Mikey Magazine: Oct 22, 2015

Mike y

Oct. 22nd, 2015

In This Issue

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Benefits of Weighted Blankets

Holiday Afghans

*Cuteness Alert* Little Emily Schools Dela

You make me smile

Hawt off the Hook with Mikey

During Creativ Festival, we had a young visitor plop herself down during one of our formal workshops. Meet Emily, on front cover. Dela’s our awesome Tunisian Expert, I had been walking around the booth and saw Emily sitting in one of our chairs during Dela’s class. If you know Dela, she’s one of the most patient and sensitive people I know. Emily’s dad was leaning on a table looking on as she watched his young daughter crochet.

She already knew the basics and yarn manipulation skills.

But wait… Dela didn’t wrap her hook right and Emily will not stand for it. Emily doesn’t realize Dela is doing another technique. Emily definitely has the skills and are correct for what Emily was up to. It was time for Emily to step in and school Dela!

This is the exact moment you can break a child’s creativity in half and for them to walk away feeling defeated. This is one of the moments I am most proud of from the Creativ Festival as well. Dela encouraged Emily to show her method and Dela played along in pretending to learn the skills from Emily. Is this so wrong? Absolutely not.

Emily was then schooling Dela. Dela could have switched this around correcting Emily for not doing the skills that were in the class but instead, embraced what Emily had to learn. This, in turn, gave Emily a sense of accomplishment and teaching skills. It was a win-win.

Us adults around the crochet igoo know what’s happening and that Dela could have schooled Emily but she didn’t. Dela allowed the tables to turn to embrace the creativity that was being shown.

Therefore, giving Emily a moment to shine. What a gift!

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Contents 3 Yarn Talk 4 Granny Noel Throw 5 Step Ladder Afghan 6 Dusty Snowflake Throw 7 Christmas Wreath Throw 8 Creativ Gallery 10 Holiday Afghan 11 Peppermint Swirl Throw 12 Mikey’s Video Library 13 Spinrite E-Tent SALE

mini tent sale!

14 Poinsettia Throw 15 Holiday Balls Throw 16 Facebook ?s with Jeanne 17 Holiday Stripes Throw 18 *NEW* pumpkin tutorial 19 The Pumpkin Bash Goes On 20 Facebook Shares Halloween 22 Ideas from Yarnspirations. com 24 Benefit of Heavy Blankets 25 Globetrotter updates 26 Remembrance day Poppy 27 Facebook shares 28 *NEW* Jewelled Ornament 29 Facebook Meme 30 Aloha our 2017 Cruise 31 Diva Dan’s Thoughts 32 Past Issues

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This week

I think sometimes us adults, including myself, need to silence ourselves and let the kids teach us too. It is the time when a child feels comfortable in sharing knowledge they have and for us to embrace what they have learned and are offering us. The skill building exercise from this moment is critical to a child’s development.

Dela thought it was sweet to have been taught as there are not too many children as young as Emily crocheting today. Dr Phil has this saying that I appreciate, “Is it better to be happy or better to be right?” In this case, it is better to be happy. In time, Emily may come to learn Tunisian but this wasn’t the time. It was her time to shine and thankfully Dela recognized that moment and embraced it.

Happy Hook’n to you Emily. We wish you a life time of crochet happiness. -Mikey

Yarn Talk Assorted Pillows

Christmas Tree Skirts + Mini Yarn Trees Crochet Baby Sampler Afghan Holiday Home Collection E-Book 3

Granny’s Noel Throw T

his week we are giving you ideas for the up & coming season. Get a head start on your favourite afghans and throws so they are ready for gift giving time.

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his Granny Noel Throw is as basic as it can get.

A combination of one large granny square and four grannies put together to form a larger one.

Both Right and Left version are available to watch of the Large Square Right hand is available to watch of the small squares

Pattern, Video, and Blog click here

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Step Ladder Afghan T

he Step Ladder Afghan using Bernat Blanket Yarn is a quick and lovely textured Afghan. Using holiday colours, you can decorate and snuggle with the warmth of the season.

