Mikey Magazine: July 1, 2016

Mike y

July 1st, 2016

In This Issue

14 Beachy

Crochet Summer Projects Happy Canada Day & Independence Day The New Shark Snuggle Sack

Hawt off the Hook with Mikey

Heya Crowders:

It’s summer and holiday time starts for many people. I’m reflecting on crochet and vacations in this edition.

It had been years since I had my last holiday back in 2013 when I finally was able to save up enough money to try a cruise for the first time. For me, these holiday photos are the worst. Daniel doesn’t instinctively pick up a camera and take candid photos of me. So there’s lots of him and scenery in our first ever vacation shots. I think for this vacation, it’s completely okay. I was miserable.

By 2013, I have been working on The Crochet Crowd for 5 years putting in insane hours and trying hard to make a living at doing so. This vacation for us was a lot of money and took a long time to save up.

I was feeling burnt out from The Crochet Crowd. I needed a break. There was always pressure to put out more videos and crochet more and this is prior to us working with others.

The audience was exhausting me as I have this need to do what people ask me to do. I felt then, and still do today, guilty when I am not crocheting or helping someone with crochet in some format. So as a treat, I decided to leave my crochet a home to have a real vacation week. Stupid move!

We left Galveston Texas and the 2 days to Jamaica nearly had my jumping off the ship in desperation of trying to save myself from sheer boredom. I hadn’t anticipated that on a ship of 4,000 passengers that it would be so difficult to strike up meaningful conversations. You know the typical ‘vacation talk’. Weather and what are you doing today. No substance.

Daniel and I tend to split up on vacations. He enjoys an afternoon nap. I don’t nap often during the day so to force myself is unnatural. So I have to find places to sit. I’m not going to sit in the cabin when we are in the Caribbean. So I went from deck chair to deck chair. Kids playing tag around me, yelling. A party on the main deck with music I don’t recognize and people getting drunk. I watched a kid nearly drown in the pool. Am I in the twilight zone?

By the middle of my vacation, I was officially going crazy on the ship. I rarely sit around the house without working or at least a crochet hook in my hand as I watch Netflix at night time. So here I am in the Caribbean sea, restless and bored out of my mind. I’m not one to participate in ship games or attend the special activities on board. You know like Bingo, Dance Class or whatever. Daniel and I are not party people, so to attend a dance party is out of character for us.

I love to dance, don’t get me wrong, but I don’t like to dance alone.

For myself, crochet is an activity that defines me. It’s my ‘go to activity’ when boredom kicks in. It’s my ‘go to’ when I

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need to express my creativity. It’s my addiction and I think being on the ship without my project bag was the same as a smoker trying to kick the habit. During one of the stops, we passed through a craft market. I longed for my yarn and hook.

This was our very first cruise and we determined from this experience, try to align ourselves with having ‘like minded people’ on the cruise with us. For me to have others who love crochet as much as I do. This was the birth of the Crochet Cruises concept. Our next cruise was a year later with our very first crochet cruise. While it’s truly not a vacation for Daniel and I mentally, the memories of the Crochet Cruises are incredible to have amazing people who participate within our workshops. We’ve created long time real friendships on the cruises. With many cruisers returning for each cruise, it’s like a holiday with a reunion for some.

No matter how you spend your vacation. You have to be true to yourself. Since this cruise, we have been on 3 personal cruises and my crochet hook and yarn is part of my luggage, I know myself. I will go crazy if I am not creating something amazing.

In fact, the Scandinavian Afghan was mostly done in one week on board the Norwegian Escape ship. Seems odd for some to be crocheting in the middle of the Caribbean Sea. For me, I was enjoying the sun, music and working on my project. I put it down and fell asleep in the sun a few times but I knew I could wake up and keep working on my project. I was fulfilling my self need to create and having a vacation at the same time.

Unfortunately for me, I ran out of yarn near the end and I had to put my project aside! I used more cream than I expected. Here’s me being a suck to the right.

While the night settles. Daniel and I enjoy a cocktail or two.

