Mikey Magazine: Jan 8, 2016

Mike y

Jan 8th, 2016

In This Issue

10 Afghan Border Ideas New Year’s Baby Projects

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Afghan Crochet Along starts on Monday

eeping Warm with Afghans

Hawt off the Hook with Mikey Heya Crowders:

Welcome to 2016. Another year to embark on building our crochet skills here at The Crochet Crowd.

I’ve been crocheting for 28 years now and I still love it, just like the day I learned and got hooked on it when I was 14 years of age. So I pondered this week on what draws this addiction or interest in the yarn arts?

For myself, I’m not a video game player, I was hooked on Atari when I was 11 or younger but then I lost interest. Nintendo came out and I found it was too hard for me to manipulate buttons and a controller at the same time. Interestingly, what I did get hooked on is simulation games such as Sim City. The game I have been hooked on the most was Roller Coaster Tycoon. For me, it’s not about building the coasters but more about the people and the engagement of what the characters did when I built rides, provided food stalls, admission prices and more.

I was hooked on the business side and managerial elements of the simulations.

Okay, so what does my love for Rollercoaster Tycoon have anything to do with crochet? Quite simply, crochet, to me, is very much like the game. I see a project I love which captures my interest. I have to check stock to see if I have yarn. I have to review the pattern to see if I am capable and then begin the building process. The process itself is self therapy and allows me to process my life’s experiences.

Throughout the process, I am exercising my creativity of colours, advancing my stitch level and by the time I am done the project, I have an overwhelmingly sense of accomplishment and self pride. While Daniel generally provides positive feedback, I’m doing it for myself to prove to myself that I can.

With going into 28 years of crocheting, I haven’t lost interest in crochet because there is always something more to learn. There are always new patterns to explore. While other crocheters are better, skill wise, than I am, it doesn’t deflate me from enjoying the hobby. Because the only person I am competing against is myself and I am satisfied with that.

When I hit the slumps, a dry spell from being inspired, sometimes I need a mindless project to advance myself into new skill levels so that I have that sense of learning just like the simulations games.

Why have your crocheted for years?

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Happy Hook’n - Mikey

In This Edition

Contents

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Facebook Shares their Projects Jeanne answers some of your Qs

15 26

Mikey’s Videos Library Diva Dan, who just never know!

Afghans to keep you cozy!

We hope you all enjoyed the holiday season. Many of us, including ourselves, reached our deadlines to get our projects done and in time for gift giving. With all that wonderful time together, we are now searching for our next projects for the winter.

This week our focus is cozy, warm and wonderfully textured and designed afghans.

With the new crochet along coming out on Monday featuring Mikey’s Afghan, you will be pleased with learning a new skill. We also have borders ideas in this edition.

Plus, we added a brand new one by Yarnspirations.com.

The video tutorials for the snowflakes afghans are now live.

A new year can also means new babies reaching out in the world so we have include some Baby Ideas from Yarnspirations.com. Have a look!

Enjoy everyone and thanks for being part of the Crochet Crowd!

- Diva Dan

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Stitch, Stop and Roll afghan starts on January 11th for the new crochet along.

found on TheCrochetCrowd.com & Youtube

Page 22&23

BORDER IDEAS

Awesome textures using only back loops for this afghan creating a wave effect.

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Dazzle your friends with Mikey’s Scandinavian Afghan

Baby New Years pg. 21

The Blizzard Afghan is not only stunning but easy to do.

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Crochet Cruises Updates Blogs Knot to be missed

TOP 10 projects of 2015

12 Cozy and Warm, this new afghan is a winter comforter.

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for you newest afghan.

Be creative & have some fun.

SPINRITE E-TENT SALE pg. 18 On Sale this week in the E-tent.

FUN Bernat Yarn!

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Stitch, Stop & Roll Afghan A

fter a year working and creating this pattern we are finally ready to present the video. On January 11th the Crochet Along for the Stitch, Stop & Roll Afghan will commence!

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o far, we have had many people enjoying and loving this afghan. It’s the textured patterns that people are raving about. Also the colour combinations can be a wonderful opportunity to pop and dazzle your senses.

T

he pattern is now out and if you wish, you can mix and match what colours suit you. Experiment with different yarns too.

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he video will be out on Monday.