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ix and match according your holiday colours or the personality of whomever you are gifting it to.

Right and Left hand version are available to watch.

Pattern, Video, and Blog click here

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Dusty Snowflakes Throw T

his stunning snowflake afghan is partially an optical illusion as the white is mixed in to give it a 3D texture effect. It’s not as hard as it looks.

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little worried about learning this one.

Watch Mikey’s tutorial. it would be a breeze. He simplifies it in easy terms so you can be successful to.

Right and Left hand version are available to watch.

Pattern, Video, and Blog click here

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Christmas Wreath Throw I

f you are a crocheter that like to repeat the same square while doing a movie marathon, this afghan is for you! Creating solid and half tone squares, you then create this wreath afghan according to the pattern design.

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ikey says to choose your friends wisely if gifting this one. It’s a lot of work and you will want to give it to someone that appreciates your time.

Right version is available to watch.

Pattern, Video, and Blog click here 7

Creativfestival

Photo Gallery of Creativ Festival Highlights We had a lot of fun last week. Many highlights of the show included teaching in the amazing crochet snowflake igloo! What a magical experience it was. The show was busy with people all around but when you entered the igloo you felt wrapped in a wonderful cocoon. The snowflakes represented all of our individualism connected together like the INTERNET itself and wrapped together to cocoon the feeling of warmth and love shared by all that contribute to our passion. We had a enchanting reaction and enjoyment teaching in the igloo. The Crystal Chandelier by Cathy Lund was perfect! It was the perfect blend allowing light to shine through! When the sun came out you could see the rainbows coming through the crystals and onto the snowflakes.

It was the Igloo that attracted the attention of Breakfast TV. The reaction of Jennifer (the Host) was nothing but amazed and wowed. You can see the interview here! (it will play after the commercial)

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The Nutcrackers were another highlight! Literally, they stopped people in their tracks! It is a bustling show, people are moving fast to get to the next booths but when they came around the corner, the camera phones came out! It was like the paparazzi. All we can say is WOW, what a great response. The team of 4, Mikey, Kevin, Karen and Diva Dan did a Fabulous job. We are hoping that they we be displayed in Ottawa and then back to Toronto for the Nutcracker ballet season. We are so excited!

Part of our booth we sold yarn. It’s a great chance to really see what customers are buying! But it also a fabulous chance for us to dive in and think of all the wonderful ideas and patterns we can play with. Our Friend Kathy came all the way to California to help out. The first day she dressed up as an elf. No elfing around here, she was our amazingly comic relief. Thanks Kathy! Kevin and Karen also did a superb job on the Christmas Tree. We had a number of Elves decorating the tree and it got plenty of attention and awes.

Dela Wilkins, our Tunisian Expert, is a patient as a can be. She is such a wonderful teacher and a huge love for Tunisian. If you ever take a class with her, you will learn lots! We love having her with us! Colleen was helping on cash. She is the most cheery person ever! We love her long, long time! :D Behind the scenes we had much help with garments and getting our props to the show. We have to thank hugely for the team of Yarnspirations.com and Spinrite. Thank you!

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Holiday Afghan A

gain another granny square idea. Change the colours for a more festive look. What makes this such a great holiday afghan is the tassels!

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azzle them with sparkling yarn and be creative. There is plenty of ideas you can do with this afghan.

Right and Left hand version are available to watch.

Pattern, Video, and Blog click here

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Afghan made by Donna Bishop

Peppermint Swirl Throw W

e have featured this afghan a few times and it still goes to the top of our list for popularity.

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ne of the most complex afghans but made simple by Mikey. This afghan is ALWAYS a show stopping in any house

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or those who love county fairs, this afghan design has won several awards all over the globe!

Hint Hint! :D

Right and Left hand version are available to watch.

Pattern, Video, and Blog click here 11

Mikey’s Videos and Tutorials

Arrow Stitch

Foundation Double Crochet

Basket Weave Stitch

Star Stitch

Crinkle Stitch

Extended Moss Stitch

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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Alpaca

Bamboo Chunky Monsterball

Big Ball Blended Wool

It’s a Mini Tent Sale…

Tent Sale Yarns Reduced…

Boucle

Pipsqueak

Pooch

KW Chunky Worsted

Big Ball Wool Blend

Big Ball Chunky October 20th to October 26th, 2015 Ends Monday Night at 11:59 pm (EST) 12 different brands to choose from...Don’t miss out!!!