My entertainment is self creation which cannot be duplicated with mass entertainment. It’s personal and from my brain to my hands, along with my relationship with Daniel, this fills the self need I have to be happy.

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In This Edition

Contents

18 14

Facebook Shares their Love Jeanne answers some of your Qs

26 38

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

Let’s head to the Beach What to make during the summer? Like many of us, afghans, sweaters, scarves, cowls and hats are just to hot to think about and also to make while we are sweating away. We’ve been told American southern women don’t sweat.

Apparently they glow! Pah-lease!

‘Hawt’ Summer Projects

A little bit of everything. Also, check out our Summer Challenges for some prizes. More information can be found through out this edition.

Also, we are super excited about the Snuggle Sacks that we are doing all summer. This week is a simple and free version of the Shark Snuggle sack. Just in time for Shark week on Discovery!

Enjoy - Diva Dan

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Crochet Cruises Updates Blogs Knot to be Missed

More Ideas.

Pg 22

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38 Garden Shawl

Project Maple

Foral Cami 23

Who really wants winter back.

Not me. I don’t care how hot and humid it gets this summer.

If I have to, the mall I go to cool down and do a little shopping. Beach Bags 16 & 17 So we’ve come up with a list in this edition of Summer loving projects that are quick to make, easy to do, and perfect for those beachy theme ideas.

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30 Ripples in the Sand Afghan Decorate those Flip Flops 32 & 33 Catch the Wave Pillow 36

Our Summer Lovin Challenge Pg. 8

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Happy Canada Day

Happy Independence Day

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Summer with Cathy on page 24

We have 3 amazing challenges coming up.

All the way to September!

Giving you plenty of time to gather up your favourite yarn or be part of all three.

- We have The Reach for the Beach fun wear Trio Challenge.

- We have the Afghan Trio Challenge. 3 different afghans for your style and liking. Choose 1 or all 3 to do during the summer months.

- Coming in September we have this awesome challenge for all the Snuggle Sacks. Stay tuned this summer!

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Laguna Beach Slouchy S

louchies are a great fashion statement. Reminds us of the surfing crowd in California hanging around the hip and cool people. Oh to be cool!

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neat way to wear a hat but breathable and yet cool.

f you never made a slouchy before, Mikey shows how to measure your head for an easy fit.

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se cotton yarn for this hat. It has the potential of holding 1/5 it’s weight in Moisture before feeling gross and damp.

Laguna Beach Slouchy

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Pipeline Slouchy W

ay to much fun with colours for this Slouchy. Choose your favourite colour combinations and create this fun summer hat.

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ou can make this either a beanie or a slouchy.

How? Just change the hook size. It’s that easy!

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gain, use Cotton for that added summer comfortable to beat the heat and dampness.

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on’t let summer tell you that you can’t wear what you crochet! We can always find something fun that will make others want the same!

Pipeline Slouchy

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Check out our ‘Hawt Summer Lovin Crochet Challenge! 3 Beachy Wearables for those fun frolic summers and steamy romantic summer nights!

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Find Out More Information

Beachy Keen Cover Up D

o you want something simple and fast. This beach cover up is as easy as it get for clothing.

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ust two panels that hook up fast. Using a treble crochet and chain 1 on each row, it just doesn’t get any easier then this. Perfect it you never made clothing before. Comes in many sizes.

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his a new yarn Bernat Maker Fashion, new and ‘hawt on the market. This yarn is great for clothing and durable!

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his is part of our Summer Lovin Challenge for a chance to win some free yarn.

Beachy Keen Cover Up

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Scalloped Top T

his Pattern is surprising us. People are really loving this design. It’s light airy and has style.

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heck out those that have done so already. Some really great styles from fans trying on their newest article of clothing.

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wo panels put together.

The shoulders are easy. A nice wave action happening with the pattern, it has summer all over it.

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omes in different sizes.

This is also a part of our Summer loving challenge.

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art of our Summer Lovin Challenge for a chance to win some win

Scalloped Top

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Our Summer Challenge is on it way. Here are just a few crocheters showing off with fashion sway their latest crochet top or tunic! Everybody looks fabulous! Good Job Girls!