Get the Pattern, Videos and Blog 4

We can’t wait to see crocheter’s own versions of this. Finally, now that the pattern and video is going to be out, we hope to see people mixing and matching their ideas. Stitch, Stop and Roll Afghan was named because that is what you do in the pattern, You Stitch, then stop stitching and roll to form the awesome texture. We hope you enjoy working in this afghan as much as we enjoyed creating it!

Jasmine King Bilinski, Cathy Lund, Caroline Tremblay, Jonathan Blaber, Rachel Lynch Holmes, Heather Munro, Dev Conrad and Jodie Smith have been working away on the Stitch, Stop and Roll Afghan.

My Kit came in today - I can’t wait to start this one!

Amy Harrison

Very beautiful Colour Combinations. The patterns is beautiful too. Luv it

I started my kit... It does have a lot of texture and different layers. it looks nice!

- Gracy Dsouva

- Ruthann Tuinstra

This pattern looks utterly delicious.

... I enjoy the challenges that you provided because I always learn something new.

- Jessuca Ziemer

- Emily Koerlin Oooo, I kinda like the colours!

- Heather Gray

I got the pack, now waiting for the tutorial!

- Glen Williams

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

Colourful, Textured & Adventurous

Order Here

For More Information 6

Facebook Picture of the Week Tracy Lynn spent 66 days working on this masterpiece. The Snoopy Van Gogh! Amazing work and patience.

Imagine all the loose ends she had to do on the backside. That takes time and so well worth it. As one fan wrote, 3 of her favourite things; Snoopy, Van Gogh and Crocheting all in one art work!

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HIBERNATE BLANKET J

ust out, this stunning and warm blanket is perfect to hibernate with your iPad, phone or even a book while you search for more patterns to inspire you on your next project. Or maybe just a cozy evening watching your favourite movie.

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sing a Mess Stitch, you can’t get any simpler then this. Bernat Blanket is a super soft yarn for coziness on those cold sunny days. It will warm you with super comfort and snuggly feelings.

Get the Pattern, Videos and Blog

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Quick and Easy Blanket A

n awesome textured blanket. Crocheting with the back loops creates this amazing waved ridge.

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ne of the most popular afghans on Yarnspirations.com, it can be a stylish addition to your decor.

C

hanging the colours to suit you preferences is as easy as 1 and 2. Bernat Softee Chunky is the yarn of choice for this pattern giving you a great colour choice to play with

Get the Pattern, Videos and Blog

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Hooked over the Holidays

The is a fabulous Entrelac Package by

Patty is working on the Cottage Throw. Very Nice Patty!

Kelsey finished her exquisite triangle fringe scarf. Nicely done!

Susan is thrilled with her Mother’s crocheted doggie sweater gift!

Love how this is turning out Sarah.

She is doing the Bavarian Stitch

Laura Mastered the Diamond Corner to Corner Blanket.

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Jas is working on a circular heart chain-link. This is going to be Gorgeous!

Beth finished her Fluffy Meringue Baby Blanket. Very Beautiful.

Cathie’s two Chain Links Pillows are fabulous!

Hooked over the Holidays

Kitty says this is MINE! Not much work getting, right Amanada?

Suzanne is an amazing job on a broomstick lace scarf. WOW!

Benita’s Star Blanket is very well done. it looks wonderful

Zachary created this adorable winter Penguin! Love all the details.

The colour of this rectangle Entrelac afghan is outstanding by Beth!

Many of these patterns are ideas and inspiration created by the crowders themselves. Also you can go to our Facebook Page, Click We love this colour combination by ‘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!

Charlotte. It’s so unique!

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Winter Blizzard Afghan F

eatured in the last edition Diva Dan’s Winter Blizzard Afghan just hit at the right time. Winter is now here for many of us.

The weather is cold and the snow is coming.

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his afghan is perfect for this time of year.

With a great colour transition and spikes that resemble icicles. This snowy afghan will be a conversation for all that see it.

W

e just released a video on how to do this afghan and you will be quite surprised on how easy it really is to do.

Get the Pattern, Videos and Blog

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Crochet Crowders have been rushing to get their hands on this pattern and give it a try. Many have expressed how simple it really is! Most of all, crocheters are loving making the motifs. Diva Dan is looking for those that take the colour wheel a bit further and seeing what other combination people might conjure up.

