Mike y
Nov 13th, 2015
In This Issue New Tutorials & Holiday Ideas Cozy Posy Scarf Challenge
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Perfect Baby Gift Sets
You make me smile
Hawt off the Hook with Mikey
This week our team has been busy communicating behind the scenes. Laura Jean, Jeanne, Daniel and I are in constant communications throughout the day with issues and ideas happening on The Crochet Crowd. We joke and share ideas between the four of us. We all work remotely with each other. Laura Jean being in Kansas, Jeanne being in Indiana and ourselves being here in Mid Western, Ontario Canada. Jeanne and I have this competitive side of trying to create concepts for the blogs. As you may have noticed, Jeanne has been blogging for us for several months. She gets an idea and runs with it. I prefer my team have initiative, take their ideas and produce content without my knowledge. Occasionally, we touch base to make sure our goals align. This allows for creative freedom and a sense of ownership of ideas.
As a teenager, I had the best manager ever. I worked at a mini department store for 4 1/2 years. I had started this job when I was 14 and I had this other manager that was a blow hard. His way or the highway. Treated all of us like we didn’t have a brain or ideas. I was into month 2 of the job and I couldn’t stand it. I would have ideas but ideas were discouraged because it wasn’t his plan. He was transferred out and moved to a different store and a new manager came in, Kathy. It was like night and day. It was my first job that I took seriously and suddenly ideas by the entire store team were allowed. One thing that I loved, she would allow us to try ideas and then we would reflect on the ideas after it was done and learn together. I worked there for years and loved my job. I felt like I contributed to the overall company and had a sense of pride. The company went bankrupt and the entire chain closed and I moved into adulthood. I work best when ideas are free flowing and ideas are heard. Daniel and I chat up ideas everyday. One of us plays devil’s advocate. Sometimes our ideas are just silly. Sometimes we have really big ideas that have unlimited branches for ideas. One thing that I love about our team is that ideas are allowed and encouraged. We look at the inbox for what the feedback is. While some people love to give advice and expect others to follow it to a tee. Ideas for us are gateway conversations and powerful brainstorming. It causes the questions to be asked and the answers can be multi-level. Ideas to me, are like a buffet. A little bit of this, a little bit of that and a whole lot of positive enthusiasm from our team. That’s what keeps me drawn to The Crochet Crowd. Multiply this by over 715,000 fans on Facebook and its idea overload each and everyday. Most Crochet Crowders check in daily or every few days because ideas are overflowing. Creativity is amazing but it’s when we look at the overall picture and consider multiple options that we can create amazing idea with, it makes for a really cool and inspirational concept that we love while making something special. Happy Hookin’.... Mikey
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Contents 3 Yarn Talk 4 Baby Gift Set #1 5 Baby Gift Set #2 6 Baby Gift Set #3 7 Baby Gift Set # 4 8 Facebook ?s with Jeanne 9 Ticky Tacky Sweater 10 Mikey’s Afghan are Arriving 12 Mikey’s Holiday Video Library 13 Cozy Posy Challenge 14 Laura Jean’s Baby Set Idea 15 Spinrite E-Tent SALE Fab Five Sale! 16 Wristers, Week 2 Shares 18 Snowflake Series 19 Jeanne’s Baby Set Idea 20 Facebook shares Christmas 22 Ideas from Yarnspirations. com 24 Facebook shares 25 Facebook Meme 26 Aloha our 2017 Cruise 27 Diva Dan’s Thoughts 28 Past Issues
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This week
Yarn Talk Scarf 2 Ways
Pinky The Flamingo Frogging and other Crochet Terms Blue Waves Blanket
The *NEW* LookBook just in time for the Holidays
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his week we put together baby gift sets for you to enjoy. We notice many crocheters like to do more then sweaters/ dresses and blankets as gifts. Perfect timing for the up coming holidays and even some baby showers.
e went through our library and pulled together combinations we thought would work well with each other. We hope you enjoy these combinations and hopefully they will make your gift giving ideas a little more easier. You can mix and match anyway you want. These are just ideas to explore.