The following have been made by Dea Warshow, Veronica Laurendeau, Rachel Ellis, Kari Lin, Jamie Pabuaya, Lisa Hofmann, Tina Cela Di Stefano, Terry Toons, Linda Clark, Tina Bennett, Felicia Jackson & Tracy Varvaglione, Looking Great Girls!

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Summer Tunic D

on’t be shy with this summer tunic. This stitch is very pretty.

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t is an intermediate pattern but you redo rows 1-4 to create the unique stitch work.

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wo Panels put together there is no shaping required for this tunic.

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t only took Mikey 9 hrs to make! Comes in different sizes but you can adjust the pattern to fit you the best.

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great evening wear for a wonderful night out at your favourite pub or restaurant

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art of our Summer Lovin Challenge for a chance to win some win

Summer Tunic

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For all the Information

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Q+A with Jeanne Jeanne is looking for questions on Facebook to answer.

The subject of scrap yarn is always a hot topic.

What can I make? The labels are gone, how do I know what kind of yarn it is? How much do I need for a blanket? Can I mix different scrap yarns together in one project? Should I wind it into balls? What is the best ball winder?

When trying to determine fiber content of yarn with no label, put the tip of the yarn in a flame; if it burns, it is natural fiber; if it melts, it is synthetic. This is why in kitchen crocheting you would want to not use acrylic because if you set a hot pan on the piece, it will melt. Just be careful around open flames.

Corner to Corner style blankets is always a big favorite for using up scrap yarns. The diagonal layout makes them super fun to play with small amounts of different colors. I trick that I have heard to know if you have enough yarn is to divide you pile of scrap yarn in half. When you get through the first pile, start your C2C decreases. If you want to be more precise, you can weigh each pile to make sure they are equal.

Sh Eli’s C2C Blanket is a great way to use up lots of scrap yarn

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Lori and Robin LaFountain are starting their C2C with scrap yarn

Winding your scrap yarn into balls will help to keep it from getting into a tangled mess. Trust me, I don’t wind mine too often and regret it when my yarn ties itself into knots in the bins. Mikey uses a generic no name ball winder. He says it’s nothing fancy, just one he picked up online. You can watch Mikey demonstrate how to use a ball winder on the YouTube chanMixing different types of yarns together can make very interesting and artistic pieces. The visual effect is like eye candy to those of us who really love our yarn And how can I not talk about scrap yarn projects and not mention the now famous Twiddlemuff? Not only are these projects a great way to use up your scraps, they really calm people who are seriously struggling with reality.

Twiddlemuff done by Autumn Burian So don’t toss those scrap yarns. Break out your comfort zone and have fun exploring your own creativity with scraps. Below are some ideas that you can do with scrap yarn. The ideas and thoughts are endless. Find your passion and love for what you believe and the inspiration will come.

Little things do count with just a little scrap yarn. Carmen James Brown made a office supple can holder, Anna made a simple chap stick holder while Kim wright made a Plastic Bag Holder.

For Kitties, Margie made some cat nip mice for a fundraising at a local shelter. Lind Jones made finger puppets for dusting cobwebs and Josephine Mikoluff made octopus finger puppets for children’s cancer ward at her local hospital.

And there is nothing like sitting outside having a nice glass of something and enjoy your decorations to a Tiki Torch Winer Bottle by Lisa Bearden.

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Starfish Beach Bag W

e just love this bag for summer. What a perfect beach bag to go to the beach with.

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sing cotton, the starfish pattern is comes to life with a little variegated yarn.

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e have been seeing a few samples of crocheters finish their bags and the verdict is they ‘love it’.

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f diagram reading is not your thing, you can watch Mikey’s video. Don’t sweat this summer trying to figure out how to read diagrams.

Mikey makes it fun and easy to do.

Starfish Bag

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On the Side Tote I

t took a little while to convince Mikey to do this bag for a video. There will be a video soon.

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he Stitch is a fantastic V stitch changing colours on each row.

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elieve or not this bag is one big panel. It’s the folding that creates it’s unique shape. It certainly was a bit of a challenge trying to fold it together. But it works and it works well!

