Mike y 4
Nov 5th, 2015
In This Issue
Wristers Crochet Along
comfy pillows
Pumpkin Finale
Mikey’s Afghan on Sale NOW
You make me smile Hawt off the Hook with Mikey I’m sure I am not alone in the yarn aisle! I have this obsessive need to bee line to the yarn aisle when I hit a store that sells yarn. I am sponsored by Yarnspirations, so I have advance knowledge on new yarns that are coming out. But of course, when it comes to yarn, all sense of reasoning jumps out the window. It’s so silly, I go to the yarn aisle and I search for the yarns that belong to Yarnspirations as I can film tutorials and do up projects. I’m like a kid at Christmas waiting for that new toy, that gem of yarn that I didn’t know was hidden on the shelf. At the same time, rummaging and searching for yarns I do know to see if there may be new colour shades that I wasn’t aware that just came out. If I see something new… I zone in, hover, touch and look around me to see if others see my glow and utter childlike excitement. I most likely will put it back because I don’t want people to see that I am anxious. I continue to walk down the aisle but checking back to make sure the ball doesn’t go walking away. I cannot describe the feeling of being attached. I’m emotionally connected. It’s mine… I just have to seal the deal. Ohhh… if a person is in the aisle. I’m watching their face. I see their faces light up when they hit a yarn they love. If they do the same thing with the ball of yarn I was considering… I swoop in like an eagle but I do it so casually. I just happen to walk on by and without a second thought, I reach around them and put it in my cart ever so calmly to pretend I know what I am doing. Meanwhile, I feel like I have just done a touch down at the football game! So if you see me in the aisle casually walking by you and tossing a ball in the cart. You’ve gotten too close to my yarn. On the inside, I can hear the stadium cheering me on! I may even slightly show my yarn swagger with myself saying, “That’s what I am talking about! She hooks, she scores!” Once done, I bee line back to the check out. I’ve got my bags in hand and I am walking swiftly to my car. I’ve got hook’n to do, get home real fast and let me play with my new yarn all night long! Ah!
2
Contents 3 Yarn Talk 4 Chain Links Pillow 5 Doily Pillow 6 Snowflake Pillow 7 C2C pillow 8 Facebook ?s with Jeanne 9 MIkey’s Afghan release 10 Christmas Tree Skirt 11 Mikey’s Video Library 12 Beginners Library 14 Wristers Challenge 15 Spinrite E-Tent SALE Patons Sale! 16 Headband, Week 1 Shares 18 Snowflake Series 19 Ticky Tacky Sweater 20 Facebook shares Christmas 22 The Big Pumpkin reveal 26 Facebook Shares Halloween 28 Ideas from Yarnspirations. com 30 Remembrance day Poppy 31 Facebook shares 32 Facebook Meme 33 Aloha our 2017 Cruise 34 Hat measurements 35 Diva Dan’s Thoughts 36 Past Issues
:)
This week
Yarn Talk
11 Crochet Hat Patterns Thanksgiving Inspired Afghans Adult Slippers and Socks National Donut day and Crochet 11 Crochet Baby Dresses Candy Swirl Placemats with Tutorial
The *NEW* LookBook just in time for the Holidays
3
Chain Links Pillow T
his Pillow consist of a stitch called Jacob’s Ladder. Very easy to do. Consisting of single crochet and chaining, the fun part is weaving the chain loops up the ladder. It is exciting when you start to see the project squeeze together.
I
t creates a wonderful textured pillow that is seamless and unique.
S
tay tune later this winter, Diva Dan has created the most amazing afghan using a form of this technique and a scarf.
Right and Left Hand Video
Pattern, Video & Blog 4
Doily Pillow D
oilies are becoming popular again but what we seeing are the colours changing creating more spectacular ranges of colour combos.
T
his pillow idea is quick. It does require a bit of sewing onto the pillow of your choice. But the results are professional and very decorative.
T
ry it with this doily pattern or create your own. Go with a colour that is similar to your pillow and then pop it with a splash of another colour!
Right Hand Video
A Fun Holiday Idea using the Star Runner AppliquĂŠ
Pattern, Video & Blog 5
Snowflake Pillow S
uch a cute pillow for the holiday season. Using Bernat Blanket, it’s soft and cozy pillow to cuddle up while watching your favourite movies and hanging around with friends.
