Mikey Magazine: Dec 24, 2015

Mike y

Dec 24th, 2015

In This Issue

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Diva Dan’s Blizzard Afghan Mikey’s Scandinavian Snowflake Afghan

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olidays

Holiday Facebook Shares

Happy Holidays from our Team Hawt off the Hook with Mikey On behalf of Laura Jean, Jeanne, Colleen, Daniel and I, we would love to wish you the very best for this holiday season.

As The Crochet Crowd grows bigger each year, we welcome more crocheters from all walks of life and cultures on this rock, we call Earth. Our team welcomes all cultures and lifestyles as part of our global community because we have so much to offer each other with ideas.

Even within our own team, we are diverse in our thinking. We find we can learn more when we embrace our differences. Everyone brings with them something valuable to the table, this includes the global crocheters that join us on Facebook and watch our video tutorials.

To give you a birds eye view of who tunes into The Crochet Crowd, here is the list of the Top 10 Countries in the world where most of our crocheters are from. In order of highest to lowest. As a whole, we have nearly every country, with the exception of the Antarctic for crocheters.

1. United States of America 2. Mexico 3. Brazil 4. Argentina 5. United Kingdom 6. Canada 7. Egypt 8. Australia 9. Chile 10. Algeria

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The Top 10 Cities of the World that have the most crocheters that tune in are no surprise to our team. It shows you how diverse we truly are and that we embrace cultures here. In order of highest to lowest.

1. Mexico City, Mexico 2. Guadalajara, Mexico 3. Sao Paulo, Brazil 4. Santiago, Chile 5. Lima, Peru 6. Cairo, Egypt 7. Damascus, Syria 8. New York, USA 9. Monterrey, Mexico 10. Alexandria, Egypt

Happy Holidays from our Team Contents 3 Yarn Talk 4 Happy Holidays from the Team 5 Facebook pic of the week 6 Blizzard Afghan 7 Scandinavian Afghan 8 Santa’s Little Helpers 10 Facebook ?s with Jeanne 11 Elf on the Shelf 12 Ticky Tacky Sweater 14 Mikey’s Video Library 15 Spinrite E-Tent SALE 16 Facebook Wreaths 18 Facebook Stockings 20 Open spots left Caribbean 21 Mikey’s Afghan Jan. 11th 22 Facebook Holiday for the Pets 24 Yarnsipriational ideas 26 Adult love Christmas too 27 Facebook Holiday Afghans 28 Thanks for your help on the World’s Largest Stocking 30 Facebook Holiday shares 32 Christmas Trees!

33 Facebook Features 34 Diva Dan! 35 Past Issues

Within a global perspective, we know that not all cultures take a moment to pause this time of year. To some cultures, the traditions and ideas are different. This includes dates and more. We choose to enlighten our lives with knowledge and understanding of the people who make up our planet.

We are all human, we all have feelings and we all need each other in one way or another. We each can profoundly impact each other without ever having met face to face. More so, more than ever with the global use of the internet.

It’s our wish this season that more people open up their minds and hearts to embrace our differences as a human species so we can move forward and somehow find unity.

Change starts with each and everyone of us.

How ever you choose to, or not to, this holiday season, be kind to each other, not just on one day, but everyday.

On behalf of my entire team, we wish world unity this season. Thank you for being a part of our crochet community.

Mikey.

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Happy Holidays!

Wishing you the best & happiest hook’n during the festivities. We at TheCrochetCrowd.com thank you for being a part of our global community!

Mikey & Diva Dan Jeanne

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Laura Jean

Facebook Picture of the Week

What a sweet picture done by Margaret Conover. We just love how her daughter is looking up, the Christmas tree behind in the distance and the wonderful crocheted Take it From the Top Pullover. This is a beautiful picture that for us, it is the photo of the week! Thanks for sharing Margaret and Happy Holidays!

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Winter Blizzard Afghan D

iva Dan has been working on this afghan since the summer.