Order online for amazing discounted or overstocked yarn through

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

Snow Capped Ornaments

Quick & Easy Blanket

Figure Eight Cowl

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Poinsettia Throw W

hen we first had the chance to see this throw, let us tell you it was AMAZING!

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he bases of this throw is single crochet with some granny squares. The stunning and gorgeous part is the cross stitching, creating the amazing pattern and detail!

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ven though it is time consuming, it is beyond festive! This one would be for that perfect spot in the house.

Right hand version is available to watch.

Pattern, Video, and Blog click here 14

Holiday Balls Throw T

he Holiday Balls Throw is another simple and decorative afghan that can be whipped up quickly.

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reating a circle and enclosing the circle with a square, you can do this quick, colourful and ready for that special someone!

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ho says Christmas Balls are red and green? Come on gang, use your imagination with lots of colours. Think about Christmas lights!

Both Right and Left version are available to watch.

Pattern, Video, and Blog click here

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Facebook ?s with Jeanne I sure don’t understand it. Yarn weights...let’s take for example worsted weight 4 (in U.S.). When I buy say Red Heart super saver in a solid color it is thicker than Red Heart in a variegated color. So how do they (the yarn makers) come up with the weights and how can “worsted” weights be different thickness?

I don’t get it. Thanks in advance. from Caren G

Does anyone know if you are permitted to take a crochet hook on a US plane? from Cindy Y. I see this same question asked all the time. It’s can be surprising, but the answer is YES! In fact, on one of my recent travels, I was frogging a project while in the airport and a very nice lady moved over next to me to wind the yarn while I pulled it out. It’s a great conversation starter. I even carry small plastic round tip scissors with no problem. If you need to travel with scissors bigger than 4”, then be sure to put those in your checked bag. Also, another no-no for carry-ons is those circular thread cutters, although I have taken mine on wearing it as a necklace. My friend Nancy explained that the reason is because the circular cutter contains a blade that can be taken apart. If you are ever in doubt, here is a link to the TSA where you can search on any item. TSA Carry-On allowed.

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

Yarn comes in many sizes from Lace to Jumbo. Within each category, there is a range that the yarn will fall into.

Think of it this way, if you are wearing a size ladies medium shirt, not all people who fall into the medium sized shirt measure the exact same measurements. We will vary by a couple Hey there Crochet Crowd family! inches either way. The same would be Does anyone have a trick when you true for yarn. The medium 4 worsted have to connect a chain without weight yarn will fall into a range of twisting the chain? from Margaret thicknesses. Check out this chart from S. the Craft Yarn Council to see the ranges for all the yarns. Craft Yarn Council When making a long chain, I try Yarn Standards to let it hang as much as possible.

Then when joining it into a circle, let it out flat and smooth it by running my finger thru it from one end to the other, then slip stitch to join. But while browsing the internet, I stumbled across this “method” of holding onto the first chain. I have not tried it yet but it looks rather interesting. How to Join a Chain

Jeanne is looking for questions on Facebook to answer.

Holiday Striped Throw W

e did a sample of this afghan changing the colours to Diva Dan’s Santa’s Toy Workshop colour combo. We were surprise how it turned out.

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his pattern has a fabulous border. Another very basic pattern that is mindless and fun to do while watching the latest talk on TV.

Right and Left hand versions are available to watch.

Pattern, Video, and Blog click here 17

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Crochet a Large Pumpkin

Learn how to crochet your own Pumpkin for Halloween, Fall or even Thanksgiving. These make for fabulous home decor items for a center piece or strategic fall decorations.

Having a unique stitch pattern called the puff stitch, this pumpkin has a fabulous texture.

Mikey used Bernat Super Value therefore making his pumpkin a little bit bigger but make sure you give it lots of stuffing, you don’t want a deflated centre piece.

