them include flower motifs and/or some kind of floral inspiration.

My mother and her mother have always been extraordinary gardeners. They have taught me a great deal about flowers and gardens over the years. The blossoms and color they have achieved in their English-style gardens year after year are truly incredible.  Here some photos of my mom's garden from last summer:

 

 

So, here is another design using a flower motif - this time it is a triangular motif times 6 which when joined together makes a hexagon.

 

Spring Blossoms Pillow

(Photo courtesy of Annie's)

 

Can you guess which cotton yarn I used to crochet this? . . . . Omega Sinfonia, of course!

 

I love how it is thin enough to give a lacy look but thick enough to work up quickly.  The challenging part of this project was making the hexagon-shaped pillow form so that all sides were equal. 

 

The instructions to make this project can be found in the April 2016 issue of Crochet World here.

 



 

Go Granny Bag

(Photo courtesy of Annie's)

 

The Granny Square has come a long way over the years and it is a classic crochet motif.  I love that the possibilities and variations are endless!

 

In this bag I crocheted large square motifs with a granny-square-like stitch pattern and then joined them together envelope-style.  I used Berroco's Weekend yarn which is a soft and thick cotton great for any time of year. (Visit this link to learn more details about this yarn.)

 

The instructions for this design can be found in Crochet World's special issue, Creative Crochet in a Day, which is on newsstands now and available digitally here.  Thank you to Crochet World for putting this bag on the cover!

 

Necklaces for Mother's Day

 

After looking over some of my most recently published designs, I realized several of them would make great Mother's Day gifts.  Here are two necklaces that work up quickly and are one-size-fits-all!

 

Shannon Necklace

(Photo courtesy of Annie's)

 

This necklace pattern can be found in the Summer 2016 issue of Crochet! magazine - it is on newsstands now and can be purchased as an instant digital download here.

 

 

It is crocheted with Nazli Gelin's Garden 3 Egyptian Cotton crochet thread (Click here to see all the great colors it comes in.) and features a simple Celtic Knot in the center reminiscent of the River Shannon and how it winds through Ireland.  A variety of beads are sewn on to give it some sparkle.

 

 

Pink Dogwood Necklace

(Photo courtesy of Annie's)

 

I love when our pink dogwood in our front yard blooms - then I know spring has definitely arrived!  (Well, it has not bloomed yet but it should soon.)  This Pink Dogwood Necklace was fun and quick to make.  The addition of the pink-colored glass pearl beads (that I found at Hobby Lobby) makes for a very classy touch. 

 

You can also find the yarn I used at Hobby Lobby - Lizbeth Size 10 Crochet Cotton.  This was the first time I used this thread - it is often used for tatting so it holds its shape and the knots/twists in the stitches very well.

 

The pattern for this design can be found in the April 2016 issue of Crochet World  here or at your local craft or bookstore. (Just saw several copies at Michael's yesterday.)

 

 

 

 



Mother's Day Gifts

Mother's Day will be here soon - do you have an idea what you would like to give your mother? Or is there another mom in your life that you would like to honor and encourage next month?

Well, here are 3 projects that can be found in the April 2016 issue of I Like Crochet that would make great gifts and are quick to make.

 

Shimmer and Shine Necklace

 

This necklace is crocheted with Oso Blanco's Scubidu Gold yarn - the photo doesn't do the yarn justice - it sparkles and shines wonderfully.  The centerpiece is a beautiful cabochon (moonstone) that I found on www.etsy.com.

 

 

Vivid Floral Tote

 

This bag is crocheted with vibrant colors of one of my favorite yarns - Sinfonia (100% cotton) by Omega.  The floral stitch is easier than it looks and is just a 3 round repeat.

 

 

Celtic Knot Necklace

 

This decorative knot is the "Motherhood Knot" - if you look closely, you can see 2 hearts intertwined to make the pendant.  The beads are real coral beads that compliment the mint DMC embroidery floss well.

I Like Crochet is a digital only crochet publication - once you buy a year's subscription you instantly have access to all patterns that have published thus far. It's a great deal and there are many great projects!

Greystones Cowl

As I prepare for our trip to Ireland, I have been collecting a variety of photos on my Pinterest board, "Ireland" (https://www.pinterest.com/celknotcrochet/ireland/) - There are so many beautiful places to see! I can't get enough of the coastline, castles and green hills.

Above is pictured the South Beach in Greystones, Ireland which was the inspiration for the name of this cowl that was published in the February Issue of Crochet World.