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t’s a very deep bag, perfect for all those beach towels, clothing and other items you take with you.

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e just love all the colours that can be thrown into making this bag.

On the Side Tote

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Eye Candy for Crocheters

Nadine did the garden bag. Nice colour combinations for this bag!

Lisa Finished her Starfish Bag. Looks great lisa!

Alicia finsihed her hibernation blanket, Nicely done!

Ever so adroable this blanket is by Louisa. Love all the Animals!

Christine finished her stylish market bag. Nice work!

I just love colours combos like these.

Super amazing Vinaya!

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Lucy, you are so styling it with that hat! Very Nice!

Courtney, I love the square in the middle of this and the colours are great too!

Johanne did Diva Dan’s Blizzard Afghan. It looks great Johanne!

Amazing work by Crocheters

Ready for a family Vacation? Erin is!

She even made a crochet visor.

Anita did a great job with the Stop stich and roll afghan. WOW!

This afghan using the Jacob’s ladder Stitch is stunning by Dana

Donna created one of Laura Jean’s Dragonfly sack. Fanatastic!

Tina finished her colour wave afghan. Now that is FaBUlous!

Heather is so pumped to get started on Mikey Fluffy Unicorn Blanket!

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

You could try Demin-y with this Cowl pattern

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Try this Openwork Scarf pattern with Demin-y instead

Try this Ridge Sleeve Pullover

Shark Snuggle Sack H

aving a late summer night with the kids watching movies, bowl of popcorn would be super fun with this shark sack.

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e are so excited with this pattern. Finally, a pattern available for free and now with a video for everyone to enjoy.

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sing Bernat Blanket this hooks up fast.

You’ll need a bigger ‘fishing’ hook for this project.

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tay tune for more sleep sacks coming this Summer. We have some very exciting and creative sacks for you to try!

Shark Snuggle Sack

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Crochet Market Ideas!

Ideas

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Seashell Vest

Sun Hat

Butterfly Dishcloth

Fun in the Sun Doll

Soak up the Sun Hat

Light Layers Tank

Flip Flop Dishcloth

Summer Top

Citrus Slice Coasters

Floral Cami Top W

e featured this Cami last year and it was a bit of a surprise. I told Michael to video tape this. We never thought that there was a demand for easy and wearable clothing for women. (of course ,this coming from two guys!) But we loved how many fans were showing off their Cami.

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his is another quick and stylish crochet fashion piece that will whip up fast.

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e did this is two different yarns, one with Caron Simply Soft and one with Patons Metallic.

Both turned out amazing!

Floral Cami

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S&

ummer with Cathy she is lovin it!

Well here we are again. Another month is rolling around and before we know it July 1 will be here. That means that half the year is gone already. Rolling in the second half of the year are celebrations and holidays.

We love this time of year where we in Canada get a holiday each month until November, when we have a lull. July 1 celebrates Canada’s 149th Birth-

day, and July 4 commemorates the adoption of the Declaration of Independence on July 4, 1776, 240 years ago. A time for celebrating and holidays.

Each year we hope and pray that we have good weathCathy getting ready for ice cream and a nice walk on the beach er on these days. We hang out flags to show our pain her new Beachy Kleen Cover Up triotism. My hubby has dual citizenship, so it is very usual for us to fly both flags at our home, especially at this time of year. But, let’s not forget about the fun things that happen starting in July. We love the beach days when we can pack a little snack and sit at the water’s edge and enjoy the waves lapping on the sand. We are so fortunate to live 20 minutes from the shores of beautiful Lake Huron, with its vast sandy beach, beautiful marina and rocky pier. Our local beach is made up of two small towns amalgamated into one called the Municipality of Saugeen Shores. It has the wonderful distinction of ‘One of our favourite things to do is being labelled as having one of the top most beautiful sunsets in to go to the beach on Sunday evethe world. One of our favourite things to do is to go to the beach on Sunday evening, grab an ice cream cone and sit in our lawn ning, grab an ice cream cone and sit chairs and listen to the free entertainment on the beach, then in our lawn chairs and listen to the watch the sunset over the water. Every Sunday evening from July

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free entertainment on the beach’

1 to September Labour Day weekend, we have a different band to entertain under the band shell. On Labour Day weekend, we get to experience an amazing light show, with a huge amount of extravagant fireworks that would be hard to beat.

