An Exploration of the ads in the Crochet World Magazine

My latest copy of Crochet World magazine arrived recently. I sat down with it late one evening to check out the latest in crochet designs. I like this magazine – not a lot of glitz, but always some good patterns in it. I guess it’s one of the mainstays of the crochet world as it has just celebrated its 30th anniversary!

Aside from the usual columns and patterns, I am always drawn to the advertisements in each issue. I decided to check out the ones that offered a web address and review those sites here.

First, I’ll start with a negative. On page 15 of this issue is a full page ad for the ‘Encyclopedia of 300 Crochet Patterns, Stitches and Designs published by FC&A. A full page ad in almost any magazine is pretty expensive. This is a very poorly designed ad, IMO, and looks like a hokey come-on for items that could easily be found for free on the internet. That said, the thing that gripes me about this ad is the the ‘coupon’ must be cut out and mailed in (with your $9.99 & $3.00 S&H) as a copy of it will not be accepted. On the back of this coupon is – PART OF A PATTERN! I have written to Customer Service at Crochet World to express my negative opinion of the ad and its ‘coupon’.

Now, for the ads that offer a web address:

First is www.bernat.com. I think we’re all familiar with their yarn and their free online patterns.

Next is another full page ad for www.AddictedToCrafts.com. I’ve checked this site out before because I’m a sucker for ‘real’ coupons and they offer a coupon for 44% off any one item. In previous editions of the magazine, they offered the 44% discount or free shipping. I checked out their website and did not find the prices to be competitive with what I can buy locally. But, I’m in a large metropolitan area. For those in rural settings or who just don’t have a good selection of conveniently located craft/yarn stores, this might be a better value.

Another familiar site is www.elmore-pisgah.com. They have lots of free patterns, but most are knit. Here’s a freebie crochet lattice dishcloth:

http://elmore-pisgah.com/ladder_stitch_crocheted_dishcloth.htm

Checking out www.widgetproducts.net revealed a site that sells the lighted crochet hooks, knitting needles, and now lighted scissors. I wonder who does all that needlework in the dark??

A look at www.YouCanMakeThis.com revealed a vast collection of patterns for sale. Most of the patterns are for caps, purses, and other wearables – a lot are knitting. Many of for children, including some of the cutest caps I’ve seen. The prices seem reasonable. I’ve never ordered from them or seen any of their patterns, so this is not an endorsement. Although, I’d love to hear from those who have purchased from this site.

We love the concept of making long-lasting re-usable dishcloths that are practical and help save the environment. We highly suggest using a 100% Cotton yarn as it stays fresh longer. Looking for more Dishcloth patterns? Check these crochet patterns out on Etsy. Dishcloths come in so many different designs and themes which makes them perfect little handmade gifts. Everyone can always use a dishcloth right?

Here’s a sample of kids’ hats from this site:

http://www.youcanmakethis.com/info/crochet-knitting/Buccaneers-Pirates-Hat-Crochet-Pattern.htm

There are also a few free patterns at this site. Here’s a cute one:

http://www.youcanmakethis.com/info/free/Crochet-Preemie-Windowpane-Skull-Cap.htm

A quick look at the site:

http://www.babycreationsbydenise.com/

revealed that it is just a portal to a group of websites that are linked to the site named. Couldn’t find anything of interest there.

Investigation of www.craftcruises.com revealed that Holland America Cruiseline offers several craft cruises, including one devoted to a combination of crochet and knitting.

http://www.craftcruises.com/featured_cruises.php

I couldn’t find a fare, but I’m sure these cruises are pricey. There are ports of call that include yarn shops!! We all need to win the lottery so we can cruise with our hooks and yarn.

Another site: http://www.ammeesbabies.com bills itself as having ready to crochet hemstitched baby blankets. They do offer four different kits for babyghans at $29.95. These appear to be fabric that has been hemstitched so that we can add a crocheted edging. These are for circular babyghans. Seems pricey, but other sites offering hemstitched items have similar prices.

A visit to: http://www.craftersplus.com/KathysKreations.html revealed a very cluttered website that only offers two items of interest to crocheters – crochet and bead embellished tee shirts and socks. Some of these are cute, but not my style:

The crochet embellished socks are a timeless treat for kiddies, but these tee shirts seem dated to me. I feel sure they look better in person than in the photos.

Checking out the perennial favorite: http://paradisedolls.com/ revealed the usual line up of lavishly dressed dolls. Here’s an example:

Finally, I checked out: www.tdcreations.com . If you’re a bed doll or fashion doll fan, this is the site for you. They sell scads of patterns and doll bodies too. Here are a couple of samples of their many bed doll patterns:

In addition to all the doll stuff, TD creations has a few patterns for baby and the home, stuffed animals, and Easter baskets. Might be worth a look if you’re into dolls.

The magazine contained a few other ads from companies I’m familiar with and don’t care to promote or advertised non-crochet items. I find magazine ads to be a lot of fun. I always enjoy checking out new (to me) websites and I love to get feedback on those sites from readers, so please feel free to share your experiences with these or other online sites.

Looking for more bag patterns? Check out these books

35 Crochet Bag Patterns

Granny Square Crochet totes and Bags

Market Bag Crochet Patterns