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

Prayer Shawls

The topic came up in the last Knit Night that some people were working on prayer shawls.

The basic patterns and the prayer shawl ministry information are found at http://www.shawlministry.com/.

The library consortium has these titles available for those wanting more pattern ideas:
Knit Prayer Shawls: 15 Wraps to Share by Susan Sullivan
The Prayer Shawl Minstry: Reaching Those in Need (contains both knit and crochet patterns) and
The Prayer Shawl Companion: 38 Knitted Designs to Embrace, Inspire, and Celebrate Life by Janet Bristow.

Almost any pattern can be used in knit, crochet, or knitting loom. The basic size is about 20"-24" and from "fingertip to fingertip" or from "wrist to wrist" (generally between 5 and 6 feet long). Most patterns specify a nice soft yarn.

I've found both rectangular and triangular patterns.

If this doesn't give you enough to go on yet, put "prayer shawl patterns" into your search engine. You'll find more than enough to make in one lifetime.

Happy crafting,
Kathi

Lapghans for Recovering Soldiers

If you should find yourself with spare time and extra yarn, you might consider making up a lapghan or two for wounded soldiers recovering in veterans' hospitals. I recently sent in three and was given an address in Indianapolis. We're talking about local boys here.

The lapghans should be in the neighborhood of 3'x4', in bright or patriotic colors. You can use any pattern you like, but please remember that the recipient is likely to be masculine. Maybe nothing lacy or flowery.

To get more information see http://www.soldiersangels.org/. In the left-hand column, click on "Teams & Projects", then on "Sewing Team". Choose "Blankets of Gratitude" for your handcrafted masterpieces.

When I contacted the main website for a hospital that could use the lapghans, they asked my location so they could give me a hospital close to my home. Very nice people to work with and the soldiers will appreciate it when they see how much care you put into a gift you made for them.

Happy crafting,

Kathi

You can quickly learn to make simple prayer shawls or scarves in the Knit and Crochet groups, by learning to use simple stitches. Knit Night meets the second and fourth Thursday of each month at 6:30 in the Seymour Library. The Crochet Klatch meets at 6 on the third Thursday of each month in the same place. Just bring medium weight yarn and size 7 or 8 knitting needles, or a size J or K crochet hook . These are friendly groups of people who love to help newcomers learn these crafts.

By the way, in case you want to learn to bead those items or make jewelry, remember the monthly BEAD! time at the Seymour Library on the second Tuesday of each month at 6 pm.