His inspiration was totally accidental. With creating an igloo using thousands of snowflakes and at the same time discovering the Jacob’s Ladder Technique, he poundered and came up with this concept by fiddling around. It’s amazing what sparks an idea.

W

e will be having a video on this very soon. The pattern is now ready.

Get the Pattern, Videos and Blog

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Scandinavian Snowflake I

nspired by the Scandinavian Snowflake Designs seen on the Tim Hortons coffee cups, Mikey wanted to capture the warmth and design in an afghan.

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he afghan, designed by Michael Sellick, is versatile in allowing the crocheter to change the sizing and shape of how the hexagonal motifs fit together.

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he Video for this Pattern will be coming soon. The pattern is already available for those who want to give this a try!

Get The Pattern

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Shares of Holidays

Santa’s Little Helpers are Popping Up Everywhere 8

Shares of Holidays

These are many samples of what The Crochet Crowd Community is doing for the up coming Holidays.

If you are looking for an elf hat pattern Check out Mikey’s Blog. Many of these patterns are ideas and inspiration created by the crowders themselves. Also you can go to our Facebook Page, Click ‘Photos’, them ‘Photos Posted by Others’ and scroll down to find what you are looking for. Don’t forget to say you love their Creativity!

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Facebook ?s with Jeanne How do you write out your own pattern? from Dawn C.

When should you block a project and must you do it after every wash? from Kim J. I would say that it depends on the project. If it’s a lacy shawl, I would probably hand wash it and dry it flat, blocking lightly as needed. An afghan made of worsted weight yarn usually wouldn’t need blocked anyway, Basically, I would go by how the piece looks after it has been washed to make that decision.

For more information on how to black, check out Mikey’s Blog.

Mikey taught me to start with a sketch book and make design notes as I good along. This will not only help you to remember the steps, but also keep your notes so it is proof of your design. Mikey wrote a great blog about his experience when he began working on the Stitch, Stop & Roll Afghan Kit and you can read about the beginning of his journey in the article What’s in a Design.

When you get to the point that you are ready to write the pattern out in crochet terms, you can follow the guideline at the Craft Yarn Council to keep it all in the proper language.

Jeanne is looking for questions on Facebook to answer.

When you are double crocheting does the ch 3 count as a double?

Do you then go to the next stitch? from Niki M. The standard is that a ch 3 counts as a double crochet stitch, so yes you would go into the next stitch unless otherwise directed to stitch into the same spot. Watching Mikey video on How to Double Crochet should explain it all perfectly.

Happy Holidays from Jeanne 10

Mischievious Elf on a Shelf

Jeanne has been playing around with ideas! Last week she asked the crowd to create some photos using Elf of the Shelf having some mischief with yarn and crochet. To be part of this crazy idea, Check out her blog.

We have also created a flickr gallery to tickle your funny bone!

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Ticky Tacky Sweater Fun! Thanks for all that showed their Ticky Tacky Sweaters!

We had such great laughs with Karen Ellis, our guest in our Facebook live event. A fellow hooker and amazing and creative artist, we had a blast chatting with Karen about her joys and life as an artist. We all can relate what creativity means to us and how it shape our lives in so many different ways. Thank you Karen for being a part of our live event and being a good friend of ours!

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Watch the Fun

Let the Party Begin!

Fun, Wacky and Tacky! Fans share their most creative attempts of being the star of the party!

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Holiday Ideas Tutorials by Mikey

Openwork Scarf

Plaid Woven Afghan

Exquisite Triangle Scarf

Snowman Family

Granny Stripes Hat

Granny Slippers

If love the teaching, the patterns and the down to earth nature of Mikey, then take the time to subscribe to the Crochet Crowd’s YouTube Channel. You will get updated with all the latest videos that could spark your next project!

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Order online for amazing discounted or overstocked yarn through

Spinrite’s E-Tent Try out these patterns from Yarnspirations.com with your new order!

