Since these lovely cowls typically use small amounts of yarn, this is an opportunity to splurge on a skein of that special yarn you’ve been yearning for.  It’s also an opportunity to use up some odds and ends you might have on hand.  Since they work up so quickly, make some for yourself and as warming winter gifts for friends and loved ones.

Check out these freebies I’ve run across.

This first one is from a lovely blog written in Scotland.  Be aware of the variations in stitch terminology.  Check here for clarification:

http://www.garnstudio.com/lang/en/includes/chart_crochetterms.php

http://goodtimesithinkso.blogspot.com/search/label/Crochet

Crochet Me offers this lovely freebie – really simple to make:

Flexi cowl CrochetMe

http://crochetme.com/patterns/flexi-cowl

If you have some vintage buttons or a pretty antique broach, use it to accent this cowl.  Oh, by the way, you’ll actually need a long neck for this one!  LOL.  Not for me.  But, it’s really pretty, isn’t it?

http://www.craftleftovers.com/blog/archives/433

Finally, there’s my all time favorite cowl – the simple Moebius.  Use any weight yarn, any size hook, any soft fiber.  Here’s one that two of our CrochetPartners offer:

Design concept by Mirjam Bruck Cohen, Israel Written by Bonnie Pierce, USA

http://home.comcast.net/~gandal195/MoebiusShawlPattern.htm

And, the absolutely easiest one of all is this freebie:

http://www.crochetspot.com/crochet-pattern-absolutely-easy-neck-warmer/

http://www.knitting-crochet.com/crochet/legwar.html

Now, she wants some more.  So, I’ve been looking around to see what pattern I might want to use this time.  She’s only 4′9″, so the pattern has to be flexible.  Ballerinas certainly tend to have longer legs.  Here’s what I’ve found:

These might work for my MIL even though she’s a bit older and will never twirl:

http://www.lionbrand.com/patterns/cjif-balletSet.html?noImages=0

If these aren’t your cup of tea, try one of these:

http://naidascrochet.tripod.com/patterns/legwarmers.html

http://www.patonsyarns.com/pattern.php?PID=4066?PID=2910&cps=21191

http://www.ehow.com/how_4597439_crochet-leg-warmers.html

And for those of you who know how I LOVE to combine crochet with recycling, try making some of these from the sleeves of an old sweater.  No, I’m really NOT a slacker.  I just think it makes sense, at least sometimes, to go with the easiest route.  The legwarmers below are from this blog:

http://girlnumbertwenty.blogspot.com/2009/01/lengthening-long-johns-yet-another-use.html

The next two sites have no pix, but easy to follow instructions for making legwarmers from old sweater sleeves.  Ok, trim them nicely with a pretty crochet trim (from that book I just reviewed) – and stay warm!

http://www.thriftyfun.com/tf89780603.tip.html

http://www.thriftyfun.com/tf30732459.tip.html

Can you tell these were knitted caps?  While these cuties are knitted, you can easily do the same thing with any crocheted cap:

http://www.favecrafts.com/Unexpected-Ideas/Knit-Cap-Upcycled-Pillows

You’ve probably seen a necklace like this before.  The trick here is to recycle your old (vintage or otherwise) buttons.  You can also add in a few beads or charms if you have them on hand.  I actually purchase garments at thrift stores JUST for their buttons.

http://www.stylehive.com/bookmark/Handmade-Jewelry-on-Etsy–Recycled-Crochet-Wooden-Necklace-and-Earring-Set-by-ljeans-656495

“Afghans and Throws” is an inviting new book by Luise Roberts.  It contains both knit and crochet patterns, and, unlike most mixed books, this one gives equal space to crochet.  While there are only six project patterns in the book, there is a wealth of other information that will keep you busy making afghans and throws for years to come.

This book contains a lot in its 144 pages.  There is a thorough analysis of yarn labels.  We all check labels for hook size and fiber content, but there’s lots more to see there.  In addition to the yarn labels, there are charts showing yarn specifications, including recommended gauge, hook/needle size, and descriptions of different yarns.  There is a rather intricate chart of yarn yardage needed for standard bed and afghan sizes for both crochet and knit.  There is information on ply, wraps per inch, and yarn substitutions.

Aside from the yarn information, Roberts hits heavy on color and how to design with it.  There are comparisons of different squares and how to use them in your designs.  Also addressed are texture (attained through yarn, beads, dimensional stitches) and a very cool beaded star in knit that could be interpreted in crochet.  Also included are discussions of lace, filet lace in square and round, embroidery,cross stitch,weaving, use of beads in knit and crochet, and appliques.

Keep reading!  Roberts discusses working with modular elements, motifs, and medallions, showing a very cool two color modular medallion.  Seams.  Who knew seams were so important to design?  Roberts discusses both functional and decorative seams, including partial seams and lacy seams.  There are good side by side pictures and instructions for the seam work.

Also covered are edgings and trims, especially edging around corners, pompoms, tassels, and fringes.  There is a Stitch Directory that includes full colored photos and charts in color.  Don’t overlook the excellent glossary of abbreviations and symbols in both knit and crochet as well as US and UK terminology and resources.

Roberts has created a little gem for us here.  The book carries a 2008 copyright date and is a Trafalgar Squares publication.  ISBN 9781570763885.  For $24.95 (USD), it’s quite a book!

So, here are some sites you might want to check out:

ARNie at chezcrochet has this for you:

http://www.chezcrochet.com/page2.html

There are stitch tutorials for a bunch of things you’ll want to try out and links to sites with free patterns to practice on real projects.

There are free patterns for a scarf and a shawl at this site:

http://www.diynetwork.com/diy/na_other/article/0,,DIY_14142_5272557,00.html

Kim Guzman, always one of my favorite resources, has a free tunisian hat pattern and this absolutely lovely afghan that can’t be reproduced in any other form of crochet.  Kim’s patterns are well written and quite inexpensive.

http://www.kimanedesigns.net/products/Nautical_Waves_Afghan.html

And, what about this great sweater from Dora Ohrenstein?  It’s available as a free pattern:

http://www.crochetinsider.com/rainbowjacket.html

Don’t forget one of the best resources online for crocheters – http://crochetpatterncentral.com/search.php

This link will take you to the page containing lots of free tunisian patterns.  Should be something there for everyone!