Knit & Crochet -- "Join In the Fun! It's the Bernat Blanket Stitch Along"

Starting Monday; October 3rd ...

Create a fun "Mystery" project with Bernat Blanket Yarn!
Open to ALL skill levels to Crochet or Knit ...

1.  Check in every Monday starting October 3rd, 2016, to get the latest stitch clue.

2.  The mystery pattern comes together as you knit and crochet along.

3.  Share your progress with others ...


Visit www.joann.com for all the juicy details and instructions ...

"Fabulous Finds -- Patriotic Quilts -- Free eBook"

Click the Image to Access the FREE "Patriotic Quilts"eBook

“Patriotic quilts are always popular with those who want to combine their passion for America with their passion for quilting. Merging the colors of the American flag with gorgeous quilt patterns, patriotic quilts symbolize the American spirit. Thanks to McCall's Quilting and McCall's Quick Quilts, these FREE patriotic quilt patterns are available as an instant download. This free eBook features three gorgeous patriotic quilts including:

• "July 4th Gathering" — a quilted ensemble highlighting Sawtooth Stars and an upbeat feeling. This includes patterns for matching quilt, placemats, napkins, and napkin ties!
• "Nautically Nice" — a pattern bringing together patriotic colors and a classic pieced quilt design.
• "Born in the USA" — a patriotic wall quilt pattern that makes a bold statement.

This free eBook provides step-by-step instructions to make each of the free patriotic quilt patterns.”

Revisited -- Crochet -- "Stitch-cation Challenge"

Last summer I participated in a free worldwide crochet Stitch-cation Afghan “Challenge" sponsored by Red Heart Yarns and the on-line group “The Crochet Crowd.”  An eBook, "Stitch-cation Workbook," provides patterns and video guidance for the entire project.

The goal of the challenge is to introduce and reinforce new stitching techniques and patterns to the artist. The challenge's list of patterns includes the following:

-- Popcorn Stitch

-- Granny Square

-- Front Post Treble

-- Back Loops

-- Cross Stitched

-- Front Post Double Crochet Around Single Crochet

-- Raised Treble Crochet

-- Shells with Front and Back Stitches

-- Front Post Double Crochet

-- Double Crochet and Slip Stitch

Participants are provided with patterns for the ten unique squares and corresponding online videos.   The materials demonstrate the techniques for producing the squares of "easy" to “intermediate” levels of difficulty.

Each participant is required to complete *at least* two squares of each pattern using *at least* a total of eight different colors to complete the afghan. The artist then needs to devise a way to join the squares and add a decorative border of *at least* four rows.

The project was great fun.  See the photo below of my completed afghan. Notice the double frilled row on the border, the ruffle on the “join” of the squares, and the “roses” added to the border for emphasis.  

I used twelve colors for the project.  If I were to repeat the project I would limit my colors to eight for the body of the afghan and one for joining the squares.

Everything you need to complete the challenge can be found in the "Stitch-cation Challenge Workbook." Photos of your completed project can then be posted on “The Crochet Crowd’s” site.  Visit the "Stitch-cation Gallery" to view over 700 examples of completed projects.

Accept the Challenge to Complete a Unique Afghan

and Expand your Crocheting Skills!

Completed Example -- "Stitch-Cation Challenge"

"Crochet -- 65+ FREE "Sensational Shawl & Scarf' Patterns -- CrochetStreet.com"

FREE Pattern Roundup ~ Click Here!

This collection of FREE Crochet Patterns Includes ...

 5 Beautiful, Lightweight Scarves and Shawls by Simply Collectible

 20 Free Crochet Patterns Link Blast: Shoulder Lace compiled by Kim Guzman

12 Free Sensational Shawl crochet patterns by Simply Collectible

23 Beautiful Lacy Shawl Crochet Patterns compiled by The Steady Hand Blog

7 Free and Beautiful Rectangle Light Wraps crochet patterns  byJessieatHome.com

"Crochet -- 'Blizzard Warning' Square"

Credit:  "All Free Crochet" Group on Facebook

The printable free pattern for this stunning block, "Blizzard Warning," is available to download at Every Trick on the Hook.

The squares in this afghan are connected using a "Celtic Lace Join." Instructions for this technique and many others are available from Cypress Textiles.

For additional information and resources (videos, tutorials, etc.), search "Blizzard Warning crochet" on your search engine (i.e.,  Google, Yahoo, etc.).

"Crochet -- Boardwalk Brimmed Hat -- FREE Pattern"

Another winning crocheted hat from Lion Brand® -- "Boardwalk Brimmed Hat."  This free crochet pattern (number L50368) uses Lion Brand® 24/7 Cotton.  I'm going to try out this pattern too .... keeping an eye on my gauge so the hat doesn't come out oversized!

"Featured Pattern -- Huggy Knitted Booties for Little Ones -- Provided by Jan"

Join Jan in a Challenge to Create 10 Pairs of these Booties!

"Good Works Ministry's May 2, 2016 Meeting Update"

A quick update on today's session ...

M. designed a hat on the fly.  J. demonstrated how to knit two baby booties on the same needles at the same time (so the pair comes out even/identical) and how to wind a ball of yarn so that you can work it from both ends simultaneously.  L. had a lesson on loom knitting a hat. I jumped from person to person without really accomplishing anything on my project, but still having fun.

My first "Destin Beach Sun Hat" -- in "Lilac" -- is over 75% completed and is looking good.  I started with "Lilac" (for cancer awareness) and will continue with "Pink" (for breast cancer awareness) hats once the yarn I ordered arrives.  I'll share a photo of the first completed project soon.  I'm hoping to make a handful of the hats to sell at the 2016 American Cancer Society's "Relay for Life" benefit in June. Consider joining me on this project.

Mark your calendars ... our next session is scheduled for Monday, May 16, 2016, 1:00 to 3:00 PM!

"Crochet -- "Oh, Baby! No. 3 -- Suffolk Baby Afghan -- FREE Pattern"

FREE Lion Brand CROCHET Pattern No. L60004

"Crochet -- "Oh, Baby! -- V-Stitch Baby Throw -- FREE Pattern"

FREE Lion Brand CROCHET Pattern No. L0238

"Crochet -- "Oh, Baby! No. 2 -- Little Boys' Favorite Throw -- FREE Pattern"

FREE Lion Brand CROCHET Pattern No. 90426

"Fabulous Find -- 'Mikey; April 12th 2016 -- It's all about Charity"

The FREE April 12th, 2016 issue of "Mikey," published by "The Crochet Crowd," is now available.  This issue focuses on "Charity" ... the benefits, the love and the joys.  Links are provided to a wealth of free patterns and instructional videos. Visit "Mikey" to download your copy of this publication.

"Fabulous Finds -- Amazing Grace Prayer Shawl, Hat & Headband -- FREE Crochet Patterns"

Amazing Grace Prayer Shawl

by Beatrice Ryan Designs

.

The Amazing Grace Prayer Shawl is the third design in Beatrice Ryan’s Amazing Grace Series.

These Free Patterns are dedicated to  Breast Cancer Awareness in memory of Sandra Kay Gilb.  

Patterns are also available for the Amazing Grace Hat and the Amazing Grace Headband.

Please “Pay it Forward” by donating one of

your projects to help someone who is suffering or recovering from Breast Cancer.

"Crochet: Featured Pattern -- Dreamy Lace Baby Throw"

"Crochet: Featured Pattern -- Easter Peeps by Doni Speigle"

Image Credit:  by bearsycat