Chunky Cable Basket

I love creating braids with crochet stitches - it reminds me of the over and under designs of Celtic Knots.  This basket is made with a very chunky yarn and large hook.  Because of the large yarn it works up very quickly and would be a great way to store yarn.

This pattern can be found in the Feb. 2017 issue of I Like Crochet - a digital crochet magazine with a wide variety of projects for all skill levels - www.ilikecrochet.com.

I Like Crochet - February 2017

Here is the Valentine's Day issue of I Like Crochet - It's great to see two of my designs on the front cover!

The Beary Cute Cord Buddy is a small and practical project for storing your headphones.

Mr. Hedgehug might look prickly but he's as soft as can be and would make a fun gift for your Valentine.

Both of these projects were crocheted with Nazli Gelin's Garden 3 100% Egyptian cotton crochet thread.

The patterns for these projects and over 25 more can be found at www.ilikecrochet.com  - simply sign-up and pay for a yearly subscription and you will have instant digital access to dozens of patterns.

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!)

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!

Deep Red Cowls for Christmas Gifts

This is a great time of year to wear red!  This Bangle Bead Scarf from the October issue of Crochet World (you can purchase here ) works up very quickly with Berroco's Captiva yarn.



Captiva (see Ravelry page here ) has a lovely sheen and when paired with the silver scarf bails and beads shown here, makes for an eye-catching one-of-a-kind cowl.


(I recently wore this project over a mint green sweater and received several compliments.)














This Crimson Beaded Neck Wrap also makes a great Christmas gift or accessory to wear to a Christmas-themed event.  This was crocheted with Caron's Simply Soft yarn and the edgings include glass beads.  The instructions for this cowl can be found in the October issue of the digital magazine, I Like Crochet.

 



There is still time to make either one of these for someone you love this Christmas!