A
simple snowflake adds to the look of this pillow. This pillow has plenty of design opportunities! Maybe instead of a snowflake, a Christmas tree, a star, or even a reindeer!
Right & Left Hand Video
Pattern, Video & Blog 6
C2C Pillow T
he Corner to Corner concept is one of the most viral stitches. This pillow uses the same idea but in little squares.
T
his pillow is a great start for those who always wanted to do a C2C but starting off small.
I
magine changing yarns creating different textures and colour combos. You could have a real winner!
Right & Left Hand Video
Pattern, Video & Blog 7
Facebook ?s with Jeanne Just a simple question....is it better to ball the yarn or leave it in the skein? Just wondering....I was told balling the stretches the yarn. Not sure. from Nerissa Y.
I’m seeking advice please! I’m about to teach an 11 yr old girl to crochet. After teaching stitches and technique, what pattern or item did you teach? Hat, scarves, etc? She’s been wanting to learn for a year and her mom gave me the green light to teach her! Im hoping to pass my wisdom and love of crochet to her! Thank you in advance for any and all advice! from Erika R. You get an award for passing on your skills and teaching the next generation the art of crochet. I think I would empower her and let help choose the pattern she wishes after you get thru the basics. I think scarves are a good way to start, but if she would rather wear a hat, then go that route. Once you know her interest, give her 3 or 4 beginner patterns to chose from to begin. Good luck!
8
Well, I have a really simple answer, it depends. Actually, leave it in the form it’s in, either ball or skein and use it as it. If it’s in a skein, then I use it as a center pull. If it’s a ball, I like to put it in my yarn bowl and let it roll. The only time I roll the yarn into a ball is when I’ve boughten a hank of yarn. I tried to use it once without winding it... biggest disaster of entanglement ever! The way I look at it is I’d rather spend my time crocheting then just winding balls.
Jeanne is looking for questions on Facebook to answer. Question: I have a ball of yarn that has several knots joining the yarn together. It came that way. Was wondering does everyone just keep crocheting the knot in or do you cut and make your own with longer tails for weaving? I haven’t come across this before as I haven’t been crocheting that long. Just wondering if the knot joins are secure they seem tight. What do others do in this situation. Thanks. from Cara M. Sometimes knots happen. It just the nature of the processing. If you have never seen Mikey’s article on how yarn is made, be sure to check out this one. How Caron Simply Soft is Made. Generally when I encounter a knot in a skein, I cut it and redo it with tails to weave in. It’s a bit more inconvenient, but I feel more confident in my own knot ratherthan trusting how the original knot might have been tied. Nothing worse than finishing a project and having it come apart later.
Mikey’s Afghan on Sale NOW Colourful, Textured & Adventurous
Order Here
For More Information
9
Christmas Tree Skirt T
his week we started to work on our Christmas Tree Skirt.
A
hexagon with opportunities to grow to infinity. Change the colours to your colour theme at Christmas.
O
nce you get past the first two rows, the length and size is up to you. Easy pl-easy.
W kle!
e used Caron Simply Soft Party for spar-
Right & Left Hand Video
Pattern, Video & Blog 10
Tutorials by Mikey
Wavy Long Wristers
In Love with Colour
Broomstick Lace Shawl
Boot Cuffs
Circles in Squares Afghan
T-Strap Baby Booties
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 11
Wristers/Fingerless Gloves N
ext on the Perfect Gift Stitch Along with Mikey are the Wristers.
W
risters are one of the most popular gloves today. It still allows us to text and use our addicting phones.
T
ry these as a challenge. Using Caron Simply soft Ombre. Style never came so easily as these.
E
njoy! Next week will be the scarf
Right & Left Hand Video
Pattern, Video & Blog 12
Fantastic Four Sale… Selected Patons Yarns $10.00… November 3rd to November 9th, 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!
Using Shetland Chunky, make this Wild Side Set
Cranberry Mouse throw anybody? Using Patons Decor
Do the Twist with Classic Wool
13
Headband Stitch Along L
ast week we featured the handbands as part of the new crochet along!
T
hese headbands are the first of the challenge which have a great stitch pattern that you will love. Use a variegated yarn such as Caron Simply Soft Ombres.
