Mikey Magazine: Nov 20, 2015

Mike y

Nov 20th, 2015

In This Issue

‘On the Dot’ Stocking Granny Slippers Granny Rectangle Afghan

G

ranny is home for the Holidays

You make me smile

Hawt off the Hook with Mikey

The good ole Granny! Daniel says that’s our theme and pulled out his whip to have our team search for ideas involving the granny square type of stitching.

For many new crocheters, the granny square is one of the first projects. It wasn’t for me though. My mother taught me how to do double crochet and my first first project was a solid double crochet afghan. As many know, I got bored pretty quickly and moved onto other ideas with the help of a crochet pattern book.

My second project was another afghan and at the time, I didn’t realize it was inspired by Granny at all. It was just straight rows back and forth but doing the typical 3 dc, ch 1 method. I used two strands to double up the thickness and I used any yarn I could get my hands on. At the age of 14, I was taking left over yarns from my mother and grandmother.

To this day, one of the best afghans I ever did. It was colourful and non symmetrical. Most importantly though, it was warm and I loved it. To my horror, it’s gone missing somehwere in my adult life.

I never mastered a granny square until almost 20 years into my crochet journey. I tried a sample in the books and I had the most hideous seam lines up through one corner. I hated it… loathed it and sent my granny square off to be stomped by a reindeer! I came up with concept of never ending grannies. I never had to slip stitch and had perfect corners every time. Slip stitching and me... not bffs!

I realized when I was 35 or whatever, early on in The Crochet Crowd, that I had been slip stitching in the wrong space. Also, I realized if I changed the way I start a round, I don’t have a line at all. If you have ever noticed one of my videos, the way I start is unusual but you don’t have seam lines!

Take that you nasty seam line! Be off or a house will land on you too! *insert evil cackle* I found the way that works for me and though to some I am wrong… let’s just say… I had a problem, I figured out a solution that I could live with and the rest is history! Let your edition today inspire you about granny! We have many ideas that goes beyond the granny square!

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Contents 3 Yarn Talk 4 Granny Hat 5 Granny cowl 6 Granny Stockings 8 Facebook ?s with Jeanne 9 Ticky Tacky Sweater 10 Mikey’s Holiday Afghans Video Library 11 Order Mikey’s Afghan 12 Granny Rectangle 14 Spinrite E-Tent SALE 15 Thank You Crochet Along 16 Granny Slippers 18 Facebook shares Christmas 20 Alaskan Cruise Update 21 Thanksgiving Shares 22 Ideas from Yarnspirations. com 24 Facebook shares 25 Facebook Meme 26 Last Weeks Features 27 Diva Dan! 28 Past Issues

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This week

Yarn Talk

25 Ways to Tie Your Scarf Camouflage Kids Hat pattern Candy Store Kids hat pattern How to post Pictures on The Crochet Crowd Facebook 11 Thanksgiving and Fall Ideas

The *NEW* LookBook just in time for the Holidays

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Granny Stripes Hat J

eanne came up with the idea of a granny hat and cowl combo! This combination is a hit! Fast and using the granny square stitch, you too can hook up a combination for the holidays in no time at all.

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e love how Jeanne took the time to find her good friend MacKenzie Cantwell to do a photo shoot. Thanks MacKenzie!

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e have been busy this week doing tutorials on this combination.

If you dislike changing colours, Mikey used Bernat Super Value Stripes for that easy colourful look.

Get the Pattern, Videos and Blog

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New and Now Cowl T

he ‘New and Now Granny Cowl’ is a perfect gift addition to the Granny Stripes Hat. Keeping with the same style and look, adding this cowl to any gift package is a practical idea.

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ou can change colours on each row or use a variegated yarn to make it with ease. In Jeanne’s example, she same colours as the hat. 3 different coloured balls of Caron Simply Soft with lots left over.

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onsisting of 8 Granny Squares, Mikey shows how to attach the Granny Squares using the whip stitch technique for a beautiful nonintrusive seam.

