Crochet

Patterns, projects and techniques

BOOK GIVEAWAY WINNER!!

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I promised to announce the winner of the book giveaway (Lacy Crochet) on December 16.  The date almost got away from me!  Not only did I drive my daughter to work in our icy weather today, I also had to drive to pick her up (that’s about 90 minutes round trip in bad weather) and she called my cell phone at the last moment (as I spent 10 minutes waiting at the last intersection before her train station) to let me know that she would be working late.  So….I got home very late and with a tension headache! Did that last sentence make sense?  Was it even a sentence?

But, I am rejuvenated!  I scanned all the entries, visited all the links included, and have come to the momentous conclusion that Laura has sent me the winning entry.  See her info below.

The blog Laura linked in her email is positively delightful.  Great photography, wonderful patterns, nice text.  I encourage you to check it out.

Let me remind some of you that I did ask for blogs.  Not websites.  Not commercial sites.  I like those too, but this contest was about blogs.  I am lazy enough to want you to do some work for me!  And, for your effort, I’m willing to mail you a book.

The blogs I visited from the links you sent were all fun.  Some were not new to me so they weren’t eligible.  But, I did enjoy the blogs and it was relaxing for me to view them.

So, Laura, please email me at [email protected] with your snail mail and I’ll get the book to you ASAP.  Thanks to all who entered.  We’ll have another giveaway/contest soon.

Laura
http://www.redhairedladycrochets.blogspot.com | [email protected] | 70.239.6.220

This is not a crochet-only website, but does have some lovely crochet projects:

http://rosylittlethings.typepad.com/posie_gets_cozy/crochet/

From ANOTHER BOOK GIVEAWAY!, 2008/12/08 at 7:30 PM

Have you read?

The Forest Valley Shawl – Crochet Pattern

This is one of those shawl patterns that feels instantly calming, even before you pick up a hook. The Forest Valley Shawl (After Party Pattern 23) by Scheepjes, available through Jimmy Beans Wool, has a very gentle, nature-inspired feel that really lives up to its name.

What I love about this design is how wearable it is. Some shawls are beautiful but awkward to style; this one feels practical in the best way. It drapes naturally, sits nicely on the shoulders, and works just as well for everyday wear as it does for something a little dressier. It’s the sort of piece you grab when the air cools in the evening and you don’t want anything heavy.

From a crochet perspective, this is a lovely “slow and steady” project. The stitch pattern has enough variation to keep your interest, but it’s not overly complicated. It’s very much the kind of crochet you can sink into — the sort that lets your mind wander while your hands keep moving. Perfect for quiet afternoons or evening crochet sessions.

Skill-wise, this one is best suited to confident beginners moving into intermediate territory. If you’re comfortable following a pattern and keeping your stitch count in check, you’ll enjoy this a lot. It’s also a great pattern for appreciating beautiful yarn — especially colourways that shift and flow, as the shawl really lets them shine.

Overall, the Forest Valley Shawl is one of those free crochet patterns that feels thoughtful and soothing. It’s wearable, relaxing to make, and finished with a look that feels timeless rather than trendy. If you enjoy shawls that are as comforting to crochet as they are to wear, this one is definitely worth bookmarking.