November 30th, 2009 §
First for Women Magazine asked me what were my five favorite sites for free crochet patterns for their December 7, 2009 issue.
Here are my favs:
My Top Five (Ten) Free Crochet Pattern Websites
1. Crochet Pattern Central
www.crochetpatterncentral.com
Crochet Pattern Central is an online directory of thousands of links to free crochet patterns of all levels. In addition to the patterns, CPC has links to tutorials and stitch instructions.
2. Berroco
www.berroco.com
Berroco is a yarn company that also offers free patterns featuring their yarns. The patterns are stylish and contemporary, and they range in level from this cute Stanley doll, http://www.berroco.com/exclusives/stanley/stanley.html to this jazzy Aruna sweater, http://www.berroco.com/exclusives/aruna/aruna.html.
3. Ravelry
www.ravelry.com
Ravelry is an online community for fiber lovers to keep track of patterns, yarn, tools, etc. There are also messageboard forums, a newsletter, and groups. Users can list their own designs to share or to sell. There are several thousands of free patterns on Ravelry. New ones are added everyday. Visitors have to join to participate. There is a small waiting period to join, but it is more than worth it.
4. Lion Brand Yarn
www.lionbrand.com
Lion Brand Yarn has thousands of free crochet patterns for adults, babies, children, teens, pets and the home. Visitors must register in order to view patterns.
5. Crochetville
www.crochetville.com
The Crochetville messageboard community features a Free Original Patterns forum. Members of the community share their original designs. This is a great place to try new patterns, and there is the added benefit of being able to ask the actual designers your questions.
Honorable mentions:
Naturally Caron, http://www.naturallycaron.com
Interweave Crochet, http://www.interweavecrochet.com/projects.asp
Stargazer’s Crochet, http://home.inreach.com/marthac/links.html
Yarn Lover’s Room, http://www.knitting-crochet.com/crochet/antiquecrochet.html
Free Vintage Crochet, http://www.freevintagecrochet.com
August 19th, 2009 §
Guess what? I won 3rd place in the Home Décor category. Here is the list of winners:
http://www.crochet.org/pdfs/2009CGOADesignContestWinners.pdf
My entry was called “VictoriAfricana Footstool.” I chose this name because the footstool combines a traditionally-styled stool and fringe with an African-inspired motif and color scheme. I also chose to name it VictoriAfricana because it made me think of Queen Victoria, the style of the Victorian period, and the stories about her alleged African ancestry through her grandmother Queen Charlotte. I think the two different types of elements cause a pleasant friction.
I was so happy when I heard I had won. Thank you to all the judges.
July 7th, 2009 §
Don’t miss out. I bought some great books during this sale last year. I honestly couldn’t tell where they were damaged. They were in great condition.
Interweave’s Hurt Book Sale
June 23rd, 2009 §
Marcy Smith presents a behind-the-scenes look at the photo shoot for the Summer 2009 issue of Interweave Crochet magazine.
Hair, makeup, accessories and clothes! See how Marcy sets the mood and chooses the locations for each design.
Did you see my Mimosa Dress in next to last photo!
June 20th, 2009 §
The latest issue of Crochet Insider is out. It has a brand new layout and flow. Very nice!
crochet insider
In addition to more great articles and interview, check out Dora’s Silk Drawers(LOL) and crochet patterns from other designers.
June 19th, 2009 §
Lots of cute ruffles for little girly-girls. This would be so cute done in all white. Look for this in the upcoming August 2009 issue of Crochet World Magazine.
May 9th, 2009 §
For those of you contemplating making the Mulled Spices Afghan at a later time, Webs currently has Berroco Comfort DK yarn on sale this month as part of its 35th Anniversary Sale. Great price!
Be sure to read the “Sales Guidelines” before ordering and stock up while the getting is good. Lots of other yarns on sale too.
May 8th, 2009 §
The final finishing instructions were omitted for the Gardener’s Apron from the April 2009 issue of Crochet World.
The pattern should read:
Gardener’s Apron, page 52
CrochetWorld, April 2009
Finishing
For apron ties, using sewing needle and thread, center and sew grosgrain ribbon to back of Waistband. Seal ends of ribbon with fray check.
http://crochet-world.com/corrections.php?correctionid=72
April 29th, 2009 §
I’m excited to let everyone know that the pattern for my Mulled Spices Afghan is available for purchase in the Interweave Store.
April 18th, 2009 §
How did I move from thinking about designing crochet to actually doing it?
Crafter and writer, L’Tanya Durante interviewed me for her blog, Craftnicity. She asked me, “How did you finally shift from being an information gatherer to submitting a design?”
Want to know what I said? Visit Craftnicity and read “Taking the Leap: A Designer’s Journey” – http://tinyurl.com/das6jy.