Get The Pattern, Videos and Blog Bernat Super Value Stripes Picture Shown ‘Spice’

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On the Dot Stocking W

e love these ‘On the Dot Stockings’. There is something magical about bringing back the traditional granny square stitch and using it for the holidays. For us it is bring back a tradition in the crochet world.

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he pattern is easy but if you have not done so, watch Mikey’s video on how to put the stocking together.

It is quite hilarious as this is an outtake!

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he colour variations are endless and you can be your own holiday decorator.

We used Caron Simply Soft Party for that extra sparkle but you can use whatever yarn you have in your stash or maybe that excuse to go buy some more yarn. *wink *wink

Get The Pattern, Video and Blog 6

hung by the chimney with care These Grannies Stockings add extra flare to be hung up by the Chimney with care. A wonderful way to bring back the granny stitch idea!

The following wonderful stockings were made by Ilona de Leer, Katie Conner, Kati Mulholland, Dina Olson, Jonathon Blaber, Amy Frazier, Lindsay Cough, Maria Catojo Martins and Tanja Blumlein.

Don’t forget to share your stockings on our Facebook Page.

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Facebook ?s with Jeanne I got a set of bamboo crochet hooks and the yarn doesn’t move on and off the hooks as smoothly as it does with my aluminum hooks. Is this normal or is there something I need to do to make the surface of the bamboo smoother? It feels smooth to me but someone said something about treating them with something to soften them up but she didn’t have any details. Anyone ever heard of this? from Shawna P.

Please may I ask a question regarding the super chunky yarns and similar thicknesses that are popular now.

What is the best way to finish these items off? For example how do you sew the ends in or indeed sew an item together without leaving nasty bumps and lumps all over the place? Hope you can help me out. from Ruth I am working on a project right now using the Bernat Mega Bulky, so I can relate. It depends on the project and stitch on whether or not I tie a knot. Whenever possible, I try to join a new yarn at the edge instead of in the middle of the project so that the tails can be worked over with a border. But I do on occasion join in the middle as to not be wasteful either. I leave at least 6”tails and will split the plys and weave them in opposite directions to keep the bulk down. The Big Blanket yarn doesn’t have plies that will split, but does weave in pretty nicely without 8 bulk.

I will admit that I have never personally tried a bamboo hook, although I do use wooden hooks and love them. Mikey wrote a great comparison on all types of hooks and you can read his article.

But to solve you problem, just simply rub your hook with some waxed paper and your yarn will be gliding smoothly in no time.

Jeanne is looking for questions on Facebook to answer.

Help! I just finished my first afghan the sides are not even. I’m not sure what the best way is to keep them straight. from Sharon P. Congrats on finishing your first afghan!

Hopefully there will be more in your future.

Some folks will say the best way is to count the stitches at the end of each row, but honestly that is a bit tedious for me. I find that stitch markers are my best friend. I use one in each of the first and last stitch of each row to make sure I don’t miss that last stitch. I’m working on a project now doing hdc in the blo and it would be easy to accidentally miss that last one if I don’t pay attention.

Let the Party Begin!

So it Started! What will your TICKY TACKY sweater Look Like!!! What kind of Fun can you create!

Get the Details to have a Bit of Creative FUN! 9

Holiday Ideas Tutorials by Mikey

Step Ladder Afghan

Poinsettia Throw

Holiday Stripe Afghan

Dusty Snowflake Throw

Wreath Throw

Holiday Balls Throw

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!

Click 10

Mikey’s Afghan Colourful, Textured & Adventurous

Order Here

For More Information

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Granny Rectangle Afghan S

ometimes, we like something simple and easy.

This version of the Rectangle Granny Square Afghan is one of those projects that Laura Jean recommended that is mindless and easy to whip up fast!

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different approach from the typical square version but just as interesting!

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o learn how to get started, You can create your own style and fun.

Just like what Laura jean did over the weekend.

Get the Pattern, video and read the blog and tips.

