Thankful Thursday: Valentine's Brought Crochet

My very thoughtful husband did some very traditional romantic gestures like flowers for Valentine's Day, but he also never forgets my love of crochet. I found Snuggle and Play Crochet: 40 Amigurumi Patterns for Lovey Security Blankets and Matching Toys had been sent to me as a Kindle book. I'm finding I'm experimenting more with using patterns off my Kindle. I still find it easier to use paper patterns, but sometimes the e-book version is just easier to access.

I also did get some traditional e-patterns all printed out for me to add to my donation project. I've wanted Michelle Cream's Annablelle's Doll Afghans after having lost one of the calander patterns from the set that has been one of my go to patterns. The set includes all of my regular patterns and additional blankets and pillows I can add for my projects. You can find the pattern at Michelle's site here or its currently on sale at Annie's here. I give you both because while Annie's was my source, it has been known to retire patterns.

To work on the play food donations I got two patterns from CrochetnPlayDesigns Pancakes, Waffles, and Syrup & Turkey Dinner. From KTB Designs I got the Canister set. Now I just need to get through my wishlist and holiday projects so I can get back to the donation project.

Blankets for the Twins

I have no idea why but blankets were hard this last year. I whipped up the doll blankets without problem, but when it came time to make real baby blankets I ripped out more than I actually crocheted. I don't have a picture of the one I sent all the holiday gifts to, again stupid on my part. However, I did get smarter before the baby shower for the twins and got pictures.


The first is actually a Herschners pattern from a kit I bought ages ago and never finished. I HATED the yarn but liked the pattern. So I tossed the yarn and made the blanket using Caron Simply Soft. The second is a Shell Stitched Baby Blanket free pattern found here. I loved the colors on this blanket and honestly it was what made me want to try it.

Crocheted Dishcloths Arrived in the Mail

I love Crochetville. It is a wonderful, friendly online community. I participate regularly in their online wishlists and less frequently in their swaps.

On Saturday, a package arrived only marked as coming from my FGM. With the postal markings I was able to figure out it arrived from NC. Inside was a delightful spread of summer dishcloths to brighten my day. I also got a hot pad and what we used to call a Boo Boo Bunny.

I continue to be amazed at the thoughtful carrying people that participate there. So thank you FGM and thank you to all the people who make it such a welcoming and friendly community.

Free Dishcloth and Holiday Patterns Available on the Following Blog Pages:

Free Crochet and Knit Dishcloths Patterns

Valentines

St. Patrick's Day

Easter

Graduation

Patriotic

Halloween Page

Thanksgiving

Christmas

Pictures may not be used without written permission.

Valentine's Day Was Fun

I am one of those fortunate crochet lovers who have a supportive husband. Along with a Jazz brunch on Sunday, dinner at one of our favorite restaurants last night, he did not forget my crochet habit.

He braved Barnes and Noble to pick up The Complete Book of Crochet Stitch Designs: 500 Classic & Original Patterns knowing I've been going online to try to figure out ways to make the math work for patterns that are not quite the right size for my needs. I had no idea this was on his radar.

Then he headed off to shop at Crochet Village where he proceeded to pick up a few of the items on my wish list from there. I got the Halloween Goblins set, which will be perfect for my Halloween box. My favorite pattern in this set is the boy in the ghost costume with the high top sneakers. There is something about this pattern that reminds me of the costumes in It's the Great Pumpkin, Charlie Brown and I really want to make it for next year's box. The Dracula and the bat are adorable as well and I need multiple projects to make sure there is enough for all the kids.

He also picked up North Pole Residents from Crochet Village. While I fell in love with the pattern for the Rudolph and Polar Bear pattern, I have been informed DH expects a penguin for his troubles.

Lastly, I got their Christmas Card Gift Holder Set 2. What I love about these sets is they make adorable ami gift hard holders, but they also make great smaller stuffed animals for gifts or donation packages. They can easily be made without the gift bags. I asked DH how he picked between the three gift holder sets and sure enough, it was the penguin. I will have to make the little guy for his office next year. I still owe him a Candy Kiss and a Leprechaun for next month.

While the gifts are wonderful and I am already anticipating getting started on these fun projects, what is such a gift is that he supports what I do and why I do it.

My Swap Crochet Kit Arrived

I was one spoiled swapper in this round of Crochetville Kit Swapping. I got two kits not one. I know how the materials to make the Pilgrim Turkey and the Woodland Creatures patterns.

She sent me two doll crochet books. Dress-Up Fashions for 18 Inch Dolls and a Barbie Fashion Doll book that I did not have in my collection that uses baby finger yarn, not thread.

These were the two pretty bags she made for me.

There was a huge pile of yarn to complete the projects.

She even sent treats to put in the Halloween box to be mailed and to give to my relative who will be visiting us this weekend. It was a very thoughtful and generous package and I am very grateful to my swap partner.