Christine did a C2C blanket using Zapp! Pretty Cool!

Make a cool Rainbow Scarf

Pop the Top Hat

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Holiday Wreaths are so Inviting

Maria’s Santa Wreath is extra fuzzy. Love the little red nose!

Ross made a Pom Pom wreath! Simple yet perfect for the holidays!

Snowflake wreath by Julie using real evergreens and crochet snowflakes.

Holly Wreath by Michelle is certainly festive for the season.

Jenn Festive wreath has a woodsy theme. We like it!

Betty’s Version of Mikey’s Wreath with a little adorable decorations

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Randy’s Holiday Wreath has a fantastic big crochet bow!

Jessica’s Christmas lights wreath is sure to light up her festivities!

Holiday Wreaths are so Inviting Maria wreath is loaded with Christmas Ideas. Lots of it! NICE!

Love the Father Christmas wreath with the tree by Lisa, Awesome!

Mindy did a Sashay wreath!. Greta idea and quick to do!

Love the casual elf wreath by Lisa is looking cool!

Susan’s Christmas Wreath using a flower pattern. Nice work!

This is great Dani! Love the Snowman wreath

These are many samples of what The Crochet Crowd Community is doing for the up coming Holidays.

Lisa’s Nutcracker wreath is so well done! Love it

Many of these patterns are ideas and inspiration created by the crowders themselves. Also you can go to our Facebook Page, Click ‘Photos’, them ‘Photos Posted by Others’ and scroll down to find what you are looking for. Don’t forget to say you love their Creativity!

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Shares ‘Stockings are Hung with Care’

Look at all those stocking! Each so different. Nice Christine

Erica has the whole family up on the fireplace. Such a great site!t Lori made three stocking to be hung with care Stephanie made a whole lot of stocking! Amazing!

Kristen Stockings are so well done with embellishments! Fantastic!

Laylita used traditional colours for her On the Dot Stocking.

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Tina used colour for her On the Dot Granny square stocking

Amber’s Grandbaby’s first stocking with baby colours!

Tanja has an amazing display going on! WOW nicely done!

Shares ‘Stockings are Hung with Care’

Casey used the same colour ideas but reversed for each stocking

The little holly on the corner is a simple and cute decoration by Tasha

Love the Stockings Lousie. The colours are very festive!

Great display of all those crochet items and the stockings with the elf

by Jessica

Kelly play with variegated yarn and had some fun with colours.

Stockings are a wondering way to add the seasons’ love and family in the home.

All with their initials, Colleen made Many of these patterns are ideas and inspiration created by the crowders themselves. Also you can go to our Facebook Page, Click each one special.

‘Photos’, them ‘Photos Posted by Others’ and scroll down to find what you are looking for. Don’t forget to say you love their Creativity!

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Crochet Cruises Update

Caribbean We had a chance to see the Celebrity Silhouette where our Crochet Cruises will be taking place beginning March 6th, 2016. This was the first time we had a chance to see the ship and we are so excited! It’s beautiful and meets our needs for classroom space!

Sherry, our cruise agent, has suggested that there are some last minute cabins available for the March 2016 Crochet Cruises in the Caribbean. If you want and have the time, the back to back is still available to enjoy an extended vacation!

For more information on the last minute opportunities. please click here.

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If you are interested in a last minute vacation and be part of a wonderful group of friends and crocheters. This is a great opportunity.

Beginning on January 11th, the Stitch, Stop and Roll Afghan Crochet Along.

Colourful, Textured & Adventurous

Order Here

For More Information

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Shares of Holidays with Our Pets

Denise’s little sweetie is wondering what Mommy is doing.

Shirley little Santa outfit is extra cute on her doggie!

OKay! This is beyond cute! Roni, great picture shot!

Really Mom! Krista made this awesome Granny Square dog coat.

Sammy, this is way to adorable!

Now that is a family picture! Jasmine made matching elf hats.