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tay tune in January, we will be having January Baby month with loads of new tutorials. We are working hard to inspire you.
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Baby Gift Set No.1 W
e pushed ourselves this week to get the newest baby sweater in a tutorial for you. We thought this sweater was ever so cute! It’s called ‘Take it From the Top’ Pullover.
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nother new pattern and tutorial Mikey did this week is the Striped Blanket aka Hush A Bye Baby. This Blanket gives opportunities to be as a colourful as you want and to even match to the above sweater.
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on’t forget the Sneakers booties to add as a gift and some adorable little socks that can be hooked up in no time at all.
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ll patterns and video are provided in the links above.
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*NEW*
*NEW*
Baby Gift Set No.2 T
his set we call it our sporty baby gift package. Perfect for those babies growing up in a sportsy environment.
*NEW*
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he Go Team Go Sweater is great for the beginners. Be creative and use whatever yarn you love.
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he Trendy Blanket is one of Mikey’s newest Baby Blankets. This one is for sure going to be a great one to hook up.
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e have many different sizes for the Braided Ear Flap Hat. Change the flower to something more sportsy if you like.
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f course, we the baby High Top booties or the Sweet High Tops with video
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ll patterns and video are provided in the links above.
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Baby Gift Set No.3 F
or that cowgirl in the family. The Chevron Dress is one of most popular dresses. Simple and perfect to do.
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dd the Cowboy booties and your theme comes together.
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ew this week also is the Rock a Bye Baby Blanket. Using Bernat Blanket, it is super soft!
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or Cuteness we thought that our latest Mystery Amigurumi would be ever fun! The Kangaroo would be a great idea for the little ones to have some play time.
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ll patterns and video are provided in the links above.
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*NEW*
Baby Gift Set No.4 T
his set is our traditional set. The Little Sweetie dress is a light and perfectly girly. It is by far, the most popular baby dress we have in our library.
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he T- Strap Baby Booties is another wonder hit. Cute to add to the gift package.
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e love this Vintage Baby Blanket. We added this to the collection and this one is often used as a christening blanket. Imagine the above three all in white! Simple and no fuss
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hy not add a cute and adorable Giraffe. This was giraffe never gets old.
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ll patterns and video are provided in the links above.
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Facebook ?s with Jeanne Has anyone else here ever had a time when they just hit the crochet/knit wall? I’ve been on a roll making holiday items and now I’m just making stupid mistakes and getting nothing done. from Jennifer D. Been there, done that. We all do from time to time. Give yourself some slack, especially you are you under pressure for the holidays. I have gifts that I am making, but it’s kind of tedious, so I alternate and work on other things that I enjoy more. Join the Club! :)
I learned to crochet using video tutorials but I couldn’t read a pattern. Jeanne is looking for I’ve seen many peoquestions on Facebook to ple with the same issue. Here’s what I did; I startanswer. ed by finding a video that had the written pattern with it. I printed out the pattern and followed along with the video reading the pattern I did this several times till it made sense with several different patterns. I also made flashcards using the abbreviations on one side and the word on the other so I would automatically know what the abbrev. meant in the pattern. It helped a lot to already know the stitches, such as single crochet, half double crochet, double crochet, and treble crochet. Also slip stitch, front post and back post crochet. It’s been three weeks of doing this and I can read easy to intermediate patterns. I keep practicing. I hope this helps someone. Crochet love, Meli M. Meli, thank you so much for taking the time to share this idea. This is what makes The Crochet Crowd the best community on the internet because of all the caring and sharing of ideas.
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Are you Ready?
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oming up on the weekend is our most cleverest, down right weirdest and tackiest challenge. We will be releasing the details to challenge to make your own Ticky Tacky Sweater.
