Crochet

Patterns, projects and techniques

Giveaway:BLOGTEST #2 – WEEK #1 USE UP THOSE NOVELTY YARNS

by

This month, you can win TWO BOOKS!

The one pictured above, Making Eyelash Crochet Leis 2 and the first book in the series, Making Eyelash Crochet Leis.

These books are by Coryn Tanaka and May Masaki and were published in 2004 – BUT they are brand, spanking new.  The authors are from Hawaii and offer some interesting and attractive necklaces.  Most of the patterns and techniques they describe can be adapted for other uses too.

QUESTION #1 FOR FEBRUARY:  What is the last thing you made using eyelash yarn?

Here are the rules:

Each item will be mailed to the winner by USPS – books by media mail.  For now, this contest will only be open to participants in the US.  Sorry, but international postal rates, customs forms, etc are just too much for me now.  That may change.

This is how it will work.  Each Monday, I’ll pose a question on my blog.  Everyone who answers the questions will be entered in the drawing on the last day of that month.  Some ‘answers’ may require you to post a link to a specific pattern or site.  The winner will be announced along with the next first Monday’s question.  The winner will have 48 hours to contact me with mailing information.  If the winner doesn’t contact me, the prize will be offered on another occasion.

RESPONSES MUST BE POSTED HERE AND NOT EMAILED TO ME PRIVATELY OR POSTED ELSEWHERE FOR ENTRY.

TO MAKE IT CRYSTAL CLEAR, THE WINNER WILL BE ANNOUNCED ON THE LAST FRIDAY OF EACH MONTH AND THE WINNER MUST EMAIL ME ([email protected]) WITHIN 48 HOURS OF THE ANNOUNCEMENT.  So, for sanity’s sake, that deadline will really mean that I need to hear from you no later than 8 PM the following Monday (so you have plenty of time to email me and I’ll get the email for sure even if I don’t sign on to my email on a Sunday).

Competiton Closes – February 26th

Competition Conditions – Open to US residents only.

Comments

  3. I have never made anything using eyelash yarn. I have been afraid to try using it. It looks like it would be hard.

    NO – it’s not really hard to work with, especially if you carry along a strand of something else. I prefer to carry along a strand of
    #10 (bedspread weight) thread with it. Makes it MUCH easier to work with. jd

  4. Actually, this is too funny…the last thing I made with eyelash yarn was a lei. My friend’s parents were stationed in Hawaii for 3 years and his mother learned how to make leis, who taught him, who taught me how to make one using a straw. He said that his mom does these really involved ones!

  5. I did socks with the top in eyelash and the rest in a variegated yarn. Can’t use them though, ticklish 🙂

  6. To behonest I;ve only used the eye lash yarn on trimmings for doll clothes Idon;t have good sight to use eyelash yarn bobbijk

  8. I used eyelash yarn with complementary yarn to make hat and scarf sets to donate to homeless shelters-they work up warm and were fashionable at the time. I made 12 sets using different color combinations of yarns. I am still looking for patterns to finish using some of my stash of the very pretty eyelash.

  9. I made matching hats and scarves for 4 of my nieces for Hannuka- the hats used the eyelash as the trim and I used the eyelash alone for the scarves. They loved them.

  10. I made a purse for each of my 2 young teenage nieces for Christmas that used eyelash yarn around the top of the purse, pastel Homespun for the body–they were thrilled with them!!

  11. I last used eyelash yarn to trim a headscarf that I gave as an exchange gift at our Christmas party.

    I next plan on making a doll shawl for the girls…

  12. I last used it to make an elegant, wide, “fur” collar, tied with black ribbon. It goes with my gray “swing” coat. However, I have more- what to do?

  14. I’ve used the furry type yarns for scarfs and trims on purses and hats for kids. They loved the feel of them.

  16. I just fininshed a 6 1/2′ stole in Phentex Fashion Eight yarn, there’s a picture on my blog. I need more ideas to use up a lot of novelty yarns. Buying from thrift shops there always seems to be some novelty yarn mixed into each bag. At least that’s my excuse. I just can’t resist anything shiny, fuzzy, blue or all of the above. Please help me out here!

  17. For Christmas, I made my daughter a poncho with bright neon colored furry type yarn – she loved it!! Wow is it bright!!

  19. The last thing I used eyelash yarn for was a trimming on a doggie blankie for my chihauhau. When he pasted away last month hubby put it in the casket with him before buring him.

  23. I make little girl capelets with it. The most preferred colors are white, pink, purple, lavender. The last one I made was a deep purple. Love the fact that they wash so well and are not scratchy.

  26. I just finished making a muff that I designed for my granddaughter. The trim and strap are made in eyelash yarn. I will be posting the pattern on my blogspot soon.

  27. The last thing I made with eyelash yarn was a pair of wrist wasrmers. They were sagte Green for my granddaqughter.

Have you read?

Beginner-Friendly Crochet Scarves and Cowls

If you’re new to crochet and wondering where to start, scarves and cowls are one of the nicest entry points. They feel useful right away, they don’t come with the stress of tricky sizing, and they let you settle into the rhythm of stitching without needing to think too hard about shaping or assembly. That is a big win when you’re still getting comfortable holding the yarn, counting stitches, and figuring out where your row actually ends.

Let’s be honest, a lot of beginners want a project that looks good before they want a project that teaches them patience.

That’s exactly why scarves and cowls work so well. They’re practical, cozy, and giftable, and they often use the same few stitches over and over again. You get to build confidence while making something you can actually wear, wrap up for a friend, or stash away for cooler weather. It feels like real progress, not just practice.