Ashley Jantzi, Chris Apoa, Maggie Sharp, Maria Premont, Tammy Cologie, Tina Bennet, Joy Salazar Abiog and JoAnn Accola have all been eager to start working on the Winter Blizzard Afghan.

I love love love this blanket...

- Annie Powell Love the name of this pattern, just in time for winter storms...

- Katie Blakely Thank you Diva Dan for such a fantastic pattern!

Can’t wait to get started on this one!

- Lorraine Lorri

- Patsy Haygood Sanders

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Facebook ?s with Jeanne Why is some worsted weight yarn different thickness than others worsted weight yarn when both the wrappers say #4? from Jolene B.

How can you figure out what size hook you were using on a project? I have a 1/2 finished afghan that the hook is missing from...

Aside from writing what size hook I actually used on the pattern directions page, what to do after the fact??? from Jeannie J.

Jeanne is looking for questions on I am definitely guilty of doing this Facebook to answer.

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myself because of the obscene number of WIP’s in my closet, although I have the added challenge of trying to figure out where I left the pattern too. I would start with what would be the recommended hook size for the yarn you are using. For example, worsted weight yarn usually calls for a 5.0mm H hook. Do a row or 2 to how it compares and be prepared to switch up or down as needed until you find the correct size.

Yarn weights sometimes can seem like a big mystery, but fortunately there is a solution. The Craft Yarn Council is the governing group which sets the standards for the weights of the yarn.

Yarn comes in many sizes from Lace to Jumbo. Within each category, there is a range that the yarn will fall into. Think of it this way, if you are wearing a size ladies medium shirt, not all people who fall into the medium sized shirt measure the exact same measurements. We will vary by a couple inches either way. The same would be true for yarn. The medium 4 worsted weight yarn will fall into a range of thicknesses. Check out this chart from the Craft Yarn Council to see the ranges for all the yarns.

Craft Yarn Council Yarn Standards

When reading patterns for more than one size... How do I interpret the adjustment numbers? Do I add the number in the parentheses or use the number in the parentheses instead? from Cricket F. I am going to use the Floral Cami Top that Mikey did as an example.

The pattern is written for 3 sizes, small, medium and large. It starts off with “Loosely chain 82 (94, 106)�. If you are doing a small you would chain 82, if a medium chain 94 and for a large chain 106. Continue following this pattern of using the parentheses throughout. When I start a pattern like this, I read through it before I begin and circle or highlight the number I would be using so not to be confused later.

Holiday Ideas Tutorials by Mikey

Larksfoot Track Stitch

Chain Links Pillow

Uplands Scarf

Tri Colour Cowl

Fingerless Gloves

Broomstick Lace Wrap

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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Scandinavian Snowflake T

his is our other Snowy Afghan that was released in the last edition. A video has been released on how to do this.

V

ery popular on Facebook. We are seeing many crocheters changing their colour tones to match their decor and preferences.

From light pink to variegated yarn, you can have fun with this as well.

T

his is a join as you go afghan very similar to Diva Dan’s Winter Blizzard Afghan. No sewing is needed.

F

or many of us, with the snow just arriving, why not create the winter season with a warm and stunning blanket!

Get The Pattern and Video

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There is a bet between Michael and Diva Dan. Who’s Afghan is going to be the most popular! Both are fantastic but we are surprised to see so many having fun with the Scandinavian Snowflakes Afghan. We think, of course the reason is that people can change the colour to suit their personal preference.

These fabulous starts have been done by Lisa Marie, Katie Becher, Marci Sabo Cummings, Jocelyn Whitt, Jerri Maynard, Robert Emberger, Robin Lynn Clark-Garlich and Susan Callow

This beautiful pattern just BEGS us to get creative with alternative colors around the snowflakes...

- Faye Skoczylas

Yay yay! I’m just waiting for my yarn to arrive!

Thanks Mikey!

I can’t wait to try it! Thanks for sharing your creativity

- Debra Perkins-Johnson

- Tami Casey

That’s a beauty!

- Jeanette Kennedy 17

Order online for amazing discounted or overstocked yarn through

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

Use Bernat Waverly to make this Mitered Square Afghan

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Triangle scarf with Fleurettes

Use Fringe to make these stylish boot cuffs, Sorry no Pattern

Crochet Cruises Update

Caribbean Final Cutoff date is January 10th!

This Sunday for Caribbean Cruises!