Summertime is a time we should all try to take a break from the regular routine and make a few memories. If you can manage a little holiday, all the better. You never know what memory you will make. I have to share just one ever so exciting thing that happened to me this On the way, we just happened upon the month. I visited my daughter in British Columbia.

Prime Minister of Canada, The Right Hon- I live in Ontario. The first day I was there we visited ourable Justin Trudeau, who was also visit- the beach and walked to Grenville Island, a beautiful little island filled with shops and fun things to do. On ing beautiful BC. He so graciously stopped the way, we just happened upon the Prime Minister and shook our hands and had a picture taken of Canada, The Right Honourable Justin Trudeau, who was also visiting beautiful BC. He so graciously with us. stopped and shook our hands and had a picture taken with us. Well, that my friends, is a memory I will never forget! You never know when a once in a lifetime moment will find you. If you cannot get away for a few days, at least, try to take a day to enjoy the holiday with loved ones or friends. It is rejuvenating to take a break.

I asked hubby what he wanted to do on July 1 and he told me he wants to go to the beach, stop by Jerry’s Fries and just spend the day relaxing with his honey. We call those days our “Awesome Adventure Days”.

No matter what you do this summer, be sure to take a few moments to lay down the crochet hooks and just BE. That means just take a deep breath, take in the beauty around you….the sights, the smells, the sounds……be in the moment and enjoy the beauty that is here for you.

Be safe, be happy, and above all take time for YOU!!!

Happy Summer Everyone.

Cathy Lund

Cathy makes the best frozen slushies! Perfect for Summer. Mind you, we do feel a little tispy after words every time we visit her and Gary. Bottoms up!

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Tutorials by Mikey

Faux Cable Cowl

Big Stitch Hat

Alaskan Cowl

Socks

Ruby Cowl

Open Wave Shawl

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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Next year is the 150th birthday for Canada. Like other exhibits we have done that feature our global community, we are asking for help for the construction of the large Maple Tree to be on exhibit in Ottawa for the Celebrations.

Daniel is making a large Maple Tree and needs your help to make crochet maple leaves that will be mounted onto the frame to create a luscious maple

Find out more on how you can become part of this global support for Canada’s 150th Birthday!

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Canada Day! Get out and Celebrate!

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As Canadians, we have our celebrations on July 1st. Canada Day celebrating red, white and of course the Maple Leaf!

On Feb. 15 1965, Canada’s new red and white Maple Leaf flag was raised for the first time on Parliament Hill in Ottawa Ontario. Maurice Bourget, Speaker of the Senate, addressed the audience. “The flag is the symbol of the nation’s unity, for it, beyond any doubt, represents all the citizens of Canada without distinction, language, belief or opinion.

This year marks the 149th anniversary of Canada’s confederation. While each neighbourhood has its own way of celebrating Canada Day, they all share a common theme: honouring the diversity and uniqueness of our country.

The History and Diversity of our Nation is something that binds us together, and that is what the Crochet Crowd is all about too. Sharing our common goals, our loves, A reminder that we are all humans with feelings, concerns and opinions. But all together it is really about respect, in a nation/community full of diversity, from our wonderful Native Canadians, to our European ancestry and to our recent refugees and our friends from many other parts of the world.

If only we can all live understanding that we do not need have to have racism to make us proud, or hate to make us noticeable. Neither of these will make will make the world better.

With crisis happening in all parts of the world, the Internet has open a world of the horrors of this small marble in the universe. Isolation is no longer living beyond the borders of a nation/ community but now the silence in front of our own electronic devices with only the language you type for expressing your opinion just to be heard.

