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 ...

"Crochet -- FREE -- 10 Amazing Free Crochet Edging Patterns"

Credit:

simplycollectiblecrochet.com/2016/03/10-amazing-free-crochet-edging-patterns/

Click on the Image or Link to Discover 10 Interesting & FREE Crochet Edgings!

"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.”

"Knitting -- The Master Plan" -- "Hiatus"

I've been on hiatus from my quest to learn how to knit mittens ... I've been crocheting instead!

I've completed the body and trim on two lapghans and need to do the "finish work" before I can add them to the "DONE" pile.  

The lapghans -- numbers one and two out of five -- are part of the "Veterans' Lapghans Challenge" I set for myself. I'm hoping to complete five lapghans by summer's end.

I decided to add a new stitch to my crocheting skills -- the "Afghan Stitch" ... also known as "Tunisian Crochet," I believe ... could be wrong here ...

It's simple enough ... it involves using a hook that is a cross of a crochet hook and a knitting needle ... so I'm "kind of" knitting. The hook and stitch remain a bit awkward for me, but I imagine I'll improve with practice, practice, practice.

My "Afghan Stitch" practice piece is just as wonky as my initial knitting samples ... loops in places they don't belong and a bottom edge that insists on curling.

Tuesday brings another meeting of needle crafters at the local library ... I guess I'll need to drag the knitting needles out again before day's end!  

I MAY try my hand at reading a vintage pattern for mittens and giving it a go.  If not, I'll select one of the "sampler" knitting patterns I received at the last meeting. Either way, I'll be attempting something NEW!

"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.).

"5 Beautiful, Lightweight Scarves and Shawls -- FREE Patterns -- Simply Collectible"

Credit:

"FREE Scarves & Shaws Patterns" -- Simply Collectible

"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!

"Crochet -- 'Color Waves' Yarn by Lion Brand"

Lion Brand's new "Color Waves" eye-candy yarn looks like it would be fun to use in a project or two ...

As presented by Lion Brand ...

"We're thrilled to introduce you to our newest kaleidoscopic self-striping yarn Color Waves! Available in 14 unique colorways, Color Waves is a variegated wool blend in a DK weight, which mimics the looks of a hand painted yarn. Each ball has a unique blend of complementary colors that works up to create a beautiful fabric. Color Waves was designed so you can create simple projects that will look absolutely stunning.

Want to know more about Color Waves? Check out the colors, patterns, styles and more."

"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

"Fabulous Find -- 'Honoring Our Veterans' -- Leisure Arts"

Resource: "Crochet:  Honoring Our Veterans" -- Leisure Arts

Consider Honoring a Veteran with one of these

crochet throws or lap robes (i.e., lapghans).  

Honoring Our Veterans Crochet Book

Item 346081

Show your gratitude! Each of 13 crochet throws or lap robes(i.e., lapghans) is designed for medium weight yarn in red, white, and blue or camouflage print. Softcover.  ON SALE NOW for $9.79 at Herrschners.  Sign up for their enewsletter and receive an additional 10% off your first order.

Note:  A copy of this book will be available at the May 2, 2016 meeting of the LFBC GWM.

"Tuesday; April 26, 2016"

Credit:  Lion Brand Yarns -- "Lion Design 2016" Catalog

Design ... Texture ... Color!

Available NOW!  The 2016 Lion Brand Catalog of Yarns

Visit www.lionbrand.com to view the entire collection

and browse over 6,500 FREE patterns

Request the New 2016 Catalog by Calling

Customer Service 1.800.661.7551

"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

"Crochet -- FREE Pattern -- Destin Beach Sun Hat"

Source: Lion Brand Yarns

The FREE pattern for this fun sun hat can be printed, saved, emailed, etc.  

I'll be giving this pattern a test drive sometime soon!

"Resource -- Crochet -- Nine FREE 'Prayer/Comfort Shawl Patterns"

Marciana Lace Prayer Shawl

Nine FREE crochet patterns for "Prayer" or "Comfort" Shawls can be found on The Crochet Crowd's site. 

Visit http://thecrochetcrowd.com/9-free-prayer-shawl-patterns/ to view the patterns.

EXCERPT:

1. "Prayer Shawl -- this sample is made with Bernat Satin which is a lovely yarn to work with for your crocheted projects.
   
   
2. Amazing Grace Prayer Shawl -- pretty rectangle shaped one with a nice edging on the short side.
   
   
3. The Power of the Prayer Shawl -- do take the time to read the symbolism in this piece, it’s beautiful.
   
   
4. Stashbuster Blarf  blanket + scarf = blarf. -- This is a great one to use up those smaller balls you have in your stash.
   
   
5. Seraphina’s Shawl -- a photo tutorial will make this lovely wing-like shawl easy.
   
   
6. The Lydia Shawl  -- a simple pattern that would be awesome in slow-color changing yarns.
   
   
7. One Skein Summer Wrap --  work this up with a Caron One Pounder for a quick gift.
   
   
8. Marciana Lace Prayer Shawl -- beautiful color combo worked on the horizontal of this rectangle shawl.
   
   
9. Linked Shell Shawl -- my own shawl made for my chilly office, but I will be making this again to donate to the local prayer shawl ministry."

"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 Find -- FREE Patterns -- The Crochet Crowd"

The Crochet Crowd provides FREE crochet patterns in a wide variety of categories.   In addition, there is a “Knitting” category for the knitters in the group.  This treasure trove of patterns is a “must see.”   Come explore!

v Accessories / Misc

v Adult Clothing

v Afghan Patterns

v Amigurumi

v Baby

v Baby Booties

v Bags & Purses

v Books, eBooks & Reviews

v Borders

v Corner to Corner (C2C) Designs

v Cowls

v Crafts

v Crochet Graph Letters

v Flowers

v Granny Squares

v Hats & Gloves

v Headbands

v Holiday & Special Occasions

v Home Decor Ideas

v Jewelry Making

v Knitting Patterns

v Newsletters with Free Patterns

v Pets

v Pillows

v Scarves

v Sequence Textured Stitches

v Shawls

v Snowflakes

v Toddler + Bigger Kids

v Tunisian Crochet

v Waves, Zig Zags & Chevrons

v Weaving Loom Free Patterns

v Wraps

"Crochet -- Pattern: Polka Dot Border"

Looking for a different style border to add to your next project?  Try the "Polka Dot Border" ... visit www.mooglyblog.com/polka-dot-border/#foo5UYG4UE8TfMFm.99 for the FREE pattern.

SOURCE:  www.mooglyblog.com/polka-dot-border/

"Fabulous Find & Resource -- Lion Brand Yarns"

Lion Brand Yarns

Visit this website is to enhance your enjoyment of knitting, crocheting and crafting with yarn. On this award-winning website, you'll find: 6,726 free knitting patterns, free crochet patterns and free craft patterns, with new ones published weekly. free instructions to help you learn to knit or learn to crochet, free yarn-themed e-cards and other goodies, the Charity Connection where you can search for knitting and crochet-oriented charities, the Directory of Knitting and Crochet Clubs where you can find friends who share your interests, a free gallery where you can upload and share your projects with others a free weekly e-mail newsletter that is packed with free patterns, tips, contests and features. inspirational essays and useful articles to help you take your knitting and crocheting to the next level. And much, much more!