Greystones Cowl
(Photo courtesy of Annie's)
 

This is a unique cowl in that it is reversible and has a button closure.  This front square shows the Diamond Stitch and the 'hidden' square is made up of the Basketweave Stitch.  The part that wraps around your neck is made up of several rows of stitches worked in the back loop only to give a great ribbed effect.  I crocheted it with a beautiful yarn -Plymouth Yarn's DK Superwash Merino - that shows the stitch definition wonderfully and feels soft against your skin.  This is a warm cowl which we still need up here in New England since it has snowed twice since April arrived!!

 

This and many other great patterns can be purchased as an instant digital download here.

 

 



 

Crochetville and the Crochet Express!

Welcome everyone to the next stop on the Crochet Express!

I hope you have been enjoying this tour of designers, yarn shops and yarn companies along with all of the great giveaways in honor of National Crochet Month.

(In case you have stopped by without coming in on the 'Express', please make sure you check out all that's happening at www.crochetville.com - so many talented designers with many beautiful projects to crochet and give bunches of inspiration.)

A big thank you goes to Amy and Donna of Crochetville for putting this all together - make sure to click on their link above to read some fun travel stories from each designer on the tour - My stories include traveling on a train in Russia and going to Ireland this June.

Today in our house we are celebrating many things - St. Patrick's Day by wearing green, listening to Irish music and eating corned beef; the birthday of our youngest daughter who is turning 7; and crochet! by wearing our crocheted projects and working on new ones together. 

In honor of all of these celebrations I have a new Celtic Knot pattern for you:

 

The Celtic Rose Bookmark

 

This pattern is available for FREE until 4/17 here in my Ravelry store.

 

With my upcoming trip to Ireland in June with Annie's and Craftours and spring on its way here in New England, I am inspired by Irish art and flowers.  I hope you enjoy crocheting this project. Please email me if you have any questions.

 

 

Happy National Crochet Month and Happy St. Patrick's Day!

 

Make sure to check out my friend, Bonnie Barker's blog today - she has a fun song to share and two great giveaways!  Bonnie designs wonderful Celtic cabled projects.

Heart Crochet Projects for Valentine's Day

Did you know the heart symbol goes back to the 13th century?  It is one of the most widely recognizable symbols across the entire globe and I bet you see it at least once a day wherever you may go. 

I love to crochet hearts.  There are many different ways you can do it and each way has a unique style of its own.

In the current February issue of Crochet World  (available here)  there are 3 designs of mine that feature hearts.

 

The Love to Read Bookmark has a lacy heart that works up quickly - the perfect Valentine token for any book lover.

 

 

The Floating Heart Pendant uses simple crochet stitches as a frame for a pretty silver heart-shaped charm.

 

 

The Love You Teddy is snuggly and huggable with his Granny Square-style heart and paws.

 

There is still time to make one of these or all three for those you love in honor of Valentine's Day.

Happy Valentine's Day!

 

(All photos courtesy of Annie's)

 

 

 

 

 

 

Mandala Wall Art

 

In the current June 2015 issue of Crochet World you will find the pattern to make this crochet art project.  It is also the Winner's Circle design for this issue.  The issue is on sale now in bookstores and craft stores or you can buy it on-line here.

 

I crocheted it in some vibrant colors of Omega Sinfonia yarn which is a cotton fiber that is thinner than the usual cotton yarn used for dishcloths.

 

 

Of course, this project can be made into a doily that lies on a table but in my house that would put it at too great a risk for getting something spilled on it! I love the fact that crochet is so versatile that it can be mounted onto a metal ring and hung as a unique summer decoration on your wall.  Please send me a photo of your finished project or post it on Ravelry - I look forward to seeing your color choices!

 

 

Feileacan Shawl - Gaelic for "Butterfly"

I love butterflies.  Their grace and beauty always catch my attention and I smile as I watch one flutter by.  If I have time, I run to grab my camera and try to photograph the visitor - I never tire of the challenge it is to catch them in a photo frame.  This is a gray hairstreak that visited our backyard earlier this spring.


For the 2014 CGOA Design Competition I decided to incorporate the butterfly shape into a new Celtic Knot design.  I carefully created the butterfly motifs with the over-under woven details. (Feileacan (pronounced "Fay - leh - kahn") means 'butterfly' in Gaelic.) Then I linked them together so they would cascade down the center of the back of the shawl.  For each side I came up with a stitch that mimics the patterns found in butterfly wings.

I was thrilled to have this design and my Celtic Coral Charm selected as the Technical Merit Award winner sponsored by Designing Vashti.
Now you can make a Feileacan Shawl by following the instructions in the Summer 2015 issue of Crochet! magazine.