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e b t ’ n Do e r a u q S

Facebook Shares

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hen we featured the Granny Rectangle Afghan a couple of days ago, we were quite shocked how many fans have already done this afghan. fghans done by Mery Manto, Brenda Payne, Deborah Bosch, Gwyn Wolf, Helen Crenshaw, Melissa Noel Camp, Donna Taylor, Sue Taylor, Terry Anne McDonald.

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THE GIVING-THANKS EVENT...

Any E-Tent yarn order over $50.00 from November 17th to November 23rd, 2015 at 11:59pm (EST)

you will receive...

E-Tent: you receive...

Giving-Thanks Fun Pack Patterns & More Package...

ANY E-Tent yarn order over $50.00 from July 7th to July 13th, 2015 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!

Cup Cozy

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Felt and Flower Tea Cozy

Felted Hat Accessories

Thank You for Joining Us Last week was the final week for the Yarnspirations.com Crochet Along. They and including us would like to thank everyone that participated in this project.

We hope you have fun learning new stitches, new ideas and maybe even exploring a new yarn.

Many finished the scarves last week and some even showed of the complete set! Way to go! Thanks Sandra Jean, Angie Lindstrom, Sarah Carlisle, Merrie Eggleston, Melissa Pittenger, and Mary Ducker for sharing on Facebook!

If you are interested in learning any of the trio that was used for the Crochet Along below are the links.

Cozy Posy Headband Cozy Posy Gloves Cozy Posy Scarf

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Granny Slippers T

here has been a few requests lately to do adult slippers. It is something we never have done before. So we ended up searching the Yarnspirations.com library and pulled out these cute Granny Square Slippers.

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e love this quote, Aging doesn’t mean giving up on style and individuality; it doesn’t mean abandoning fashion and living in comfy slippers and flannel knickers. Twiggy.

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ounds like us, slippers are comfort for the soul on a cold winter’s night! Especially when made from your own hands.

Get The Pattern, Video and Blog

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Grannies on the Feet It only took Diva Dan a night to make his slippers plus the many others too! Donna Marie, Cyndi Hughes, Sharon Petit Costello, Jenny Sharp, Angela Alcorn, Lisa Haskins Burk, Jolanda Peereboom and Ana Ramirez, all showed their work of this pattern on Facebook. It’s fun to see what crocheters come up with for colours and ideas. You never know, you might be inspired with just a picture!

Cyndi Hughes has taken the Granny Slippers to another set further or should we say further up!

She created 4 more toe grannies and attached them. Love the idea with the tie at the back. You can also use ribbon is you wish.

A neat idea, thanks Cyndi for sharing this ‘step’ up from the granny slipper!

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Shares of Holidays

Rissa is working on her Batch of Snowflakes.

Super cute Father Christmas by Emily.

Sharon’s Granddaughter’s first December, She will be a winter princess at the party!

Claudia awesome C2C blanket for the Holidays! Feliz Navidad!

Jessica made matching elf hats for her daughter and her doll!

Angela’s very well done snowman as a door hanger!

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We love these cute little gnomes.

This one was done by Vickie

Fantastic Coffee Cozies by Ashley!!!! Love the added decorations to them!

Robert is working on the Noel Afghan.

Shares of Holidays

The Elf sitting on a shelf by Cindy.

She is adorable!

Jessica made this snowman wreath HOTH with excitement!

Lisa’s first stuffed amigurumi of Olaf. Way to go! Looks like Olaf!

Mez’s little pooch is ready for Christmas!

Someone was happy with their new Santa hat! What a sweetie Amanda.

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

This looks like so much fun to wear Many of these patterns are ideas and inspiration created by the for a scarf by Heather! 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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Crochet Cruises Update

Alaska

Sherry, our awesome cruise agent has negotiated a really great rate for a hotel in Vancouver for those attending the Alaskan Cruise with us in August 2016.

Also some Sight Seeing excursions in Vancouver are now in place. Discover Vancouver, Victoria and the mountains!

For more information to get on the group rate on the hotel and excursions please click here.