S
ee some of the eamples are on the next page of Crocheters showing off their samples on our Crochet Along Facebook Page
Both Right and Left version are available to watch.
Pattern, Video, and Blog click here 14
Headband 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, Kristi Heiler-Kelley, Sue Bourke, Irene Chong, Sandra Jean, Susan, Winn Sisson, Angel Barstow, Julia Bonagofsky, Ada Maria Lainez, Donna Bondy & Katie Conner
15
Dazzling Snowflakes
16
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
Ticky Tacky Challenge
H B O
ave you ever made your own Tacky Christmas Sweater? Obviously, wearing a Tacky Christmas Sweater takes a bit christmas fun and laughs but you can be the life of the party too.
eginning Nov 15, 2015. We will be releasing the details to challenge you to make your own Ticky Tacky Sweater.
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 17
Shares of Holidays
Fiona’s made a small wreath for her door. Looking Festive!
Nancy’s did one of Jeanne’s Candle holder! Awesome!
Edna has been working on her collection of snowflakes. Love the imagines in the middle!
Barbara finished her C2C Christmas Blanket. Wow and you can do this with the corner to corner stitch
Heidi’s Version of the Peppermint twist using Hexagons. Pretty neat!
Melissa’s little Rudolph reindeer is cute as a button!
18
Jessica’s Zig Zag stockings are about to be hung by the fireplace
Debbie’s snowmen door hangers. Look like they are ready for the job!
Deb’s snowflake pillow done is in a different stitch. Looks Good!
Shares of Holidays
Linda’s Furry friends get gifts too. That is so sweet!
Patricia Frozen wreath. Love the detail and the happy looking Olaf!
Anna’s Holiday tree hanger! Nice touch to the wall or door.
Stacy’s c2c Santa block. Nice work! Kathy’s Christmas tree Skirt. Wow! Great use of Christmas yarn
These are many samples of what The Crochet Crowd Community is doing for the unp coming Holidays. Lisa is counting down to Christmas Many of these patterns are ideas and inspiration created by the with her Tree Calendar 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!
19
Jeanne was inspired by creating a pleasant scarecrow that sits on her front porch. Jeanne customized her pumpkin using her skills from her paper crafting of creating a cute happy pumpkin face. Combined with with hay and farmer’s clothing, she has combined her crochet skills in making a hat and tie.
20
Carmi was inspired by the Mexican Living of the Dead Traditions. Armed with her glue gun and beading galore from plastic, polymer, fabric, felt, cotton and more. She transformed her pumpkin into a skull. Carmi’s creativity spoke to her personality and designing preferences of being bold and eccentric. Look carefully at the pictures as you will find surprises and unexpected beads and items worked onto her pumpkin.
21
I was inspired by creating a display exhibit intended to celebrate fall where it can be assumed it’s for Halloween. I purposely made some tutorials in October where elements were intended for this project. I found a free pattern for a Pumpkin Lace Collar for pumpkins online and was my starting point. Combined with Diva Dan’s knowledge of floral arranging, Diva Dan stood beside me giving me tips on arranging. Usually he takes over in this kind of project but made me do it myself.
22
What a really fun entry and a completely different approach. We’ve been teasing Cathy about her competitive nature of the local fair. She decided to rub it in our faces and incorporate many of her crafting skills into her Pumpkin Shrine. Cathy carved out her pumpkin and completed a scene inside her pumpkin where the fair is inside of her pumpkin. Cathy didn’t win the pie contest this year and designed to crochet a pie and stick her own first prize ribbon on it for laughs.
23
Happy Halloween Shares of Halloween
Tiffany scarecrow hat is so well done!
Love the pompoms of the clown hat by Brooke
Lori’s children dressed up with top hats abd funky cloths! Melissa’ little lamb as as adorable as can be!
Hannah’ grand babies as the Cat in the Hat,
Nicole’s decided to 100% crochet all their outfits for Halloween. NICE!
24
Anna is a crocheted Witch
Mandi’s little mermaid looks out of place without water but cute!
Happy Halloween Amanda as a Viking for Halloween
Shares of Halloween
Chrissy’s Cabbage patch kids. They do look like the Cabbage patch kids!
Where’s Waldo? Stephaine is Waldo! Ok! Love the smile!