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ur party is strictly cyber where the collection of your completed sweaters will come together in one mega gallery. You can opt to wear your sweater in the picture and/or display it in a fun way for the photo. You can expect your photo to potentially go viral. People love to see Tacky Sweaters. They will giggle and want to share it with their friends. It’s your opportunity to be in the lime light!
More Information 9
Wow, Afghans are arriving on the doorsteps! How Exciting! Who will finish first?
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Afghan are arriving at Crochet Crowders door steps. Some are eager beavers and already started to work on their afghans. You can still order yours if you wish. We satart the challenge in January with videos tutorials
Mikey’s Afghan Colourful, Textured & Adventurous
Order Here
For More Information
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Holiday Ideas Tutorials by Mikey
Jingle Bell Door Hanger
Christmas Balls
Sangria Wine Bottle Cover
Everlasting Wreath
Swirl Coasters
Gift wrapping idea
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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Cozy Posy Scarf T
he Final part of the Crochet Along is to do this simple and interesting Scarf that goes so well with the last two items. Make it a trio as a gift or for yourself.
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sing Caron Simply soft Ombre. Style never came so easily as these.
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ope you enjoyed the Crochet Along! It is always fun to learn new ideas and stitches! Best part you can wear it and show it off!
Right & Left Hand Video
Pattern, Video & Blog 13
Laura Jean’s idea for a baby gift set is a clean one. Create a lovely basket or a beautiful box adding these cute little bathroom ideas. Don’t forget as she mentioned to us, add some baby powders, gentle soaps, shampoo and maybe some lotions to the gift package.
Baby Bath Mitt Crochet Duck Toy
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Friendly Whale Baby’s Catch-all
A great idea inspired by Laura Jean. Laura Jean is one of our Facebook seekers. She is there to be helpful and answer questions when needed. She knows our content with her eyes closed! So if you need a pattern that we have done, Laura Jean will ‘seek’ it out! Thanks Laura Jean!
Fab Five Sale… Selected Bernat Yarns $5.00… November 10th to November 16th, 2015 Ends Monday Night at 11:59 pm (EST)
Order online for amazing discounted or overstocked yarn through
Spinrite’s E-Tent Try out these patterns from Yarnspirations.com with your new order!
Funky Boa Striped Poncho would be a hit for anyone
Add a bit of style using Boa like this Jacket Collar and Cuffs
Use Fleurettes to makes this wild Throw for a Loop
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Wristers Stitch Along L
ast week we did the wristers as part of the Crochet Along.
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risters are one of the most popular gloves today. It still allows us to text and use our addicting phones.
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ry these as a challenge. Using Caron Simply soft Ombre. Style never came so easily as these.
Right & Left Hand Video
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Wristers Gallery
We are seeing many styles and yarns being used for the Stitch along. Crocheters are even adding embellishments such as buttons or beads for the centre of the flowers. Nice touch Crowders! The following have been having fun with the headbands, Jennifer DeVarennes, Lynn Harvey, KalpanaYarlanki, Stacie Hill, Denise Fortney, Angie Lindstrom, Merrie Eggleston, Astra Glover, Stacy Brad and
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Dazzling Snowflakes
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Twinkling Snowflake #1
Twinkling Snowflake #2
Twinkling Snowflake #3
Right and Left Hand Video
Right and Left Hand Video
Right and Left Hand Video
Pattern, Video and Blog
Pattern, Video and Blog
Pattern, Video and Blog
Jeanne’s idea for a gift set is inspired by purple. Yes, she just LOVES Purple! But we think she has secret love affair with the east coast. The patterns she picked would be perfect for someone living by the ocean. Jeanne mentioned that play time is so important for a child. The fish is one of the funniest patterns on Yarnspiration. We love the big eyes and mouth! Jeanne has joined the team with lots of enthusiasm! We just can’t keep up with her! Her passion for blogging and crocheting is very evident. Thanks Jeanne!