With these celebrations happening in Canada and the United States, get out and enjoy! Stop, smile and be kind. Quick asking for something in return. Nothing comes for free. We are all imperfect, but growing constantly, to love and hate, sing and cry and still yet to respect difference. Sadly, we are not wizards. Let creativity explore your passion and be versatile with your ideas. We all have abstract thoughts. Being self aware is often the hardest kick in the rear to comprehend. But remember to smile so hard and laugh so much that your stomach hurts. It really does feel good, doesn’t it? Even for a little while. HAPPY CANADA DAY!

Ideas inspired for Canada Day from Pinterest Sadly there is not a lot of Canadian Crochet Projects!

Unfortunately and with reality, and due to the big retailer markets, The United States dominates much what is designed and presented by many if not all the yarn companies to satisfy the larger audience. We have to be self creative here!

But with a little inspirations and creativeness, many of the celebrations projects can easily be transfer with a Canadian theme! The Ideas are really endless! Also Mikey has video on ow to do maple leaves.

So this, we decided to search around for Canadian ideas on Pinterest. There are lots of ideas. Canada Strong and Free, Far and Wide.

Mikey just finished one of these moose by Sharon Ojala.

Her patterns are free and she is Canadian

A simple little pillow of our Canadian flag. Perfect for the Cottage

This Maple Leaf crochet Shawl is just amazing. The pattern is a paid pattern but work it for the awesome look.

29 A simple Canadian Wreath wrap in yarn with a hockey stick. that is as Canadian as you can get.

The Beaver has always been a symbol for Canada. Is is after all on our Currency the 5c Nickel. Pattern is a paid Pattern

Facebook Picture of the Week

Nicola Brown has been busy! She has been working on their community crochet garden over in the UK. They have been Crocheting flowers since last September. They will be displaying their cute and amazing flower garden between July29th-31st for their local Summer festival in Faringdon, Oxfordshire.

So if you are in England and around Faringdon, say hello and smell the flowers.

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Blogs ‘Knot To Be Missed Tips

Ideas

Thoughts

Summer Dune Hat

15 Crochet Summer Tops Look for More summery Tops with Jeanne

Summer Waves Blanket

July 4th Holiday Ideas

24 Rainbow patterns to enjoy From Sea to Shining Sea Throw 31

Daisy Flip Flops W

ho doesn’t love to wearing Flip flops during the summer. The convenience on slipping on a pair is quick and effortless.

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t can be used for decorating to your crocheted hand bags, pillows, afghans, and pretty much anything your can think of.

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sing Cotton for that breathable and nature fibre, it is a perfect yarn during the sumer months.

Make sure you do use 100% cotton. You will thank the feel and usage

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he pattern is really two flowers added together to give that multi petal look.

Daisy Flip Flops

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Flip Flop Flowers M

ore flip flop ideas but this time cute regular flower. This flower can be used for anything. Not just for Flip flops.

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ith Flip Flops being cheap you can decorate them to make your own personal statement. Great for kids or even us Adults for a day at the beach.

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his flower is QUICK! Better yet. Make a few of these for the whole family, including your in-laws! It won’t take long.

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lease note Flips flops are not for everyone. If you have poor feet then it is best to wear the proper footwear.

For me, it all about summer coolness! I love my flip flops!

Flip Flop Flowers

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Independence DAy With our American Friends Celebrating Independence Day on July 4th, we wish you well and please enjoy and love your country. Be safe, proud and respect everyone!

We all need to celebrate. It remains us that happiness and respect can bring us closer as friends, sharing our common bonds and our differences. Enjoy the festivities!

Welcoming your guest to your home starts with a fabulous wreath on the front door. With stars and a simplify American flag, you can create this wreath too.

We have featured this great bag before. Perfect with Red White and Blue Colours, This 4th of July Bag is great to take with you during the celebrations.

This Lily Doll is perfect for a kid’s toy during the holidays. She is cute for the sun and an evening of fireworks.

Star and Stripes Dishcloth. Empress your family and friends with the little details for your kitchen. After all, What’s Independence Day without food!

