A CROCHET GIFT (WISH) LIST.

December 9, 2009 by jd wolfe

Print this list out and post it on your refrigerator door. It’s full of items that every crocheter would like to see in her (or his) gift ‘loot’. Some will fit into stockings, others won’t. Some are costly, others are very inexpensive. Never hurts to remind those around us (who often benefit from the efforts of our hooks and hands) what goodies we’d appreciate receiving.

Now, anyone can go get you a gift card from a yarn or craft shop – and we ALL love receiving those. But, it’s also nice to actually have a gift in the package, right? Here are some ideas that might not jump immediately to mind but that are very useful.

I’m quite color ‘challenged’ even though I know what colors I like. But, combining colors to create an amazing project is daunting for me. This tool is very helpful:

http://joann.com/joann/catalog/productdetail.jsp?pageName=search&flag=true&PRODID=prd3031

I’m forever losing my place in the pattern. This helps:

http://joann.com/joann/search/searchall.jsp?keyword=row%20counter&catPath=All%20Products////Product%20Home////UserSearch1=row%20counter&_requestid=311946

Better than a regular gauge tool, this one will measure the size of hooks that are unmarked (homemade, antique, worn, plastic, etc.):

http://www.anniesattic.com/detail.html?prod_id=21771&source=froogle

This tool does an even better job of measuring hooks. Plus, you’ll really look like you know what you’re doing!!

http://www.hartvilletool.com/product/11869

No one will ever go wrong if they give/receive a yarn winder. This is the best price I’ve seen (on sale $22.99). They come in all price ranges up to $100. I’m not sure if more expensive is better – but some are powered by electricity. This one would be powered by your own hand – my preference unless I was darn sure there were no huge snags in a skein I was winding!

http://store.knitting-warehouse.com/072803.html

Finally, even if you’re not very computer savvy, you might like to print off a bunch of free patterns from the internet. Having a ‘thumb drive’ or flash drive handy will store more than any crochet pattern book you’ll ever own – and for cheap. They’re readily available from Walmart to many online sites. If you’re unsure how to use one, stop into a computer store and they’ll tell you how. Many are priced at well under $25.

http://www.pcworld.com/article/123793/23_things_to_do_with_a_thumb_drive.html

Comments

Rosemary says
December 10, 2009 at 8:32 am
I got a 2.5 flash drive from my local library for $10. I was going to put some pictures on it but I love your idea about putting patterns on them. Thanks, jd.

Have you read?

Shock Wave Free Crochet Lap Blanket Pattern

This Free Shock Wave Crochet Lap Blanket Pattern from Mary Maxim looks like one of those wonderfully satisfying projects that gives big cozy payoff without fiddly detail. Mary Maxim lists it as a free download, designed as a crochet afghan/lap blanket, with a finished size of 45 x 50 inches.

What immediately stands out is the yarn choice. The pattern is made with Bernat Blanket Extra Thick, using 5 skeins, and calls for a U.S. U/50 (25 mm) crochet hook. That is gloriously chunky territory, which usually means fast progress and lots of squishy texture. If you are in the mood for a project that feels substantial in your hands and grows quickly row by row, this one definitely has that appeal.

Mary Maxim describes the blanket as having a beautifully textured, plush, soft finish and suggests it as a project for home décor or gifting. Based on the materials and oversized hook alone, that sounds about right. This feels like the sort of blanket you make for curling up on the couch, draping over a chair, or giving as a practical handmade gift that will actually get used instead of folded away “for best.”

The pattern is marked Easy, and the listed stitch requirements are straightforward: chain, repeat, double crochet, single crochet, and slip stitch. That makes it sound approachable for confident beginners and very appealing for anyone who wants a relaxing crochet project without too much counting drama.

I also think the lap blanket size is a smart one. Not every crochet blanket needs to become a giant commitment that takes over the lounge room and your will to live. A 45 x 50 inch blanket is a useful, manageable size for gifting, for wheelchairs or reading nooks, or just for keeping on hand for chilly evenings. That practicality gives this pattern extra appeal. The usability point is my own take based on the finished dimensions Mary Maxim provides.

At the moment, the pattern page shows no reviews, so there is not much customer feedback to go on yet. Still, if you enjoy easy crochet blanket patterns, super chunky crochet throws, or quick lap blanket projects, this one looks like a solid freebie to save.

My overall take? This looks like a fast, cozy, beginner-friendly crochet blanket pattern with plenty of texture and instant-gratification energy. Very much the sort of project you start because it looks easy, then keep going because the yarn feels ridiculously soft.