Crochet Today September/October 2011

I was hoping to see more toys when the cover said, "Create a Storybook Halloween for Kids of All Ages!" However, I did find a flip pumpkin/candy corn doll to add to my Halloween project list to send out. I like the fact it is made in cotton and the characters are very cute.

If you are looking for some Halloween clothing/costume items to make, the magazine does provide patterns for those. There is a Red Riding Hood cape for a little girl, a wolf hat, a little child's sheep hat, a Snow White outfit for a girl, and a Rapunzel wig for a woman.

I am planning to add the toy taxi and bridge to my toy pattern collection.

All and all my investment still seems worth it.

Organizing Your Patterns

I subscribe to Crochet World and Crochet Today!. When I find patterns I want to make, I photocopy the patterns and put them in plastic three-hole punched sleeves. I have binders sorted by topic that I keep these patterns in that make it easy to find the patterns I want.

My binder collection currently consists of one for American Girl Patterns, one for Barbie, and others for Holidays, Home Items, and Toys. I have found copying frequently used patterns and storing them in a protective sleeve protects the magazines and books from future harm and makes the patterns easier to work with when I am crocheting. I can also add individual patterns I purchase through vintage sites, e-patterns I buy, and free patterns I download.

My binders are getting larger. They have expanded as my collection of vintage magazines and books have grown. For patterns, I have chosen not to copy, I am starting to make notes or put pictures in the binders to remind me where to find the patterns I make frequently holidays and as gifts for other occasions. Recently I realized I do forget about the patterns I own when I do not do this when I stumbled across patterns in a book I had purchased to make for a holiday and then forgotten about. I realize even if I do not make the copies, the notes or pictures are important to stay organized.

I know other people use electronic means to organize their patterns. I still like paper copies. Even when my computer is down, I still have access to my pattern stash.

If you arrived here looking for free toy patterns please see the following pages:

Hello Kitty

Crochet and Knit Puppets

Crochet Amigurumi Animals and Stuffed Animal Free Patterns

Knit Amigurumi and Stuffed Toys

Crochet and Knit Amigurumi and Other Dolls

Knit and Crochet Toys

Dinosaurs and Dragons

Teddy Bear Patterns and Clothes

Knit and Crochet Food Patterns Great for Play Food

Valentines

Easter

Graduation

Patriotic

Halloween Page

Thanksgiving

Christmas

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