Both Right and Left hand versions are available to watch

Pattern, Video, and Blog click here

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My pumpkin looks dull and mundane here. Don’t be fooled by appearances. They can be deceiving. You will fall for my pumpkin once you see what I have done. Bah hah stand back stitches and prepare to be amazed! - Cathy There isn’t an embellishment in my stash that isn’t making its way onto my pumpkin....I have even saluting (albeit smugly) my challengers with some crochet embellishments too! Let’s just say this pumpkin in no longer blank! I may go down in the pumkin decorating hall of fame with this project. -Carmi Well my crafties, prepare to weep as I am putting on the final touches. My pumpkin design is already relaxing and just waiting for me to straighten his tie. My pumpkin is ready to sing and dance down the yellow brick road. See you in Oz! - Jeanne Okay, I started this mess and now I need to deliver on my threats!

It’s time to put my hook into the wind and let the Yarn Whisperer speak through my hands! Daniel is pushing for me to crochet fish net stockings. Don’t tell Colleen though, she’s been dying for leotard crochet designs and I am in denial that she ever asked me that! Maybe this apple and worm would be great!- Mikey

The Great Pumpkin, Design Off begins with four crafters in the corners of the ring! The boxing gloves are off as we pull out our hooks, glue sticks, sewing machines, scrap booking supplies and more. Oh my pretties, this is going to 19 get ugly!

Shares of Halloween

BOO Ghost! Lori made this for her friend’s birthday

What a great idea. Nails and yarn to created designs by Donielle!

Maghan’s daughter is happier that she made Boba Fett better then the store version

Kelly has created the Bride of Frankenstein. Scary!

Jack Skellington from the Nightmare before Christmas by Peggy

Monte’s Day of the Dead Skulls on a coffin. Neat idea!

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Nina Lynn’s little minion is ready for Halloween. Very Cute!

Nesha is so proud of her wreath. She did a great job!

Jennifer’s little autumn arrangement is very well done !

Shares of Halloween

Great Oogie Boogie Man made by Ashley.

Pumpkin hangers are ready to be put on the doors by Aurora

Gillian’s Halloween Hat! Love the veil! it looks great!

Awesome fall wreath by Jessica Lots of Canady Corn. Graci made this set for her craft show.

This little devil is ready for Halloween by Cynthia.

These are many samples of what The Crochet Crowd Community is doing for Halloween.

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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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

Witchy Lily

Witch Dishcloth

Treat or Treat Wreath

Witch Hat

Halloween Bat

Spiders

Spider with it’s Web

Jack’o Lantern Dishcloth

Bat Dishcloth

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The Benefits of Weighted Blankets An interesting thing happened to me a couple weeks ago. As summer changed to fall, my flannel sheets and heavy comforter came out of the closet and onto the bed. It was the best night’s sleep that I had in several months. I never woke up or turned over once the whole night.

I didn’t give it too much thought that I was enjoying better sleep until I stumbled across an article on the internet about ‘weighted blankets’. It was the first time that I had ever heard that term, so it caught my eye. What I learned is that heavy weighted blankets can help people with Sensory Integration Dysfunction (SID). This is a condition that can be associated with autism and learning disabilities. The weighted blanket has a soothing and calming effect that can possibly help people with this disorder.

Well, the more I thought about it, the more I realized how true this can be. My son has ADHD, his foot never stops moving, and yet he cannot sleep unless he is wrapped from head to toe in a heavy blanket, no matter the time of year.

Then I remembered being young myself and piling blankets 6 deep on my bed each night. Not because I was cold, because it just made me feel secure. It was only recently in life when those dreaded hot flashes began that I started not sleeping with extra blankets. Maybe I’ll keep piling on the blankets and just turn that thermostat down more in the summer.

The Beauty of crochet blankets is that they are heavy and made with love. I love using the Bernat blanket yarn. It creates the weighted attention needed for this theory. Now I have seen people use Mega Bulky as well. Using Mega Bulky creates amazing weight and the throws are very heavy. Give it a try. It might help and like most of us, we all need a real good night sleep.