Big Rainbow Fish
Baby Blocks
Baby Hoodie and Hat
Hills and Valley Play Mat
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Shares of Holidays
Elizabeth’s WIP on Mikey’s Christmas Tree Skirt
Maria has fallen back in love with crochet. Her wreath is Great! Lauren is getting ready for the Holiday Spirit with this little snowman Amy made the On the Dot Stocking with a bit of Mikey’s help
Paulette has been working on The Chain Links Pillow
What a great Holiday Photo. Love the Peppermint Afghan
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Ming Mong did a beautifully colourful and simple arrangement
Patricia is getting ready for the Christmas Bazaar
Jamie’s Little Christmas Trees. Lve them!
Shares of Holidays
Great Job Deb! She made the Jewelled Snowflake
These Towel tops are great by Phillip. Just well done!
An Elf outfit! How adorable by Veronika
Cindy has been working on a Star Garland for the tree. Wendy’s First ever Santa Stocking! Great work!
These are many samples of what The Crochet Crowd Community is doing for the unp coming Holidays. Ginger has the perfect snowflake hat Many of these patterns are ideas and inspiration created by the ready for Winter 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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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
Back and Forth Scarf
On the Dot Stocking
Frostbite Cowl
Victorian Afghan
Corrugated Scarf
Irish Lace Throw
Textured Panels Afghan
Snowman Gift Card
Flutter-Bye Vest
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Shares from Our Community
Enriqueta did the Jumbo Catherine wheel stitch Sandra colour choice in this entrelac afghan is awesome!
Aretha made the Crocodile stitch blanket. Love the ribbon added to it!
Yolanda’s First Crochet pillow from the snowflake pillow. Nice Choice!
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Francie has been busy making shower gifts
Terry did the Larks Foot Afghan for her son’s Christmas present
Lori has been busy making FUN hats for her kids.
Elizabeth made the Fluffy Meringue Baby Blanket all in white.
Sharon did her 1st C2C blanket,and a sweater & booties for a grandchild
Nice Job Chandra did the Texture Hat.
Check in with us, we will post on Facebook, the photo Meme of the day. We like you to come up with something clever for the photo. We will pick the one we like, then add it to our Magazine!
What would your meme say?
I’m Not Scared... Bring on the next Challenge!
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Crochet Cruises Update ALOHA! Only a few spots left for our 2017 Crochet Crochet Cruise in Hawii! Yes, It is a trip to HAWAII! Can you imagine! February 2nd, 2017 15 days! From San Francisco and back
For more information on staterooms and how to book please click here.
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Diva Dan! You might have been paying attention to Facebook this past week. I pulled out my domestic diva pistols and finally roped Michael into cleaning the house! It took us two whole days to sweep, vacuum, scrub and wash the messes we have made. But it didn’t start nicely... You know how it is, you know the place needs to be cleaned by why bother when the other doesn’t quite see it and then the drama begins, game on! Michael and I have very much a Yin and Yang relationship. His desk and room is a mess and mine is clean of dust and everything put away neatly! (Which is why I move my desk out of his office) I dare not think about redesigning his office space but there is that little devil in me that someday (when he would be away of course) will charge in and start organizing his room. *Mikey edit... “Try it... I’ll warm up the couch for you!” The same goes with our creativity. I just can’t work in a messy environment. I spend too much time thinking how to organize it then coming up with ideas with crocheting. I feel lost if things are not in its place. It’s kinda of weird. On the other hand, Michael’s creativity explodes and bam there goes the house! I guess Yin and Yang relationship work like the exchange of carbon dioxide and oxygen! It’s about the energy we give in a healthy way. We have our moments but I was once told, Yin and Yang created each other. Other words the other would ceases to exist. We balance each other, when one goes up the other goes down. That is what keeps us strong. One thing for sure, we do transform each other, change is constant. If we didn’t embrace it, the experience of constant evolution and new possibilities will cease to exist. Life would be boring. So for this week, see the yin and yang in your world, embrace the differences. Sometimes the art of yielding is a gift, given and accepted from the heart of a loved one. Crochet what you love and care for. Enjoy! Diva Dan ( the Domestic Diva!)
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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.
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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