Less then 60 days, we will be hopping on the Celebrity Silhouette for some fun in the sun! Plenty of crocheting is in store and loads of relaxation.

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.

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.

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Come See Us Across Canada More Info 20

Coming Soon

Baby New Year’s Projects Ideas

Baby’s First Cardigan

Dream Weaver Blanket

Hooded Cowl

Baby Hoodie and Hat

Granny Motif Baby Sack

All-Around Blanket

Take it from the Top

Baby Blanket

Garden Lattice Jumper

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Top 10 Projects from TCC Website in 2015

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Corner to Corner Afghan

These are the Top 10 Projects that crocheters were doing in 2015 from TheCrochetCrowd.com.

Did you do any of these?

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Mystery Amigurumi

3

Fluffy Meringue Blanket

5

Peppermint Throw

6

Vintage Baby Blanket

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8

Entrelac Afghan

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Floral Cami Top

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4

Baby Star Afghan

Stepping Texture Hat

Baby Zig Zag Blanket

Top 10 Projects from YouTube in 2015 These are the Top 10 Projects that crocheters were doing in 2015 from our YouTube Channel Did you do any of these?

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5

8

Women’s Peak Hat

From the Middle Blanket

Dog Sweater

3

6

9

Stepping Textured Hat

Chevron Ripple Afghan

Entrelac Afghan

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4

Star Stitch

Corner to Corner Afghan

7

10

Peppermint Throw

Baby Larksfoot Afghan

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Border Collection All about the Frills Border

Brick Block Border

Big Loopy Border

Struggling for a border idea for your granny afghan?

Double Crochet Border

The Crabby Border

Picture Frame Border

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Here are ten newly released afghan borders that might inspire you to give that final picturesque detail to your afghan.

Crocodile Border

Bold is Better Border

Rib Stitch Border

Petal Edge Border

Blogs ‘Knot To Be Missed Tips

Ideas

Thoughts

T

he Temperature Afghan project.

With winter here, record the temperature in an afghan Temperature Afghan 11 Free Crochet Owl Patterns

Do you have a pattern but not the yarn? Learn how to How to Substitute Yarn

Owls are still a hoot and ever so cute!

Crochet Hooded Cowl Pattern.

Do you have Metallic laying around and have no idea whta to do with it.

Jeanne made a Fabolous cowl

New to the TheCrochetCrowd. com Website, a list of Crochet Abbreviations

Expand your skills in Tunisian. This Rib hat has the neat knit look using your afghan hook.

Tunisian Rib Hat

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Diva Dan! You know when you have that awkward moment, when you’ve already said ‘what?’ three times and still have no idea what the person said, so you just agreed!

I have been with Michael for 7 years. Agreements like those are a once in a while occurrence in our relationship. Next thing you know, I have agreed to do something that I have no idea what I agreed to in the first place. I find out in the future with what I agreed too has not been done or even worked on. Boy, that happened this week! Being a Diva doesn’t give me a free hall pass and I make up some lame excuse that I hope Michael will buy! He’s smarter than he looks at times!

I am getting older and there are things I should get check by the doctor but that selective hearing has its place in the relationship. We have our separate offices and Michael once in a while yells over and tells me a list of things that should be done. Our house, in the layout of our offices, I feel like the secretary. You know, Mrs Higgins fighting with her intercome box but this case a Facebook Messaging System instead. In order to get to Michael you must pass through me first. So I see all the traffic coming by, in this case the cats. It makes me feel special to say to kitties that they shall not pass. Of course they continue to walk on by me with their tails up, occassionally stopping to lick themselves as I give them the turned up lip in disgust! But I love my kitties and it’s a great distraction when working at home like we do.

This week was kinda funny week for us and I did agree to helping him get his work finished. Bad Memory I said... BUT no different then him agreeing to help with the house cleaning I guess. I am very positive that he hears me when that topic comes up but is he really listening? Mind you, I don’t buy his excuse that the word ‘cleaning’ doesn’t exist in the Webster’s Dictionary. He’s full of it!

Enjoy you week of crocheting, Agreeing with your loved one is only part of the fun, you just never know what it might entail and ensure you hear the facts before nodding your head yes.

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Next Week’s Edition: Baby it’s Freezing Outside! Give Me a Hat!

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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 Laura Jean Bartholomew - Community Info Seeker and Jeanne Steinhilber - Community Chaperon.

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