Make Dad an American Apron. Someone has to look after the BBQ. These pillows are quick and a great way to decorate the outside furniture or to relax with while sitting by the campfire. Stars and Stripes Cushions

Another American Style Beach bag that would be quick to put together. Great for bringing those extra things like bug spray, sun screen and of water or your favourite drink.

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What’s a family gathering without PIE. Make these American Oven Mitts for Mom. Homemade pie with a little ice cream is wholesome goodness

Show us your Patriotic Spirit Does your heart beat red, white, and blue?

With the U.S. Independence Day on July 4th coming up. Americans will be celebrating Red, White and Blue. Show us on Facebook what you are doing for the Holiday Occasion. Hook up something Patriotic to show your Pride.

Janeen made a Star baby afghan with the addition of a diaper cover and a hat to enjoy the festivities!

Jenn did a great job with Captain America. The Marvel comic series do spark patriotism and imagination.

Marianne heart is certainly Red White and Blue with these patriotic pompom heart shape wreaths hung with pride Another star afghan in Red White and Blue yarn. Nicely done Majorie! Another great example of American happiness An American Flag done in Crochet by Michelle.

Great Job. That should be proudly hung for all to see Even some dishcloths done in Red White and Blue by Ruth to celebrate July 4th.

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Catch a Wave Pillow C

atch the Waves this summer with this amazing pillow. Bernat Maker is a new yarn that is super easy to work with and a ball goes a long way.

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f you never done a graphgan before and worry about doing patterns like this. This pillow is a great start to discovering a whole new element to crochet.

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ikey makes it easy to learn, demonstrating how to and tips to make your waves surfing with success.

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his is a great pillow to display around home!

Catch a Wave Pillow

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Ripples in the Sand N

o need to get this afghan full of sand. Ripples in the sand is an easy pleasy ripple stitch that is fast and fabulous to do.

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sing neutral colours, give this afghan a contemporary look. But imagine mixing up and changing colours for this pattern.

You are the artist.

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onsisting of only double crochets and a two line pattern, there is really nothing more to learning something new.

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perfect Afghan to make for a comfortable crocheting experience in the summer

Ripples in the Sand Afghan

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Garden Flowers Shawl S

ummer is here but sometimes the evenings can be a little chilly. This flower shawl speak summer with it’s dazzling flower motifs.

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he Pattern contain a diagram for those that love using diagrams.

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sing Caron Simply soft yarn, it would be soft and can be as colourful as you want it to be.

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oin the motifs by crocheting them together.

The Pattern shows a clever way to join them all together by doing a continuous crochet border along each motif.

Garden Flowers Shawl 38

Diva Dan! Yesterday, I decided that it was time to crochet again. I haven’t done anything for the past two months. Inspiration wasn’t coming. Mikey on the other hand has been pounding down a lot of content and doing an amazing job at it. He’s loving a lot of the projects that his hook has been crocheting away. Speed demon he is!

With project deadlines coming due, I am a huge procrastinator, yes I admit. Some people would say that it is a bad thing but not for me, some of my best ideas are last minute! Drive Mikey bonkers!

He gets the work done and quickly. You can tell when I am doing a last minute project or deadline, I am in my own bubble, Honey, you can talk to the hand, I am listening but don’t expect a response.

He calls me grumpy but in fact, I am concentrating. My eyes give him the squint look, the fake smile, the voice just can’t be bothered to speak but in time, things get done and before long things are back to normal.

I like to walk around to ponder ideas and thoughts. Are you like that? If Mikey ask for my opinion, I start walking to the kitchen or out to the deck. Again drives him Bonkers. Its not rude, I am just thinking honey! Next thing you know, I am back in his office discussing ideas. We are totally Yin and Yang! Another fact, I don’t know how he can stays awake while crocheting. After a few rows, it’s bedtime for me. Counting sheep I guess. Hence why projects never get done as quickly as Mikey would like.

Summer is finally here. My gardens are almost done with the planting and designs. Now just a little bit of maintenance, here and there so now I have more time to sit on the deck, crochet and come up with a few more project ideas. It never ends but why should it. It’s all fun! Celebrate the holidays with pride and respect. Happy crocheting everyone!

Diva Dan

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