I used the new Lotus Yarn by Designing Vashti in the Teal Glimmer color.  I love how the yarn has a unique sparkle in the bright sunshine.  You can purchase this yarn here.

Make sure to check my Ravelry page (here) for this design since there are corrections to the printed instructions.

Celtic Knot Scarf

Last year Gayle contacted me about the Celtic Knot Scarf pattern that was published in Crochet Today - March 2012.  Gayle made it into more of a stole that can be worn over a minister's robe.  As Gayle and I emailed back and forth about the pattern, I learned about Sarah for whom Gayle was making this special stole.

 

Sarah comes from a strong family of faith that has had it's share of hardships and challenges.  Yet, through it all they have trusted in God and continued to serve others.

 

This Celtic Knot stole was made in honor of Sarah's ordination last year - I think Gayle did a great job with it and it looks wonderful on Sarah.

Congratulations to both of you!

Crochetville Blog Tour - National Crochet Month

 

Hello everyone! 

Thank you for stopping by - I hope you have enjoyed the blog tour so far.  I have enjoyed reading about each designer in addition to seeing examples of their beautiful work.  Many of these designers I have met through CGOA (Crochet Guild of America) events.

I highly recommend becoming a member of the guild.  Immediately you have access to all sorts of great crochet resources and become a subscriber to Crochet! magazine.  And, then the best part is meeting many talented people who love crochet like you do at a guild meeting or the annual conference.  Visit their website to find out more: www.crochet.org.   (You can also read about many of the designers' experiences with CGOA throughout this blog tour.)

Last year we had a great time with the yarn bomb I designed and implemented.  See the page on the left for photos of all that fun (and for more photos - click here and scroll down).

 

Since we love all things Irish here at Celtic Knot Crochet, we are offering a new pattern for you in honor of National Crochet Month.  It is a quick project that you can make in time to wear for St. Patrick's Day - the Celtic Pendant Necklace.

 



In this design the Celtic Knot is added with a decorative button.  The two-colored woven edging compliments the knot pattern and is a fun technique to try.  Included in the instructions are photos of other color combinations and Celtic Knot options to give the pendant a different look. (This Celtic Knot button I found at my local JoAnn Fabrics store in the button section.)

You can download this pattern for FREE here.

Please post photos of your finished pendants on Ravelry so we can all see your version and be inspired!

(If you like our combination of crochet and Celtic Knots, be sure to check out more photos of our Celtic Knot Crochet Designs in the page on the left.)

Make sure to check back here throughout the month of March as I feature various crocheters to continue the celebration of National Crochet Month.  They have worked hard to turn our yarn bomb pieces into blankets for charity or they give of their crochet talents by teaching.  And some have made some Celtic Knot Crochet designs with wonderful results while sharing neat stories along the way.  (See the post just before this one about Susan Lowman.)

Thank you to Amy and Donna for all of their hard work on this blog tour!  This year, Crochetville, is highlighting the charity, Halos of Hope.  They provide knitted and crocheted hats to cancer centers around America.  Check out their website here to see how you can donate a crocheted hat or money that would help pay for shipping costs.

Other designer on the tour for today :  Julie Yeager (www.julieyeagerdesigns.com)


And tomorrow visit: Amanda Saladin (www.desigingcrochet.com) and Kathy Kelly (www.crochetbird.wordpress.com)

Blue Ribbon Crochet

Crochet World just published a special issue:

 

 . . . that can be purchased at your local bookstore, newsstand or on-line at:

http://www.crochet-world.com/

 

Inside there are two projects that I created :

 

 

Loopy Flower Ring

 

 

Paisley Trivet

 

 

Both of these projects work up quickly. The ring is made with a thin wire and several tiny seed beads.  Very basic crochet skills are used to achieve a pretty result.  The hot pad is made with a double-strand of Lion Brand's Kitchen cotton.  This makes for a very thick project that will decorate and protect your table.

 

Do you enter crocheted projects into your local fair?  My daughters and I just began entering our projects in our local fair and it has been a wonderful experience. All of the volunteers are very helpful and encouraging.  Plus, it is so much fun to attend the fair and see your projects on display with blue, red or white ribbons attached.  This past year we took home almost eighty dollars in prize-winnings and even won a Best of Show award for our school project. (see photos below)

 

 

Connemara Beauty

Olaf Sculpture by Catherine -
Her own design and pattern

 

Cotton Candy Vest by Catherine

 

Elsa Necklace by my 9 year old

 

Our Secret Garden - Best of Show - School Projects

Our homeschool science project after studying plants

This is mainly made out of recycled materials-

Look closely and you can see some crocheted elements