More Crochet Ideas

I recently looked through the book The Complete Photo Guide to Crochet by Margaret Hubert.
Although it is basically a crochet stitch encyclopedia, it had a few cool patterns to make out of some of the stitches. I also loved a couple of patterns that were new to me, like interlocking crochet. It looks complicated but is merely two mesh patterns worked over each other to make some very interesting effects.

While looking on the internet for more information about this technique, I discovered that this technique and quite a bit of the book can also be found at Google Books. The link for this book is v-e-r-y long, so I will say this: Put "intermeshing crochet" into a Google search and look for the one that has the books.google.com website under the entry.

Happy crafting,

Kathi

Crafty Angels

In my case, I eventually slowed down on the crocheting I was doing, because I didn't need any more things for myself and Christmas only comes once a year. Then Kathy Niccum introduced me to Soldier's Angels, which takes handcrafted items for active-duty or wounded soldiers. Since then, I have found a world of places that take crafts to help those who are hurting in one way or another. There are prayer shawls and red scarves for foster children going into college having been cut loose from their foster families. There are hats and baby blankets for premies and afghans for the elderly in nursing homes.

If you can't find a home for your handiwork, you can get suggestions from Knitting into the Mystery: A Guide to the Shawl-Knitting Ministry by Susan Jorgensen, Knits from the Heart: Quick Projects for Generous Giving by Kristin Spurkland, or Knitting for Peace: Make the World a Better Place One Stitch at a Time by Betty Christiansen. For more inspiration (and to have a place that will distribute your work to needy people), check out www.crafty-angels.blogspot.com. The earliest posts at this website listed the charities that they serve.

On another excursion into Crochetland, I ran across the 60 Scarves in 60 Days Challenge. You'll find it mentioned in several places online, but I found the rules here: http://crochetwithdee.blogspot.com/2009/09/6th-annual-60-scarves-in-60-days.html. No shipping on this one. You pledge your work to a local charity.

Happy crafting,
Kathi Linz

Definition of Crochet Styles

I was looking for a spiral crochet pattern when I ran across a website that defines more types of crochet than I ever knew existed. One type became macrame. Another may have been the original form of crochet which was yarn built on cloth. Check it out at www.crochetwithdee.webs.com/typesofcrochet.htm.

Crochet Comfort/Prayer Shawls

Rejoice, crocheters!

Finally there is a new book with prayer shawl patterns in crochet! It is called The Crocheted Prayer Shawl Companion: 37 Patterns to Embrace, Inspire & Celebrate Life by Janet Bristow & Victoria A. Cole-Galo. Most of the patterns are easy with a few being for intermediate crocheters. There are patterns for both rectangular and triangular shawls.

Probably you know someone in stressful circumstances who could use one of these. If not, the weather is definitiely turning, and you might think of someone who keeps their heat turned low for one reason or another. Perhaps one of these shawls would be a blessing to them.

Happy crafting,
Kathi