Sarah dressed up as wonder women!
Krista’s cute Olaf snowman from Frozen
Erin crochet 21 snakes for her costume as Medusa! Thank goodness no one turned to stone!
These are many samples of what The Crochet Crowd Community is doing for Halloween. Lydia’s daughter love the movie Brave so she dressed up as Merida
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!
25
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.
26
Ideas
Christmas Tree Shirt
Stripes on the Side Scarf
Fast Forward Jacket
Houndstooth Hat
Big Stitch Cowl
Christmas Tree Throw
Colour Lovers Afghan
Friendship Shawl
Crochet Jacket
27
Remembering with Poppies Remembrance Day is coming up. Lest we Forget! We have a Poppy pattern and video BUT please don’t forget to support the Veterans handing out the traditional poppy. If you choose to wear you own crochet poppy, do make a donation in honour of their fight for freedom. It is the least we can do.
Pattern Video I Think this is a neat idea. It is the Mystery afghan but with Flowers on it by Shay B Archi. The flowers look like Poppies. Very fitting for Remembrance Day (Canadian)/ Veterans day (U.S.) coming up.
28
Shares from Our Community
Claudia has only been crocheting since last Christmas. Awesome work! Jeanne is loving this new Christmas Tree Skirt pattern from Mikey
Margret made the Chain links Pillow. She couldn’t resist
Caoilfhionn is making the Lattice Shawl for a wonderful 81 yr old lady
Wouldn’t this be the life? Thanks Sharon for Sharing!
Love the colours on this afghan by Barbara. It just pops!
Milica from Serbia made the Texture hat
Heather’s version of the Stain Glass Afghan! Just lovely!
Julie has been working on the Globetrotter Shawl. Nice colourway!
Wendy made the Draft Dodger that we focused on Last week
29
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 am the coolest clown! Thumb ups for some fun!
30
Crochet Cruises Update ALOHA! We have announced our dream 2017 Crochet Crochet Cruise! 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.
31
Hat Sizes Reference Guide
Jeanne did a great article on hat sizes. Jeanne has taken the time to research general sizes for heads when it comes to hats. She has given the standards of typical sizes that the textile industry uses for the sizing across the spectrum. Crocheters are always asking for hat sizing requirements for the human body. What are the typical dimensions for the average person? For example, we are often asked about getting the right sizes for children when a crocheter gives us an age. If you look at a classroom in school, kids don’t grow evenly in both height and body shape. Us adults, we too are different shapes and sizes. Jeanne explains what to consider everything from head measurements to the hat Crown. She has a graph both in metric and imperial measurements. Enjoy the read, and save the link for future hat making days
Read The Article
32
Diva Dan! Michael and I live busy lives. There is not a day where we are not at our desk and working hectically to keep The Crochet Crowd primed at its peak. The holidays season is fast approaching and we are working fast in providing as much content as we can to keep you excited about your next project. AND WE LOVE IT! We are tired but we love the rush! Communications are excellent between the two of us and last night we had our martinis, pondered about the frenzied lives we have created. There is a lot of passion with what we do. But I did have to remind both him and myself to take the time to see the simple things. We all love complex ideas but to jump in a tank full off sharks takes a lot of yarn balls. When we are faced with tight deadlines, crazy projects, we all need to find a way to run into a world where we can see beauty in the simplest things. Yesterday was a GORGEOUS day. To breathe in life is wonderful. To see the birds fly by, hear the leaves rustle and feel crispness of the air. You feel good! I love that solo time even it was for a moment! Just remind yourselves to always continue to practice listening, we do live in a world of abstractions. Embrace your creativity starting at the simplest thing you know, because from there, there are no limits. Passion can run away at times, we experience that often but we have to make time to sit back and allow things to naturally happen at times. We just need to stop, see something else for the first time like a blooming of a flower and marvel. That’s the gardener in me popping out for a quick visit. What would your story be? We all have our stories to tell, to live and to see. It’s easy to be judgmental of others when the stories in our own lives don’t match. But that’s not really my point. Taking time to see beauty in yourself through your own eyes is a step to see the infinite beauty of the diverse wonder of our universe. It’s immeasurable! Happy crocheting and the many others things you love to do. Diva Dan
33
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.
34
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