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Marilyn says her pooch loves her new neck collar and the jingles.

A cute little Camo outfit made by Dexter.

Corinna made a little catnip toy for her kitty

Shares of Holidays with Our Pets

Jen made a lovely shrug for her dog.

Alexa made a matching hat and outfit set.

Kim and her cat both have stylish cowls on. HOW CUTE!

Some dogs can get a bit chilly so Andrea made a great coat for hers!

Strange, this cat doesn’t mind a sweater. WOW Maria!

Elizabeth this is way to cute. I think a meme is so need for this!

We love our Pets too! What’s not to love about the cuteness they bring in our lives during the season! It is a human connection to make something for them and for them to be part of the joy and sweetness that ever animal shares in our heart!

Many of these patterns are ideas and inspiration created by the crowders themselves. Also you can go to our Facebook Page, Click ‘Photos’, them ‘Photos Posted by Others’ and scroll down to find 23 what you are looking for. Don’t forget to say you love their Creativity!

Get Your Own Card Imagine free shipping anytime exclusively for members of The Crochet Crowd! Need an emergency order of yarn, get your code and keep it on file! Only at Yarnspirations.com.

Does not include any sales from the Spinrite E-Tent.

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Ideas

Easy Crochet Hats

Poncho for You and Me

Camo Hat

Making Waves Blanket

Back and Forth Scarf

Flutter-Bye Vest

Men’s Scarf

Herringbone Bonnet

Ridged Cap

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Even Adults can have

FUN

Jill is loving her Christmas tree hat!

Gail made a Santa hat with beard!

That looks so awesome!

Another Santa Scarf by Kara Nice job!.

Tabatha made this for her mom.

Check out the smile!

Love the Santa Hat Christine

Caroline did a fantastic job on her elf hat!

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Love the ears on this elf hat. Jessica is still at work!

Theresa is loving her elf hat with the adorable ears. Great work!

Holiday Afghans Wendy’s weaved afghan looks so good!

Esti dusty snowflake afghan has a wonderful delicate look!

Danielle did a beautiful job on her snowflake afghan

Granny Square is Christmas Colours by GP

Kriston decided to using red as a filler for the Peppermint Swirl.

NICE!

Using Burgundy and Cream. The big wheel afghan is perfect for the holidays by Jennifer

These are many samples of what The Crochet Crowd Community is doing for the up coming Holidays.

Trisha made this Chrostmas Afghan for a door prize! WOW!

Many of these patterns are ideas and inspiration created by the crowders themselves. Also you can go to our Facebook Page, Click ‘Photos’, them ‘Photos Posted by Others’ and scroll down to find what you are looking for. Don’t forget to say you love their Creativity!

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It’s Official! With your help we have created the largest ever Christmas Stocking!

Thank you for all of those that came to Fayetteville N.C. with Mikey and Diva Dan. It was a blast seeing many of you!

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With a year of collecting 3’x3’ squares, we thank The Crochet Crowders for their donations! Your squares have created the largest Christmas stocking accepted by Guinness Book of World Records. What a sight it was. There was a special connection in the unrolling of the stocking on it’s final display for us; knowing the stories that many have shared to us, it was emotional moment!

The stocking is now being dissemble and the squares will be all donated to people in need. Many who attended the event in Fayetteville, N.C. commented that that true acheievement is the donations that will be made with the squares after the event. We Agree! The record was secondary in comparison. It doesn’t matter how many major broadcasting networks featured it, in the end, it was about the love, the stories, and the time that was created in each square for human compassion and giving!

AGAIN THANK YOU! 29

Shares of Holidays

Donielle’s Mr. and Mrs. Claus.

What a great couple!

Karen funny Rudolph slippers are super cute!

Krystal’s Elf Scarf, another great idea Deb made these Cup cozies for Teachers Gifts. Cow nice!

Maria’s blushy little snowman. This is super cute!

Neat idea for a table decoration by Kathy. So simple and elegant!