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Happy American Thanksgiving We wish everyone a fun and safe American Thanksgiving. Strive to find things to be thankful for, and just look for the good in who you are! We are thankful for all the wonder crocheters that help us be a diverse community sharing the love for crochet and positive encouragement to everyone!

Maria’s Mr. Pilgrim Bottle topper is fabulous. Love the turkey too!

Maria’s Tom the Turkey on the door knob is a great idea for guest at the door!

Rachael made this cute turkey hat for a friend’s son.

Alicia’s Cornucopia is perfect for the table centre piece.

Jennifer made this Turkey appliqué.. Now that is cute!

A rafter of 40 Turkeys. Christine made these for her Kindergarten class. FUN!

Katie’s centre piece for the table.

Love the granny square feathers

Tara made this Turkey wreath for the front door. Gobble gobble!

Tammy’s Gobble hat! I am sure someone in the family will be 21 wearing this.

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

Merry Christmas Wreath

Crochet Layered Scarf

Front Door Stocking

Ridged Cap

Cabin in the Woods

Poinsettia Scarf

Perfect Office Jacket

Amigurumi Ornaments

Urban Revival

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Shares from Our Community

Katie’s Big Wheel Blanket is super nice with Bernat Blanket yarn!

Jessica just started crocheting this year. Well this is excellent!

Terri did the Spectrum afghan from Mikey’s Tutorials. Nice!

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Lisa loves how ideas can be dreamed up like this Teddy sleeping on the moon!

Talk about techni-colour! Karen‘s jacket is absolutely fun!

These African Daisy Grannies amigurumis are always awesome.

Thanks Joanne for sharing!

These Piggy Slippers are so cute and funny! I would wear them Rachel!

Mary did an elegant version of the baby sweater we featured last week!

Heather finally climbed into the Trolley Band wagon

Samantha did custom seat covers for their moterhome. Mikey, an idea for a future project!!!

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?

Just me and the kitty, Together forever!

Why Me!

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Our Features from Last Week’s Magazine Edition Tabitha, Mary and Melissa made their version of the this stunning ‘Take it from the Top’ baby pullover Sweater we featured last week.

We love seeing what people have done; their styles and ideas. Melissa even added a skirt to go with hers while Mary chooses lovely cream shades. Tabitha enjoyed adding purple to hers!

Brittany decided to make this giraffe! No matter what, this Giraffe always bring a smile to us! To see our last week edition.

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Diva Dan! I still like to ponder with Michael about the early beginnings of The Crochet Crowd. For many who have known us from 8 years ago, we were just a username on YouTube called ‘Mikeysmail’.

The whole YouTube thing was just merging into the world where the everyday person can give tips and tutorials. We were at the dawn of that age and with that, we then discovered that our true passion which was sharing and being part of a positive cyber community. We have learned a lot over these past few years; videoing, programming, presentations and you name it. It is a huge mountain to climb!

Today, with our Granny edition, it was a reminder of those early times. The Granny Stitch was Mikey’s comfort stitch. He would do everything under the rainbow with it! At that time I was not even crocheting and I thought ‘gee is that all there is to crochet?’ “hmmm how boring!’ Well, things changed and so did I. I started to learn to crochet, it took a few years but knowing Michael and having that support to push, it force him to create and inspire.

It was a shove to get him to venture out of his box, his comfort stitch and to discover the endless ideas of colour, design and fun! It was also a way to keep me occupied!

With the holidays coming up and the tragedies that is happening all around the world, we all need something to remind us and to comfort us. Something that is familiar and something that we know well. I believe and strongly support diversity. I think it is beautiful! Even for myself, sometimes when it gets to unfamiliar and not the norm, I will close the box but only partially but be open minded to see what’s outside the box too. It is the human response. We do go back to what is comfortable and are apart of everyday.

Enjoy this week, we will see you next week with some new ideas and videos! Be kind and crochet for the love of it.

Diva Dan P.S. I have never done a Granny Sqaure until I did my Slipper only a few days ago. Breaking my promise never to do a Granny Square 6 years ago!

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Past Issues

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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