Jeanne

Try These Weighted Blanket Ideas

Easy Going Crochet Blanket Using Mega Bulky

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Tunisian Honeycomb Blanket

Arm knit 3-hr Blanket

Using Bernat Blanket Learn from Mikey

Using Bernat Blanket See how to Arm Knit

Enjoy Crocheting the Globetrotter Shawl Try this amazing and stunning New Challenge.

A new Crochet Along featuring a brand new pattern with Mikey has begun. Mikey will be teaching the Globetrotter Shawl as seen in the picture provided.

The shawl features a technique called bruges lace and Mikey had never heard of it before being asked to do this crochet along for Yarnspirations. He learned new techniques and had a lot of fun expanding his own skills.

The crochet along is one video featuring all components involved with the shawl. It’s one of the longest videos in Mikey’s video collection with over 1 Hour and 40 minutes.

He left no stone un-turned so that you can be successful.

To learn more about this pattern and/or order your yarn supplies to make these exquisite projects, please visit

Yarnspirations.com Blog for all the Details

Right Hand Version and Left Hand Version

WIP by Susan

Anna has done the Lace

Colourful job Andrea

WIP by Elaina

Beautiful work Barbara

Fabulous by Jeanne

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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.

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Shares from Our Community

Fatma’s Blanket is looking AWESOME! Wow, what a pop of colour!

The Bricks afghan came out great by Tracy! Nice touch with the colours.

Breat job on the Triangle Scarf Beth.

Love the yarn. It look sgreat on you!

Love, Hope and a rainbow. Nice touch Emily!

Jorja decided to finally make the Peak Hat. Well Done!

Iris used the Stitch-cation motifs to makes this charming top!

The Broomstitch Lace scarf is lacy and fabulous by

Lindsey’s octopus family for a wedding. Ok thats is too cute!

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Jewelled Snowflakes

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This absolutely stunning Jewelled Snowflake Ornament is fabulous and one of the most exciting patterns I have done in a long time.

I love how this ornament sparkles with Caron Simply Soft Party Yarn but also that it is three dimensional. The interior circle has thickness as there are two centre motifs put together to give it weight and structure.

You could put potpourri in between the two centre motifs for air scenting. I definitely wouldn’t put Cat Nip in this as your cat make go rangy all over your Christmas Tree.

I felt in this pattern that if you don’t have the hanger made, it would be an amazing topper for prepackaged gifts like tin cookies or even hang from the neck of a bottle of wine or champagne.

Give it a try!

Pattern, Video, and Blog click here

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Check in with us, we will post on Facebook, the photo Mfeme 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 didn’t think this is what they meant when they said I was gonna meet a real Yarn Head!”

Mom did say if I hook to much that I would turn into a yarn ball!

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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.

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Diva Dan! It so good to sit back and relish hard work!

We had a fabulous Creativ Festival! Seeing many of our Crochet Crowd Community Members and new people, I am so proud of our team for working painfully hard! We have never used our feet so much on this show before. Michael and I are still limping after 4 days and so are our volunteers!

After every show, and on the way home, there are moments that we laugh so damn hard over nothing. I believe that it might be called exhaustion. Those are the best moments.

Looking back, laughing and feeling proud of what we have done and not making sense of any of it. LOL

Michael being silly!

Well, we are glad that Creativ is done until next year. We do know what our theme is for 2016 but that is not until next year. I am also glad that we can move onto our next adventures! We have something really exciting planned for June 2016 that will be involving us Canadians. It is going to be launched in January 2016. So Canadians, look forward to the new launch! We hope to see you! *wink* In the meantime, work begins as usual, lots of videos are planned, ideas for the holidays season is coming up, Michael and I are planning to launch an E-pattern book of some of our designs. It will be free, of course! Lots to do! And I still need to get a new fridge. Using a small bar fridge really cuts down on the shopping list!

Today is a beautiful fall day. Take the time to breath in life. It is wonderful! Crochet for love and I thank everyone for helping us and seeing us at Creativ festival.

Diva Dan

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Past Issues

To join our newsletters for our latest Magazine

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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.

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

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