I also love that this category has a nice mix of super simple wins and slightly more textured designs. If you want a one-skein cowl you can finish over a weekend, there are plenty of those. If you want a chunky scarf with a bit more visual interest, you can find that too. It’s a very forgiving place to begin, and for a lot of crocheters it’s the category that turns “I’m trying crochet” into “I think I’m properly into crochet now.”

If you’re building out your beginner pattern stash, you might also want to bookmark our roundup of Easy Butterfly Crochet Patterns for Beginners and this sweet Free Crochet Pattern – Emotional Support Chicken. For readers who want fast finishes, Free Patterns – Quick Crochet Projects is another handy one to keep open in a tab.

Beginner-Friendly Crochet Scarves and Cowls

Free Pattern – Moss Stitch Crochet Cowl

This is exactly the sort of project I love to recommend to newer crocheters. Moss stitch has that neat, slightly textured look that feels polished, but it’s still repetitive enough that you can relax into it once you get going. If you want a cowl that looks a little elevated without becoming fiddly, this is a lovely place to start.

One Skein Cowl

One-skein projects always feel approachable, especially when you’re not ready to commit to something huge. This cowl is a great fit for beginners who want something warm, quick, and satisfying. It also has that nice “I made this in a weekend” energy, which is very motivating when you’re just starting out.

Free Crochet Pattern – Lindsay Cowl

This one feels giftable from the moment you see it. It’s simple, adaptable, and easy to picture in different yarn colors, which makes it a fun pattern if you’re starting to think beyond just “can I make this?” and into “who could I make this for?” I always think those are the projects that keep beginners coming back for more.

Crochet a Colorful Braided Scarf Using Broomstick or Cardboard

This is a fun twist on the usual beginner scarf. It has a more decorative finish without feeling out of reach, and it’s a nice choice if you want something that looks a bit different from a standard straight scarf. It’s also a good reminder that beginner crochet doesn’t have to mean boring crochet.

Chunky Crochet Teal Scarf With Fringe

Chunky yarn and fringe are such a good combination when you want quick payoff. This kind of scarf works up faster, feels cozy almost immediately, and gives beginners that very important feeling of visible progress. And honestly, fringe covers a lot of sins if your edges aren’t perfect yet.

Free Cowl Patterns

This Lion Brand collection is worth bookmarking if you want to browse beyond a single pattern. It’s useful for readers who like having options in one place, especially when they’re still figuring out what shape and style they prefer. A roundup like this always benefits from one broad resource page readers can keep exploring.

Free Scarf Patterns

Same idea here, but for scarves. If someone finishes one beginner project and immediately wants another, this kind of resource page is handy. It gives you room to keep the momentum going without having to hunt around from scratch.

Fast and Easy Cowl

The title alone makes this a good fit for beginners. Fast and easy is exactly what many newer crocheters are looking for, especially when they want to build skill without burning out. A project like this helps you focus on consistency and comfort rather than complicated construction.

Simple Cowl Pattern

Bulky yarn plus a simple shape is a very beginner-friendly combination. This is the sort of project that can make a new crocheter feel successful quickly, and that matters more than people realise. A good first finish can turn someone into a lifelong yarn hoarder. Learned that one the hard way.

Cardiff Cowl

This one feels like a nice next-step option. It still sits in the easy category, but it has a slightly more refined look, which makes it perfect for crocheters who’ve finished a basic beginner piece and are ready for something just a touch more styled. A roundup needs a few of those “you’re ready now” patterns.

Free Ridgeway Cowl Pattern

Mary Maxim always gives you a nice practical read on a pattern, and this one feels like a strong wearable addition to the list. It’s the kind of cowl that looks useful, cozy, and realistic for everyday wear, which is exactly what many beginners want to make first.

Free Autumn Spice Cowl Pattern

This is a really good fit for an easy crochet roundup because chunky yarn and simple structure usually mean a faster finish. It has a cozy, seasonal feel to it too, which makes it ideal if your readers are already thinking ahead to cooler weather projects.

Why scarves and cowls are such good beginner crochet projects

Scarves and cowls let you focus on the part of crochet that matters most at the beginning: getting comfortable with the stitches. You’re not worrying about sleeve shaping, precise fit, or joining twenty awkward pieces together while muttering at your yarn. You’re mostly just crocheting, row by row or round by round, and that repetition is what helps the movements start to feel natural.

They also give you a finished item that feels useful.

That really matters.

A dishcloth is practical, yes, but a cozy scarf or cowl feels more exciting to a lot of people. It looks like a real handmade piece. It can become a gift, part of your winter wardrobe, or the thing that makes you think, “Actually, I can do this.”

If you’re choosing your first project, look for patterns that mention beginner, easy, one skein, chunky yarn, or fast finish. Those usually give you the most encouraging experience. The more success you have early on, the easier it is to keep going.

More easy crochet ideas to explore

If you enjoyed these scarf and cowl ideas, here are a few more beginner-friendly places to head next:

Free Patterns – Quick Crochet Projects
9 Quick & Easy Crochet Patterns
Easy Butterfly Crochet Patterns for Beginners
Beginner-Friendly Crochet Cardigan Idea
Buttoned Plaid Cowl Free Crochet Pattern

This is the kind of crochet category that quietly builds confidence stitch by stitch. Start with one simple cowl, then try a scarf with texture, then maybe a chunky wrap or hooded cowl once you feel brave. Before long, your yarn basket will be full and you’ll be calling it a “collection,” which is a very familiar craft-room trick.