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What A fabolous Elf baby set by Kathy!

Love the crochet cookies and Mr and Mrs Claus by Michelle. At least there will be no crumbs. :)

Amanda’s holidays ornaments using jar lids and picture prints. Nice idea!

Shares of Holidays

Emily Peppermint Swirl Afghan will be a conversation piece at Home

Beth Gingerbread house sets the mood sugar sweetness!

A Snowflake Table Runner by Cindy. Simple and decorative!

Rosalie’s reindeer hat and Santa hat set. Lots of great gift ideas!

Snowman Scrubby made by Caroline.

These are many samples of what The Crochet Crowd Community is doing for the up coming Holidays.

Grace’s Adorable little Santa.

Many of these patterns are ideas and inspiration created by the crowders themselves. Also you can go to our Facebook Page, Click ‘Photos’, them ‘Photos Posted by Others’ and scroll down to find what you are looking for. Don’t forget to say you love their Creativity!

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Decorating the Tree

Here are some awesome trees with loads of crochet ornaments from snowflakes to Christmas balls, Garland scarf to even a macramĂŠ cover? Now that is creative!

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Shares from Our Community

Using leftover Bernat Blanket yarn, Cathy made this awesome slippers!

Kristal made this very cute Baby Sweater!

A neat idea by Amsa. You can use Mikey’s Video to do the same

Love this Colour Combo by Sherry!

WOW Kandy. This is great! The never ending Granny square!

Another great afghan, The pin wheel done by Freya

Jolanda is working on her Virus Shawl. The is FAULOUS!

Marilyn is doing the basketweave stitch using Bernat blanket

Another great Stepping Texture Hat

by Jessica

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Diva Dan! It is that time of year again! Christmas for many of us is bustling, exciting, and oh so filled with Christmas services, parties, food and yes, bring on the drinks!

I am fortunate that I met Michael almost 7 years ago in the cold months of February. It was nearly a year after my mother’s passing away. My mother was the only one left in my entire family and for the first time that year I had Christmas by myself. It was a lonely and a sad feeling. I had a couple of friends offering me to come over but you know how it is, it’s not the same in your heart. I just had to experience it by myself.

I was a church organist for a number of years and always found once advent hits, there was no time to be lonely and sad. With all the functions related to Christmas, such as pageants, extra services and rehearsal, lots of music to practice, developing a meaningful programme for Christmas Eve and Christmas Day and of course the endless performances of Handel’s Messiah kept me busy right to the moment I came home on Christmas Day Afternoon. That year in 2007, was a little different for me. It is unfortunate, when everything is closed, people are seeing their love ones and family, loneliness hits hard and I chose to be by myself.

Some people will say it is family, others say it is faith, while a few say it’s the season to be cheery, That loneliness on that one day can be hard for anyone! We can all dictate our traditions and feelings towards what Chirstmas Day is but I came to realize it’s love in our hearts.

So Happy Holidays, no matter how you celebrate it. But remember that love has the power to open hearts, understand cultures and beliefs and most all, the patience to help us all feel that we belong together with open arms!

Enjoy the Holidays and Happy New Year!

Diva Dan

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Past Issues

To join our newsletters for our latest Magazine

You can download our newsletters from our website anytime you wish.

If you decide to print, the links will be not active.

In any case, most of all the patterns can be found again through our website.

TheCrochetCrowd.com

This newsletter is produced by Michael Sellick and Daniel Zondervan, Creative Directors of The Crochet Crowd. While we try our best to provide a grammatical error free newsletter, a few errors most likely will slip between the stitches. We are a very small company with a creative thirsty crochet following. If we are to produce a newsletter that has no errors, we would never be able to send one out.

Our team is also propelled by Colleen Barden - Samples & Show Support, Laura Jean Bartholomew Community Info Seeker and Jeanne Steinhilber - Community Chaperon. Š 2015 TheCrochetCrowd.com

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